First time trying Arko. I wanted a good travel option and read the sticks were the perfect solution. Opinions on its smell vary greatly, from a urinal cake to barber shop heaven. To me, it smells like a no nonsense, Ivory bar of soap. Lather-wise, it whips up in a jiff & remains slick throughout. I rarely hear of any breakout issues from this product so I think this stick will be my perfect travel soap & the Shave Mercantile is a fantastic resource for the wet shave community. Ethan is a small business owner who’s passion for this throwback pursuit & practice is the reason it continues to grow.