Scuttles vs. Bowls vs. Mugs

I'm rather new to this forum(just joined today as a matter of fact),and am quite a novice at this.
Quite frankly,up until last month,I wasn't even aware of the existence of shaving scuttles.Saw it on Classicshaving.com,and was quite intrigued.
I wear a "short-boxed beard,"and,as a consequence,do SOME cosmetic shaving.
Usually,I shave with a BIC disposable razor,and lather up with Williams shaving soap from a mug,after washing the areas to be shaved with Dove soap 3 times.
Grandpa(d.1951)had a mustache,but shaved with a straight razor.
Pop(b. 1920) always uses a safety razor or an electric.
I've had my beard since 9/1/70,but,on occaision,would have a barber shave me with a straight razor.However,since 1983,the barbers in Ohio are NOT allowed to shave.(The AIDS scare.)
So,I'm starting to learn how to use Grandpa's razors.
The upshot is,is there any advantage to using a scuttle as compared to abowl as compared to a mug when you lather up?:shrug:

That is so far down the road. Learn the razors, the techniques, and the prep. The rest will come with time and experience.... including a scuttle which I probably will buy. I use a Scottish Quaich and it works for me.

I forgot one thing.... Welcome aboard!

I love my Moss scuttle. I haven't quit using it since it arrived. Warm lather all the time is simply awesome. Now what to do with that bunch of bars of soap in mugs that are sitting in my closet......hmmmmmmm.

Have fun and welcome as well. Did you say Ohio............

Lynn

Welcome! Great that you can shave with your grandfather's razor!!

Everyone develops their own technique and preferences about where to build a lather ... heck, some people do it right on their faces! If you get a soap, you may be (like me) using a combo of the soap container and your face. For creams ... you need somewhere to lather. Your size of brush may dictate that in part (bigger brushes may not work well in a mug; bowl only ... smaller brushes anywhere).

I lather with room temperature water, so I'm not part of the crew who go to all sorts of lengths to keep their lather warm ... the scuttle is one of those options ... but you may really enjoy the warmth of the lather, so to each his own.

Enjoy the shave!!

I wouldn't hesitate on soaps, scuttles, etc because they'll serve you well regardless of your straight shaving experience. My trying to convert someone to shaving right was only 50% successful, as he couldn't even use a DE well (lack of patience) but after going back to the Mach 3(which will in time feel like crap in comparison to a good hunk of metal) he still swears by the prep, mug and brush combo.

Welcome Hans!
The theory behind using warm lather is that the hairs stay relaxed instead of retracting in shock when cold lather is put on. A relaxed hair can be cut off nearer the root.
I have been using scuttles for a long while now and would not want to do without one.
Greetings
oskar

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Originally Posted by oskar

Welcome Hans!
The theory behind using warm lather is that the hairs stay relaxed instead of retracting in shock when cold lather is put on. A relaxed hair can be cut off nearer the root.
I have been using scuttles for a long while now and would not want to do without one.
Greetings
oskar

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And ........ it really feels good.......:tu

Lynn

Yeah - the technical details notwithstanding, it feels great. Thats the best reason in my books.

Si

I'm not anti-scuttle, but just for a different point of view.... I prefer my mug to my scuttle mainly because I don't often use soaps and prefer not to build lather directly on the face. I also find I don't make as much mess with a mug. As I became quicker with my shaving the warm lather became less of an issue for me too, because I only lather my face once at the beginning when it's still warm (I use warm water for the against the grain pass).

But I do break out the scuttle occasionally, and it is nice with the right soap.

James.

Hello Oskar,

Are you any closer to finding a cheaper way for shipping to the US yet, or will it still approximately cost the same to ship direct to Australia?

Cheers
John

I use only mugs. I find if you use something that is open to the air that wonderful scent evaporates especially when you rotate through 7 mugs each week. All it takes is a quick dash of hot water and the lather is warm again anyway. You know, hot lather is a fleeting thing within seconds on your face and its cold again. I think people fret too much about this hot lather thing.

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Originally Posted by johnmw1

Are you any closer to finding a cheaper way for shipping to the US yet, or will it still approximately cost the same to ship direct to Australia?

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Closer, but not quite there yet. I hope to have an american distributor soon, then shipment would be within the States. As for Australia, shipment will unfortunately stay as expensive as it is unless I find a distributor there.
Greetings
oskar

Well,gentlemen,I'm obliged for the turnout.let's see if I can summarize things so far.

1.)Water stays warm longer in the scuttle.Also,you "build"(work up and develop ) the lather on the face.
2.)Mug-you "build"the lather in the mug,then spread it on the face.
3.)Bowl-anything unique or distinctive with regard to this particulair utensil?

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Originally Posted by Hans

Well,gentlemen,I'm obliged for the turnout.let's see if I can summarize things so far.

1.)Water stays warm longer in the scuttle.Also,you "build"(work up and develop ) the lather on the face.
2.)Mug-you "build"the lather in the mug,then spread it on the face.
3.)Bowl-anything unique or distinctive with regard to this particulair utensil?

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1. You have the idea there...more like water stays in the scuttle period. A scuttle has a separate chamber for hot water to sit in, which keeps the scuttle (and thus the lather built up inside) warm. They're great if you need/want to shave in an area without running hot water nearby. You can get water, heat it up and pour it into the scuttle, and then take it where you plan to shave. Also good for conservation (no need to run the sink so much).

2. Basically, yes. The soap puck sits at the bottom of the mug. When you start twirling a wet brush around in there you will quickly build up a lather. I tend to get a good lather going in the mug before putting it on my face, and then build it up nicely in layers.

3. Bowls are basically like mugs. You'll find that some soaps (like QED) are just too big for most mugs, and you may consider using a bowl instead. In other cases, it's just a matter of preference. Some people use a mug/scuttle to hold soap & water and then a bowl for building lather.

With regard to DAngles most recent posting on this topic.
He mentions on #1. that one advantage of a scuttle would be the manner of taking it to a place where hot water isn't available.
Outside of a campfire/camping setting,and the advantages of indoor plumbing these days except in the most primitive of settings-where does one shave where hot water isn't readily available?

Well that does not mean you have to take your scuttle into the woods.:)
For example, I shave by the window of my workshop, no running water there, but a couple of meters to the sink between passes would definitely spoil it.:td
Greetings
oskar

Maybe i'm just a little too conventional,but I never thought to perform my ablutions outside of an area that had been set up for that particular purpose.
Having only become aware of the existence of a scuttle (and it's particular purpose)in the last several weeks,I can imagine its utility camping,and in the wilderness,but I always thought to,at the very least,hang up a mirror.

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Originally Posted by Hans

Usually,I shave with a BIC disposable razor,

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Heathen! At least you're making the right moves.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think people fret too much about this hot lather thing.

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HEATHEN!!! There is no excuse for a statement like this. :nono:

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