The winner is.Arko

[Z man]

Good Morning Gentlemen,

This past week I decided to see which one of my shaving soaps performed the best. I started on Monday with a fresh personna med prep in my lovely new merkur 38c barber pole. A fantastic razor
I used the same blade all week and interchanged throughout the week with my omega 48 or semogue SOC, both outstanding performers.
I used Arko, proraso green soap, klar Kabbinet, Martin de Candre, Mitchel Wool Fat, proraso green cream and the last day using Arko again.
The best overall performer was easily Arko. I have it chopped up in a kent soap bowl. Even with a 7 day old blade I got a fantastic close shave. This stuff is really that good.
After Arko was Klar Kabbinet. In fact these 2 soaps performed well above the rest. I was startled. After Arko and Klar Kabinnet it would be Mitchel Wool Fat soap followed by Martin de Candre and in last was Proraso.
Usually MWF is a stellar performer but I did not get the same glide or cushion that Arko and KK gave me.
MDC was a disappointment. In the past a stellar performer but recently seems lacking in the cushion department for shaves against the grain? I love proraso but it did not compete this week. It gave plenty of glide and cushion but not as close a shave as the others.
Have a great Sunday
Andy

 

[moostashio]

Good morning! I tried Arko for the first time a few days ago. I had never used a stick before. I rubbed it on my face and was amazed at how much lather came up as I worked it with my brush (Jagger Best Badger). I then proceeded to perform the best shave of my life with my Merkur 180. Unbelievable!

 

[Mong.]

I like Arko, great shaves for very cheap. I always leave it open to lessen the scent, it gives me a headache!

 

[Bestarrkin]

I love it too but Derby is better than Arko, you should give a try.

 

[Eeyore]

Did you try the Palmolive stick? YMMV, but I rate it somewhat higher than Arko. The Palmolive lather is more slick and protective, imo.

 

[Z man]

Yes, I have tried Palmolive stick and though it performed ok never really got into using it. I used to use their cream which is readily available here in France.

 

[Z man]

Bestarrkin, I have never seen Derby sticks. If it works better then Arko I would love to give it a try. Can you tell me a little more about it and where I might find it in Europe.
thanks
Andy

 

[Howie]

I would think that a better way to determine a "best" performer would be to maybe use one soap for an entire week, and not rotate everyday.

I've never used Arko, but I hope to someday. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it does turn out to be your best performer. It does get many great reviews.

 

[Mick]

Arko is one of the hidden treasures of the wet shaving world.

If I can't make up my mind what to use I will always grab my Arko as I know I will get perfect lather and a perfect shave every time

 

[packtray]

I've been using Arko for a week now, and I like it! It isn't quite as slick as my beloved Cella, but I enjoy the scent.

 

[cottontop]

Arko is my favorite. And, I love the smell. No headaches here.
cottontop

 

[Hidell]

Arko is a cruel joke the world plays upon us shavers; we feel compelled to search out for better because of the price, while not being able to accept that its as good or better than anything else out there.

 

[Howie]

Arko is a cruel joke the world plays upon us shavers; we feel compelled to search out for better because of the price, while not being able to accept that its as good or better than anything else out there.

I haven't even tried it,.... yet I have no doubt of your claim. Can't wait to try it after I include it in my next order.

 

[shevek]

I don't use it very often, but it performs great when I do.

 

[striker6]

Arko is fantastic... I could shave with it everyday...

Anyone have a comment on Arko in the TUB, though???

 

[Yuritau]

Anyone have a comment on Arko in the TUB, though???

Only comment I can offer there is "WHY??" If I want a puck, my Tabac ceramic bowl is always right next to my Arko stick.

 

[Z man]

Hidell, simply brilliant! I was planning on having a Proraso shave this morning but after reading your well articulated reply it is back to ARKO

 

[MSstrahan]

I love it too but Derby is better than Arko, you should give a try.

+1 for Derby. Performs as good, without the smell. Just smells like soap.

 

[MSstrahan]

Bestarrkin, I have never seen Derby sticks. If it works better then Arko I would love to give it a try. Can you tell me a little more about it and where I might find it in Europe.
thanks
Andy

Try www.bestshave.net

 

[Z man]

Comment on my Arko shave this morning: Excellent and significantly closer then my shave yesterday with my much liked MDC. I used the same brush, SOC, same razor and blade merkur 38c/personna med prep ,same after shave balm weleda and the same technique. In fact my face feels better as well compared to my shave yesterday and Mondays with MWF. I am confused. This morning I was able to easily whip up mounds of lather much more than MDC or MWF. In fact the only soap that gives me comparable lather is Klar Kabbinet. A great product in its own right. These are two great products and for the second week in a row Arko blows them out of the water? Is it because it is a Tallow based soap????? Looking for answers.......
I think tomorrow I will be picking up some Tabac soap.