Thread: How important it are a scuttle and brush to a beginner

The important thing when you are starting is understanding what good lather is. Beginners tend to overlook that aspect by not putting enough time to whip up a good thick cushiony lather.

Having said that, with a quality soap or cream, you can achieve good results with an affordable boar brush and a large mug. If you want something more luxurious, then a best badger brush is good middle of the road option. As for the body shop synthetic brush, you can probably do better for your money with an omega boar brush instead.

+1 using a brush is a lot better option so get the best knot you can afford is all I will say.

but I must note my nephew has used a shavette & str8 for about 1.5 years now & never used a brush yet & still goes with the hands & instant type creams etc to lather also only a once a week shaver.

the scuttle is a luxury that can be done without for a while, if not forever.
JMHO

Edit: I only use a bowl or face lather

Most of the oldtimers around seem to face-lather, I think. Mugs and scuttles on the shelf. Could be wrong, don't think so.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Most of the oldtimers around seem to face-lather, I think. Mugs and scuttles on the shelf. Could be wrong, don't think so.

Yes, I like to face lather believing in the KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, principal. Believe me I am as stewpid as they come.

Bob

As a beginner, you may or may not stick with a straight razor. The reality is that not everyone wants to go through the bother of a straight razor. A safety razor is an easy and cheap alternative.

Regardless of whether you continue with a straight, a DE, or even a disposable cartridge razor, the ability to make a quality lather is beneficial for all of them. For that reason, the investment in a quality brush and soap is your safest investment. The straight may not work out, but high quality lather will, so get yourself a good brush.

A scuttle is a luxury. I used a mug for over twenty years. I had never heard of, or used, a separate lathering bowl until finding SRP and even then I just used a ramekin inside of a larger bowl. I finally got a Georgetown G20 scuttle a few months ago. It is awesome! It is not necessary.

Originally Posted by Utopian

As a beginner, you may or may not stick with a straight razor. The reality is that not everyone wants to go through the bother of a straight razor. A safety razor is an easy and cheap alternative.

Regardless of whether you continue with a straight, a DE, or even a disposable cartridge razor, the ability to make a quality lather is beneficial for all of them. For that reason, the investment in a quality brush and soap is your safest investment. The straight may not work out, but high quality lather will, so get yourself a good brush.

A scuttle is a luxury. I used a mug for over twenty years. I had never heard of, or used, a separate lathering bowl until finding SRP and even then I just used a ramekin inside of a larger bowl. I finally got a Georgetown G20 scuttle a few months ago. It is awesome! It is not necessary.

My friend, thank you for your knowledge and experience! I've Always found your posts very informative, helpful and with sound counsel.

Again Thankyou :

I've only been using straights a couple of months now, before that it was a Gillette Sensor with disposable heads. I have though, always used a brush with a good cream/soap. I've never owned a scuttle and never will. Until recently, I had a bog standard Wilkinson Sword shaving brush and it was fine. I have now 'upgraded' to a lovely Edwin Jagger. As long as you use a decent cream/soap, just dip it in, get a little on the bristles and work it into your whiskers and work up a lather that way. Works for me!

i started with a scuttle, but i eventually transferred over to face lathering. to each his own, but i still use my scuttle to pre-soak my brushes before i shave.

I LOVE scuttles. The only better than lather itself is WARM lather and that's pretty much what a scuttle will do for you. As soon as I save up enough pennies I'm going to grab one of the scuttles over at Dirty Bird pottery. She makes good stuff!

It's like everything it has its drawbacks. Okay let's say you get a boar(personal favorite of mine. I would suggest the Semouge 680 as a good starter. Reasonable price not too expensive)the plus side is it has good backbone but is so soft. Let's say you get a badger(Franks is a good brand) A synthetic I've heard Tweezeman is good. Each brush material has different properties they preform differently. For instance a boar has to be soaked to limber up. It retains more water. A badger is softer on the face.
Along these lines a scuttle is a tool. It assists in making lather and keeping the brush of your choice warm along with your lather. A good cheap scuttle is a microwave salsa bowl. Now if you wanna go fancy and can I know of two choices. The first is SRD (straight razor designs)they can fix you up. Also George Town Pottery they have a toll free number. If you call ask to speak with Jessica. Ask her for what is called a "Seconds" their just as good as a regular scuttle but they have a coloration defect but they work like they should. At about half the price
A long post I know and off point somewhat but hope this helped