Osma Alum Block by - Value by OSMA (2 Pack)

Alum blocks are used as an aftershave product to help your skin recover from being scraped with a very sharp blade. If you shave with a double edged or in particular a straight razor, an alum block is a must have in your shaving kit. (For more info on shaving and related products, see my reviews of the "Feather Hi-Stainless Platimum Double Edge Razor Blades 50 Ct", "Norton 24336 Japanese-Style Combination Waterstone 4000/8000 Grit", and "Green Chrome Oxide Compound, 6 oz".) SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON USE If you're into wet shaving and have an internet connection, you've no doubt discovered that there are many varying opinions on the ideal selection and sequence of shaving products that will lead to a superior shave. Almost each of these magic formulas will tell you that they have discovered THE BEST WAY to shave. People try them out because they are always looking for a way to up their shaving game. For me, after trying a lot of approaches and spending way more than I should have on different products, I've come back to the basics. The alum block is a key post-shave step because it helps to disinfect the surface of your skin, where there may be various microscopic (or not so microscopic) cuts in the skin; it stops bleeding; and it tightens up the skin, leaving you with a cool and fresh feeling. Unlike other reviewers, I don't leave the alum on my skin after applying it, because I find it dries out my skin and feels overly tight and uncomfortable. After my shave, I rinse my face with cold water, apply alum everywhere (and yes it will sting in places where your skin has been irritated or cut), let it sit while I brush my teeth, then rinse with cold water and pat dry. Then I apply some kind of moisturizer; I'm not a snob about it and I usually just put on whatever my wife happens to have around. PROTIP #1: alum may be great for your skin but it is corrosive to metal, including the shiny new shaving tools you've just bought. Store the alum separately from anything metal, don't let it come into contact, and don't use your razor to touch up any unshaved spots of your face after you've applied the alum -- make sure to rinse it off first. PROTIP #2: alum blocks are crystals and are very fragile. If you drop them, they will shatter. This doesn't make them unusable -- the entire thing is made of the same chemical compound -- but the sharp edges make it rather uncomfortable. I hope this little mini-dissertation on alum blocks has been useful. I've tried to offer a personal perspective that goes beyond "Great product; arrived on time" and I hope it will be helpful for some of the beginning shavers out there.

Great product made in France antiseptic stone excellent for cuts and abrasions on sensitive skin

For gents out there looking for the quality of the Art of Shaving alum bar at half the price, this is it. Unlike cheaper alum bars, this one will not disintegrate after a few uses - it holds its smooth bar shape until it gets used up or you drop it, in which case it can and probably will shatter or break. Just dry it after use - if you don't, then it will get crusty on the bottom. As long as you do that, it will last for a LONG time. I shave twice a week and one bar lasts about 6 months, so approximately 100 shaves. For gents who do not use an alum bar, you should. Yes, it stings, but it gives you feedback about where you're being too aggressive with your shave, and it makes your skin tight and helps seal up any nicks, prevent razor rash, etc.

I've been using it for a week now and it tightens the skin when used on wet skin. Only drawback is the price - the bars are quite small! Will buy again once I'm done with this one because the quality seems good

Someone recommended an alum block to me when I started wet shaving with a double edge razor. I picked the Osma block after reading reviews and balancing it with the price. This product had good reviews and seemed like the best bang for the buck so to speak. I was a little surprised when they came by how small they are but I have been using one every day for a couple weeks now with no noticeable wear on it so a little goes a long way/they last a long time. They appear to be a solid rock crystal cut into a block. I am told that if you drop them, they will shatter. Some brands are not solid but rather the mineral dust compressed into a block using filler materials. I should also mention that two come to a package. This block does two things that I notice. First of all, it reduces/soothes razor burn. Secondly, if you nick yourself, this stops the bleeding (at least on minor nicks, I have not seriously cut myself since I have been using the Osma block). I should note that it does sting or tingle a little bit at contact on sensitive areas or areas susceptible to razor burn (under my jaw and on my neck for me) but the sensation fades quickly and leaves a refreshing feel. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone.

A MUST after shaving. Tightens the skin and will stop bleeding from a nick or cut. Don't wast your money on a styptic pencil as IMO this will do the same thing but will also tone your face and just give a great feeling right after your shave. Warning if you are new to DE shaving and not doing it right this product will tell you as it will burn but at the same time no pain no gain as it is the BEST product around for razor burn. I simply cannot live without this product. I use it with or without traditional aftershave but given a choice I would turn my back on aftershave completely as this block is simply incredible as is a must for anyone that shaves! I find a get about 6 months to a years out of each block. If you drop it its gone and will shatter so the 2 pk as a backup. One of the better values I have ever found in many years. A must have!

Ever since I started shaving I have had a problem with red bumps on my neck. I have read and tried all kinds of options. I switched from a Mach 3 razor to a safety razor. I changed from shaving creams in a can to finer shaving soaps applied with a badger hair brush. I have watched videos on proper techniques, you name it I tried it. While all of these changes have brought slight improvements each time I still would have bumps. I tried assorted after shaves and lotion with mixed results. Finally I caught an article about applying Alum Block to reduce irritation and sure enough this was what I needed. As I understand it Alum is a natural antiseptic which in this case helps with minor shaving nicks, soothes irritation, and forms a slight barrier to prevent ingrown hairs. As such any minor shaving nicks you get before applying with have a burning sensation when applying the alum block much the same as splash of after shave would. In my shave routine after shaving I use a wet cold wash cloth to clean any excess shaving cream and to help close pores. After that I will run the alum block under warm water to moisten and then rub the block on my neck. Within an hour any bumps I may have had from shaving have subsided. Careful with the alum block, if it touches your clothing it will leave a residue which does wash out.

I have tried many different Alum Blocks (they are not blocks they are pressed together, disolve and break very quickly) I like them until the start breaking apart, they tend to be very fragile and not because they were dropped, this is a solid block , I was actually ordering rollon bottles to use them for all the alum blocks that I could no longer use because the were so fragile, planning on grinding to powder and adding water to see how that worked, I saw Osama alum block and thought I would give it a try, extremely happy and suprised at the diference, I use it on my whole face, after shaving, as a deaodorant and on my feet, excellent product, perfect size will last longer because it is a solid block of alum, not pressed together alum, big difference and ther is no mildew issue getting in side solid block. Buy it you won't regrat it

Rien de plus à ajouter, sauf un remerciement au fabricant pour cet excellent déodorant.

Extremely good product. The blocks are perfect and last long (dry after use). Good quality. I use after my DE shave, it tells me if I have any nicks or burns (a feedback on my shaving) and also heals them. Wash off after a while and then apply your face cream etc.

Never use aftershave since I have found this product. Works great as I straight shave

Good

A must have for anyone who uses a straight razor. Would give 5 stars but one block came broken into several pieces. Still usable just not as convenient. Don’t expect this to deal with major cuts. Try a styptic pencil for that.