Thread: Return to Bowl Lathering

Gentlemen,

After years of face lathering, I have returned to bowl lathering. Now my lather is richer, creamier and more luxurious, because whipping it up in a bowl makes the soap or cream come alive. Face lathering is fine, but bowl lathering adds an extra dimension to the process. Also, bowl lathering gives me a better sense of history and tradition.

Through the years, I have used a variety of scuttles, including Schwarzweisskeramik, Dirty Bird, Moss, Georgetown, Becker and a few others that now I don't recall. Except for the Moss, the rest were better suited for bowl lathering. My favorite was Schwarzweisskeramik. I no longer have these.

For the past year, I have enjoyed the Straight Razor Design scuttle, which is well suited for keeping the brush warm. I also have the Edwin Jagger porcelain lather bowl, which I prefer to the scores of lather bowls I have used.

Since I do not want to retire my SRD scuttle and the EJ lather bowl and opt for a lathering scuttle, I now combine them to give me the best of two worlds. The EJ bowl helps make my lather and the hot water in the SRD scuttle's bowl and tank keeps my brush and lather warm.

+1 Obie ...Although I will still face lather if I'm in somewhat of a rush...or really lazy... I too prefer the creaminess and voluminous amount of lather my scuttle set-up provides. It is my 'go-to' 80% of the time.

Here is my simple 2-piece set-up purchased a a Goodwill store for about $3.00... excepting the classic 'Beehive Badger Brush' which was extra of course!

I still have a hard time getting lather just right while face lathering. The tip I'm starting only now to realize, while bowl lathering, keep adding water! I've been under watering almost every time I face lather. Caties bubbles is my newest soap, and I can add a lot of water.

Originally Posted by prodigy

I still have a hard time getting lather just right while face lathering. The tip I'm starting only now to realize, while bowl lathering, keep adding water! I've been under watering almost every time I face lather. Caties bubbles is my newest soap, and I can add a lot of water.

As I've heard Gssixgun say, and I sometimes forget, "It is wet shaving."

Although I have been face lathering mostly of late, I have never tried a scuttle. I have always used a steel bowl or an old coffee mug. I like boar bristle because of how well it hold warmth and those scuttles make me want to try harder to keep my lather warm. Is it worth the extra effort to buy a scuttle?

Originally Posted by ColdbyDesign

Although I have been face lathering mostly of late, I have never tried a scuttle. I have always used a steel bowl or an old coffee mug. I like boar bristle because of how well it hold warmth and those scuttles make me want to try harder to keep my lather warm. Is it worth the extra effort to buy a scuttle?

Yes, absolutely. The scuttle, whether for lathering or just keeping the brush warm, when used properly, adds an extra touch of delight to the morning shave.

I've always face lathered but I do it my way which really means whipping up the lather in the tub with the soap and then complete the lather creation on my face.

I have no problem face lathering, but I make such a mess. I always use my $2.99 candy goblet that I bought at Wal-Mart. I have a SRD scuttle and also a Georgetown Pottery scuttle, but most of the time it's the Wal-Mart special I use.

I have many soaps that I've pressed into either vintage shave mugs or latte mugs. I like to build the lather right on top of them. The only time I face lather is when I use a shave stick. But hey, whatever works for you.

I have now tried a jays clay- fabulous well thought, beautiful bowl. A Georgetown G20- may be a perfect scuttle. A custom sized Moss to keep a brush warm and lately a Schwarzweisskeramik. The SWK is amazing. Warm to hot brush and tons of room to lather. I start out pseudo face lathering but with these scuttles, face lathering is left for the preshave towel. Scuttles are shave changing.