Better Lathering Device

[Jasontheperson]

I've been using a small handmade bowl for lathering for almost the entire time I've been wetshaving. I tried using a coffee mug once, was not a fan.

Is anyone aware of any better vessel for this critical procedure? I kind of would prefer something handmade, but I'm not super picky.

Also, what traits do you look for? Do lines in the bowl help with lather generation?

 

[Time Bandit]

If you want something hand made I would suggest either of these two wonderful choices:
http://dirtybirdpottery.com/shavinggear.html
http://www.georgetownpottery.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GTP&Category_Code=Shaving
Both sites have options for patterns inside the scuttles. I think all will work just fine. Just get which ever design speaks to you.
But to answer your question. Yes lines and patterns in bowls help with lather generation.

 

[BlackBard]

I use my face for lathering. I don't know if it's better than a bowl, but I never worry about breaking it.

 

[kingfisher]

Go to Target or WallMart and spend 3 or 4 bucks on a black cereal bowl.

 

[BigBull]

Yes lines and patterns in bowls help with lather generation.

In theory it completely makes sense to me. However, I spoke with Julie from Dirty Bird Pottery directly on the phone and she does not agree with this statement...actually citing a recent discussion on the internet. Go figure. Disclaimer: when the summer is over, I'll be ordering one of her bowls with the web pattern.

 

[TallyShave]

The best handmade device/bowl that I have found is my hand.

 

[JaggerDragger]

The best handmade device/bowl that I have found is my hand.

I read that with a Ron Burgundy voice in my head! Nice Avatar!

 

[PugslyCat]

I've been using a small handmade bowl for lathering for almost the entire time I've been wetshaving. I tried using a coffee mug once, was not a fan.

This is truly YMMV. There is no right answer. The only one you have to please is yourself.

You need to ask what you liked and disliked about your small handmade bowl and the coffee mug. Was it the size? The depth? The width? How does each feel in your hand? How do they look in the den? Did the brush clank against the side of one too much? Did one not hold enough lather? Did lather just not seem to generate quickly in one?

 

[Time Bandit]

In theory it completely makes sense to me. However, I spoke with Julie from Dirty Bird Pottery directly on the phone and she does not agree with this statement...actually citing a recent discussion on the internet. Go figure. Disclaimer: when the summer is over, I'll be ordering one of her bowls with the web pattern.

Well to tell you the truth, my personal opinion is that something raised above the surface of the bowl, like convex bumps, will actually help speed lathering up. As opposed to say something cut into the surface of the bowl, like lines or webs. I just said the lines do to help more as a general yes and to keep from going into too much unwanted detail. Disclaimer: If I had the money right now I'd seriously consider buying Julie' original scuttle in berry rim on blue with the regular spiral ridge. Damn that thing looks cool.

 

[smalltank]

just get an old coffee mug and half fingerful of cream or lather up on the soap with water..does the trick for me

 

[jwcarlson]

You guys crack me up... just make the freaking lather. It isn't rocket shaving.

 

[NickyBobby]

It isn't rocket shaving.

Maybe not, but rocket shaving sounds like fun!

 

[CrotalusHH]

The best handmade device/bowl that I have found is my hand.

Doing that makes it kinda hard to save lather for the second and third pass, doesn't it?

 

[jsj_297]

Get ya a marvey shave mug.

 

[jtb]

I use my face for lathering. I don't know if it's better than a bowl, but I never worry about breaking it.

+1
I started with a bowl, then a mug then discovered my face was the best place for my to build lather.