My Arko stick arrived yesterday, I and used it for the first time this morning. Its scent is fairly disgusting in a rather lavatorial sort of way, but I reckon I can get used to it. However, it performed supremely well, and I enjoyed a wonderful shave. We have very hard water here, and I was astonished how well it lathered. Its only fault was that it was a tad too fat for vintage shaving stick cases. Its diameter is supposd to be 3.3 cms, but I reckon it is more than that.
Arko Stick
- Thread starter Fuzzypeg
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Arko is great stuff. Some guys here struggle with the scent early on, but it grows on you. Performance is bulletproof. Glad you have some. Enjoy!
Arko is a pretty polarizing product here. Most can agree that the performance is unmatched for the price of a stick - it's just the smell that steers people away. I know some folks here have figured out ways to add essential oils or certain aftershaves to their Arko when they grate it or mash it into a tub, so this might be an option for you. Luckily for me it eventually grew on me and I just slap on some Fine American Blend aftershave so the smell doesn't linger too long. What does linger is the excellent shave!
Glad you gave it a shot!
Glad you gave it a shot!
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I think I shall only use shaving sticks for travelling, as that is what they were designed for. They are definitely quirky and eccentric, which is probably part of their appeal. I am going to try to keep away from the cheese grater, as my wife might be tempted to have me sent to "the funny farm"!
I've been using Arko for a little over a month, and I'm really enjoying it. Lathers nice, can't be the price, and I really don't mind the scent. In fact....I actually like it. I mashed my stick into my Old Spice shave mug and before I get into the shower I add some hot water to the mug. I find it makes the scent that much better.
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I whittle my pucks.
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The vintage soap stick containers also vary in size as do the soaps.
I have an older Colgate container, and the ARKO stick fits the diameter fine, but I did trim a little off the length.
If you have a smaller diameter container, most likely the Speick Stick will fit.
I used the twist up container from West Coast Shaving and it fits perfectly
+1
Can't say it grew on this shaver. 😷
Still off-putting after all those years...
The best I can say is that the smell from an Arko stick abates over time.
If someone can get a Palmolive stick for a similar price (about 0.74 Euro ($0.91) in Europe, $4 when imported into the US) he should try.
Excellent performance without the offensive smell.
Sometimes you got the envy the Europeans....
B.
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I highly recommend that you leave it out with the top unwrapped for a few days, I found the scent lessens over time.
You can cut chunks from the Arko stick and mash them into a vintage shaving stick case.
+1. Love those twist up sticks.
Yeeeaaaahh... Arko's weird. I don't mind the scent at all, but it's just baffling that they don't offer any options. Then again, I think that a part of its charm is that they're so popular w/ such a stripped down product. How many soaps out there make you stop and think "but damn, it's so cheap!" The way that Arko does?
Every time I get a good shave with it I look straight at the smiling dude on the label and say "you bastards got me again."
And then I put on something that actually smells like something that humans wish to smell like.
The only problem I have with Arko, is that the smell could be stronger and last longer. I'm in the 'love it' crowd! 
A pleasing scent is essential to the soaps I choose to use and why I have no interest in Arko.
FTFY.
Kirko. His name is Kirko.
I have found that Murray and Lanman Orange Blossom, after applying as after shave, smells like a mellowed out Arko stick.
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