New! My 'Mini' Scuttle from Robert Becker

I received a package this weekend from Robert Becker, containing a new ceramic 'travel' scuttle. I have not used a scuttle before so this as my first venture into 'scuttledom.'
My wife's initial comments upon seeing the scuttle for the first time? "Ohhhh...it's so cute!"
Yes, it is. ahem...but in a functional earthenware manly-type of way.
Slightly larger than a softball (think 'small teakettle'), I can see the appeal of this little scuttle for someone on the road. But I wanted to give it a go for home-use first.

Brush & FatBoy razor for scale. Color is "Clear Glazed Black"


Inside of the scuttle: Lather bowl is 3.5" diameter by 2.5 deep; ridged to enhance lather development. The base (water bowl) holds just over a cup of hot water.


I used very hot tap water to both fill the lower water basin as well as the lather basin. Robert says the scuttle can be microwaved for up to 90 seconds if one desires VERY hot water, but I opted for the convenience of hot tap for this trial.

I added a nickel-sized dab of shaving cream to the bowl, and wetted the tips of my brush with Tabac soap. The bowl is smaller than the vessel I used previously for lather-making, but with the 23mm brush, I didn't have any issue whipping the lather. Two fingers in the handle held the scuttle steady as I whipped.


After about a minute or so, a good lather developed and I prepped for the shave.


The lather felt initially warm to the face (nice!) and the bowl contained JUST enough for me to do three passes, plus some touch-up. By the end, however, the lather wasn't nearly as warm as when I started (a span of about 15 minutes).

Overall, I can see using this scuttle both home & on the road. The size is a distinct advantage for travel. In the future, I will microwave the water to ensure an extended time of warm lather. 8oz of hot tap water simply cools too rapidly. In a larger scuttle (more hot water volume), maintaining a warm temp should be less of an issue.

I stil plan on getting another RB scuttle (a larger 4-6 cup capacity), but I do enjoy this little guy just the same. Well-made, attractive, sturdy and looks pretty darn sweet on the counter. Great value for the price!

 

It's a baby scuttle...Does look like you were still able to whip up a nice lather in that thing though! Enjoy...

 

Nice!
But just know that if the water is too hot, your lather will break down to useless-ness.

 

Looks like it'd be great with a travel-sized brush.

 

Yeah, I think the challenge is finding the perfect balance of heat-to-lather so the desired experience is achieved without getting either lame lather or a scalded face.

 

Finding something to cork the spout will help keep the water warmer longer.

 

It is very nice, Congrats. I just recently purchased a scuttle, I do enjoy it, however i have the same problem with the lack of heat after 5-10 min. Let me know if you find a solution.

 

He does good work. I really like that one - the color... fantastic.

 

I've never been that interested in using a scuttle, but I really like the size of your new scuttle....Is it in stock or did you need to order it special? May I ask what did it cost? It's really is a "VERY" nice sized scuttle.....

 

I actually am in the queue for a new scuttle with Robert, and happened to see this one day on ebay. These little travel scuttles of his are quite inexpensive, and considering they are well-made hand-crated ceramics, the price, I thought, was a no-brainer. The shipping, though, to California, is the killer. With shipping, the price was $30...which is still a bargain, in my opinion. It's a nice little piece.

 

Very nice! Ilike the little dude. I have a small sink top so that would be perfect.

 

Makes me want to own a scuttle!!!!!! Just when i was goin to slow down on the collection...any one have success picking a scuttle up at a brick and mortar

 

Very nice I have a Becker scuttle, very well made I like it. And Robert was a great bloke to deal with

 

A towel wrap around the cutie (& over hole) may reduce heat loss (+ warm towel a bit.)

 

This morning, I filled the scuttle with hot water & then put it into the microwave for about 60-65 seconds.
Big difference! Little guy was hot to the touch & remained so for quite a while. Nice, warm lather for the duration of the shave (15 minutes or so), with no lather breakdown.

I also wrapped it in a towel while lathering, so thanks for the suggestion!

 

I look every time I'm out but haven't found one yet. I have found a few cool lathering bowls, though.

 

Nice scuttle, I purchased the largest scuttle R.Becker made and I use it every shave when I'm at home unless I face lather. For only a few bucks more I figured why not get the larger one. My water gets scalding hot so I have not noticed it getting much cooler throughout the shave. One thing that I do is fill the inner chamber of the scuttle with hot water and bowl area with hot water and let my brush and razor soak while I shower. When I get out of the shower I dump the water refilling the scuttle with fresh hot water. By doing this the scuttle is already hot when I pour the new hot water in it. I think pouring hot water into a cold scuttle might cool the water significantly.

 

I have a scuttle that's more or less the same size as this one and it retains heat perfect throughout a long shave session.

This Robert scuttle looks very very nice, I like the color!

 

Ditto.

I have two RAB scuttles, though I rarely use them any more since transitioning to mostly face lathering.

 

I want one ! I think I'll do a bit of "interwebbing" and see if I can get some international trade going on