Arko, what a pleasant surprise

Discussion in 'Shave Soaps' started by KenH, Mar 27, 2018.

  1. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

    For the fist month and a bit I stuck to the same shave soap (Taylor's Sandalwood, cream) and had some awesome and some not so good ones. In short fairly variable.

    Over the last week I swapped the posher soap for the cheap arko stick that came with the blades and went from bowl lather to face lather and bingo. Much more consistent. For my beard/skin/razor and technique I don't know why but this stuff is excellent and I dismissed it as it came as a freebie!

    Just goes to show that splashing the cash aint always the way. Anyway a month to be done on this soap now to see if it is consistently as good as week 1 indicates.
     
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  2. mikewood

    mikewood Well-Known Member

    I think you hit upon something modern society has lost. A rich man and a poor man both deserve a good shave. Arko and cella both supply a moderately priced shaving soap for working class men. Sure they may not have the luxury scent of Tobs or T&H but they can give just as comfortable a shave. My only complaint of Arko is the chemical or “industrial lemon cleaner” scent. Vs cella’s almond. If they made an unscented it would replace cella as my go to soap.
     
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  3. PumperNickel-BageL

    PumperNickel-BageL Active Member

    Does it dry out your skin if you use it for a straight week?
     
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  4. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    That can be adjusted. Using a kitchen grater shred it like mozzarella cheese, spread it out and let the inherent scent dissipate. Then you can stir in Essential Oil, aftershave, or cologne to you choosing.

    Common issue with Arko. It's a little harsh. Turkish Barbers use it on Turkish customers. Could be a benefit to a high fat diet with associated oily skin. Maybe during the re-scenting procedure add unrefined Shea Butter or lanolin?
     
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  5. urrlord

    urrlord Well-Known Member

    Arko is nice,I have no problem with the scent.It can be a bit drying but a/s takes care of that.
     
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  6. CarlfromMO

    CarlfromMO Well-Known Member

    I am impressed with Arko and use it in my "What ever I feel like this morning" rotation. Always get a good lather.
    The smell of a newly purchased stick is pretty strong, but if the wrapper is removed, and the stick is placed on an open shelf for a week, it calms down quite a bit.

    I wonder if Arko stick would work as a car freshener. Maybe I can use a red string and hang it from the mirror. Ha!
     
  7. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

    So far no drying out. I use a balm then moisturiser anyway but will keep an eye on this now. :)
     
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  8. Yehuda D

    Yehuda D Israeli Ambassador to TSD

    Some guys I know think I'm crazy but I actually enjoy the scent of the Arko stick. I also find it has a better post-shave feeling than a couple of the Arko creams.
     
  9. john zeiger

    john zeiger Well-Known Member

    I'm glad you enjoyed the Arko. There are other soaps out there that can be had for less than TOBS. The first one that comes to mind is Stirling which I think punches well above its price point and they have a lot of great scents.
     
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  10. PanChango

    PanChango Not Cute

    I always keep a stick of Arko in the drawer, it's the next quickest thing to a can of barbasol.
     
  11. Ron R

    Ron R Well-Known Member

    Arko stick soap is great for traveling and want to have a shave. I tend to over lather when applying to whiskers with brush lathering and all you need is less to enjoy its great slickness with lots of water to prevent drying on the face before the blade gets its chance. Great soap that lasts...........and lasts.....
     
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  12. MR41

    MR41 Well-Known Member

    Yup! A good face lather with Arko ‘ull do you right!
     
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  13. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    Arko...never heard of the stuff.

    Arko.jpg

    Just kidding, it's a fantastic soap and one of the very best values in traditional wet shaving. :cool:
     
  14. Primotenore

    Primotenore missed opera tunity

    Article Team
    Arko, a surprise that it's pleasant...:happy097:
    See what I did??
     
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  15. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    Works great as an engine degreaser and an insect repellant too!
     
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  16. markjnewcomb

    markjnewcomb Well-Known Member

    Yeah, Arko is one of the best buys out there.
     
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  17. Latherin’ Luddite

    Latherin’ Luddite Well-Known Member

    My Arko supply came in that box too!

    Arko by the case and Cella by the kilo are the two best values out there IMO.

    But I’m too happy with Sterling’s lineup to focus only on the cheapest good shave.
     
  18. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    Now time to try Williams!!
     
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  19. Gobucks

    Gobucks Member

    It took me awhile to use this but i love it. I keep it in my travel case and take it with me on my travels.
     
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  20. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    It's also great for an engine de-greaser and insect repellant. There's something to be said for a product that pulls triple duty. :)

    All kidding aside, Arko is a great shave soap. If you use unrefined shea butter after the shave, you won't experience the drying effect.
     
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