Thread: Preferred mug

Do people have a preference as to the kind of shaving mug they use? I see a lot of different kinds of mugs on the market and I'm wondering if there's one that works better than another. Case in point are a few examples below:

Scuttle


Bowl


Mug


I won't even start on the viability of creams at this time. Lots of stuff to find out yet.

I think that the scuttles are very decorative, the wooden bowls are beautifiul, and as for mugs, I like coffee mugs. I actually buy Anchor Hocking glass bowls and Pyrex bowls for my soaps. If they are glycerine based or contain bentonite clay, I melt the soaps to fit the containers. I did a short pictorial at Badger and Blade:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=402

The bowls I use are available at Wal Mart or Target, and around $5 bucks per package, not per bowl. I also like that the come with lids and can be sealed to keep the elements out.

Randy

Thanks for the information Randy. From what I read, for bar soap, you like the 2 cup size so that there is room to build the lather?

~Michael

Michael,

The first soap I melted was a tub of QED Lavender. It filled the smaller bowl nicely, almost to the top. But working the soap was quite messy, so for regular size tubs or regular cakes, I like the larger bowls. It is a bit of wasted space, but makes working up the lather more enjoyable.

Randy

Thanks, that's good information.

I have several but I think a nice big deep bowl with a cover is the best. If the soap is aromatic, without a cover the soap loses its aroma rapidly as well as dirt getting into the soap. The oversize mug allows more room for maneuvering the brush and working up a lather without a mess on the counter and if you have one of those oversize brushes you definately need a larger mug.

I mix my lather up in a stoneware bowl that's been preheated by soaking my shaving brush in it with water just below the boiling point. I then place it in a second bowl that has been filled with boiling water acting as a water bath. This keeps my shaving bowl extremely warm giving me three to four passes of hot lather.

Nice looking bowl, Rik! My "Vision" tells me that is one of the infamous SMF brushes!

Randy

Originally Posted by mgraepel

Do people have a preference as to the kind of shaving mug they use? I see a lot of different kinds of mugs on the market and I'm wondering if there's one that works better than another.

Hey mgraepel,
All styles of mugs are fun. Use what looks good, or stylish, or different, or just functional to you.
I have reg'lar mugs, covered mugs and bowls, scuttles, and one that looks like a little bath tub. Each has a unique personality.
One of my favorites is an old beater, silverplated pewter (much silver worn off), with a milk-glass cup insert. The "mug" has no bottom, so it's just a holder for the white glass insert. Although it's worn, it's clean and classy.
One older scuttle, with no drain holes in the top half, is used for creams. I keep hot water in the bottom during the shave to make the top bowl a nice warm resting place for the brush and the dab of cream waiting for the next lathering.
My grandmother's old cut glass creamer has made a nice mug, too. Mug shaped with a very slight depression of a spout. Glass is >1/2" thick and it holds some of the larger sized soaps. Looks like it was made for shaving soap.
You can spend a lot on a mug, but you don't have to (none of mine were pricey). A coffee mug will do as well as any other. My Krispy Kreme special still does great. I must admit, though, that I do like the pewter scuttle at classicshaving. Can't bring myself to actually purchase one yet, but I like the looks of it.
All mugs can hold soap or cream equally well. Before the shave, put a little hot water in the mug to warm it up and wet the soap. That will be of benefit with any style of mug.
A mug should be functional, but have fun with 'em, too.
Parry

http://www.classicshaving.com/i/Vulf...er_Scuttle.jpg

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Nice looking bowl, Rik! My "Vision" tells me that is one of the infamous SMF brushes!

Randy

Such keen eyesight! It is and I love it. The Vision went up for sale today over at B&B. I've decided to not use a DE for final touch ups forcing me to focus on my straight razor shaving form.