Where to find cheap Alum Block?

I've heard you can get this stuff incredibly cheap, but I'm not finding too much. Where should I be looking?

-Sorry guys, just noticed a post made before me and got some great answers. Thanks!

 

I personally like the RazoRock alum.

 

tulumba.com

 

appletons barber supply

 

Here is the most efficient dollar for dollar site.

Now if you provide a $50 total order, Bestshave will ship shaving stuff for free. No shipping costs.

http://shop.bestshave.net/

They have good stuff at really good prices (Alum, Shave Creams, Blades, Balms, etc.)

You will be able to stock your shelf for $50 with Bestshave.

They are in Turkey but do most of their business in the U.S. and Europe.

It takes a couple of weeks to get the product.

I have used them many times and they are a good supplier.

So by buying with one supplier and finding the one that provides good quality items for less is the way to get the good stuff cheap.

 

I've used best shave as well. Top notch pricing and a very reliable seller.

 

I bought some of that Crystal Deodorant stuff. Sure, might be weird using deodorant on your face but it works! Do I need to wet it, though?

 

It's the same thing or a close cousin*, so don't worry about it, just a different shape. And yes, either wet the stick or your face first. Easy enough to witch hazel first, leave your face wet, and rub the alum block/stick on your face. (You might get a little salt residue on your face when it all dries, but that's easy to wash off. Or reverse the order.)

* Alum block is potassium alum whereas deo sticks are either potassium alum or ammonium alum. The alum part is what gives you the desired effect as a deo and for shaving. The ammonium form is cheaper to manufacture, but may irritate sensitive skin. However, the two are functionally identical.

 

I use crystal as well , it will sting a little more than a typical alum block as its made with the alum from styptic pencils but it does the job. As far as water you will want a wet face and either a wet tip of the crystal or you can also remove it from the casing and wet the whole block. I remove mine as you can cover more of the face in a single pass with it turned side ways

I usualy go final face rinse , alum water rinse AS splash then AS blam but thats just me.

Try it until you find the way that works for you!

 

Styptic pencils are usually anhydrous aluminum sulfate or titanium dioxide (not ammonium or potassium alum). The deos may sting more because they are usually ammonium alum not potassium alum.

 

I have one that is potassium (I made sure I got one made with potassium) and it seems like my skin is smoother. I like it! I also like the fact it is in a case, so I don't need to store it or something. Love this stuff! Seems like it will last awhile, too.

 

It'll last nearly forever if you don't drop it. Just let it aiir dry before you put it away.

 

I buy Alum bars at a India grocery. Cheap like 99 cents for a 10 oz bar. The larger the grocery the more likely they will stock personal hygiene stuff. Indian shave cream in a tube also. And some spicy snacks. This is in Raleigh NC.

 

I heard if you don't drop it you're good. But, in the tube there is a liquid? What is that?

My area of Maine doesn't have too much so it's been difficult finding any good shaving gear.

 

They have Indian shaving cream in a tube. Put a little bit in a mug and add some water and stir it up with a shave brush. You are right. Do not drop the alum block. It will break.

Daniel

 

For how long an alum block lasts, aren't they all cheap?

 

Yes, however, we traditional shavers have to go through internet suppliers with minimum purchase and / or shipping costs. That causes many users to substitute with Crystal deodorant sticks (which work fine) instead of the traditional alum blocks which are not easily found in brick and mortar stores.

 

Indian markets almost always have alum blocks. I know that doesn't help everyone, but it does broaden the possibilities for a B&M find.

 

I am not really big on using alum for my face but one trick I use with the inexpensive Indian store alum block is to put it in a soap dish on the counter and use it as resin bag. If you rub wet fingers over the alum it will provide all the tack necessary to hold a slippery razor handle and with the other hand stretch back skin for shaving. This has been talked about on the forums before but I also saw it mentioned in a barbers manual as well.

 

I buy the Alum deodorant stick from Walmart...cost $2, works well, and easy to find.