Natural Alum Bar for Shaving

Block of Natural Alum for Wet Shaving

This is a block of natural alum crystal, used for wet shaving.  To use, the block is moistened with water and rubbed over the face.  It has antiseptic qualities, stops small 'weepers' (a styptic pencil is advised for cuts that show a lot of blood) and its astringent properties help prevent razor burn.  It should be rinsed and dried after use - note that if left in water, the bar will dissolve!

Each block weighs at least 75gms, some weigh up to 100gms - the exact weight varies as it is prepared by hand from natural deposits.  Even though some have the weight printed on the back (usually 75gms) there is a large difference, some bars being much larger than others. This form of alum occurs as a natural crystal, and it may have cracks and fissures in it, it may even break into smaller pieces.  Also, expect the edges to exhibit a little crumbling.

The alum blocks are pretty basic - they have discoloured areas and some darker inclusions, none of which are harmful - just inclusions of the strata from where the crystal occurs.  Some have a "sell-by" date printed on the back - usually 2011 or 2012: this of course is of no consequence and the crystal does not degrade, unless it gets wet.

The bar may also be moistened and rubbed under the arms - it functions like a natural anti-perspirant which is unperfumed.

The block is to be used after shaving - used before shaving it will ruin the lather, even though some people advocate rubbing the fingers on the block to get a better grip on the skin, it is not advised as it will affect the lather.

Packaged weight will be around 225gms