Just used the Arko Shave stick for the first time today. I've read and seen that it is supposed to have a horrific scent that would turn most people off if it wasn't so affordable. It was fine. It's basically a somewhat lemony-talcum powder-light incense/ash scent and is very reminiscent of barbershops which offered shaves to me. It hardly makes a 'stench' or is so repulsive that it has the mythology so many have given. Its just an ok scent. Pretty much anything that is cheap but needs a scent smells like this tbh. It's not my favourite scent granted, but its very usable and the quality of the shave when used is excellent. Maybe it can go off? I wouldn't be surprised if this stuff sits on shelves for god knows how long before someone buys it...I kept it in a glad wrap bag and its all good. You can't smell it in the bathroom anymore and this was like 5 min after the shave. I'm just confused honestly, I was expecting it to be sooo much worse. Are there different qualities or versions for export? That might be it but otherwise Its very good and great value for the money. If you haven't tried it because of the scent, give it a go. Its certainly not as bad as people make out imo.