I used it a long time ago but back then I wasn't lathering with the skills I have now so figured I would give it another go. I think once I learned how to get copious amounts of lather from Williams then all things became possible. And yeah it seemed like a good deal.
I understand the scent turns many off. I have always shaved then showered and washed my face and add the aftershave after my shower so I don't have to worry about the scent of a soap too much.
Plus, it's a low cost and very good soap for beginners. If, for example, you wanted to give away a starter set or do some other sort of PIF.
Once I got a 12 pack close to its expiration date and figured the strong smell was all gone. All that was left was a hint of citronella which I found very pleasant. I thought this was what it's supposed to smell like. So if you don't like Arkos strong smell remove the wrapper and put it in a dry but well ventilated area and let it sit for a few weeks in its closed cardboard container (dust and all).
Sadly no bulk stores near me, so when I get to my last Arko stick in the box, I'll order another dozen. I have 5 sticks left so it will be awhile. I press or shave a stick into my shave bowl so I can use it as a hard puck and the scent sadly settles down
Do yourself a favor and finish this 12 pack before buying any more. Trust me, you want to keep excess stock to a minimum when you get tired of it. It's been a few years, but I still have 10 sticks left in my last impulse purchase case.
I shave and press a stick in my shave bowl instead of using it as a stick , get a great lather with Arko, on my second dozen. Enjoy that dozen no mater how you use it.
I bought a 12ct like 8yrs ago. Then about about a year and a half ago I bought some more on sale, for the same price I'd paid for the first purchase. Then I wanted to try Derby to compare it to Arko? For double the amount I would pay for 3 sticks shipped. I could get 12!! Well that was a no brainer to get the 12. I think I'm down to 18 Arko and 11 Derby sticks now. Figure with all the shave soaps I have in my rotation and stocked up around the house. Plus that I usually shave every other day or so. I probably have enough soaps and creams to last me close to retirement.
I am enjoying very much. I don't mind the scent at all. This is a top shelf performer. I enjoy MWF and Tabac. They may have a more pleasing scent but they don't perform any better. I can work it right out of the mug and not worry about a lather bowl. It's so inexpensive I don't care how much concentrated soap I work into the Brush. This stuff just explodes.... I find that lately I prefer face lathering better than working it in a bowl first.
