Moss Scuttle Notes

[PoshRichM]

Well, it arrived, finally. I feel like I'm one of the last to receive theirs, but isn't it a beauty? I ordered the smaller of the two sizes Sara offers.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=2492

It's even smaller than I expected, so it'll likely require a bit of adjustment to my lather-building technique. I'm going to make this thread a diary of sorts of my education in using it, for those who might be considering investing in one.

I'm going to grab some teflon "feet" for it at Home Depot tonight so as to preserve what's left of my bathroom countertop.

-Rich

[Edit: because the question was asked, you can order a Moss Scuttle at http://www.sarabonnymanpottery.com/. She offers a large and a small size in either brown or cobalt blue, but my understanding is she will customize both color and bowl size if you ask.]

[Riffdiver]

Rich,
Sara makes Moss Scuttles in two sizes. This is probably the small one.The large one is 4" in diameter. Same price. I requested large one and got it yesterday.
With my Vulfix 2236, it works great. I'm sure you will enjoy using it as I do.
The leather stays worm for 15 minutes. And it helps to produce a rich leather.

Congrats!

[PoshRichM]

I specifically ordered the smaller size, since all the brushes I'll be using with it are of the smaller variety. I'll make the appropriate note in the first post.

-Rich

[Riffdiver]

Then you are fine. You will love it.

[Austin]

Rich, don't feel bad. I am still waiting for my scuttle. :mellow:

[guenron]

Patience, patience! A virtue seldom rewarded, unless it's a case of RAD SCAD, SBAD, SSAD, etc., etc. They certainly are handsome. Rich, do you think you would be wiser to have hard rubber feet? Perhaps to keep it from sliding about on the vanity? Enjoy.:001_smile

[PoshRichM]

Ron, I'm debating whether nonskid rubber feet, slippery Teflon feet or simple hard plastic feet are best.

On the one hand, "grippy" makes sense as it'd free up a hand while lathering, but on the other I'm unsure how well stick-on "feet" like this will adhere to the porous bottom of the scuttle, and if not well, then slippery feet would be the better option, since they'd stay on more easily. Trial and error!

-Rich

[Riffdiver]

Rich
I think you should try it first. When scuttle is filled with water, it's quite heavy.
Even the wipping motion with the BIG brush does not move it. Unless you would like to prevent mars/markings on the counter.In that case I would recomend a simple felts from HD.
But it's not going to move around the counter, if that is what you trying to prevent.

Regards, Anthony.

[JMT]

It's time for a stupid question. Are you ready? Who is Sara? How can someone order one of these and are they actually worth the money?

[Agent86]

The first thing I did with my scuttle was sand the bottom down a bit...not only is the base very coarse, mine had a few burrs on it as well. I placed sandpaper on a flat surface (my workbench) and moved the scuttle over that.

I've thought about pads, but wonder how well they will adhere to a porous surface that's constantly getting wet...

[PottyDoctor]

The first thing I did with my scuttle was sand the bottom down a bit...not only is the base very coarse, mine had a few burrs on it as well. I placed sandpaper on a flat surface (my workbench) and moved the scuttle over that.

I've thought about pads, but wonder how well they will adhere to a porous surface that's constantly getting wet...

I'm still waiting on mine to arrive, but I really like the sanding idea. Sounds like something I might consider as well once my scuttle arrives from the Great North.

I currently use an extra large mug from Mast General Store that was a bit rough on the [cultured marble] vanity top so the wife has me to place it on a coaster. Actually works pretty well and its not a lot of trouble. Now all we need is someone to start making "Scuttle Coasters." :lol:

Scuttle Coasters...the Next BIG Thing!!! :thumbdown

[rustyblade]

Ron, I'm debating whether nonskid rubber feet, slippery Teflon feet or simple hard plastic feet are best.

On the one hand, "grippy" makes sense as it'd free up a hand while lathering, but on the other I'm unsure how well stick-on "feet" like this will adhere to the porous bottom of the scuttle, and if not well, then slippery feet would be the better option, since they'd stay on more easily. Trial and error!

-Rich

Rich, I put the little sticky fabric feet on mine and they work really well and haven't come unstuck for the 3 weeks I have had it.

[Riffdiver]

It's time for a stupid question. Are you ready? Who is Sara? How can someone order one of these and are they actually worth the money?

Sara is Sara Bonnyman, pott maker. I have heard "A famous pott maker". Here is a link
http://www.sarabonnymanpottery.com/

I paid $65, including shipping. Not a chip piece of pottery, but works really good. Wether it worth the money or not, nothing is chip.Look at the shaving brushes.

All the best.

[guenron]

I'm still waiting on mine to arrive, but I really like the sanding idea. Sounds like something I might consider as well once my scuttle arrives from the Great North.

I currently use an extra large mug from Mast General Store that was a bit rough on the [cultured marble] vanity top so the wife has me to place it on a coaster. Actually works pretty well and its not a lot of trouble. Now all we need is someone to start making "Scuttle Coasters." :lol:

Scuttle Coasters...the Next BIG Thing!!! :thumbdown
Ron,
This scuttle thing is becoming a growth industry! Scuttle Feet R Us! Wow, I can see it now with Geoffrey the Counter Scratch Resister...
Here 'tis lads,

RON'S SPECIAL SCUTTLE FEET.
Five to the Package.
Using special glue made from the secretions of the Pago Pago Periwinkle (alliteration? Yeah!).
For the discerning scuttle user. Don't want any of that Wally World trash on the bottom of your scuttle? Get these high quality, top shelf scuttle feet now for only $15.00, our special introductory price. Won't scratch, won't mar, won't tick off SWMBO!
Also available:

RON'S SPECIAL SCUTTLE COASTER.
Available at the same fine e-tailers.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Indy]

The scuttle I ordered right around May 1st arrived yesterday (the 17th :wink: ). It's the large one and my 26mm Savile Row super badger brush works perfectly with it; just as hot at the end as at the beginning. At just under $60 with shipping, I think it's a great investment that I'll be enjoying for a very long time.


Rich, look for some of this stuff in the drawer/closet accessories aisle at most any store. It's usually about $5 a roll and can be easily cut to any desired shape. It works great to prevent stuff from sliding around and comes in various colors.
http://www.use-enco.com/ProductImages/0659749-11.jpg

[NYLaw]

Jim... I love mine, and think it's worth every penny... Especially now that I'm using to produce the lather in, not just to keep my lathered brush warm.

My wife, a trained artist herself who dabbled in pottery in art school, was so impressed when I took it out of the box. She had no idea I was ordering it, or what it was when it came, but when she saw it for the first time she was genuinely impressed with the design, artistic workmanship, and aesthetic beauty of the thing.

As for me, ah, well, it never fails to keep my lather warm, so that's a good thing.

RICH: After a coupla weeks of using it (the small one in brown/reddish), I'm thinking of ordering a large blue one for my larger brushes (especially my new Chubby 2, which I tried, with some success, to cram in there fully loaded with lather!)!!!

[Riffdiver]

Hey guys,

By the way, Sara also will make one (or two/three ....) based on your requirements. She stated so in e-mail to me. You have to provide the diameter of the top. I told her that I have a large brush (Vulfix 2236 is kind of large and I love it) and she asked how large the scuttle I would want. I opted for 4" scuttle that she makes. Works great. The lather is worm from start to the end of shaving.

[JMT]

Time for another stupid question. Wouldn't the large size be a better investment if someone were to have only one? I would think it would work just as well with the smaller brushes as with large brushes. Not to mention that the large brushes might be too large to build good lather with a smaller opening. Just wondering. As you may have guessed I have not given much thought to lathering vessels before I read this thread.

[NYLaw]

Jim,

I specifically requested the smaller size because three of my brushes are under 25mm knot sizes, so I thought the smaller would be better (but it turned out to be smaller than I thought). My answer to your question about size-accomodation is that, in my experience, when I've tried to lather a small or midsize brush in a mug or bowl that's too big, no lather will come of it.

I can't say why, scientifically, that's the case. My guess would be that there is a certain amount of friction and proximity necessary to actually build the cream and water into a lather, and if the recepticle is too big, there's not enough friction.

On the other hand, I was able to build a healthy, steady lather this morning with my Simpsons Chubby 2, which is fairly large at 27 or 28mm, even in the small size of Sarah's scuttle.

The bottom line is that the small size is much smaller than I thought it would be. I think the next size up (the "large") is probably what I imagined the smaller size would be, to better accomodate the majority of my brushes.

[PoshRichM]

Wow, this thread has gone berserk! :w00t:

I grabbed both rubber and felt feet at Lowe's last night, and decided to try the felt feet first, if only because there were more of them in the package, and I figured that if I ripped them off (or they fell off) later, I'd still have more of the package left for other purposes.

Anyway, the result: I love the felt! I tend to move stuff around on my counter a lot while shaving (and it's scratched to dullness as a result), and I've come to the conclusion that the rubber feet would have driven me bonkers, either by holding too well and preventing movement, or by "juddering" during movement, or perhaps by getting too slick when wet and/or lathery. The felt feet (I used 6) prevented scratching, and wound up not being too slippery, and even gripped a tiny bit better when wet! Score!

As for lathering, I tried whipping up some Trumper's Violet cream just for grins last night, and for someone used to a medium-sized bowl to fly a brush around in, my Vulfix #2234 (hardly a big knot at 22mm) felt sort of cramped in the Moss Scuttle at first. But after a few tiny swirls and some pumping the thing turned into a lather fountain! More lather than the brush could hold, spilling over the lip. And it was excellent lather, too: hydrated, meringue-like, and above all warm. Not hot, because my tap water wasn't piping, but warm and consistently so. The violet smell was powerful, and lathering the wet palm of one hand was very promising indeed. Anyway, I didn't want to shave before bed, so I dumped the scuttle out and washed everything, and turned in.

This morning I decided to go outside the box for my first Moss Scuttle shave. I've been rediscovering soap lately, so I brought forth my QEDMan Lavender soap and primed the Vulfix from it before splashing a little water in the Scuttle and going to town. Long story short, I got the same result as last night: a slow-motion geyser of excellent soapy lather, smelling wonderful and wonderfully warm to the face.

The QED soap is excellent anyway, so I can't really say that the lather was any more effective during the shave than that generated via hot-pot or simple bowl lathering, but one great side-effect of Moss Scuttle use is that since the point is to "plug" the lathering pocket with your brush, the lather has less surface area exposed to the air. This means that not only is heat retained, but so is moisture! Normally when using a soap (and frequently with a cream), I'll need to add some additional water to the lather about halfway through the shave, to compensate for evaporation, and risk throwing off the water-soap balance. Not so this morning. :thumbup1:

So, based on two lathers and one shave, the Moss Scuttle is looking like a real winner, at least for me. Makes me wish there were a travel version!

-Rich

[Riffdiver]

Congratulations, Rich.

Stealing a line from the movie, "I fortold you so".

All the best.

[Reidar]

Hmm, so what do you guys think an appropriate size custom scuttle would be for a 25mm brush? Maybe a 12 inch diameter?

[khari]

Reidar,
My brushes range in size from 20mm to 27mm, and the large scuttle seems to work well with all of them. The small scuttle might work better for the smaller brushes (I don't know for sure because I didn't get one.), but I am satisfied with the results I get from the large.

[Reidar]

Ah, okay. It just sounded like a difference of 8 cm and 10 cm is neglibible. If the large is fine for a 25mm brush, then I won't have to bother her with a custom. Thanks khari.

[PottyDoctor]

Just happened to come home for a few minutes mid-day and USPS lady personally handed me my much awaited, personally autographed, large brown Scuttle direct from the Great North. Yee Haw!!! :biggrin:

She's a real beauty and arrived in perfect shape only fifteen days after placing my order! I've already smoothed up her little bottom...oh yeah baby!!! I can't wait to get her all heated up and make some lather! :lol:

[rtaylor61]

Just happened to come home for a few minutes mid-day and USPS lady personally handed me my much awaited, personally autographed, large brown Scuttle direct from the Great North. Yee Haw!!! :biggrin:

She's a real beauty and arrived in perfect shape only fifteen days after placing my order! I've already smoothed up her little bottom...oh yeah baby!!! I can't wait to get her all heated up and make some lather! :lol:

Ron,

I would like to say it sounds like a fun shaving adventure is in store for you, but the way you put it, it just sounds dirty...

Randy

[guenron]

Ron,

I would like to say it sounds like a fun shaving adventure is in store for you, but the way you put it, it just sounds dirty...
Randy
A little hard soap will clean that all up..

[billyjeff2]

I recently purchased the small scuttle from Sara. Very nicely made. Works just as described above. However, the small is, well, small. I'd suggest ordering the larger size, or asking Sara to customize to something larger than the 4 inch size. Not that it doesn't work-it does. Just a bit cramped, though.

[PoshRichM]

Well, it's supposed to be snug, in order to keep contact between the brush and the warm sides of the mug between passes. It has required a bit of adjustment to get used to lathering in a smaller "pocket," but I'm getting there. :biggrin:

-Rich

[PottyDoctor]

Well, it's supposed to be snug, in order to keep contact between the brush and the warm sides of the mug between passes. It has required a bit of adjustment to get used to lathering in a smaller "pocket," but I'm getting there. :biggrin:

-Rich

I would agree it takes some adjusting for sure. I received my large size Moss Scuttle a little over a week ago. I understand the larger brush size is supposed to help retain the heat, however I have trouble stirring up a good lather and keeping it contained in the cup with my ShaveMac 22579, which is only 23mm. However, the ShaveMac's blossom really splays out and does a fine job of completely filling the cup. I actually find the Scuttle works better with my Crabtree & Evelyn $35 Best Badger Brush made by Edwin Jagger, which is approximately a 21mm brush. The little C&E is quite possibly the best value going in a brush, IMHO. It is really a nice fit for the Scuttle, at least the way I like to use it.

I still use a very large [5"] soup mug for my ShaveMac and really love having plenty of room for whipping up a luxurious lather. Maybe I'm just not as neat at stirring up a lather in the relatively small "pocket" as some seem to be. Quite possibly more practice is needed on my part! :blush:

[mrob]

This is exactly why I've been holding off on purchasing a scuttle--I just can't see myself making lather in such a small, confined place. I understand that this is what makes the lather retain its warmth, but it sounds so awkward that I'm not sure its worth the trade off.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have taken the Moss plunge--is the warm lather worth making that lather in such a confined space?

[joel]

This is exactly why I've been holding off on purchasing a scuttle--I just can't see myself making lather in such a small, confined place. I understand that this is what makes the lather retain its warmth, but it sounds so awkward that I'm not sure its worth the trade off.

I'd like to hear from those of you that have taken the Moss plunge--is the warm lather worth making that lather in such a confined space?

It is a neat little device.... but I am not gaga over it. It keeps the lather "warm" but not hot, and it isn't warm for too terribly long. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad at all, but I get better lather from my ceramic shaving bowl - albeit it is not hot for as long. I suppose if I cared enough - if I put the bowl on a mug warmer I could/would get it HOTTER than the moss scuttle, but I think when you are buying the moss scuttle you are buying it for its mix of function and FORM.... .probably form more than anything else, as a moss scuttle looks a hell of a lot nicer on the counter than a hot pot or a mug warmer :wink:

To each their own... maybe when my replacement shows up (sans the hole) I might like it a little more, but so far - I think it is "ok." For $70 though? Eh.

[Reidar]

Are the majority of you in Europe and that's why the shipping costs so much? I'm in California and as far as I know, it was $40 with $5 shipping.

[joel]

Are the majority of you in Europe and that's why the shipping costs so much? I'm in California and as far as I know, it was $40 with $5 shipping.

I am in California as well.... and if you paid $5 shipping (legitimately) then I was robbed.

[PottyDoctor]

Are the majority of you in Europe and that's why the shipping costs so much? I'm in California and as far as I know, it was $40 with $5 shipping.

My Scuttle was shipped to me in Tennessee. The receipt from Sara showed $65 [Canadian] total; itemized to show $40 for the Scuttle and $25 for Shipping and Handling. The total in US Dollars charged to my CC was $58.51. That means my Scuttle [in USD] was actually $36, the Packaging was $4.50 and the Shipping was $18.01.

The $5 [CDN] you speak of is what Sara charges for packaging, and she does do an excellent job of packaging the Scuttle in a box several times the actual size of the Scuttle. She then adds actual shipping charges, and in my opinion, the $18.01 [USD] seems right in line with normal shipping charges from Canada to Tennessee.

I knew approximately how much it was going to cost before I ordered it and had no problems with her charges. It is a high quality piece of pottery and secondly a high quality shaving accessory. :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

Reidar,

I believe when the dust clears, you'll find you paid between $65-70 total for the scuttle. I'm in Utah, and I believe it was around $65-67 total. A well made piece that, regardless of how much I use it, will enhance the appearance of my shaving den.

Randy

[Reidar]

Oh, I wish it would have told me. It simply said "$5 plus additional shipping costs". I can afford it, but I'll have to shop smarter from now on.

[rtaylor61]

Oh, I wish it would have told me. It simply said "$5 plus additional shipping costs". I can afford it, but I'll have to shop smarter from now on.

I believe you'll find it is well worth the money spent.

Randy

[SSLStudio]

edited.. I should read the whole thread before asking the same things...arrggggh.

[JohnP]

Not sure if this is the "correct way" to use it, but since I usually lather on my face, the scuttle works excellently. I get the scuttle good and hot, and my brush...dump the scuttle out and refill it with more hot water, get some cream on the brush and start lathering. After I am done painting my face for the first swipe, I just jam the brush into the scuttle so it stands on its bristles. No, its not anything miraculous, but I have had 4 nice warm passes with any brush I've used so far, so no complaints from me.
I got the large one, BTW, so I can do a little lathering in the bowl if I wish, but for me, half the fun is lathering a cream directly on my face. The bowl looks nice, also. Is it worth the 65 or so you will end up spending? I am happy with mine, but that is a decision which is up to you. Just like a 300 dollar brush, it is worth it to some, and not to others.
of course,
YMMV
John P.

[Austin]

I have the small scuttle. I ordered it by mistake. I am waiting for the larger scuttle to arrive. I have used a 22mm brush with it and it works great. Warm lather and a wonderful feeling. I can't wait for the larger scuttle.

[rtaylor61]

I have the small scuttle. I ordered it by mistake. I am waiting for the larger scuttle to arrive. I have used a 22mm brush with it and it works great. Warm lather and a wonderful feeling. I can't wait for the larger scuttle.

Will having two make you the "scuttlemeister"?

Randy

[Austin]

Will having two make you the "scuttlemeister"?

Randy

Yep!

[Kyle]

Will having two make you the "scuttlemeister"?

Randy
...or the scuttlebutt?

[Austin]

...or the scuttlebutt?

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

...or the scuttlebutt?

Don't think I hadn't thought of that! I was trying to be nice!

Randy

[Nick]

...or the scuttlebutt?
Getting more than one is a scuttlebuttress!!

-Nick

[Kyle]

Getting more than one is a scuttlebuttress!!

-Nick
...and if you've arranged them properly you've got yourself a nice little flying scuttlebuttress.

[Cliff]

It's only scuttlebutt if you back into it. Austin, you'll love the larger one also and this way you have a choice.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4328/smmossscuttle3rn.jpg

Cliff

[NYLaw]

Austin,

As posted previously, I already have the small-brown. I think I'll be ordering the Large-Blue any day now... The small is good for my 22mm knots but would love the larger one for anything bigger.

Let us know, as someone who will own both side-by-side, if the larger opening really improves the lather with larger brushes.

Thank you much.

[Austin]

Austin,

As posted previously, I already have the small-brown. I think I'll be ordering the Large-Blue any day now... The small is good for my 22mm knots but would love the larger one for anything bigger.

Let us know, as someone who will own both side-by-side, if the larger opening really improves the lather with larger brushes.

Thank you much.

Will do. I have been using a 19mm & 20 mm brush with the small scuttle and it works well. I look forward to trying the larger scuttle with 26mm & 25mm brush. I will keep you posted.

[Sam]

I have big brushes and would prefer a smaller scuttle so as to keep more contact between bristle and mug. Anyone got one they want to swap for some Verizon gift cards, let me know.

Sam

[rtaylor61]

I have big brushes and would prefer a smaller scuttle so as to keep more contact between bristle and mug. Anyone got one they want to swap for some Verizon gift cards, let me know.

Sam

Sam,

I think you still want the larger scuttle. Large or small brush, the work room in the scuttle is very limited. I like the scuttle, but it makes developing lather a bit more difficult.

Randy

[Reidar]

I got my large Scuttle today and it fits perfectly with my 25mm SR-208 brush. It also retained heat very, very well for me. I just wish the entire structure was all one piece, rather than two glazed ones, but it's solid.

[Sam]

Randy: I have read that the scuttle is small for developing lather. Maybe I do want the big one, but I thought that Chris posted over at SMF that he used a big brush in the small one

[JohnP]

I have the big one, and I have no problems with it...I use the SMF 1 in mine, primarily; I just start the lather in the bowl, and finish on my face...then cram the brush into the bowl per directions. Works pretty good for me.
Now I'm actually considering one of the smaller ones; maybe after a payday or two.
John P.

[rtaylor61]

Randy: I have read that the scuttle is small for developing lather. Maybe I do want the big one, but I thought that Chris posted over at SMF that he used a big brush in the small one

Sam,

Can't remember all of Chris' posts, but the ONLY complaint I have is the size of the bowl. I usually whip up my lather in my mixing bowl and then dump it into the scuttle. Still works just as well.

Randy

[DCMandarin]

I received my large, cobalt-blue scuttle four weeks ago, and have shaved with it practically every day since.

Like other B&Bers' experiences, my postage costs ran to $22.25 Canadian, so I paid about $56.00 US. I have to note, however, that Sara did a great job of protecting a ceramic item that made it from Nova Scotia to DC in one piece.

Also, as Corey Greenberg observes on ShaveBlog, the Scuttle has given me "warm, not hot" lather. I modify Corey's instructions a bit by refilling the Scuttle about halfway through my shave, to make sure that the lather stays as warm as possible.

Nitpicking aside, though, I've found the Scuttle beautiful to look at and easy to use--not a slip on the counter or a bobble when drying yet. Most importantly, the Scuttle has proven quite effective at producing lots of creamy lather; I think the large Scuttle's bigger "pocket" makes for more thorough mixing of water and air into the cream.

I have an eight-day trip to the Bay Area coming-up, and I wonder whether bringing the Moss Scuttle will prove too much risk or trouble: The fact that I'm thinking about carrying a piece of pottery across country sounds like a fair endorsement, though.

[rikrdo]

Hey Yall..

If anyone has a small Moss Scuttle they are not thrilled with, I have a straight blade plus strop I would love to swap.

See my post under "straight and strop" in Shaving Mall section.

PM or email.....either is cool with me.

Lovin you guys !!

[moses]

Cliff, that is not the normal brown or blue is it? Is that a custom glaze job, or her "waterfall" pattern that is available on other pieces? I ask because I was thinking of getting a scuttle, so I don't have to keep using the "poor man's scuttle," but would like something different than either the brown or blue.

[Jim]

I love my small scuttle. I use boiling water in it and when I stuff my brush into it the brush can get so hot on the one side I cannot put it on my face. I have learned to give it a pump and swish before I re lather my mug.
Sara is IMHO a very talented artist and lovely person to boot.

I'm not sure why but I am glad Target does not sell these ..

Jim

[rtaylor61]

I love my small scuttle. I use boiling water in it and when I stuff my brush into it the brush can get so hot on the one side I cannot put it on my face. I have learned to give it a pump and swish before I re lather my mug.
Sara is IMHO a very talented artist and lovely person to boot.

I'm not sure why but I am glad Target does not sell these ..

Jim

Well, they make great coffee mugs! I had to measure my scuttle last night to be sure it was not the small scuttle. I used it yesterday with my C&E best badger brush, and it seemed to fill up the lather bowl. Based on the measurements, I have the large, but I think an EXTRA large would be nice!

Randy

[Jim]

Randy
This has been said before, Sara will make one for you the size you want- just drop her a note,
Jim

[PottyDoctor]

Well, they make great coffee mugs! I had to measure my scuttle last night to be sure it was not the small scuttle. I used it yesterday with my C&E best badger brush, and it seemed to fill up the lather bowl. Based on the measurements, I have the large, but I think an EXTRA large would be nice!

Randy

I agree, my large Scuttle [brown] is just not large enough for my maddening way of stirring and pumping. I just cannot achieve the volume of lather I get with my extra large coffee/soup mug. I guess you could say..."My Scuttle Runneth Over!" :w00t:

I love the concept, but I need more room to be efficient with it. Then maybe I am an 'overachiever' when it comes to making lather; cause in my opinion a little dab won't do ya! I make enough for me and my neighbors every morning. Just a part of the sensory overload of luxury shaving. :cool:

I am using a Shavemac 22579 Silvertip most days; however, I have tried my C&E Best Badger and it's not quite as messy but I still don't have 'enough' lather for the neighborhood! I have used it maybe 10 times and each time I think more about trading it. For what, I don't know! :confused:

[rtaylor61]

Ron,

I only use the scuttle for keeping the lather warm. I still mix it up in my mixing bowl, then transfer it over.

Randy

[AceHarddrive]

Hey Guys!

While PM'ing with Brett G., I had a "lightbulb!" If you're not using your Moss Scuttle for shaving (or even if you are), if you have need of a double-boiler or a fondue pot and don't have one, this scuttle would serve right nice to keep cheese, chocolate (or whatever) melted and ready for dipping. Of course, I don't know if anyone is into fondue-ing anymore. Just keep your hot pot ready to refill the lower section if needed!

That scuttle in the pic looks pretty cool in camouflage colors!

~Tim :cool:

[Cliff]

I love my Moss Scuttle.
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/5289/smmossscuttleth0.jpg
Works like a champ.

Cliff

[PottyDoctor]

Ron,

I only use the scuttle for keeping the lather warm. I still mix it up in my mixing bowl, then transfer it over.

Randy

I just hate going to that much trouble to mix in one, pour into another, then have two to clean. I just set my big green coffee/soup mug on my mug warmer I bought at Wally World and have 'hot' lather. It will dry it out just a bit if you leave it on through the entire shave. I turn it on before I shower, soak the mug in hot water in the sink, then after showering set the hot mug on the hot warmer and mix away. I then turn it off after the second pass to prevent over drying the lather. It still stays 'more than warm' for at least two more passes. I do sometimes add just a few more drops of water to rehydrate it.

It's just one of those 'whatever works for you' deals. To me, one of the most important things is a BIG lather vessel...size does matter...at least to me! And a Moss Scuttle in the size I would really like would weigh entirely too much to handle. I have even considered a quaich, but I tend to like a round bottom vessel. Some shaving mugs I have are 'square' bottoms and seem to be a bit harder to produce lather. YMMV!

[PottyDoctor]

For comparison sake I thought I'd post some pics of my Large Moss Scuttle, Colonel Conk Mug and Big Green Coffee Mug, along with my ShaveMac 22579 Silvertip for reference.

1079

1080

1081

1082

The 23mm ShaveMac looks lost in the Big Green Coffee Mug, but I love making lather in it. Instead of running up and over the sides, it stays in the bottom and makes it easy to 'get extreme' in whipping it up! And like I said earlier, I like mounds of lather. Some may call it wasteful...some may even call it Irrational Exuberance...I just call it Luxuriously Lavish! :biggrin:

[pitbulls20]

I know this is off topic but maybe someone can humor me. You know those machines in a barber shop that they use to create lather with that is warm? I have only seem one a few times but I wish I knew what they were and how to find them. I wonder if you can put your favorite shave cream/soap in it and it will pump out warm lather? I will have to look for this, I am now curious after all this warm lather talk.

Ok I found what I was talking about but its very expensive, something like this.
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/Detail.bok?no=184

http://www.shaveblog.com/2006/01/hot-cream.html

[rtaylor61]

Google "Lather King".

Randy

[moses]

I may be shot for doing this, but Corey's shaveblog on the lather machine experience was actually pretty interesting. It is here (http://www.shaveblog.com/2006_01_01_archive.html). Just scroll down to the latherking entries.

[Jason]

I've always been intrigued by the Lather King, but I've never bought one.

I'm enjoying the moss scuttle very much though. I wish I knew that Sara would alter the dimensions for me before I received it.

[Jim]

Sara made this for me':biggrin:
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3314

[PottyDoctor]

Jim,

What a unique piece. And I really like the 'Saucer' to park the Scuttle in! I guess that makes you the only one with a 'Scuttle 'n Saucer'. :cool: Absolutely just too cool my man! A cool setup makes for a hot shave!

I'm getting more accustomed to using my Scuttle; I should say more accustomed to the size difference between the Scuttle and my former soup/latte mug. The more I use it, the more I like it! :001_smile

[Jim]

Actually its a bowl to whip it up in- the photo is a bit deceiving:biggrin:

[PottyDoctor]

Somehow the 3rd dimension didn't come through my monitor I guess. Or my depth perception is way off. Either way...it's still a way too cool bowl.

[PaulR]

My large brown scuttle has been boxed for over a month and is now waiting for me under the Christmas tree. Reading this thread doesn't make the wait any easier. :frown:

One week to go!

[Daves]

I have had my large one for about a month now. I love it. It's such a luxurious thing to have. Especially now, I live in Vermont and it was below 0 this morning. I was shaving before the heat came on. The hot lather felt sooo good! The only time I don't use it is when I take a shower.

I recommend them highly.

DaveS:cool:

[Ecuador Jim]

I've been using a Moss Scuttle for about six months. I'd love to see a how-to video from someone who has a strong opinion on how they work best.

Personally, I love mine, but I hate the fact that I travel so much I don't get a chance to use it much. I may have to e-mail Sara to see if she can dream up something in a travel model.

I did put rubbber feet on mine because I have a stone countertop in my bathroom, and didn't want to scratch it.

[Wade253]

Sara made this for me':biggrin:
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3314

How do you like the shave bowl? It is a little different than Sarah's other bowls--more wide and angular. Her website gives a good side view. I was wondering about why it was paired with the Moss. I have one very much like it.

[Wade253]

I found a nice photo essay on a Savile Row brush in use with the Moss Scuttle and bowl and how they work together.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=S&t=8278

[PaulR]

Well, so far the (large) Scuttle is working out pretty nicely. Definitely different trying to build (and keep) a lather in the hot scuttle as opposed to a bowl. I know that's not really how it was intended, but that's how I'm using it at the moment. I find myself more "priming" the brush with the cream and a little water, working it a little in the Scuttle in more of a downward motion, making most of the lather on my face then using the scuttle (as it was intended) to keep the brush warm...adding water when it dries out a little.

My brush (C&E BB) may be a little small using the scuttle only as a warmer, but it's not too bad.

So I'll spend some time and figuring out if I like this process. If not, I guess I have two options. One is to sell the large scuttle and buy a small one with a lathering bowl. The second would be to buy a larger brush (which I will probably be doing eventually anyways) and am leaning towards the second.

[bonusmarple]

My scuttle is one of the best pieces of shaving gear that I own.

[EmpireView53]

My scuttle is one of the best pieces of shaving gear that I own.

I'm hoping I can say the same thing after my arrives.

[beisler]

My scuttle is one of the best pieces of shaving gear that I own.
+1 I just recieved mine today.!st shave and it works like a charm:tongue_sm

[Chuckaluck]

Ron, I'm debating whether nonskid rubber feet, slippery Teflon feet or simple hard plastic feet are best.

On the one hand, "grippy" makes sense as it'd free up a hand while lathering, but on the other I'm unsure how well stick-on "feet" like this will adhere to the porous bottom of the scuttle, and if not well, then slippery feet would be the better option, since they'd stay on more easily. Trial and error!

-Rich I place my scuttle on a folded up wash rag and that does the trick!

[Greybeard]

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/dickpeterson/928326_67383_front.jpg