Shaving mug thoughts

**writerchad** · 10-23-2008, 12:21 PM

OK, first off, I've searched the forums to no avail.

I'm looking for a good mug. I currently use a soup mug. And it's okay. It certainly performs it's function. However, I came across this beautiful specimen: http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/poapshmugbl.html

It's very smart looking. But alas, it costs more than the Merkur HD I recently ordered.

So, I'm looking for the perfect mug. Good looks, good performance, etc.

I guess it seems like a simple question, but what does one look for in a mug?

By the way, I use Mantic's method of placing my cup in the basin of hot water while I shave.

thanks, cw

**lamontqsanford** · 10-23-2008, 12:23 PM

If you look in the shopping forum Sue from SCS extended her offer a shave mug with a cake of her soap for $18.50 shipped. I just ordered one yesterday. The offer ends today and you won't find it on her website.

**Antique Hoosier** · 10-23-2008, 12:35 PM

Check your local "thrift" stores for discarded HUGE latte Mugs ala "Friends" style. Here is one I found a ways back and I love it...Louisville Stoneware...actually a legitimate "Collectible". If you are fortunate, you will find several Latte style mugs and they often sell for a buck or two. Sidenote... I have found at least 3 or 4 Old Spice actual shaving mugs this way as well....

**writerchad** · 10-23-2008, 12:38 PM

that's a handsome mug, a. hoosier.

lamontqsanford,...can you post a link for the mug offer, i can find the giveaway for newbies, but i don't see the offer you mentioned....

**lamontqsanford** · 10-23-2008, 12:51 PM

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=61553.
Go to the 2nd or last page and you will see where Sue replied and extended her offer thru today. She also has a link to contact her about it.

**masonjarjar** · 10-23-2008, 01:15 PM

I have one of those that came with a Burt's Bees set. I can't imagine it's any different, except mine is white. I like using it. Currently, I've melted VDH soap in there. Works like a charm.

-Mason

**writerchad** · 10-23-2008, 01:27 PM

masonjarjar...inspired by you, i'm now listening to zen arcade

**masonjarjar** · 10-23-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by writerchad

masonjarjar...inspired by you, i'm now listening to zen arcade

"searching for the truth but all I ever find is lies,
try to find identity but I just find a disguise,
Looking at a nightmare, when I try to see the dream,
finding a reality as perfect as it seems.. Somewhere..."

**Hawkeyeted** · 10-23-2008, 01:45 PM

To be honest with you all, I went to Target and found a porcelain bowl with a handle on it for about $2.50. Works like a champ.

IMHO, more expensive does not always equal better.

**Confilo** · 10-23-2008, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by lamontqsanford

If you look in the shopping forum Sue from SCS extended her offer a shave mug with a cake of her soap for $18.50 shipped. I just ordered one yesterday. The offer ends today and you won't find it on her website.

I totally agreed, it is nice elegant and the soap is great

**_JP_** · 10-23-2008, 08:04 PM

With soaps being offered in two basic sizes and also given that there are creams, you may want to have more than one mug to suit all of your needs. Right now I use three, one of which is dedicated to creams.

**AZShaver** · 10-23-2008, 08:29 PM

Be sure to find a classic Old Spice. Often available on the bay or in antique or junk stores. You can melt VDH or grind hard soaps to fit.

**jfreaksho** · 10-23-2008, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by masonjarjar

I have one of those that came with a Burt's Bees set. I can't imagine it's any different, except mine is white. I like using it. Currently, I've melted VDH soap in there. Works like a charm.

-Mason

A Burt's Bees set? What was in it? Details? Link?

My wife is allergic to preservatives used in a lot of soaps, lotions, and creams, and it's not allowed in the house unless she can handle it. Burt's Bees is one of the few companies where I don't have to ask her to read the label.
J.

**Masterofsparks** · 10-23-2008, 09:14 PM

I bought a large black cappuchino (sp) mug at my local grocery store for $1.99 and even though I own 4 vintage shaving mugs this is the one I go to every morning because it is such a wide mug and gives me room to whip up a nice lather! Can't beat the price! Cheap and functional!

**DanOK** · 10-23-2008, 10:11 PM

My thoughts are these discussions always require a bit more substance to arrive at the type of mug you require. What specifically are your performance expectations of a shaving mug. I have observed that most use shaving mugs for three main purposes.

1. as a container which holds the soap and allows for loading a brush.
2. as a container which holds soap and can be used to build lather as some do with a lather bowl or scuttle.
3. as a container which holds soap, allows enough room to load the brush, and can be sealed and easily stacked for storage.

I fall in the number 1 category. I like Old Spice mugs and keep all my soaps in rotation in them. I use the mug to load the brush with soap and then either face lather or use my lather bowl.

Category 2 is usually the Latte style mugs which can hold the soap and are large enough to allow for building mounds of lather. A kind of shaving mug and lather mug hybrid so to speak. Some use a latte style cup as a lather bowl and keep the soap in a different container.

Category 3 is usually for those who like to have a large variety of soaps in their rotation, use the container to only load the brush with soap, and like the convince of some type of air tight lid which allows them to stack the soaps for storage. Custard cups with lids would be a example of this type of mug.

As your can see from the many fine recommendation so far we need a better idea of how you wish to use a mug. I think from reading your post that you may fall into category 2 and would be happy with a latte style cup. With that in mind I would agree with Antique Hoosier and recommend a trip to the local thrift store.

**S&P** · 10-23-2008, 10:32 PM

I use the oversized latte mugs...sometimes they seem a little deep, but I have big hands so it's easier to make the lather in one of those mugs as opposed to a smaller latte mug. I'm not going to pay $20 for a scuttle...not right now at least

**Milton** · 10-23-2008, 11:46 PM

Hit up the local goodwill/thrift store. Typically they get alot of cups and rarely sell any. I typically use a chilli bowl/soup bowl.

**writerchad** · 10-24-2008, 06:01 AM

DanOK, I think you're right I definitely fall into category 2.

I currently use a big soup mug. It serves its function though it is too big.

I think I'm suffering from what you guys around here call acquisition disorder. I took a look at the moss scuttle and that's a beaut. I love the idea of putting really hot water beneath the bowl. But alas, at 40+ bucks it'll have to wait. Santa, you reading this?

I checked the tracking on my Merkur HD and it should arrive at my home today which means my first DE shave will be tomorrow. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

Question, is the Merkur HD also known as the 38c?

**lamontqsanford** · 10-24-2008, 06:09 AM

The Merkur HD is a short handle the 38C is a long handle. I myself prefer the longer handled razors.

**BrianL** · 10-24-2008, 10:13 AM

I use a coleman double wall stainless steel mountain mug for soaps. A puck of Tabac fits in it like it was made for it. A puck of William's will stick to the bottom after one shave. VDH will melt and pour into it as well.