My First Shave With Arko...Big Disappointment?

Don't count on it!

Just received my Arko stick in the mail today, opened it up, and all I could think, was "heaven". That smell...sooooo good! This is coming from a guy who wears American Eagle cologne (to give you an idea of what I like, in terms of scents). So, I partially unwrapped it, cut off a teensy piece (maybe 1/20th) with a knife, and smushed it at the bottom of a bowl. Of course, this is my first time using any shaving soap, so I wasn't sure what to expect... I basically rung most of my brush out, lathered/loaded it for maybe 10 seconds, and applied it to my face. WOW! I've only ever used Nivea or Gilette "goo" before, and this was lightyears better! Great protection, slickness, post shave, ect. Put on my Nivea aftershave, and they blended nicely together! Nivea actually fades more than the Arko does, and I'm really happy with how it smells! Also, with only putting the little amount into the bowl that I did, I can understand how long this stuff is going to last...yeesh - if I shave every single day for a year, I may go through it all (still unlikely, though!).

Now, shame on all who don't like Arko. You nearly lead me astray.

Very satisfied with my experience, though, and will definitely be buying more of this in the future.

 

Nice Kenny! One of the best bangs for your buck!

 

Different strokes....
Glad you enjoyed it! There are many here who do enjoy Arko.

FYI: Scent is one those notorious subjects where each of us has different sensory perceptions, likes and expectations.
One man's dream aftershave is another man's dread.

 

Arko reminds me of something that I can't quite place...

And no, it's not urinal cakes.

 

Glad to hear you like Arko so much Kenny! Some people can't tolerate the scent or just plan "HATE" it But if the scent doesn't bother you your going to "LOVE" how it performs and the price!! Since I started using Arko I haven't used any of my other soaps. I cut my sticks in pieces and then mash the pieces into a Ziploc container for storage and loading my brush, then I build my lather in a SS bowl the same dimensions as the VDH green ceramic bowl. FYI if the scent ever starts to bother you just leave the stick exposed to air for a bit and the scent disappears or at least greatly dissipates. I hope you enjoy using Arko as much as I do..

 

If that's the case, you may want to also try some Pinaud Lilac Vegetal.

 

It's about an hour later, and I still feel the slickness and moisture from the shave! Also still smell the Arko - nope, I highly doubt I'll start to dislike the scent any time soon. I'll probably never buy another shaving soap after trying this one, wow!

 

Hate to tell you this trey, but I like the Veg also.

 

I won't judge. Haven't tried the Veg yet myself. I do like the Lime Sec with my Arko though.

 

Update? Almost four hours later, I've briefly been outside in Winnipeg's -20 C weather (that's -4 F for the Americans), and it's the slickest I've ever felt after a shave. Granted, this could be due partially to the Nivea, but I still have to give credit to the Arko - it's not drying - at least when used with a proper post-shave balm.

 

That's my line...

 

I find it to be a decent product. Good but not great. I'm not a huge fan of the lemon pledge with a hint of citronella candle scent but it could be worse.

 

Arko is probably the best value/performance in wet shaving. There's a US seller on eBay that sells 2-sticks for $4.59 total w/free shipping! Can't beat that! Try using it traditionally by wetting your face, rubbing the end of the Arko stick on your face and face lathering. The Arko will explode into a fantastically thick/slick lather! Many crack-wise about the smell, but I think it just smells clean like a shaving soap should...............

 

I used Arko myself this morning and was again reminded about what an absolutely amazing performer it is - regardless of price.
The sticks could be $10 a pop and still be as good or better value than many artisan offerings these days.
Great soap.

 

Add a couple drops of M-Bomb!

 

I love Arko!

 

You shouldnt have Said that hahaha. You have awakened the beast!

 

I like the scent of Arko. It was a long time ago I tried it but the last time was a little disappointing, I didn't get very slick lather. I should revisit it because I know it's a very good performer, but I never do somehow haha

 

I was disappointed with Arko. I was excited to order it and couldn't wait to get it. I mashed it into a small bowl and got to it right away. The lather I got was awful and it wasn't slick at all. This was months ago and my technique is better. At that point I did not fully understand how important adding water is, nor did I understand that a light coating of properly hydrated soap can be what you are looking for; I was trying to make it as fluffy as possible and did not add water. I have also come to realize my water is not optimal for lathering.
I will be buying another stick and look forward to trying it again. I loved the scent.

 

To each, their own! Continued great shaves with it, and you'll come around once you try some of the lovely artisan soaps with their excellent scents!