Thread: What exactly is a scuttle

[QUOTE=Alethephant;649595]In the old days, there was no running water, and you shaved in your bedroom.

The scuttle mug was a combination cup to hold hot water, a spout to dip your brush in to wet it, and a soap/lather bowl. The holes in the lather bowl were for drainage.

Thats my thoughts as well after reading a bit about them on a history web page somewhere, nowadays with hot water on tap they are not so popular, i picked up 2 in a antique store and tried them, but thought it was to much bother to use them in all honesty, though as they were very old and in mint condition, kept them, as they are nice to look at, my wife thought they were plant pots!

The discussion of new v. old is one we really don't get into to much.

On the older scuttles, I like the ones where the water actually will cover the holes on the top of the scuttle. This way, when you set your brush on the top that water acts as a conductor for the heat and this helps keep the lather warmer.

I used to get asked what was the best scuttle for retaining heat on modern scuttles and I would always say the Moss type scuttle because it held the most water between the walls. I found that with the larger bowl scuttles, which in my mind are nice for making lather, that the heat really dissipates or is displaced quicker based on the larger open surface area.

When I started designing scuttles, the idea of more water between the walls was definitely reinforced which lead to a more bowl like shape at the bottom of the ones we made with more water volume. Sort of like little pitchers. I also found that by putting a small layer of hot water into the top bowl, it acted as a conductor of the heat. I have posted this before and at least one of the potters has paid attention and began to design their scuttle to accommodate more water.

As with anything else, there is a huge amount of personal preference that goes into the determination on your choice of scuttle or bowl for that matter.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

The discussion of new v. old is one we really don't get into to much.

On the older scuttles, I like the ones where the water actually will cover the holes on the top of the scuttle. This way, when you set your brush on the top that water acts as a conductor for the heat and this helps keep the lather warmer.

I used to get asked what was the best scuttle for retaining heat on modern scuttles and I would always say the Moss type scuttle because it held the most water between the walls. I found that with the larger bowl scuttles, which in my mind are nice for making lather, that the heat really dissipates or is displaced quicker based on the larger open surface area.

When I started designing scuttles, the idea of more water between the walls was definitely reinforced which lead to a more bowl like shape at the bottom of the ones we made with more water volume. Sort of like little pitchers. I also found that by putting a small layer of hot water into the top bowl, it acted as a conductor of the heat. I have posted this before and at least one of the potters has paid attention and began to design their scuttle to accommodate more water.

As with anything else, there is a huge amount of personal preference that goes into the determination on your choice of scuttle or bowl for that matter.

Have fun,

Lynn

I am still new to this so keep that in mind and I hope I'm not stating the obvious.

One of the things I do to keep the lather warm is submerse the entire scuttle or bowl in a sink full of very hot water before I hit the shower and leave it there until I finish showering. Then I empty the sink, empty the scuttle and add fresh hot water.
The fact that the entire piece of pottery is hot (even the handle) seems to keep the lather and brush warm for a considerable amount of time. Since I am new it takes me some time to shave but the lather stays warm. I don't know if anyone else does this, but it works well for me.

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

I am still new to this so keep that in mind and I hope I'm not stating the obvious.

One of the things I do to keep the lather warm is submerse the entire scuttle or bowl in a sink full of very hot water before I hit the shower and leave it there until I finish showering. Then I empty the sink, empty the scuttle and add fresh hot water.
The fact that the entire piece of pottery is hot (even the handle) seems to keep the lather and brush warm for a considerable amount of time. Since I am new it takes me some time to shave but the lather stays warm. I don't know if anyone else does this, but it works well for me.

I never submerged my whole scuttle, but I would always fill it with hot water, let it stand for a while (while I showered or even just a few mins) then dump and refill. That can be done periodically during the shave, if necessary, but you'd really be surprised how long a good brush scuttle will hold it's heat... I know I was when I tested it out.

+1 on the SRD scuttle. I will be picking up an electric kettle to heat the water in before I put it in the scuttle (the hot water heater is set lower than I prefer for my toddler's safety).

I have found that spinning my brush in circles (handle is spinning like a drill, not in circles like you lather your face) while moving it up and down in the scuttle builds my lather a whole lot faster (and quieter as the brush handle isn't constantly banging the side of the scuttle) than any other method i have tried.

Give the SRD scuttle a try, you won't be sorry!

Originally Posted by sharp

+1 on the SRD scuttle. I will be picking up an electric kettle to heat the water in before I put it in the scuttle (the hot water heater is set lower than I prefer for my toddler's safety).

I have found that spinning my brush in circles (handle is spinning like a drill, not in circles like you lather your face) while moving it up and down in the scuttle builds my lather a whole lot faster (and quieter as the brush handle isn't constantly banging the side of the scuttle) than any other method i have tried.

Give the SRD scuttle a try, you won't be sorry!

My last toddler just went off to college, I understand your lowering of the HHW. Never too careful. If I had little ones now I would install anti-scald mixers.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I never submerged my whole scuttle, but I would always fill it with hot water, let it stand for a while (while I showered or even just a few mins) then dump and refill. That can be done periodically during the shave, if necessary, but you'd really be surprised how long a good brush scuttle will hold it's heat... I know I was when I tested it out.

I am lazy is all. I drop the scuttle in and jump in the shower!!