The Arko Challenge

That question can only be answered by the individual user. I am much the same with soaps. Before moderating, I coordinated a soap review group, search fu will show it. It made me realize that soap, assuming a certain level of quality, is well, soap. Soap is a hobby to some, but for others, switching to DE blades and hard soap is an economic decision. If I can prove that a one dollar stick lasts half a year, then those looking for value will have a thread with some hard data about longevity and lathering methods. Mass market products hold particular interest to me, and I take pride in demonstrating over and over that good shaving can be had through technique and any adequate product. I don't really buy soap anymore, just using the stuff I have around. I like keeping it on the low end though, because it makes a luxury soap like Stirling seem even better than if I used it every day. If I were stuck using Barbasol and generic DE blades in a Magic Razor, I'd be ok with it. My real take on soap is pick one for learning, but once a person is a highly competent technical shaver, soap becomes more playground than determining factor.

 

I don't have an issue with the Challenge - I find it very interesting, personally. As for market products, I can attest that you can get a good shave out of Safeguard, Irish Spring, most any body wash, Ivory soap. pretty much anything that you can use to get a slick surface, even if it wasn't made for shaving. (Never tried conditioner. )

 

Conditioner works well. I know some tattoo artists use it to shave skin for inking. It can be wiped away with alcohol and requires no water.

 

Y'learn something new every day.

 

Day 62 and 63, 10-11 July 2017

 

Days 64-65, 17-18 July 2017

 

Ahhhh broke outta tha magic...

 

Yeah man, and the Sharks are great in the Parker, but are totally different in the Magic.

Just kidding. You and I know what a silly statement that is! Yes, broke it out. It's the largest of the Shavettes, and while a bit light, is a joy to use.

 

The Dovo is light and smaller. It's fun too in it's way.

 

Days 66-68

 

The stick is showing a little wear finally!!

 

What a great contest. I love me some Arko too, it was one of the first soaps I tried after Williams almost a year ago now. It's such a great soap hands down and I don't care what anyone says I love the smell, not as much as I love the smell of new Williams but still love it none the less.

 

A man after your own heart, Fuzzy @wchnu

 

This is fascinating. Love the diary style.

So far I can see that my soon-to-arrive 12-pack will last me well beyond 6 years

Love everything about Arko. One thing that especially strikes me is that it's so consistent. There's a consistency to mass-produced commercial products that just can't be beaten by artisans IMHO. Not ditching those, but it's nice to know when a shave needs to be on spot everyday, Arko's there for me to hold my hands

The scent also keeps the SWMBO at bay, so that's an added boon

 

I don't know about this one, Martin.

 

She despises the scent. Big time.

 

I just don't know/understand why keeping her at bay would be a positive.

 

It's called loving bantering If you feel the above is harsh you should try living in our home for a week..

Edit: As an added note. Loving or not - I prefer to shave alone - Arko definitely helps me doing that

 

Yup...I get misty eyed.

 

Day 70