Finally got around to trying an Arko Shave stick, was a giveaway from someone I bought something from. I tried to melt it onto a bowl, does not really work all that well.
Arko Sticks don't melt
- Thread starter Blondie
- Start date
Arko is a tallow based soap. So it's not a member of the melt-and-pour glycerin brigade. That's why it didn't melt. The sticks are soft enough that you should be able to squash it into a container easily enough if you choose to do so. Personally, I think it's fine as a shaving stick but as always YMMV.
use a cheese grater and then mush all the gratings into the bowl
+1
add a bit of water (few drops) to make everything stick together, use when dry.
I would try loading the brush on the stick first and then make the lather as I had a few shaving sticks that were not performing the same way as a soap vs a stick.
- Thread starter
- #5
Used it this AM, and worked well. I just mashed it into the bowl, as it softened, but never melted. Glad I kept an eye on it though, as it started to grow as it nuked. Quality did not seem to be degraded.
can you melt arko using hot water...?
No, but use enough and you'll eventually dissolve it.
Stand the stick up in the middle of your mug, make a tight fist and mush 'er straight on down then work it around with your thumb. Works everytime.
Slice it like a salami and layer the slices in your mug.
It doesn't melt but on warm days it does get pretty soft so that you can press it into a bowl or mug.
A little known fact. Arko has a half-life greater that plutonium 239 - which is 24100 years. (my 54 SuperSpeed will probably be around too)
Try using it like a stick. It really works. Rub it on your wet face and then hit it with the brush. That's what I do when I travel.
I mushed mine into a glass bowl by cutting it into coins and them pushing them down, adding a little Palmolive stick just for grins.
I mushed mine into a glass bowl by cutting it into coins and them pushing them down, adding a little Palmolive stick just for grins.
You can melt it in a double boiler. No point really though. Very easy to smoosh it or grate it.
Not sure why people feel the need to grate or melt it. Its incredibly soft and pliable. Just mash it down into a bowl
Yes, grating it is a needless extra step. Just smash it into your bowl.
You guys take up playing with your soap for entertainment now!!?? 
What else you play with??!!
What else you play with??!!
Last edited by a moderator:
If you have a lather bowl, you can scrape off some soap with a thumbnail and lather it in the bowl. That's the method that works for me. As others have mentioned, you can slice, grate, or mush it into a container such as a traditional shaving mug. Sticks are conveniently made for face lathering, but with a stiff brush such as horsehair or some synthetics that can be an irritating experience.
