[Genco_Glider]

I use a mug now but I've always thought that a scuttle would be neat...how nice are they...and does anyone know where a basic (non-victorian and not too expensive) scuttle can be bought?

[clrobert60]

Check out the "Custom Mugs, scuttles, and bowls" poll, Evan was discussing making scuttles to sell.....
Custom Mugs, scuttles, and bowls

[Genco_Glider]

Good call, I justed posted my vote...But I am still interested in people's opinions of them...is there benefit added? How nice is the benefit they ad?

[Strapped-4-Cache]

Here's a few more examples:
The one I just had made,
Kentucky,
Moss, and
Georgetown.

I'm sure they're all nice, and I particularly like the look of the Georgetown model. However, I own the one in the first link and it works just fine. I prefer to hold the bowl in my hand as I build lather and that model allows me to do so.

The basic premise is to allow the shaver to either create and keep warm lather in the inner bowl, or in the case of the Moss version, to keep the loaded brush warm by placing it in a bowl surrounded by warm water. it is quite effective and I thoroughly enjoy my warm-lather shaves. Some of the members own more than one of the ones listed, but I haven't seen a bad review yet.

The only caveat I can think of is that of pre-warming the scuttle before use. By warming the ceramic prior to loading it with hot water you can have warm lather longer. Otherwise, the scuttle works like a heat-sink and cools your water off rather quickly.

You won't necessarily bypass using the sink by having one, but I've saved water by only using enough to heat and fill the thing for my shaves. If I can get a matching bowl for mine I plan to use the water inside the scuttle for rinsing my face before discarding it. It's not hot by that time, but it's still warm enough for a rinse and there's plenty in there (and it keeps the sink available for my wife!).

I'm sure plenty of others will weigh in on this soon.

- Mark (S-4-C)

[JimmyHAD]

I use a small Moss scuttle and the Ayars lather bowl and I am very happy with both. The small scuttle doesn't lend itself to lathering but it does a great job of keeping the brush/lather warm. The scuttle was designed by Chris Moss of SMF and the bowl by Jim Ayars of Vintage Blades. Dr. Moss wanted a scuttle that had a receptacle for the brush that would have walls close to the bristles to hold the heat more efficiently. Jim Ayars told me he designed the bowl in a size and shape that is comfortable to hold with one hand while lathering with the other with raised rings in the bottom so that you didn't have to chase the dab of cream all over the sides of the bowl. They are made in British Columbia by Sara Bonnyman, a professionl potter and a real artist in clay. Both designs work very well for me and I highly recommend them.