Thread: Arko and MDC

Never a fan of MdC. Love every other French hard soap out there but always found MdC drying.

Originally Posted by alla2465

So, I know I can't be the only one who feels like this.
I own MDC and I think that Arko will give me a lather that is just as good, and a shave just as good.
I personally love MDC, but I think Arko is just as good, so while MDC might be a lot more expensive, it is still not better than Arko to me.
as for the scents I also enjoy Arko, you can't go wrong with that classic original shave soap scent. MDC also has a great scent, (I own the Fougere)
So all in all the cheapest soap is just as good (to me) as the most expensive, I can't be the only one who feels like this can i?
I am curious to hear how you guys would compare MDC and Arko to each other, because I can honestly say that they are my 2 favorite soaps.

I'll stick my neck out even further. Arko is better. For me its that simple. When it comes to honing everyone says its the shave test that matters. When I read about soaps I don't hear that so much. I hear about how it lathers. MDC lathers like a champ. But the shave? For me? Arko is better. The scent? Well, that's personal. There was a similar discussion on FB a couple weeks ago about best soaps at or above. My controversial opinion was the Barrister and Mann is the best soap I've used at any price. But Arko is right under it. I rarely use my MDC. Maybe once a year. I use Arko regularly. I came to this conclusion after I stopped judging based on scent, how it explodes with lather (or not), how its packaged, or how its discussed. The shave is the test that matters. And the results I have gotten have dictated my opinions. Yes, there are conclusions you can make about the lather based on what shaves well for you. But how you feel after the shave is what matters. I often think that a lot of discussion about harsh edges has more to do with lousy soap than harsh edges. But that's just me.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I'll stick my neck out even further. Arko is better. For me its that simple. When it comes to honing everyone says its the shave test that matters. When I read about soaps I don't hear that so much. I hear about how it lathers. MDC lathers like a champ. But the shave? For me? Arko is better. The scent? Well, that's personal. There was a similar discussion on FB a couple weeks ago about best soaps at or above. My controversial opinion was the Barrister and Mann is the best soap I've used at any price. But Arko is right under it. I rarely use my MDC. Maybe once a year. I use Arko regularly. I came to this conclusion after I stopped judging based on scent, how it explodes with lather (or not), how its packaged, or how its discussed. The shave is the test that matters. And the results I have gotten have dictated my opinions. Yes, there are conclusions you can make about the lather based on what shaves well for you. But how you feel after the shave is what matters. I often think that a lot of discussion about harsh edges has more to do with lousy soap than harsh edges. But that's just me.

Oh well,,,,

Glad to hear your happy with Arko.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

....But how you feel after the shave is what matters. I often think that a lot of discussion about harsh edges has more to do with lousy soap than harsh edges. But that's just me.

Totally agree. I can compensate for a slightly duller razor with technique. But a crappy lather or soap that is drying makes any edge feel like a $9.99 Ginsu QVC special

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Oh well,,,,

Glad to hear your happy with Arko.

I have to say I am. In fact, while I was away I shaved with it. And yes, I still feel the same way. Great shave.

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Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I'll stick my neck out even further. Arko is better For me. its that simple.

Fixed it for you!

,,,,,,,,,,

Last Sunday I shaved with MdC and on Monday with Arko.

They are both very good soaps.

The MdC does lather better and has better glide and residual glide. Plus, I do not rinse MdC.

Arko gives a great shave and I always take a tube when I travel.

If money is an issue then buy Arko. In my estimation, the cost/benefits of Arko make it the best soap available. $18 USD for 15 tubes and free shipping.

MdC has come way down in price. My first buys were $65 USD plus shipping. Now, you get the same 200gm jar for 41.50 euros plus shipping.

I will keep both in the den.

Having said the above I put this forth.

If you can't afford MdC and don't like Arko then go with Tabac.

$8.20 for a 125 gm puck from Amazon.

Tabac is another soap that will always be in the den.