Paul, I've used Arko since Nov. 16 except for a few quick shower shaves when time was short. I estimated 70 to 90 shaves on the stick, and I should finish with somewhere around 70. The characteristic Arko scent is mostly gone now. It retains a "basic soap scent," and it reminds me of hand soap from my elementary school days. It is an excellent shave soap, and I've enjoyed using it. I do, however, miss the variety of the scents I get using my other soaps. I will 3017 the Midnight Stag next. It's crumbled and has been airing out in the garage along with another stick of Arko for almost a month. Both soaps have settled down nicely. Midnight Stag is noticeably softer than Arko, so it should be consumed more quickly.
It will cost maybe $1500 to repaint my garage, but I've decided to live with the rust spots and pitted windshield on my car. On the plus side, I won't have to hire a home exterminator this year. The things we do to advance shaving science...
We share the same issue about doing consecutive shaves with the same soap-we miss our other great ones. My Colgate soap crumbled pout of long days of just sitting in my den, unused. Probably the most upset I ever felt since being a member.
Friday, February 24 Day Six MWF~~Simpson M7~~Barbasol Floating Head/Polsilver SI~~Vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme As one can easily see, MWF, when in competent hands, creates a sumptuous, thick, rich, protective leather. While it'll take some time to knock out this soap, the journey is a terrific one. Yesterday's Brut was declared the "King of Fougères". Today's PR is hereby crowned "Kaiser". Let the people be told...
I'm still working on the EJ sandalwood puck since new years day. Unfortunately it's been mostly dead air from me since then... 10 days into it I decided to weigh the puck. 62 grams, down from 65. Yikes! I'm sure it absorbed a little water, but still. From there it was 59, 55, 52, then 47 on day 50 (Last Sunday, the 19th.) So the pace picked up a smidgen, but I'm still not even a third of the way through.. That's 3 passes per day, every day, no days missed. And enough for a 4th pass rinsed down the drain. Basically just normal usage for me. I'm not being stingy with it, and not wasteful. Just normal usage.
Being that it pretty much smells like your garage to start with, does airing it out there make any difference?
For the first couple of weeks, I got a whiff as soon as I stepped into the garage. Raising the garage door cleared the air, of course. I don't notice it so much now, so it has mellowed out. As I'm thinking about it, I may sit it under my covered patio for awhile. A constant fresh air flow would speed the process along. It would also ward off the squirrels.
How many adventurous shavers have undertaken back-to-back Arko-Midnight Stag soap 3017s?" History is in the making right here, friends, and a spot in the Shaving Hall of Fame awaits! But alas, even the faint-hearted - those that eschew the finer soaps and remain satisfied with a milquetoast experience - have a shot at completing 3017s as long as MWF is available. Please note that a signed permission slip is required in order to participate. Remember, WTG shaving only please. There's a place for everyone under @Primotenore's Big Tent.
Normally, I would agree with this statement, but it's like chugging a fifth of whiskey after you have let all of the alcohol evaporate. Just sayin'.
That's precisely why Shaving Hall of Fame inductees prefer the Goldilocks© over the Fast 'n Loose lathering method. This results in always making the lather just right in every respect, including the amount. It takes more skill to master, but it pays tribute to a fine soap's heritage and allows one to savor every last bit of soap. I'm no longer alarmed, however, when I observe Fast 'n Loose lathering. We're all learning here, so one would expect to see novice techniques being used from time to time. Pass the ice cream please.
Saturday, February 25 Day Seven MWF~~PL8~~Red-Injun 101~~Vintage YSL M7 Always a pleasure to wield the Böker Red-Injun No. 101. Keen edge and ergonomically correct for my hands. The MWF keeps chugging along and together with the PL8, made for some super suds. I still bloomed it whist showering; that's my modus operandi...and proud of it. Along with: 1) Fast 'n Loose lathering 2) Having no regrets about making too much latherFinished with the first Oud fragrance marketed to the west.
