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

+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'd say the the brush is way more important then the scuttle. You can lather w/out the scuttle, but not vice versa. When I first started I used a scut. Then I tried face lathering and never looked back. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I feel it creates a slicker lather. Or maybe because I spend the time building lather on my face, instead of in a bowl, it just lifts & conditions my skin better. Dunno, but really like it.

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.

Scuttles are nice but hardly a necessity. Want warm lather?

Fill sink to about 3" with hot water; while doing do, whip up lather of your choice in $1.50 Wal Mart Salsa bowl,
Once you are satisfied with the quality & quantity of lather, transfer lather to haevy bottom shave mug (this is so it doesn't float around in the sink). You are now ready to go........

You can avoid the lather transfer step if you make it in a big heavy mug from the get go, but I like those little 3-legged bowls.

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!