Review (5/5): Outrageous!!
This product is an incredible value - possibly the best deal anywhere in the shaving soap/cream market. Lathers up as well as Truefit & Hill (my benchmark for lather quality and concentration) and is incredibly concentrated, with a little going a very long way. An unusual scent - a blend of citronella, lemon soap and old corn tortilla - but I've quickly grown to like it, and the scent of the stick has mellowed since I unwrapped it. Shaving is all about the experience, and having a Turkish take on your morning shave keeps the routine interesting, and gives you something to think about and enjoy as you lather up. My shaving supplies are a smorgasbord of international favorites, and the Arko stick is now right up there with the best of them and despite the low price - this is in no way a second rate product! The best way I've found to use this, is to skip the bowl and apply the stick directly to your wet beard, 'brushing' it on against the grain. All you need is just light skiff, which your morning whiskers will quickly pick up. Then take your wet brush and lather up directly on your skin. The lather explodes out of nowhere. My only slight criticism (more of an observation really) is that the lather has a somewhat 'dryer' feel to it than some others that are somewhat more 'slippery' - but that can be remedied with a little extra water and maybe a little pre-shave oil, if you are so inclined. My face and skin feel really great afterwards, (does the tallow base condition the skin better than vegetable?) and a slight scent remains but is not at all offensive, nor does is compete with other aftershaves I use. In all, this is a novel international product, of very high quality and ridiculously low price. If you love shaving products like I do, this is one you shouldn't overlook. Have fun with it!