I would think the amount any particular kind of soap dries the users skin, is usually more dependent on the user than the soap. Let's be honest, we're talking about artisan/commercial "shave soap", not putting Boraxo on your brush and going to town. I use Arko at least every other shave and NEVER have an issue with dry skin. I have a busy house, so my soap regularly dries to my face before I get to finish a complete pass. Lots of re-lather going on at my sink through all this. With this being said, I absolutely agree that a pre/post routine to clean and moisturize is both critical for a quality shave experience, but also healthy for your skin.
I decided to go with the Derby soap since it is a more hard soap it will probably last a little longer than the Arko. But I am going to run an experiment on my own to see how many days it takes to use up the stick. I am hoping to hit at least 6 months. I found the YouTube video below very helpful. He talks about that Derby and Arko each share the same 13 ingredients and then Arko has 4 additional ingredients in addition to that.
Having used both now, I can say I prefer the spicy soap scent of Derby over Arko. But in terms of performance, either is great.
To me, scent is the least important element in a soap. I judge on protection and cost. Both Arko, and Derby, to me, have the same protection. It is a matter of which one I happen to pull out that day. They both perform the same, and lather just like one would expect them to. Price is my next judgement. I look at the cost per shave. Again both of them are home runs. I'm not saying not to buy a more expensive soap, if that's your thing, you do you. However for me, it is a judgement call. Now, I will say this, I cannot stand the Derby cream. I have the menthol and the lemon. Neither of them have the kind of protection that the sticks offer. However, for me, a shave stick that is above both, is the Palmolive stick! I will ALWAYS have that in my den.
I’ve received a couple sticks of Derby as freebies from online purchases... haven’t tried it yet but I may have to go ahead and give it a shot. I do a lot of hiking/camping and my first thought when I got it was “this is definitely going in the pack with me”... does it perform well with a SR?
As far as a straight razor, I can't speak to any level of certainty, however I have e heard it is better to have a bit more of a thinner lather.
I find the Derby has less of a scent and a bit harder than the Arko. I also find that the Derby has a little more post shave slickness. However, they are both great products. I have also the creams from both companies and the actual pucks/bowls coming from both companies. I'll post here when I have compared all the above if you guys would like.
For me the Derby stick is pretty good. It lathers easily and fast, the scent is a bit - just a bit different from the Arko stick and its postshave care is fine. However I must say the Arko stick is better all the way around.
i also like and use the wilkinson sword stick, fantastic stuff but harder to get here. i grated a wilki and a derby stick together and have a great soap as well..
