So,

I got my first 6 sticks of Arko (thanks Maxi) and I've been playing. Here's what I've found so far.

Scent: Very soapy, definitely a "man's" scent. I can take it or leave it.

Lathering: Completely different than what I'm used to. My first attempt was with rubbing it on my face and face lathering. Less than stellar results. Next, I heated it up, mashed it into a container, picked some up with a wet brush and made my lather in my "scuttle". Much better results. Still not perfect, but shows a lot of promise. I think I need to refine my water to soap ratio.

I did notice a few things about it though.

1. It drinks up water (just like you said Maxi) at least 4-5 times faster and more than my Proraso.

2. The lather seems to dry out faster than the Proraso, so I have to re-wet my brush before lathering for my second pass, and if I'm slow in shaving, I actually have to re-wet the half of my face that is still not shaved.

3. Lubrication is fine, but seems to be a bit less than the Proraso. Maybe its just that I have not gotten the water soap ratio just right yet.

Overall, the Arko will stay in my soap rotation, but it won't be a "go to" choice. There's no denying that at $2 a stick it gives great value, but given the miniscule cost of soap in the grand scheme of shaving, I'd rather pay the additional 5 cents per shave and get that wonderful menthol eucalyptus smell and feel of the Proraso.

I'll update as I get more experience with the Arko, but if any of you want to give any advice, tips or feedback, bring it on.