I'll start a new thread for Jim's scuttles and link back to this thread when I get a chance. I've used the scuttle several times now, and it works like a charm. I don't have the plug for the hole made yet, but I haven't noticed any significant heat loss during a shave. The scuttle looks great sitting on my sink, and it's just about the perfect size for my brush. After I payed Jim for the scuttle he sent me a very nice email thanking me for my business, and inviting me to come by the studio any time to watch, or take lessons. Super nice guy. Just a note about finding local potters to make you a scuttle: I had originally asked two other professional potters if they could do the job, and both of them said that they didn't think they had the skill to make a double-walled vessel like that. I watched Jim make the scuttle, and although he makes it look very easy, I think it is a rather challenging thing to do. I was a bit surprised that the first two people I contacted didn't even want to give it a try, but I'm glad they didn't because I got to meet Jim. All that to say, if you aren't able to find a local potter right off the bat who can make you a scuttle, don't give up... but at the same time I'm sure Jim would be happy if you just saved yourself the trouble and got one from him instead
Another quick note, my wife got me some "C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil" from bath and body works, and without really thinking about it I decided to try using it with the scuttle. Let me tell you what, it was my first shave with the stuff, but DO NOT use that with your scuttle and brush. After only a few minutes in the scuttle the cream took on the consistency of Dairy Queen marshmallow cream... super gummy and nasty. I washed it out of my brush right away, won't be doing that again. I haven't shaved with it again yet so I don't know if it was the heat from the scuttle, or if the stuff just does that after it's exposed to the air for a while. It's a nice shaving cream though, smells good and you get that tingly eucalyptus feel. I'll probably give it a chance as a travel shaving cream. All for now.