Cult of Arko

**cb91710** · 05-16-2013, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by johant1968

How does Arko compare to, on the one hand, Palmolive sticks, and on the other hand, Vergulde Hand sticks?

Performance wise, not price wise!

While it is true that Americans have to import Arko from Turkey, Palmolive is likewise not readily available.
It's on Amazon at 2-3 times the price of Arko.
I know you aren't concerned about price, and honestly, I would still buy Arko if it cost double... but I'm offering the cost and limited aailability as one reason many "over here" have not used Palmolive.

**johant1968** · 05-16-2013, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by cb91710

While it is true that Americans have to import Arko from Turkey, Palmolive is likewise not readily available.
It's on Amazon at 2-3 times the price of Arko.
I know you aren't concerned about price, and honestly, I would still buy Arko if it cost double... but I'm offering the cost and limited aailability as one reason many "over here" have not used Palmolive.

Maybe I need to rephrase my question ...

Arko, De Vergulde Hand, and Palmolive are all available here in local shops. But I never tried Arko so far. So my question; does anyone know how it compares to the other two? Or at least to the Palmolive sticks?

Of course I could run out to the Turkish supermarket in the city center to buy some Arko, but somehow I always stick to the soaps that I know. So ... am I really missing something? What makes Arko special, when there are so many soaps and cremes to try?

**LouSee** · 05-17-2013, 12:36 AM

go grab a stick. it's gotta be less than 2 euros. skip a soda or bottle water. :-) it lathers easily and well. it has a slightly industrial lemon scent. if lemon bothers you, just let the stick sit around unwrapped for a few days and the scent will go away. i like palmolive stick but i like my arko, too. hard to compare them because i haven't used them close enough to each other to do a blow-by-blow comparison. Maybe the arko lather is softer, more pillow-y. palmolive's is always rather dense or yogurty for me. Good glide, slickness, neither dry out my face, etc... Only reason not to get it is if you detest lemon.

**johant1968** · 05-17-2013, 12:47 AM

I don't like lemon scent ... that might answer the question

Yes, they are definitely well below 2 euros, something like 1.20 I think. They'd better be too, because Palmolive sticks are below 1 euro!
(DVH is slightly more expensive, like 1.50, but those sticks are bigger too)

I might buy an Arko stick when I'm near the Turkish shop in Utrecht, just to satisfy my curiosity

**Sir Lurkalot** · 05-17-2013, 12:48 AM

With Arko, I really don't need to buy any other soap ever. Once my supply of vintage soaps dwindle, I'll have the sticks. I don't have sensitive skin and to me Arko smells like Ivory soap. It's easy to lather and protects my face. Plus, for traveling, that's easy also. Just the stick and a brush, your razor of course, and there you have it. Happy shaving.

**oldbluelight** · 05-17-2013, 06:19 AM

Well, my fate is sealed. SWMBO once again commented that she liked the scent of Arko. Now I'll have to keep using an inexpensive product that's generously packaged and features excellent performance. Oh! Woe is me!

**derjoachim** · 05-17-2013, 10:57 AM

Johan,

If you do not like the lemon scent, Arko is not for you. It is more lemony than a citronella candle. That being said, just try one. For €1,20 you cannot go wrong. It lathers like a rabid werewolf in a soap factory and it gives great shaves. One Q to you though: where in the Netherlands do you buy Palmolive sticks? I often find the shaving cream, but never the stick. No biggie, since I buy them in Germany or Belgium, but still curious.

Oldbluelight: My SWMBO absolutely loves the smell of my shaving soaps, and Arko is her favorite..

**johant1968** · 05-17-2013, 11:49 AM

You are correct ... I don't buy the Palmolive sticks in the Netherlands. My work often brings me to Belgium (next week again). Every Carrefour carries Palmolive sticks.

The Palmolive cremes you can buy locally, at the Trekpleister for instance.

There is a "drogist" in Utrecht that sells Palmolive sticks, I think. But you're better off buying them in Germany or Belgium ... they're cheaper over there.

Edit: drogisterij Slamat. I didn't buy them there, but I've seen them in the shop, I think. I usually stop by there to get some "Potters linea" licorice.

**rushchairman** · 05-20-2013, 06:52 PM

Another quality shave, thanks to Arko. Thank you Arko!

**Sir Lurkalot** · 05-20-2013, 07:28 PM

Used Arko today and had a dandy shave. All praise the Leader!

**Bustedup** · 05-20-2013, 08:01 PM

I was PIF'd a stick of ARKO about a month back. I was PIF'd some other high dollar creams and soaps when I first started. The others did smell better and was packaged more attractively. But when it came to performance, ARKO stood tall. I've only been addicted to WETSHAVING since November, 2012, but my experience is that more money spent on soap or cream rarely is well spent. Not with the like s of ARKO and Palmolive out there.

**Simcon** · 05-21-2013, 02:49 PM

So... well... I've actually started to like the scent of Arko, it took me a few days... But now I consider it to be quite pleasant :), might even take the lid of the container I'm storing it in so that the whole bathroom will smell of Arko.

**Antares600** · 05-21-2013, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Simcon

So... well... I've actually started to like the scent of Arko, it took me a few days... But now I consider it to be quite pleasant :), might even take the lid of the container I'm storing it in so that the whole bathroom will smell of Arko.

The smell is intense at first but will mellow out with time.

**Sir Lurkalot** · 05-21-2013, 08:59 PM

Arko+Silvertip badger+lots o'water+Gillette LC New+Schick stainless blade+Pinaud Lime Sec=another awesome shave!

**Holt** · Yesterday, 05:00 PM

I tried this today for the first time. I was very pleased at how the lather just burst onto my face, and I got a very good shave with it. I bought it for travel, but I may just use it as my every-day soap as soon as my current puck runs out.

I don't mind the smell, but it's certainly... industrial.

**Sir Lurkalot** · Yesterday, 05:46 PM

Key points to remember in Holt's post:

First time, lather bursting, very good shave, bought it for travel but will become everyday soap and doesn't mind the smell.

The Leader is pleased.

**bvance554** · Yesterday, 10:23 PM

I haven't been on here in a while, and I'm just disappointed that there is still not yet an Arko sub-forum. For lovers and haters alike.

**Oregoneon** · Yesterday, 10:54 PM

another great arko shave tonight, it never disappoints. I don't get around to it much anymore, but that is going to change.

**Bustedup** · Today, 06:31 PM

ARKO is the Ron Jeremy of shave soaps: it's not the most attractive thing out there, BUT YOU CAN'T argue with the top,tier performance and all the other performers out there secretly wish they were him! All hail ARKO!