Getting It All Together

A month into str8 shaving now and thanks to all the advice given here, I have finally acquired:

An Illinois 361 strop (just got it today), figured middle of the road strop. I have put a few nicks on the old belt piece I was using out of necessity, so nothing too premium at this point.

A decent scuttle. (Switching from soap to cream in the scuttle I found melting parafin wax to plug the drain hole keeps the cream from escaping and works quite well. The tap water temp. does not seem to effect the wax ie. no melt out yet. Also easy to switch back if drainage is needed again).

Two jars of TOBS shaving cream.

And maybe most importantly, I followed advice and sent one of my razors out (thanks classifieds) and had it professionally honed, got it back yesterday (very quick service considering the holiday and all).

I'll keep you posted on how these improvements...well, improve the shave.

Willie

Doesn't using tap water and plugging the holes kind of defeat the purpose of a scuttle though? I mean wouldn't a cup in a sink be better at that point because it's easier to refresh the hot water with fresh from the tap stuff?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IanS

Doesn't using tap water and plugging the holes kind of defeat the purpose of a scuttle though? I mean wouldn't a cup in a sink be better at that point because it's easier to refresh the hot water with fresh from the tap stuff?

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Rookie here, but being he switched from soap to cream - he plugged the holes for a rigged moss scuttle.

Yeah, I get that. But in what way is a scuttle filled with tap water better for that purpose than a cup in a sink of tap water. I guess because you can hold it while you lather? I always figured the main advantages of scuttles were
1. The holes in traditional scuttles let steam through, moistening and heating lather.

and

2. The high surface area to water ratio in mosses lets you use a small amount of boiling water rather than a sink full of just hot water.

I mean if it works for him, that's great. I just don't understand why a scuttle is necessary if you're happy with the results you get with tap water in a moss scuttle, as that seems to me to basically be a hand held version of the simple cup in sink method. Maybe I just don't appreciate the convenience of holding the cup in my hand while I whip.

Hey IanS: Always look forward to your views/ideas.

Still just figuring this "stuff" all out, but...I'm just filling the bottom of the scuttle with hot tap water and using this supply via the spout to warm the bristles up then using the top soap area to work up the lather. I apply and re-touch into the bottom reservoir just to warm the bristles when re-applying. It stays fairly warm this way and without plugging the hole in the scuttle top, a fair portion of the soap was escaping through the hole and down into the bottom water reservoir while working up the lather.

Not relying on steam to warm the lather in the top, not enough steam present.

I figured the holes in scuttles were mainly there to let the water drain away from the bottom of the soap cake when using solid soap. I would not think the steam would actually have much effect at keeping a cake of soap warm since you are actually working off the top of the soap cake when using it in a scuttle.

I see your point about a moss type scuttle being better since the water would be at an intensity or elevation to warm the entire inner pot...soap or cream included. Might have to get one in the future.

Still at the start of the learning curve. I appreciate your input, all the bits and pieces from this sites members have helped me a great deal so far.

Willie

Willie, if I am not mistaken the way that the scuttle you have was designed to be used is that the soap puck is in a separate container. The brush is laid on those holes after you lather so that any water and soap residue drains into the scuttle after you've lathered. I used to place the soap puck onto the area with the holes as you describe until someone made me aware of the alternative. Once I tried it I found that it made sense. Less mess and it seems to me that it makes sense to use it that way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Willie, if I am not mistaken the way that the scuttle you have was designed to be used is that the soap puck is in a separate container. The brush is laid on those holes after you lather so that any water and soap residue drains into the scuttle after you've lathered. I used to place the soap puck onto the area with the holes as you describe until someone made me aware of the alternative. Once I tried it I found that it made sense. Less mess and it seems to me that it makes sense to use it that way.

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O-o-okay! Thanks for that, Jimmy. I have several scuttles and I could never figure out what the big deal was about them. Now I know.:)

I'll use one this morning and see how it goes. Thanks again!

Steve

Thanks JimmyHAD!

I had never used a scuttle before, always just a mug with a soap puck in it.

I will remove the wax plug, and try as you have suggested. Sounds reasonable.

I was wondering why the top area was so small that with a soap puck in place, there was hardly any room for lather except on the brush itself and of course spilling down the outsides of the scuttle!

Appreciate your input!

Willie