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

As per the title, how important are the scuttle and/or brush to someone just starting to straight shave? There's a pottery place pretty local to home that sells a moss scuttle? How important is this? Could I just use a big mug? And the brush... Holay, do I go with one of the many varieties of badger? Or boar? Or a cheapy synthetic from the body shop?

Just trying to nail ail things down so that I can enjoy the experience.

thanks in advance all.

If you face lather you will not need a scuttle because you make your lather on your face. If you prefer not to do that you can use a suitable cup to build lather in before spreading it on your face. If you want warm lather then a scuttle designed to hold hot water between an inner and outer wall will keep your lather warm after you make it in the scuttle.

The Moss scuttle is a well know scuttle.

You can use any brush type you like as it is a personal preference thing. They all have different feel and act differently when making a lather. I will say to take a pass on the one from The Body shop. I love synthetics but just could not get on with that one.

The minute you ask for recommendations you will get flooded with all kinds of suggestions. I would do some research on the differences between brush types and select one that you think fits what you want in your price range.

The same would go for whether to use a scuttle, cup or nothing and face lather.

Bob

A scuttle is a luxury item and not needed as Bob said. As for a brush, Lots of choices. I would start small to make sure you stick with it. Lots of experienced shavers one here use a 9$ boar hair brush as often as a 200$ badger brush. I started with a dirty bird scuttle which is amazing but 1.5 years later I tend to face lather. Good luck on your voyage.

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.

As said above, a scuttle is not essential. You probably have the makings of a scuttle in your kitchen !!
I sometimes use a plastic microwave-use bowl, fill it with about 2" of freshly boiled water and then put a
smaller ceramic bowl inside. This should give you an idea of what the "scuttle experience" is like....
The brush in the pics is a cheapie Frank Shaving badger brush from the 'bay.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread

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 :