Scuttle Soap

**sirslick** · 06-26-2008, 12:50 AM

I'm new to the classic art of DE shaving, I've just bought a Merkur 38c, new brush and an antique scuttle. The scuttle is about 3 inches across and not very deep (1&1/2 inches max) and I'm not sure what brand of soap would fit. Would all standard bowl soap refills fit? Not sure what the sizes are. I live in New Zealand and finding anything over here for proper shaving is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So I guess I will have to buy my soaps online, can anybody suggest a good place that sells scuttle soaps ?

Thanks

Matt

**Gruder** · 06-26-2008, 05:33 AM

The standard triple-milled options are about 3.5 inches across on the widest end. Wool fat is slightly smaller, but uniform in thickness. Tabac is slightly smaller still, but still uniform thickness. Williams is, well, not worth sending for from your corner of the world, IMHO. Without exact measurements, I'll suggest a glycerin soap from QED or Mama Bear -- you could melt the tub in the microwave (something you shouldn't try with non-glycerin soaps) and pour a proper amount into your scuttle. Plus, these are great soaps! (qedusa.com, bear-haven.com -- I have no affiliation with either vendor).

Welcome to B&B!

**1969Fatboy** · 06-26-2008, 06:17 AM

Not familiar with the scuttle that you have but typical you would keep the soap in a separate soap bowl or mug and lather in the scuttle where the lather could stay warm. If the scuttle is too small then, I believe many lather in a regular bowl then transfer the lather into the scuttle.

**ancora imparo** · 06-26-2008, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by 1969Fatboy

Not familiar with the scuttle that you have but typical you would keep the soap in a separate soap bowl or mug and lather in the scuttle where the lather could stay warm. If the scuttle is too small then, I believe many lather in a regular bowl then transfer the lather into the scuttle.

I've been using a small corning ware bowl to lather and it works fine. I don't believe in using the fancy stuff unless it greatly increases the experience. I'd rather spend the dough on creams, razors, colognes, but to each his own. So, I agree with this endorsement of lathering in the cheapie and transferring to the scuttle. Sounds like a pain in the neck, though.

**sirslick** · 06-26-2008, 01:47 PM

Thanks Gruder, I would do as Fatboy said but my scuttle has four small holes in it, where the soap goes, so creams won't work, but I'll try a few milled soaps and find one that fits, like I say, its a right pain living in the middle of nowhere !

Thanks Guy's, stand by for more questions !

**letterk** · 06-26-2008, 01:51 PM

C&E Sweet Almond Oil soap fits standard scuttles. It's a smaller puck than most soaps.

**sirslick** · 06-26-2008, 03:10 PM

Thanks Letterk, I'll try C&E, I think they have one in Christchurch....Not sure if they stock shave soaps, I'll call them ! cheers

**Gruder** · 06-26-2008, 03:24 PM

In perusing my shave cabinet, Gold-Dachs would also fit the bill (albeit a bit harder to find). Good luck!

**jss** · 06-26-2008, 04:05 PM

Good luck..

**sirslick** · 06-27-2008, 12:22 AM

Thanks Guy's just been to C&E on the way home, got me a nice little puck, Almond oil soap..50g puck though so it is rather small NZ$16 so on the NZ dollar cheap for you guys ! :-) still beggers can't be choosers...oh and a nice pure badger travel brush....will the spending never end ???..Hopefully not

**Gruder** · 06-27-2008, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by sirslick

Thanks Guy's just been to C&E on the way home, got me a nice little puck, Almond oil soap..50g puck though so it is rather small NZ$16 so on the NZ dollar cheap for you guys ! :-) still beggers can't be choosers...oh and a nice pure badger travel brush....will the spending never end ???..Hopefully not

I've got that travel brush -- it was my only brush for several months (I mistakenly thought it was the BB

). It's a solid performer -- I still use it when I travel.

Glad you found something that would fit your scuttle.