What does a scuttle do?

archer831 · 05-28-2008, 10:39 PM

I do not understand what a scuttle is or does or even how it is different from a mug.
What are the advantages/ disadvantages?
Can anyone help me out?

PA23-250 · 05-28-2008, 11:54 PM

There are 2 main types of scuttles. First, you have the old style, which has a space for hot water in the bottom (with a spout for dipping the brush) and on top, a space for a cake of soap (with holes in the bottom to allow the extra water to drain out). These are sometimes called "Victorian" scuttles--they were popular back then before many houses had running water for shaving.

The second style are the dual compartment (double boiler) style. Do a search for Moss, Super Scuttle, or Georgetown Pottery--you'll find lots of info there. Basically, they have a "bowl portion" in the center for lathering/brushes and an inner compartment filled through a seperate hole that holds hot water inside to keep the lather warm throughout the shave. The Super Scuttle also has a brush tap for water.

RichZ · 05-31-2008, 12:55 AM

I have the victorian scuttle and enjoy using it alot.

LIMIT · 05-31-2008, 06:34 AM

I have a large MOSS scuttle and use it daily. Don't know how I got along without one before. Warm lather from start to finish.

LIMIT

WestSideGuy · 05-31-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIMIT

I have a large MOSS scuttle and use it daily. Don't know how I got along without one before. Warm lather from start to finish.

LIMIT

+1

I have and use the small Moss Scuttle. It is one of those items that are beautiful from a design and functional perspective. Very low tech, but it keeps the lather warm throughout the shave.

Lynn · 05-31-2008, 06:49 PM

I love my Moss Scuttle. I don't mix lather in a bowl so it is perfect for keeping the suds warm as I go though a shave.

Have fun,

Lynn

Black Beard · 05-31-2008, 08:10 PM

Does anyone know of a dealer/potter in the UK that produces a Georgetown type scuttle?

I have looked at these on the forums many times. It just seems that most of the good shaving accessories are in the US. Now I don't mind supporting your economy to a degree, but this is getting beyond a joke.

Ti from Classic Shaving
Mastro Livi from Lynn and Don
Artisan Strop from Tony Miller

I have managed to get a Rooney brush in the UK (well we do make some things!) and some C&E soap.

Am I asking too much?

awk5 · 06-01-2008, 12:39 AM

Black Beard,
just take a photo of what you want to your local potter. He/she should be able to duplicate it.
Allen

Strapped-4-Cache · 06-01-2008, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awk5

Black Beard,
just take a photo of what you want to your local potter. He/she should be able to duplicate it.
Allen

+1

Agreed. I explained what I wanted to a local potter and got a custom scuttle unlike any other and made to my specifications. Very affordable, too.

- Mark (S-4-C)

OldFashioned · 06-02-2008, 06:52 AM

I was wondering how you guys keep lather warm in a scuttle that is only 1.25-1.5 inches deep? That doesnt seem deep enough to keep it warm/hot. When I shave the sides of my head, I use the mug that I had to soak my brush and I just dump the water, the mug still being hot. Its depth allows it to stay warm.

Strapped-4-Cache · 06-02-2008, 12:47 PM

The larger outer chamber holds warm water that keeps the inner bowl/cup warm. If you find that your lather begins to cool off, just dump the old water and replace with hot water again. It will guarantee hot lather without watering it down.

CactusBob · 06-03-2008, 05:51 AM

I have a homemade scuttle I use, its a 22oz Corning ware mug with a Ramekin that fits perfectly inside. It keeps the lather plenty warm thru three passes and touch ups. One thing I really like is the ramekin is big enough for me to make lather in, or I can use the mug itself, or use it all together as a scuttle. I fill it up between 1/2 and 2/3 full with hot tap water. I did run a couple turns of electric tape around the edge just so I didn't have the glass hitting glass.
I purchased both at Walmart, the mug was 6$ or 7$ and the ramekin was .97 cents.

Bob

Black Beard · 06-03-2008, 08:54 AM

^ That's pretty cool.

'Necessity is the mother of all invention'...

English · 06-03-2008, 11:55 AM

Never felt the need for a scuttle but I can see how it adds value on a cold winters morning.

As for the other items you list, they are all available either direct from Europe or from local English shops that provide a full internet service. The prices in the USA can look attractive because they exclude the VAT of 17.5%. However, if you import goods from the US and they cost over £38, you will be charged VAT by customs and our post office will add an extra £8 for collecting the VAT. So it often isn't cheaper at all.

Even E Bay purchases from te USA can be prohibitively expensive. The US seller has to protect himself from dishonest customers, and so packaging, insurance, signed for delivery, Paypal charges, customs duties and handling fees can kill off any inclination to purchase outside of the European market. Even if the $ is weak at preset.

I have found the easiest way to purchase from the US, is to buy the goods paying with paypal and have the goods supplied to a friend in the US. The friend then sends them to me as a gift with a low second hand value. Works well for Ebay and especially for those items that are for sale to the US only.