Alum Blocks

Discussion in 'Preshave and Aftershave' started by madmedic, Feb 13, 2007.

  1. RaZorBurn123

    RaZorBurn123 waiting hardily...............

    I have RazoRock alum in plastic case. Much like Dappers. Dry the block off before you put back into the case. It'll last longer.
     
    Dapper-in-a-can-man likes this.
  2. markjnewcomb

    markjnewcomb Well-Known Member

    I don't use an alum block in the same way most people do. I dissolve it into a pump jar of water, and spray a little of it over my face and neck after I shave. I wait a minute or two and rinse it off. I found that having the alum dissolved in water and spraying it on allowed it to get into places a block of alum wouldn't get.
     
    SDK likes this.
  3. nsomnac

    nsomnac Active Member

    I've been using Bloc Osma Alum Block http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NEHR28/?tag=thshde-20 and have been pretty happy with it - however not sure how to compare. I use it daily and the block is still about 2/3 - 3/4 it's original size. While it comes in a cardboard box - the box is *extremely* durable, which really surprised me.
     
  4. SDK

    SDK it's his fault

    Mark- would you mind getting a bit more into the details. Specifically, how big a of an alum block into how much water.

    I only rarely get a small nick here and there, but this spray sounds like it may be a refreshing astringent/antiseptic.
     
  5. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    Zombie Thread rekindled from February 2007…

    I use two blocks that seem to last forever…the Osma & a Shavex jumbo.
     
  6. Ryan B

    Ryan B Knight of the Soapocracy

    I have a Turkish alum block that I rarely use. I only break it out if I have a nick that won't stop bleeding. I feel that it dries my skin out too much if I use it as an aftershave.
     
  7. tuxxdk

    tuxxdk International Penguin of Mystery

    Just the cheapest one off eBay. No need to splurge out.

    Myself, I've stopped using products with alum, due to the Alzheimer debate.
     
    Dapper-in-a-can-man likes this.
  8. markjnewcomb

    markjnewcomb Well-Known Member

    Sure.

    I have a 16 oz. jar with a lid. I fill it with water and drop in 1 block of alum (75 grams) into it and let it dissolve overnight. About 75-80% of the block will dissolve. I assume this is because that is all the amount of alum that can be dissolved into 16 ounces (2 cups) of water. I transfer about 4 ounces of the solution into a 4 ounce spray bottle. Then I add 4 ounces of water back into the jar. By the next morning the remaining alum is usually dissolved.

    I have tried using multiple blocks of alum in 16 ounces of water, but it just doesn't want to dissolve any more than as indicated above.

    I spray the solution onto my face instead of rubbing the block on my face (closing my eyes and holding my breath). If I have an area that reacts harshly to the solution, I figure that I have been rough on the area and need a little more, so I give another squirt. For me, it works great.

    Let me know how it works for you.
     
    SDK likes this.
  9. markjnewcomb

    markjnewcomb Well-Known Member

    P.S. You don't have to use a spray bottle, I started out using the solution just like any other after shave. Pour a little into your hand and rub onto your face.
     
  10. Dapper-in-a-can-man

    Dapper-in-a-can-man and Dad-on-hand

    I have wondered about this myself.
     
    tuxxdk likes this.
  11. SDK

    SDK it's his fault

    I will, and thanks for the writeup!
     
  12. Bill Halasyn

    Bill Halasyn New Member

  13. DentonMajik

    DentonMajik Well-Known Member

    Just used an alum block for the first time with today's shave. It felt great on my face, nice and cooling. I thought it would burn more, but it felt great! I also used regular clubman aftershave for the first time today and combined with using the alum block I had a great shave today.
     
  14. nsomnac

    nsomnac Active Member

  15. tuxxdk

    tuxxdk International Penguin of Mystery

    True. But personally I'd like the doubt to benefit me (or how you say that in English).

    I'd hate to sit in my chair at age 70 with Alzheimers only because "there was no evidence".
     
  16. Dapper-in-a-can-man

    Dapper-in-a-can-man and Dad-on-hand

    Benefit of the doubt :D
     
    tuxxdk likes this.
  17. Stubbl E

    Stubbl E Well-Known Member

    There's an Indian grocer down in Reno where I get mine, along with lots of other good stuff. :pot:
     

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