EVYAP ARKO Shaving Cream Soap, 3 Pieces, (Pack of 1)

I bought this based on 1, the great reviews seen here on Amazon and 2, the price which I thought offered tremendous value for money compared to other shaving soaps. The other main reason for the purchase was due to wanting to try the badger shaving brush I received at Christmas.First things first, the smell...well I actually really liked it. It had a traditional 'soapy' smell that took me back to the hand soap bars that were commonly used in the toilets at my old school (1980's kid), some may say that's odd but that was my first thought.In use: Initially I tried lathering up directly from the stick tip and a warm, wet badger brush (as others have recommended) and although this gave reasonable results the lather just didn't seem thick enough. Next was the direct to face from the stick technique (as per the instructions) but this didn't really work that well for me either. The last attempt went against the guidelines and I used a bowl, well, when I say a bowl I actually pinched a hand cream pot that my partner had just finished, gave it a good wash out and then crushed one of the shaving sticks directly into it. Once I had flattened the soap in my 'bowl' I wet (actually soaked) the badger brush in warm water then took that straight to the bowl and started to build a lather, within a few seconds I had a thick, creamy lather which was perfect. Next was application; as a newbie to shaving brushes and soap I wasn't sure what the best application method was, so I took a good amount of the lather on my brush and simply swept the brush tip from side to side across my face, this gave a nice even covering ready for the shave.The shave went better than expected, the DE blade just seemed to glide across my face and removed much more facial hair than my old mach 3 blade and canned shaving gel. A Results check; you know how you automatically rub your face after shaving to see if you've missed any areas, well I did that and found next to nothing! No shave rash either. So if your still reading this rather long review then what I'm basically saying is buy it! it's great soap at a great price.P.S. You may well laugh at my hand cream bowl idea, but my Sons who constantly use my shaving gel won't go near a 'girly' hand cream pot, so with the lid screwed on it will remain safe as they will never know it's there! Just hope the missus doesn't try and moisturize her hands with it...

Repurchase, so already happy with the soap. Really plrased

Arko Shave Sticks have a marmite quality about them amongst DE Shaving enthusiasts. This is mainly caused by their scent. However before I discuss that tricky topic, let’s consider some of their more easily addressed properties.First of all, their main purpose is to produce shaving lather. At this, these shave sticks excel! I use them directly on my face, having washed in warm water, and rub the stick into all areas of stubble. Don’t stint on this application because not only are Arko sticks excellent value, they are long-lasting. A little goes a long way. I then use my moistened brush to build up a lather directly on my face. The slick, good-quality lather builds quickly and will soon load up your brush for subsequent passes. Using this method, I can easily obtain three passes and touch ups.One thing to note, is that as you’re applying soap directly to your face, the blade can pick up some thicker soap residue, so make sure you clean your blade well after use.The soap comes in a foil wrapper which you unravel as you use the soap. Keep some on the bottom to use as a handle. When not in use, or when travelling, I keep opened shave sticks in a zip lock bag. And as it’s a solid item, rather than fluid or cream in a container which might irk airport security, the Arko makes a perfect travelling companion.Now onto the scent. I have read it described being either as a pleasant lime/lemon scent such as used in Turkish Barbers’ shops or as disgusting as lime scented disinfectant pucks, found commonly in gents’ urinals. The strange thing is, to my nose, both descriptions can be valid. Sometimes the smell is pleasant and at other times it can be powerfully overwhelming. It is strange stuff. I would however say that it is never so strong that I can’t or won’t use it.So should you buy Arko? I would provisionally say; “yes.” However I would only encourage you to do so, in order to try a worldwide renowned soap and to experience a shave stick if you have not already done so. Compared to a bowl soap or cream, they are much simpler to apply especially if you shave in the shower. Rub it on and then lather. It’s excellent value and produces plenty of slick lather. So “Thank you” to Arko for showing me the benefits of shave sticks.However I much prefer shave sticks from LEA. These don’t smell strange, rather having a beautiful fresh soap scent. They’re not wrapped in a bit of foil but come in a protective plastic case. They are fitted into a base which makes holding and applying them so much easier. They may be slightly more expensive than the Arko but not by much and are therefore overall, the much better option.

Having read all the great reviews and watched YouTube videos on this product , given its price I ordered some.Arrived very quickly and used it straight away.Very easy to use, just peel away the wrapping to reveal the soap, dip into warm water and apply to a wet, shave prepared face.Smells ok, it’s not unpleasant, some folk seem to think it is ? It’s absolutely fine.Applies to the face so easily, then lather it up with a shaving brush. It’s produced a very rich and slick lather. Razor glides through it no problem , after finding you can feel how slick it is on the skin.Produces an excellent, cheap , close, irritation free shave. Been using the first stick from a pack of three for weeks, hardly used any. This is going to last me for years.Definitely my favourite shave soap now, it’s excellent.