Alum = Alum? Is it just packaging preference?

[Nicked]

Hi All,

Likely I've missed the memo on this and this is a rather silly question, but after a few searches, I'm not really pulling up much other than 'it's in my kit' or, 'it's nice to have'.
I'm looking to grab a block to ad to the collection of toys, but would rather know if there's any to avoid, or if there's a few higher on the list than the rest?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LesC]

FWIW, I only use Deonat from Chemist Warehouse, cheap and works great.

 

[SpeedyPC]

FWIW, I only use Deonat from Chemist Warehouse, cheap and works great.

You're referring to this brand? I've never tried this, I'll pop into Chemist Warehouse next week.

 

[LesC]

You're referring to this brand? I've never tried this, I'll pop into Chemist Warehouse next week.

You're referring to this brand? I've never tried this, I'll pop into Chemist Warehouse next week.

Yes mate Dermal or Deonat both the same, I always buy the cheapest at the time, last one on 2nd year of use

 

[silverlifter]

Osma is the one true alum. The rest are insignificant in the shadow of the Great Alum!

 

[bernie01]

+1 Osma from blade.net.au (previously known as Vshod).

 

[Gargravarr]

Likely I've missed the memo on this and this is a rather silly question

Not really that silly a question, but there are many silly answers for such a simple compound originally excavated out of big holes in the ground, but now produced cheaply in a pure form by industrial processes (e.g. from bauxite and sulfuric acid).

As such, the powdered form you can get in 2kg bags at Bunnings (and used in liquid form) is probably the cheapest you can get, and it works fine. A bag will last you the rest of your life. There's a discussion starting from here a few years ago. Personally, I no longer bother with alum (except for a little styptic pencil for when I get careless and I need to stop the blood), but as usual, mileage varies.

 

[Nicked]

+1 Osma from blade.net.au (previously known as Vshod).

I've noticed Vshod's still up, is this because the owner hasn't decommissioned it, left for legacy, or has someone else hijacked it?

Might have to give the Osma a go, it's cheap enough to see if I like it and stick to using it, and I like the idea of it in block form, as it'll be easier to use around the back of the skull.
Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[Wal59]

I've noticed Vshod's still up, is this because the owner hasn't decommissioned it, left for legacy, or has someone else hijacked it?

Might have to give the Osma a go, it's cheap enough to see if I like it and stick to using it, and I like the idea of it in block form, as it'll be easier to use around the back of the skull.
Thanks for the input everyone.

I bought the Osma alum from VShod, as it once was called. Osma works very well for me. If I put VShod in the thingy above the webpage it always redirects to the new site.

 

[Gargravarr]

I've noticed Vshod's still up, is this because the owner hasn't decommissioned it, left for legacy, or has someone else hijacked it?

The new https version is blade.net.au, though it's still a bloody awful website. Content, though, is as good as ever.

 

[SpeedyPC]

The new https version is blade.net.au, though it's still a bloody awful website. Content, though, is as good as ever.

A lot websites need money to make it very creative, open, navigable and services.

 

[Bladerunner7]

Osma is the one true alum. The rest are insignificant in the shadow of the Great Alum!

Well said Muh Man, discovered that most use Alum Crystals compressed which at some point of time start to break down and come apart. OSMA always uses a solid block that never comes apart. Once you go OSMA, there is no going back. Having said that, their shaving cream containing Alum has to be the worst experiment of any sort as it dries the skin during the shave.

 

[nav1]

Just to add...

The solid blocks of alum are shaped from chunks of natural potassium alum.
These are more expensive, osma being one of the better value for money blocks.

The compressed blocks, which can start falling apart with use, are made from ammonium alum.

In my experience, potassium alum works better as an aftershave as it's gentler on the skin, whereas ammonium alum works better as a deodorant as it's stronger and provides longer lasting odour prevention.

 

[Nicked]

I could have used it this morning, but Auspost have decided to delay it by another day, maybe I'll get an early chrissy pressy.
I grabbed the Osma as it was cheap enough to use as a trial, had it been a $20-30 difference, I'd have second guessed it, but at that price, no point pinching too many pennies.

 

[Phil Harmonica]

I find that the Crystal Deodorant from Chemist Warehouse or Amazon works just fine. The money I save can go towards buying eggs!

 

[nav1]

I could have used it this morning, but Auspost have decided to delay it by another day, maybe I'll get an early chrissy pressy.
I grabbed the Osma as it was cheap enough to use as a trial, had it been a $20-30 difference, I'd have second guessed it, but at that price, no point pinching too many pennies.

As long as you don't drop the block, it should last 8-12 months of daily use.
They are by default, great value for money

As for deodorant, i get ammonium alum blocks for 50 cents where i live and even they last 4 months of daily use!
But they do begin to crumble if i don't dry them sufficiently.

 

[Nicked]

I'm assuming pat dry, leave on tray to air should suffice to keep the block in good condition?
And don't drop it, if it can be helped.

 

[silverlifter]

I store mine in the box it came in: it is waxed, so designed for the job.

 

[Nicked]

I store mine in the box it came in: it is waxed, so designed for the job.

You just saved me digging around for a soap tray I know I have................ somewhere in the garage..

 

[TroyTools]

I store mine in a soap tray on top of 2 toothpicks so that it isnt sitting in/on the water thats still on it when I'm finished. The little broken pieces i pick up after dropping it on he tiles don't get the same treatment though.