The Shave Factory Wet Shaving Set – 2× Arko Shaving Soap Sticks & The Shave Factory Natural Boar Bristle Brush Made by Omega – Classic Red Handle

Somewhere around fifty years ago, I tried using sticks of shaving soap. The ones with a bit of foil round the base. But, being a cheapskate, I did not buy a brush, so had to make do with a pathetic lather. Nonetheless, hot water and shaving soap was acceptable. After that, many years with a beard. Followed by using an electric razor most of the time, and various blades with numerous gel and foam products when I wanted to do a better job. Recently decided to try going back to hot water shaving because electric was not always doing the job as well as I wanted. Sometimes actually somewhat uncomfortable. Looked round and saw both several bundles of Arko sticks and this combo. The smell is fine. Reminiscent of some medical products - wouldn't have been my first choice. But it does suit the product and within minutes of shaving it has gone. Partner has never noticed its smell on my face. Both the brush and the bowl are obviously not premium products - but they are perfectly functional. Have shaved both with manual razors and using my electric (it is a shower model). And the results are far more comfortable, faster, better in every way, than gels and foams - even when I have shaved under the shower. The lather appears almost instantly, is easy to put on, it stays on, and the blades seem to have a much easier job. Some gels can feel as if they leave a layer. This just washes off easily. The soap also washes off from the razor easily during shaving and at the end. Even the electric razor. Overall a positive experience. I am using soap and brush all the time now. Would I change product? The soap, no. Can't imagine a product that works better. And have actually become quite fond of the smell. The soap bowl, maybe. This is light and has a screw on lid. To use in my own bathroom, I'd like something that has some weight, and a lid that doesn't need screwing on. But this would be useful for travelling. The brush, no. If it reaches end of life, I might push the boat out a bit - but not at all necessary. Of course, hot water shaving does take more effort than electric. But produces a better result. I try to use the absolute minimum water consistent with doing the job - primarily to keep energy usage down.

The Arko soap has a very strong and unique citrusy smell which you either like or not. It produces tons of thick lather, but if you are a beginner it is gonna be difficult. Myself I had to extend my stirring and use a lot more water than I initially thought till I got good results. The brush is made of boar bristles I think, looks super stylish with its red handle and gives you a good grip. The bristles are long and rough and if you go too hard on it it may loose a few. Even though it does not have a strong smell, it gets a bit stinky after being used for a couple of times, so I suggest washing it before your first few shaves with some shampoo maybe. All in all, a super cheap but quality starter pack that looks gorgeous on display and will make you feel good for your new hobby. *Update: I'm giving the combo 5 stars now, because after a couple of months the brush bristles became softer and more flexible, while the smell got away completely. This is a great combo for anyone.

So firstly I received a bad soap, check the made and use by dates... mine was well out and didn’t look good on opening. So it went back and was quickly replaced. So now that’s out of the way. The soap I have used before for at least the past 4 years. It smells fresh, an delicious lathers up great, just remember after use to just tip the dish to discard any excess water. It’s goes on well and is silky smooth to the touch and helps my safety razor glide well, I should imagine a modern 5 blade would have no issues . As I said I’ve been a fan of this product for years and it does last years too, I expect 18moths to two years out of a tub. Which is a super saving on foam cans. Now the brush, this is wher the scent was a difficult score cos the soap is great... but the brush? So it’s a boar 🐗 hair brush, not the synthetic or badger hair which I’ve used before. I looked at the brush and it appears well built, a bit bigger than my old one, the hairs felt soft and were a good shape... but I smelt nothing... until I used it... have you ever smelt a wet dog? Well this must be a wet pig smell. It was really strong. The good thing is the smell after a couple or three shaves is now disappearing. I think it just needed a bit of use and soap soaking. As a brush I have to say it’s very good, it produces and holds a lot of lather and massages the bristles to make shaving close and easy. So buy it but don’t judge it by its initial smell... that goes away. And check the soap dates which are on the bottom and the side of the dish.

Was sceptical given the price but I have to say I think it’s a good bargain. The brush is decent quality and after 4 weeks use not a single bristle has come loose that I can tell. I’m completely hooked on the shaving bar, the stuff is a pleasure to use. Great coverage, nice light smell and it lasts ages, after a month I can’t even see a dip in it and that’s shaving almost everyday. Its not a fine Italian shaving set or anything fancy but I tell you what it’s amazing for the price and way better than any canned foam. I see why all the traditional barber shops use this stuff and I honestly can’t see myself using anything else from here on.

Classic shaving brush and soap, perfect for what I wanted it for, the soap's scent won't suit everyone as it's very much a classic smell, but it produces a great lather and to me it smells fresh and clean and does the job intended, the brush is soft and I'm assuming will get softer with time, solidly made good quality products, highly recommended to all, delivery was quick, well packaged and seller was brilliant, enjoy! :)

I’m 62 years old so I find the slightly old fashioned clean smell very pleasant and the soap doesn’t glog up the razor like some more expensive brands do. The bigger brush does the an excellent job too, there are a few comments about the brush having a bit of a bad odour when used but it’s not true. I’m very impressed with the purchase, a lot more than more expensive brands I’ve tried.

Sencillo y clásico. Brocha normalita, nada del otro mundo. El jabón va a gustos, el olor es el mismo que un detergente de ropa, pero por el precio está muy bien el pack.

Je recommande le savon mais pas le blaireau! Trop duuuurr à mon goût '

If you shave, you should be using this. The lather from Arko is excellent and makes shaving with any kind of razor, particularly Double or Single edge straight razors, a very easy experience. The strong lavender scent will turn some away, but will be pleasant for others. The Omega brush included in this kit is high enough quality to get you started and lasts a long time if taken care of.

Buon sapone e ottimo pennello, un classico Omega. Spedizione puntuale anzi addirittura in anticipo.

Received this product recently and have a few points. 1. The brush is great, so far my experience with it has been awesome. Aside from a slight "mothball" smell at first, it was great almost right away. 2. The soap, This stuff lathers easily, especially with the brush provided or any badger brush works just as well. The lather is very thick, provides good glide on the face and works awesome. The soap smell... Well, I can see why people either like it or hate it. No way around it. My wife says it has a Tide quality to it. I think it just smells like typical lemony cleaner.... Not terrible at all as it's not overwhelming and doesn't last too long on the face. I'm not a die hard Arko fan, but I will keep this soap in rotation.