Alum Block

Walter Sobchak III

I use an alum block every time I shave. Its the Osma one. I run it under the cold tap and rub it on the face after shaving and dry it completely when finished. I have it about a year but seems to be shrinking by the day. I was led to believe that they last years. Am I doing anything wrong?

hitemfrank

Doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. It's what I used to do with mine (I don't use it all that often anymore) but I will say that when I was using it everyday it seemed like it would have lasted ages.

I doubt it would last years if you use it everyday. How long have you had it now?

Walter Sobchak III

hitemfrank wrote: »

Doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. It's what I used to do with mine (I don't use it all that often anymore) but I will say that when I was using it everyday it seemed like it would have lasted ages.

I doubt it would last years if you use it everyday. How long have you had it now?

A year or so. Maybe naively I thought it would be like Willy Wonka's everlasting gobstopper.

hitemfrank

A year or so isn't bad considering the price. How much longer do you reckon you'll get out of it?

Walter Sobchak III

hitemfrank wrote: »

A year or so isn't bad considering the price. How much longer do you reckon you'll get out of it?

As you put it that way, was not bad value at all. I will probably get another 6 months out of it, thats if I dont drop it and smash it to smithereens

MadsL

I've lost mine somewhere...at least yours is still there.

Insect Overlord

I started using one for the first time last week. Liking it so far. My face is definitely feeling the benefit of it anyway!

beardybrewer

I only started using one since I got in to wet-shaving... great feedback tool. I recently got this one:

For £3 really happy with it that it has a proper container.

Walter Sobchak III

newkie wrote: »

I only started using one since I got in to wet-shaving... great feedback tool. I recently got this one:

For £3 really happy with it that it has a proper container.

Where did you lay your hands on that lad?

oscarBravo

I got one from shaving.ie, very happy with it.

horsemaster

Walter Sobchak III wrote: »

I use an alum block every time I shave. Its the Osma one. I run it under the cold tap and rub it on the face after shaving and dry it completely when finished. I have it about a year but seems to be shrinking by the day. I was led to believe that they last years. Am I doing anything wrong?

Hi Walter. I have been using my alum block for several years now. I just don't run it under the tap as it will dissolve away a lot of the alum. After shaving, I wash my face and then rub the alum. I forgot the brand I have but it was rectangular block. It was about 15mm thick, about 4 cm in length and 3 cm in width. I use it about 3 times a week and I bought it in the eraly 2000s (I think 2003 or somewhere around there). After using my block, I place it where there is no water underneath or it will dissolve some. Hope this helps.

pawrick

oscarBravo wrote: »

I got one from shaving.ie, very happy with it.

I got the same one but recently dropped it now it could be used to stab someone lol.

As horsemaster said - don't run it under the tap or it will dissolve and dry it off after use

ma88

Hello,
Where can i get the alum block(potassium alum) in Dublin?
Thanks!

My name is Mud

ma88 wrote: »

Hello,
Where can i get the alum block(potassium alum) in Dublin?
Thanks!

Im using this
http://www.shaving.ie/products/alum-tube.html

Chris from shaving.ie posts here. Great site, great service, irish business. Recommended!

hfallada

I have noticed mine has scratch marks from hairs when a blade was blunt. If you are on Amazon.co.uk you can pick up this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Osma-Bloc-Soothes-Shaving-Irritation/dp/B004NEHR28/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384381687&sr=8-1&keywords=alum+block

Its only £4,99 and I brought it bring up my order to £25 for free shipping