I'm new to DE shaving, and have been doing some practice lathers today. I have Stirling Executive Man, and just got an Arko stick in the mail.

I won't get into the quality of the lather, because I haven't put any on my face yet, but wanted to add my 2 cents as to the scent, since it's talked about a lot.

The first thing that came to my mind was "CD store in the 1990's". It took me to a place with dim lighting, Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Marley posters on the wall, and bins full of Compact Discs. I think the smell I'm picturing is patchouli, but I'm not an expert.

I've heard it compared to Ivory Soap, but I don't smell that at all. I use Ivory daily, and smell no similarities.

This is just from one practice lather. Maybe when I put it on my face I'll smell something different. Either way, I don't mind it at all, and if I like the results I'll add myself to the list of happy Arko users.