Best Alum Bloc Reviews 2023

Alum blocs are one of the little known shaving secrets. We aim to help you make the right choice between the numerous brands out there, especially as there are small variations between products from different brands. Here are our 5 top ranking products picked from a pool of brands with the best alum blocs. After conducting in-depth research, we have highlighted one product from each of our featured brands. In addition to these highlighted brands, there are several alum bloc options that you may want to consider as well.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Packaging
Weight
Ingredients
Our Top Choice
Barbero Natural No.01 Alum Bloc
Barbero is dedicated to the manufacturing of authentic and top quality shaving tools and accessories for a more enjoyable grooming time for the discerning man.
Natural alum. Antiseptic and astringenent soothing properties. Odorless and colorless. Lasts for several months. Closes nicks and stops bleeding.
There’s been no serious complaints about this alum bloc, but the user needs to be careful of the sharp edges while using it.
Rectangular
2.64 ounces
100% pure Alum
Best Value
Gentleman Jon 3.7 oz. Alum Bloc
Gentleman Jon brings back classic wet shaving into mainstream shaving with its original tools and accessories needed to perfect the fine art of wet shaving.
100% natural potassium alum with antiseptic and astringent properties. Relieves razor burns, bumps, irritation and post-shave itches. Plastic case allows safe and easy storage.
In spite of its excellent qualities, a user with a sensitive skin may likely experience a mild burning sensation with this alum bloc.
Plastic Case
3.7 ounces
100% Potassium alum
Bloc Osma Bloc D’ Alun Alum Stone
Bloc Osma is fully dedicated to restoring the act of classic wet shaving to its rightful position as the leading shaving technique in today’s modern world.
Antibacterial and astringent agents heals and refreshes skin after shaving. 4 pack ensures longer lasting usage. Stops bleeding from cuts and nicks.
The Bloc Osma Alum Stone is a great buy; our only wish is that it featured more rounded edges.
4 Pack
2.65 ounces
Info not provided
Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Bloc
Taylor of Old Bond Street epitomizes the traditional wet shaving technique. Its top notch shaving tools and accessories are used as standards in the industry.
Relieves itchiness and redness associated with wet shaving. Soothes sensitive skin and closes up pores. Odorless and colorless thus leaves no residue on skin.
You’ll need to buy a separate case for protection
Rectangular
2.7 ounces
Potassium Alum
RazoRock Alum Bloc with Case
RazoRock started out as a curiosity-induced pastime but later expanded into a full-blown brand that deals in top quality wet shave tools and accessories.
This large size alum bloc comes with a convenient plastic storage casing. The antiseptic property helps to close minor cuts and nicks, while the astringent action tones and smooths the skin.
This alum bloc has been reported to crumble after few uses due to airspaces in the product.
Plastic Travel Case
3.2 ounces
Potassium Alum

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Watch Our Alum Bloc Review

What is the Best Alum Bloc?

Alum blocs are naturally occurring mineral salts that are hewn from their solid deposits in areas where they occur. We have alum bloc products that you’ll certainly find worthwhile in our product review section, so go on ahead and check them out. Having gone through our buying guide, we are confident that you’re armed with relevant knowledge that’ll guide you in making the right choice of alum bloc.
Our Top Choice
The Barbero Alum Bloc contains only natural alum, lasts for several months, works effectively at closing up nicks and cuts, odorless and colorless. If you love the look of this alum block but want a bigger size to last even longer, check out the Barbero Alum Block 3.52 oz.

Barbero Fragrance Free Natural Pure No.01 Grooming Alum Bloc


Features

Barbero manufactures quality and authentic shaving tools. Its products are designed with class and efficiency in mind, a combination for which traditional shaving is known. The company has carved a niche for itself in the industry with its unique products that are quite different from the numerous shaving tools and accessories out there in the market. What’s more, its products, though of the highest quality materials, are made available at the best and competitive prices you can get. Its products range from metal razors to alum blocs, badger brushes and shaving stands, among others.

The Barbero Alum Bloc is made from pure, natural alum mineral mined in France. Its astringent property makes it ideal as a natural after-shave cleanser and it’s also used to stop nicks and cuts, sustained while shaving, from bleeding. It is fragrance-free and leaves no residue on the face and can be left on after application or washed off. Each bloc can last for several months and maybe even years, depending on how often it’s used.

Here are more alum blocs from Barbero that you may like:

  • The Barbero Alum Bloc 2.64 oz / 75 g Pack of 6 is an economy package that gives you more value for your money while protecting your skin from after-shave irritations. It’s fragrance-free, leaves no residue and made from pure alum mineral. Due to its astringent qualities, it can be used as a leave-in after-shave cleanser for a smooth and fresh feel
  • Barbero Alum Bloc 2.64 oz / 75 g Pack of 2 is hand made from 100% pure alum. It protects your skin from irritations and closes up nicks and cuts sustained during shaving. Its astringent properties make it suitable for use as an after-shave cleanser and also as a remedy for oily skins
Best Value
The Gentleman Jon Alum Bloc is made from 100% potassium alum to stop bleeding in its tracks. It accomplishes this due to the natural astringent and antiseptic properties. Alternatively, if you want a complete shave kit then you’ll love the Gentleman Jon Complete Wet Shave Kit. It comes with six different shave items and accessories.

Gentleman Jon 3.7 Ounce Alum Bloc in Plastic Case


Features

In recent years, the age-old tradition of wet shaving has been on a downward spiral into extinction - until the timely intervention of the Gentleman Jon Company. The brand was established primarily to bring back the classic, gentlemanly wet shaving technique and to provide original and trusted tools and accessories needed to perfect the fine art of wet shaving for the fashionable gentleman. Its products are available at impressive prices and combined with an attentive customer service team, you’re assured a great shaving experience, whether you are a professional barber or the occasional personal shaver.

The Gentleman Jon Alum Bloc gives the perfect finish to a wet shaving routine. It’s manufactured from 100% potassium alum, a naturally occurring mineral with astringent and antiseptic properties. It has been proven to be a sure means of closing open pores and smoothing out the face after a shave. Treat your face to a regimen of soothing relief from razor burns with this alum bloc and reduce the unsightly bumps and itches associated with shaving.

This alum bloc also effectively and almost instantly closes up nicks and cuts thereby leaving your face feeling all nice, smooth and fresh after shaving. It leaves no residue and comes in a plastic carrying case for safe and easy storage. Make this natural product your go-to after-shave solution and forget all about post shave itches, burns and bumps. Lucky for you, this block is a hefty 3.7 ounces which should last for months!

You may also like these wet shaving kits from Gentleman Jon:

  • The Gentleman Jon Sandalwood Shave Soap; Glycerine 2.25 oz is manufactured in the USA from natural extracts and has a relaxing and mild sandalwood scent. Its rich lather is guaranteed to give your face a smooth and satiny feeling after your wet shave
  • Gentleman Jon Canvas and Leather Shaving Dopp Kit / Travel Toiletry Bag is a purely masculine travel kit designed to hold all your shaving tools and other toiletries safely. It’s manufactured from leather which ensures it lasts as long as you’re willing to use it
  • Gentleman Jon Deluxe Wet Shave Kit that Includes 8 Items and accessories. This kit contains everything you’ll ever need for a wet shaving ritual and the items are all made from highest quality materials that’ll last for a long time
The Bloc Osma Bloc D’ Alun Alum Stone is made with all natural alum that, thanks to the astringent properties, will squash any small bleed. If you’d prefer a 3-pack alum bloc instead, then you should go for the Bloc Osma Alum Stone 75g 3 Pack.

Bloc Osma All-Natural 4-Pack Bloc D’ Alun 2.65 Ounce Alum Stone


Features

Bloc Osma is one brand that is fully dedicated to restoring the act of classic wet shaving to its position as the leading shaving technique in today’s modern world. Its all-encompassing line of quality shaving tools are crafted from top quality materials and careful attention to detail which ensures tools that are reliable, effective and durable. Its products are handmade with 95% natural ingredients and are used by expert and beginner shavers alike all over the world. And for over 50 years, this brand has kept the tradition of wet shaving alive and transmitted from fathers to their sons.

The Bloc Osma Alum Stone is a natural after-shave remedy that is extremely effective in staunching bleeding from nicks and cuts after shaving by closing the wounds. It also has the capacity to reduce redness and bumps associated with wet shaving while considerably lessening the discomforts of razor burns. Its antibacterial and astringent properties confer great healing and soothing qualities on it thus making it the right addition to your shaving kit for a perfect finish to your daily wet shaving ritual. It comes in a pack of four alum blocs for greater value.

You may want to take a look at these other blocs and alum products from Bloc Osma:

  • Osma Tradition Bloc - Handmade Alum Bloc With Clear Perspex Case 100g is made from 100% natural potassium alum and contained in a transparent perspex case for safe storage
  • Laboratoires Osma Natural Deodorant and Astringent 100 Grams is hand made in France and can be used as a water-based underarm deodorant for perspiration control as well as an after-shave treatment for closing pores and nicks
  • The Osma Hands and Feet Powder with Alum Crystal 100g is made from 100% pure powdered alum that have the same texture as talc and used as an antiperspirant for both males and females
  • Osma Organic Feet Cream with Alum Crystal 50ml has excellent antibacterial and astringent properties that effectively protects the feet from infections whilst keeping them smooth and supple
The Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Bloc is manufactured from pure potassium alum, giving it astringent and antiseptic qualities that soothe razor burns. For a handy shaving bowl, go for the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Bowl.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Antiseptic and Astringent Potassium Alum Bloc


Features

Taylor of Old Bond Street was established during the reign of Queen Victoria, on September 1st 1854 and you couldn’t find a finer example of classic, traditional wet shaving as epitomized by this brand. A well-respected and renowned name in the industry, it has always been the standard by which other products in the same category are measured. With over one and a half centuries of experience under its belt, the organization has continued to set the pace with its cutting-edge and top notch shaving tools and accessories, which is no less than expected of a brand situated in London’s high-end Bond Street. Its customer service personnel are courteous and ever ready to help you have a wonderful experience with its high class products which, we might add, comes at quite reasonable prices for the gentleman of class.

The Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Bloc contains 100% potassium alum which has antiseptic and astringent properties making it extremely useful and handy as an after-shave treatment. It quickly closes up gashes and nicks that you may sustain when shaving thus helping to keep your face smooth and free from redness and post shave itches. One can also use it to soothe razor burns if he has sensitive skin that is prone to razor burns. It’s quite easy to use, just wet the bloc and apply to your shaved, wet face and you’re all good to go. It comes in a portable size that fits neatly into your travelling kit although it can last for an amazing length of time, more than one year in some cases.

Check out these other products from Taylor of Old Bond Street:

  • Almond Shaving Cream Tube 75ml shave cream contains a specially formulated almond oil for moisturizing your skin while facilitating clean and close shaving
  • The Organic Shaving Cream w/ Aloe & Jojoba is made in the UK with 95% natural ingredients which comprises mostly of essential oils
  • The Sandalwood Shaving Cream Bowl, 5.3-Ounce 2PK is a pleasantly scented sandalwood shaving cream with a rich lather, with the included bowl letting you conveniently mix and scoop the shaving cream
  • The Sandalwood Hard Shaving Soap Refill, 3.5-Ounce has a woody and heady sandalwood scent that complements your masculinity. Its rich and creamy lather gives a smooth and satisfying shave
The RazoRock Alum Bloc comes in a plastic storage case and is made from 100% natural potassium alum with antiseptic and astringent toning properties. If you’re interested in an alum stick and bloc value pack, check out the RazoRock Alum Bloc - 2 Pack Value.

RazoRock Alum Bloc with Plastic Travel Case


Features

RazoRock started out as a curiosity-induced pastime and hobby for Joseph and his uncle, Michael, when on an Italian holiday, Joseph’s father-in-law requested for some alum blocs. When they finally found some, the duo decided to try it out and discovered firsthand, the magical properties of the alum bloc and its vital role in restoring the art of wet shaving. Thus, a business idea and brand was born and over time, its product line expanded to include other wet shaving tools and accessories crafted by the best artisans in Italy. RazoRock’s top notch products include natural deodorants, shaving creams and lotions, brushes, after-shaves and lots more. Established in 2009, it has it customers all over Italy and beyond to thank for the astronomical growth into one of the best-known brands in the industry within a short time frame.

The RazoRock Alum Bloc is the perfect addition to your shaving kit, with its convenient plastic storage case. This product is manufactured from 100% natural potassium alum and has antiseptic properties which promotes fast healing of minor cuts and nicks by closing the wounds and stopping the bleeding. It also acts on the facial pores, closing them up so as to leave the skin feeling fresh and tight after shaving. Its astringent helps to naturally tone the skin, especially for oily and acne-prone skin types. The bloc is delightfully easy to use and leaves no residue or odor after use as an after-shave or deodorant.

Here are more interesting wet shaving products from RazoRock:

  • The RazoRock XXX Artisan Shaving Soap is manufactured by artisans in Italy and has a clean and fresh scent reminiscent of the old-school Italian barbershop
  • RazoRock La Famiglia Shaving Soap, Don Marco Bergamot Neroli has thoroughly refined coconut oil as its base and produces a rich and creamy lather that is superior among its peers
  • Razorock Shaving Cream Soap is made from 100% high quality and pure ingredients among which is a highly absorbent moisturizer that makes your skin smooth to the touch. Its classic scent is mild and refreshing
  • The Razorock Santa Maria Del Fiore Firenze Shave Soap comes in a classy glass container and has a heady green tobacco fragrance that underscores your masculinity and suitable for any occasion. It lathers quite well and is easy to use
  • RazoRock 100% Natural Handmade Aftershave Wax is made from natural ingredients that leaves your face feeling great after your traditional wet shave routine

How Do I Choose the Best Alum Bloc?

Shaving is one activity that seems simple at a glance, but in truth it requires some level of skill and practice before it’s perfected. Just like much of today’s technology, there’ve been advancements in the shaving kits with lots of after-shave skincare products. The original shaving technique, known as the wet shave, involves lots of concentration, rituals and care with the razor shaving stick used to avoid nicks and cuts. The contemporary shaving method, involving the use of electric shaving razor kit, is faster with little or no cuts. Most people still prefer the traditional wet shaving because it gives a clean, close and better looking shave than the electronic kit. So, although there’s a bevy of after shave lotions and creams that are frequently used to complete the shaving process, the alum bloc beats them all in terms of performance and cost.

An alum bloc is a naturally occurring mineral salt that is scientifically known as aluminum potassium sulphate. Its astringent, antiseptic and coagulating properties make it ideal for use as an after-shave alternative to all these modern and expensive after-shave creams, lotions, and splashes. When it comes to closing up nicks and cuts sustained during shaving, it works like magic and if you routinely suffer from razor burns after shaving, then you’re sure to find instant relief from an alum block, as it is known to reduce inflammation and redness. It also closes up facial pores, thus leaving your face feeling tight and refreshed all day long.

Alum blocs can also be used as deodorants and anti-perspirants for the armpits. And although the alum bloc is used mostly for wet shaving, it’s also useful for all other kinds of shaving -- after all, who wouldn’t want a smooth, fresh and clean feel after every shave? Because the alum block is odorless and colorless, it can be used with your favorite after-shave regimen without clash of scent. The ladies given to waxing or shaving are not left out, as they too can partake in the immense benefits of the alum bloc after their wax or shave or even to close up pores for a less oily face. And if by chance you hurt or cut yourself while carrying out any other task outside shaving, the alum bloc can come in handy as a first aid treatment in staunching the blood flow and closing up the wound.

Now that we’ve seen some of the reasons why you may want to try out an alum block, let’s look at some of the features and factors that should guide you towards making the right choice. Ensuring that the alum block you wish to buy is manufactured from the pure alum is of utmost importance, so also is the design, use and of course, the price. Stay with us as we treat these points one after the other.

Price

The price point of alum bloc is one of the major reasons why it’s not well-known as an after-shave treatment. Ever since the shaving industry became a multi-billion dollar venture, the relatively cheap but highly effective alum bloc has been swept under the carpet—well, almost. Since there are no additives or chemicals in the pure alum, the price range doesn’t vary much, often ranging between $5 and $25.

There are still alum blocs with higher prices than what we stated here, but those types usually come with little conveniences like a plastic carry case and have the advantage of a reputable brand name behind them.
During our research, we came across some extremely cheap alum blocs but those were made from low grade alum powder which would neither last nor perform as well as the quality products we have lined up for you here.

Features

To be sure of adding the perfect finishing touch to your shaving with the alum bloc, you’ll need to have some information about the product to guide you when shopping for one.
Such information will include:

  • Design of the alum bloc
  • Ingredient
  • Size
  • Other extra features
Construction and Design

The alum bloc is primarily made of aluminum potassium sulphate, which is a naturally occurring mineral salt deposited in large chunks (in the form of rocks, actually) in some parts of the United States. It’s a hard, crystalline solid that is transparent and like all salts, dissolves in water or when left exposed to humid environments. Most top quality brands like those featured in our product review section manufacture their alum blocs by hewing the blocs directly from the alum deposits. Some brands actually boast hand-cutting their alum blocs. However, it doesn’t make much difference whether its hand or engine cut, as long as it’s cut from the solid and pure natural alum.

On the other hand, there are some lesser quality alum blocs manufactured by compressing alum powder into a cake. These types are prone to quick disintegration on contact with water and do not work as well as those cut from an alum deposit. This is the major feature to look out for when shopping for a suitable alum bloc, you should be sure that you’re buying a product cut from natural alum deposit and not some cheap, low grade compressed powder version.

Alum blocs come in different sizes, usually ranging from 60 grams to about 125 grams, which is comparatively small and light enough to be tossed into your travelling kit without adding any extra weight to the kit. You might be thinking that the smaller the bloc, the lesser the cost, unfortunately that is not so as the sizes have absolutely nothing to do with the individual pricing of the alum blocs.

Although alum blocs last for quite a long time, if properly stored, you may prefer the large sizes so you won’t have to worry about buying another alum block in the near future. Conversely, if you shave intermittently, then you can just opt for a small one so it won’t take up too much space in your shaving kit.

Performance and Ease of Use

Alum blocs are unbelievably easy to use. All that is required of you is to wet the alum bloc and rub it all over the newly- shaven area of your face. You’d experience some tingling and burning sensations, especially on places where you have cuts, nicks or razor burns. Then you either leave it on or wash it off after letting it sit for a couple of minutes. Easy-peasy, right? There are no ceremonies about it and you’ll be done sooner than you can blink, and then enjoy the cool and fresh feeling that comes with it all day long. It can also be used as a deodorant and for sweat-control.

Just as the name implies, alum blocs come in block forms, with sharp edges which may or may not be even. Apart from the block alums, there are the styptic pencils made from aluminum sulphate, a much stronger compound than the aluminum potassium sulphate. The styptic pencil is applied mainly on cuts and nicks to close up the wounds and coagulate the blood for faster healing. Unlike the alum bloc which leaves no mark on your face, it leaves a white streak when rubbed on the face and thus not suitable for use as an after-shave face rub.

The alum bloc is transparent and requires no special care, save for the fact that you must let it sit out to dry completely after use before packing it up. This measure is to ensure that it lasts as long as it’s intended to. Care should also be taken when handling, so it doesn’t fall because despite its hard look and feel, the alum bloc is as fragile as an egg and breaks just as easily when dropped.

Some alum blocs come with plastic carrycase which helps greatly with safe storage and transport. Some brands like the RazorRock brand featured in our individual product review section go as far as fitting their alum blocs with a plastic base so you can get a strong grip and prevent the alum from slipping from your hand when in use. You may give serious consideration to alum blocs that come with their own plastic storage/carrying case as this is an extremely convenient feature that keeps it from getting wet and ruined and prevents it from leaving messy residue streaks all over the place.


Get the Best Alum Bloc of 2023!

So, here we are! Thanks for reading to the end of this detailed review. If you’ve seen the alum bloc that you think will greatly improve your shave time, feel free to go ahead and place the order right away.

Our Top Choice
Barbero Natural No.01 Alum Bloc
Best Value
Gentleman Jon 3.7 oz. Alum Bloc
Bloc Osma Bloc D’ Alun Alum Stone
Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Bloc
RazoRock Alum Bloc with Case