Just recently bought 15 sticks of Arko and have been getting to know this little soap stick for the past week, and it definitely reflects the ole adage: " Big things come in small packages! 1. Lather- One word, explosive! 2. Life span of lather- This was what really got my attention. Surprising staying power for a bargain priced soap. 3. Moisturizing- Does tallow moisturize? Kinda confused by this since there isn't anything like lanolin or glycerin in the ingredients list, but it didn't dry my face out either so it got a 6. 4. Lubrication- Other than VDH, it's the slickest soap I've come across. 5. How protective? While I think it's cushioning, was as good as other popular soaps, it didn't seem as cushiony as it was slick. 6. Scent- I love the scent. It definitely has to grow on you. but once it does, you kinda start longing for the smell of it. Kinda reminds me of fresh linen or a laundry clean scent. But not a detergent smell as some have said, but rather the smell after the linen has come out of the dryer. 7.Price- What can you say? So extremely affordable, any wetshaver can experience it's quality lathering and shave abilities. 8.Would I buy again?- If I manage to die at a very old age before I get through 15 sticks of Arko along with the other rotation of soaps and creams I own, I will definitely buy more Arko.
Indeed arko is scary for vfm, only the very best soaps can top it. Not to mention it's soft so you can bash it into any container you fancy.
Hmmm... Very brave to buy 15 sticks of a soap you had no experience with. Just glad it worked out for you.
I did the same thing. The pile of sticks don't cost that much compared to some of the others (bout the same as 1 dried up puck of OS ). Luck for me, Arko turned out to be a pretty great soap all the way around. On the road, it can't be beat.
I really wish I liked the scent better as the Arko stick makes lather that is comparable with some of the very best, far more expensive soaps. I can easily afford to pay for better scent and choose to do so, but it's only my scent preference that drives that decision. Every wet shaver really needs to try Arko as for many it will be all that's every needed. Maybe if it gets popular enough, they'll offer a different scent.
I did the same thing. There was a special where 15 sticks were $15 shipped when I picked mine up. I don't even notice the scent any more. After a few months crammed in an old spice mug the scent seems reduced. I do like the scent though. I just get an Ivory Soap sort of old time clean feel from it. I was using it daily for a number of months, but have been enjoying some mentholated creams recently. Once I work my way through some of these creams, I'm sure it will get another run. I still have 6 sticks left.
I did the same thing and I was happy to recognise the scent! But I am worried, shaving creams are best before 2 years of production.How about soaps, how many years can they last? What happens if you use a soap 20 years later?It is not food, I know...:sick007
I have a few shaving creams and several soaps coming up on three years old. I have a puck of vintage Old Spice soap that I use (and love) that I have no idea how old it is. I have no problems with any of them. No mold. No mildew. Still have a great scent, lather up fantastic, and give outstanding shaves.
I have to admit that my faves are definitely Italian almond soaps but I like some of the sticks like Bea shaving stick from Spain. Lasts a frickin lifetime. Ok, gonna go and try my new arko now.
just had my first shave with it. Brilliant. What more can I say. By the way, the expiry on it is 2018. The smell reminds me of the soap my nan used to use in Malta...lifebuoy. Some of the older brits may remember it. Great smell.
Is that the real old lifebuoy that smelled of carbolic acid? that was a great smell! It made you feel clean just smelling it. Strange how that one sticks in my head(nose) of course that may be why I can't smell much of anything anymore?? They told us it was dangerous when they took it off the market. But a lovely clean smell - I will have to get some and try it.
It seems that Arko has been promoted to the rank of a myth, meanwhile. Indeed, its value speaks for it and I use that soap with pleasure myself. Yet, I tend to think that there is some "Manliness syndrome"-bias involved in the rating of soaps. True men are supposed to be able to produce lather from a soap that was still desert dry a minute ago, aren't they ? On the contrary, creams are for sissies, right ? So, while I believe that every product has its place in one's rotation, just allow me to say that I achieve my most pleasurable shaves with creams (1), rather than with soaps. By the way, if you want to know the meaning of an "explosion of lather" that has a tremendous longevity, try the Kapo / Karo cream from Bulgaria ! A fantastic product in every regard IMHO. (1) I do not say that all are born equal, either.
If I'm not mistaken, they found sticks of Arko with some Egyptian mummies and they still lathered just fine.
I've heard of some people using vintage soaps from way back in the day. Maybe not that long ago, but if you can rehydrate it why not try it.
I'm not a fan, for some reason Arko really bothers my face but will admit it lathers like crazy, it just a YMMV thing. Enjoy it.
