[mark20]

I really like the Metolius Super Chalk and can definitely feel the difference (my skin and cuticles will crack if I don't wash it off) but the new packaging on Metolius Super Chalk doesn't mention a drying agent, and a quick google says that "The latest formula of Metolius Super Chalk (as of 10/05/2022) is 100% magnesium carbonate without any drying agent."
I can't find any other chalk that mentions using a drying agent.

https://mattfordengineering.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/lab06.pdf This cool little experiment recons the drying agent is Silicon Dioxide.

Silicon Dioxide is readily available online, in various forms. I'm guessing I'm going to need a super fine powder , but there is a lot of jargon about micron-scale mesh / nanoscale mesh / -325 mesh. I'm assuming this is a measure of the grain size? Is there anyone with some knowledge in chemistry on here who can advise what sort of thing I'd be looking for?
And any guesses how much to mix in with chalk, or whether it's just a really bad idea and I'm going to burn my hands etc?

Thanks

[Will Hunt]

What the hell are we sweaty-handed people supposed to do it they take the drying agent out of the product who's sole purpose is to dry your fucking hands?
 

[mrjonathanr]

What does antihydral do?

[Fiend]

What the hell are we sweaty-handed people supposed to do it they take the drying agent out of the product who's sole purpose is to dry your fucking hands?
 

TBT: https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,30905.msg617907.html#msg617907 

[SA Chris]

Has my old stock gone up in value then?

How is the new packaging different, so i can grab some of the old stuff if I see it.

[SA Chris]

Just had a look, the new one is in a gold bag?

[Will Hunt]

What the hell are we sweaty-handed people supposed to do it they take the drying agent out of the product who's sole purpose is to dry your fucking hands?
 

TBT: https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,30905.msg617907.html#msg617907 

Friction Labs stuff is for the send go. I'm not a millionaire.

[mark20]

The new stuff is in a brown bag. The new packaging doesn't mention it has drying agent in it, but various websites show a photo of the new bag but with the old product description. Some still show a photo of the old bag, but I'm not sure I want to risk buying it only to find it's the new stuff without the drying agent

[SA Chris]

ok, golden brown.

(textured like sun).

I'd check before buying. Sportshoes.com has a picture of the old stuff, but doubt they would know the difference.

[SA Chris]

Absolute snow confirmed they have the old stuff, i ordered 4 bags, free postage.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Metolius_Super_Chalk_Rock_Climbing_Chalk_127g-(71863)

[mark20]

Thanks Chris, that'll keep me ticking over whilst I complete my experiments with cheap chalk + SiO2

[Danny]

Would be super interesting to hear how you get on with this. Best case is DIY friction labs type chalk for, presumably, much less £££.

[SA Chris]

I also bought a bag of BD Black Gold while I was shopping their website, see how it compares.

[SA Chris]

Absolute snow confirmed they have the old stuff, i ordered 4 bags, free postage.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Metolius_Super_Chalk_Rock_Climbing_Chalk_127g-(71863)

Scratch that. In spite of reassurances i was getting the old stuff, the sent the new stuff.  Arses.

[Ballsofcottonwool]

What the hell are we sweaty-handed people supposed to do it they take the drying agent out of the product who's sole purpose is to dry your fucking hands?

I'm not surprised they took out the silicon dioxide

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/silicosis/

[mrjonathanr]

Absolute snow confirmed they have the old stuff, i ordered 4 bags, free postage.

https://www.absolute-snow.co.uk/V/Metolius_Super_Chalk_Rock_Climbing_Chalk_127g-(71863)

Scratch that. In spite of reassurances i was getting the old stuff, the sent the new stuff.  Arses.

Several packs of this arrived today. It is the old stuff, as pictured.
https://rockrun.com/products/metolius-super-chalk-4-5oz-127g?variant=31453657352

[SA Chris]

Damn, just ordered some stuff from RnR too, thanks.

[mrjonathanr]

If it’s chalk you are after, order the discounted big 450g bag of Camp chalk as well and your shipping is free. That’s what I did. Should keep you going for a while!

[SA Chris]

Just did exactly that!

[SA Chris]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/silicosis/

I think the minute quantity in quantity and the amount inhaled would put climbers at minimal risk.

[mikenty]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/silicosis/

I think the minute quantity in quantity and the amount inhaled would put climbers at minimal risk.

But maybe not if you worked in a climbing wall over a number of years?

[MischaHY]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/silicosis/

I think the minute quantity in quantity and the amount inhaled would put climbers at minimal risk.

But maybe not if you worked in a climbing wall over a number of years?

Our local gym had some people from a university in doing air quality tests and the conclusion was that particle size isn't small enough to have an impact on health.

[mikenty]

Let hope they’re proved right?
I like Metolius super chalk and use it, but there is a sign in our local wall specifically asking climbers not to use chalk with additives there, which I’m personally happy to go with indoors. It’s their risk.

[mikenty]

Although on reflection this is for common skin reaction reasons 
However I stand by my point that it’s a potentially unpleasant substance if inhaled that climbers can get by without indoors!

[MischaHY]

I also don't think there's any need for it when people can just condition their skin using really available products. I have naturally very sweaty skin but a suitably regular application of Antihydral easily sorts it. Skin quality is much more important than chalk type IMO.