Alum Prices

[Gairdner]

I've noticed the price of Alum blocks vary wildly so I take there must be different qualities of the stuff? I mean Bloc Osma 75g in a posh box and made in France costs £7.90 at Connaught while Doctor Plus 100g in a cheap cellophane wrapper is just £1.90. Is there that much of a difference that Bloc Osma is worth the extra £6 for 25g less?

Bloc Osma Alum Block 75g

Doctor Plus Alum Bar 100g

Looking for enlightenment, gents.

 

[Jeltz]

Its the same stuff, the cheap ones are generally a little rough for the 1st few times of use but otherwise its just branding/packaging.

 

[Johnus]

Agree. I had bought some of the more costly ones, but as I have a hard tile floor in the bathroom they all usually end up the same. Very small sharp pieces-(.

 

[UKRob]

Connaught do a great deal on the 'roll-on' shape in a container - they were £4 for two last time I ordered.

 

[Canuck]

The Bloc Osma is grown more slowly so you get large identifiable crystals, it looks nice when it's been worn down a bit and you can see the individual large shapes. It's pre-rounded so it's comfortable to use straight away, but I appreciate that those qualities aren't important to most. It might just explain where a bit of the extra money goes.
Other than that there's no difference and they do exactly the same thing.

I've had Bloc Osma, SAL (the sticks from Connaught) and cheap generic alum (£1) from Indian Grocers, the SAL is the only one I haven't dropped and smashed. Currently using Osma and SAL for what it's worth.

 

[al_kaholik]

Roll on types can be had from savers and superdrug for under £3. You'll find them in the deoderant section

 

[hunnymonster]

Roll on types can be had from savers and superdrug for under £3. You'll find them in the deoderant section

But be careful it's not Ammonium Alum (you're looking for Potassium Alum) because Ammonium Alum stings considerably more if you have any cuts...

 

[Dipesh]

Go to your local Indian area and in an indian grocers, Alum blocks are no more than £1.

 

[Gairdner]

Great stuff, gents. Much obliged.

 

[al_kaholik]

I checked I'm aware of the sting so was careful!

 

[UKRob]

But be careful it's not Ammonium Alum (you're looking for Potassium Alum) because Ammonium Alum stings considerably more if you have any cuts...

Would this make you smell of cat p*ss rather than act as a deodorant?

 

[Helveticum]

Don't confuse with ammonia.

 

[UKRob]

Don't confuse with ammonia.

Why not?
From Wiktionary:
Ammonium - 1.(inorganic chemistry) The univalent NH4+ cation, derived by the protonation of ammonia.

 

[hunnymonster]

No - Ammonium alum only breaks down and evolves ammonia gas under extreme stress (think 20 stone bloke thrashing a bike uphill on a hot summer day with the sun beating down on him).

I was that man.

 

[Gairdner]

The greatest side benefit I've had since starting DE shaving is the discovery of Alum as an deodorant/antiperspirant. As a 21st tubster, I have the capacity to sweat uncomfortably and now use the alum ahem, almost everywhere, if you get my meaning. Not only does it out perform every single spray or roll on I've ever used it cuts down on the odd pimple I get at the top of my back. No annoying cheap scent and no choking mist as well as being immensely economical and takes up less space in the bathroom. I'm very glad to discover that there is little or no difference in the different brands/prices. Its testament to today's pharmaceutical companies great marketing when they sell all that spray guff when a wee bar that's been around since Moses was a lad does the job better.

 

[Helveticum]

+1. I only use it as antiperspirant, and it's great.