1) Do all scuttles have a place to put hot water in underneath the bowl? Or are some just bowls? 2) Can you use a shaving soap with they type of scuttle that is made to hold water in a pocket underneath the bowl? 3) I understand some scuttles are just for keeping the brush warm and some are for both brush and lather, which is which? I would like a good recommendation on a scuttle that will work for lathering. 4) Are there any scuttles that also perform double duty as a brush holder? My ideal scuttle would allow you to lather in the scuttle and would work for soaps or creams and have a place to hold the brush relatively upside down in a way that doesn't damage the bristles. Does such a scuttle exist? Thanks
Although I don't use a scuttle myself, shavers who use them seem to love them. Other than holding the brush, you just sit the brush bristles, down into the scuttle while you shave to keep it warm I think what you may be looking for is something like a Georgetown, Dirtybird or Moss scuttle. They will work with both soap and cream.
I have a Georgetown G20 scuttle that's big enough to lather in. I also have a Dirty Bird brush scuttle that's made for keeping your brush warm between passes.
Which scuttle(s) will work with which shave soap pucks? Wouldn't it have to be an exact fit pretty much? What's the idea behind shaving with cold water?
Modern scuttles are not designed to hold the soap puck. You load your brush from a puck you have in a separate bowl, then whip up the lather in the scuttle. Some swear by cold water shaving, that it makes for a smoother, less irritating shave. Not for me. You'll only know if you try it.
It's an old idea being that instead of softening the whisker where it will stretch, you want the whisker just as brittle as possible. Also, some claim less irritation with cold water but I don't know about that. I do seem to get a better cut with cold water.
@7055 which is why you have to try it for yourself. Everything, and I mean everything, discussed here about shaving you will find lovers and haters. Who are you going to believe? The only true answer you will get about a blade, a brush, even about water temp, will only come if you ask YOUR face.
And that's the great thing about here; You get all kinds of things to try and people seem to get along despite differences.
I use scuttles exclusively. With creams it is a badger knot; almond size dab of cream in the scuttle and make lather. For soaps, load the brush from the puck/soft soap and face lather and then continue to make lather in the bowl. Either way, I have toasty warm lather for the shave. Pottersong, Buti, Dirty Bird, Georgetown Pottery (my personal favorite), Yoresh (another favorite) as well as well as many other vendors make some mighty fine pottery. Look around the 'net, ask questions, make your choice.
I used to own a Dirty Bird 1.5 scuttle. It was a beautifully made piece of pottery that was in the end too unmanageable. Heavy and cumbersome. Hopefully the new owner is enjoying it more than I did. Now, on occasion, I use the custom scuttle my niece threw for me. The ergonomics are really comfortable and while I rarely reach for a scuttle, when I do, it's this one.
I have a small sink and no room for a scuttle so I just use a big latte mug in a sink of hot water. Gets my lather warm but not hot like I'd prefer.
