Shave sticks

**dave_36** · 04-30-2012, 06:21 PM

I had noticed there are a lot of fans of Arko (the price is definitely right as well) but I finally got around to trying it and just can't get past the smell. Not going to work for me unfortunately.

When just starting out a few months ago I was PIF'd a stick called LEA which has proven to be a good traveler - it comes in a perfect plastic case complete with small holes and the smell agrees with me.

Anyone have any other shave stick suggestions? I'm always game to try another in the pursuit of the perfect shave.

Thanks and happy shaving
Dave

**the_edski** · 04-30-2012, 06:23 PM

Palmolive, Speick, Valobra, Irish Moos, La Toja, Derby...the list goes on and on...

**njpaddy** · 04-30-2012, 06:25 PM

My favorite stick, La Toja.

**dave_36** · 04-30-2012, 06:27 PM

Thanks Ed and Brian, good starting point there. Time to start Googling...

**the_edski** · 04-30-2012, 06:30 PM

goto West Coast Shaving, can't go wrong with their selection and prices. Shave sticks are fairly inexpensive, and if you find out you don't like it in stick form, mash it down/grate it into a bowl and you have a DIY soap puck!

**Vlad** · 04-30-2012, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by the_edski

Palmolive, Speick, Valobra, Irish Moos, La Toja

Oh heck yes. Soap sticks are so good.

**Clovis Man** · 04-30-2012, 06:42 PM

Tabac has a shave stick. Nice, and only about $12 US.

**dave_36** · 04-30-2012, 06:47 PM

Okay, I hit up WCS and ordered a good number of those. Will this keep me occupied for a while? Who am I kidding...

Thanks again, gents
Dave

**Luc** · 04-30-2012, 06:57 PM

I would suggest starting with this page: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Shave_stick

**the_edski** · 04-30-2012, 07:01 PM

Welcome to the madne....I mean, fun of shaving!

Originally Posted by dave_36

Okay, I hit up WCS and ordered a good number of those. Will this keep me occupied for a while? Who am I kidding...

Thanks again, gents
Dave

**dave_36** · 04-30-2012, 07:13 PM

That's a good read. I have enough coming to qualify for free shipping. I shouldn't need soap or cream for a minute. Good times, gents.

Happy shaving
Dave

**DougieB** · 04-30-2012, 07:22 PM

+1 Irisch Moos!

**Legion** · 04-30-2012, 07:24 PM

And you don't have to limit yourself to new soaps, either. The stick I am using now is around 60 years old! And it works wonderfully! (Vintage Palmolive.)

**Bluebriz** · 04-30-2012, 07:49 PM

Did you give the Arko time to air out? For some, the initial smell upon opening is just too much, but leave it somewhere to air out and the smell is much less strong. If you can't get past the smell you are REALLY missing out on a fantastic soap!

**tgutc** · 04-30-2012, 10:35 PM

La Toja, Palmolive, and Speick are all great sticks with good smells.

**Marco** · 05-01-2012, 01:08 AM

La Toja, Valobra and Speick. Three all-round winners.

**StuMcB** · 05-01-2012, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by Bluebriz

Did you give the Arko time to air out? For some, the initial smell upon opening is just too much, but leave it somewhere to air out and the smell is much less strong. If you can't get past the smell you are REALLY missing out on a fantastic soap!

Worked for me. OR you could try the Derby stick. Less Toilet bowl smell (As some call it).

**tml** · 05-01-2012, 01:24 PM

I love my Arlington stick!

**Teddyboy** · 05-01-2012, 03:33 PM

I would recommend La Toja and any of Mama Bear's shaving sticks- e.g., Lime Ice is perfect for the coming summer.

**dave_36** · 05-01-2012, 05:21 PM

Yeah, I gave the Arko two shaves just to be sure it wasn't a fluke and I found the smell really doesn't agree with me. I now have a number of the sticks you guys mention on the way and looking forward to trying them out. They're so portable that it won't be difficult to pack them for deployment and continue the evaluation process...

Happy shaving
Dave