Arko

[dotKomo]

So, there are those on the forum who do not like the scent of Arko. While I am ambivalent on the scent (I don't love it or hate it), it does create a great and easy lather at a very low cost. I stumbled on something that might be helpful to those who like the performance and cost, but not the scent.

I grated some Arko into a container and smashed it into a puck, or sorts. I then added about 10 drops of spearmint essential oil, closed up the container and let it sit for several weeks. When I opened the container, the spearmint scent was definitely present, and the Arko scent greatly subdued.

You might give it a try.

 

[Owen Bawn]

About time someone started a thread about Arko. Well done, lad.

 

[Gunky]

I just ordered a case of arko. I miss the ease of use and portability.

 

[Ramsay]

About time someone started a thread about Arko. Well done, lad.

I agree that it’s about time someone started a thread about Arko (with ideas about how to reduce the smell….)

 

[Steve56]

I put mine under my deck in spring, and it keeps the feral cats and possums away all summer. By fall, it has aired out. /H

 

[ManBearPig]

Arko has become my daily shaving soap. And personally, I don't mind the smell. It lathers up great and is very consistent, especially when applied directly to the face.

I gave a stick to a friend of mine to try and he one upped me by giving me an Arko dispenser he bought on Etsy; sort of like a refillable Arko sized Lipstick tube. For a 3D printed gizmo, it works great and travels well. I did have to epoxy the cap back on once, but really, its not to bad for $15 US.

Worth an Etsy search if interested. I'm not affiliated, nor do I have access to the site presently.

 

[Obetron Rex]

I never disliked the smell, was a little strange at first. But very quickly I liked the smell and still do. I cut a stick into chunks and press it into a glass Tabac jar for brush loading. I just received a 12 pack of Arko for $20! It took 2 months to get here from Turkey but arrived in good shape. I vacuum sealed it so it won't lose its greatness. I have some packs of 6 sticks vacuum sealed too. And a few loose for current use. I'm still of the opinion it is the best of them all. Super slick, big lather, smells good and very cheap. I do love the menthol Stirling soaps and some others, but Arko stays on top in my book. Keeping an ARKO supply in case it becomes unavailable for whatever reasons.

 

[Linedog59]

I use ARKO daily, have 2.5 cases stashed under the sink. I also enjoy disease exhaust, fruit cake and Spam. I have more issues than Life magazine, mow my yard at night and sleep on corduroy pillow cases.

 

[gsurko]

It’s been said: “If God made anything better than Arko he kept it for himself”.

 

[Chef455]

I use ARKO daily, have 2.5 cases stashed under the sink. I also enjoy disease exhaust, fruit cake and Spam. I have more issues than Life magazine, mow my yard at night and sleep on corduroy pillow cases.

Where does one obtain disease exhaust?

 

[Linedog59]

Out of a disease truck, I despise spellcheck!!!

 

[Legion]

The resupply just arrived in the mail.

 

[bluesman 7]

The resupply just arrived in the mail.

View attachment 1603536

That would be an eight year supply for me.

 

[musicman1951]

I put mine under my deck in spring, and it keeps the feral cats and possums away all summer. By fall, it has aired out. /H

I find that if you leave it in the vendor's care at the store there is no issue with the scent.

 

[Legion]

That would be an eight year supply for me.

It’s been several years since I bought the last box.

 

[FarmerTan]

The resupply just arrived in the mail.

View attachment 1603536

You are richer than even George Bailey my friend!

 

[blethenstrom]

I just ordered a case of arko. I miss the ease of use and portability.

So did I. Couldn't pass up a $14 and change for a case.

 

[redrako]

Earlier generations of American shavers used William's Mug soap, the Arko of it's day.

It's doesn't smell pretty, it doesn't moisturize. It does everything a shave soap should do. It provides an easy. slick, protective lather.

 

[Roy]

I've used arko before from a tub and whilst got a good shave, stopped using it going on to some of the more expensive soaps.
I decided to try using the puck as a shaving stick, rubbing it over wet face. Thin film of soap which was transformed into a layer of superb lather. One of the best and closest shaves I've had. Lovely as the scent has mellowed and not at all awful.

 

[LuckyR]

So, there are those on the forum who do not like the scent of Arko. While I am ambivalent on the scent (I don't love it or hate it), it does create a great and easy lather at a very low cost. I stumbled on something that might be helpful to those who like the performance and cost, but not the scent.

I grated some Arko into a container and smashed it into a puck, or sorts. I then added about 10 drops of spearmint essential oil, closed up the container and let it sit for several weeks. When I opened the container, the spearmint scent was definitely present, and the Arko scent greatly subdued.

You might give it a try.

Different strokes for different folks, but IMO you either embrace the scent of Arko, or you don't. If you do, fine. If you don't, there are many soaps with similar excellent shave characteristics with "better" (to many noses) scents.

Personally, I appreciate Arko's scent for what it is and it is part of the rotation, admittedly a minor part.