I just ordered my first scuttle made by Becker. I have read great reviews and was impressed with the great heat retention. Thanks to the reviews of California Cajun. Can't wait. I hope it arrives by Monday. Anyone out there who loves their scuttle? And why?
First Scuttle
- Thread starter noahpictures
- Start date
I like scuttles too. Have a few, but mostly use a DB. Have fun using your new scuttle.
Hi - congrats on the scuttle purchase. I have a Becker scuttle and I love it.
Besides the scuttle - I lather in a couple of different vessels - one is a Fiestaware chili bowl, another is a Fiestaware mug (looks just like the chili bowl but has a handle) and I also have a double-wall thermal stainless bowl. I have a few of those stainless bowls and I use a second one as a hot-water bath for the chili bowl. I wind up with almost no free space on the sink then.
Lathering-wise, the scuttle works similarly to the stainless bowl - the scuttle I have is a larger one with an opening that's about 5" across at the top, the stainless bowl is about 7" wide. Both are proportionately shallow so they behave similarly when it comes to making lather. I like a long-handled brush so it's kinda like using a whisk to scramble eggs.
The scuttle holds heat better than the stainless though. And I can dump out the water to refresh the heat-factor if needed quite easily.
The Fiesta pieces are about 4" across and they're deeper - I think this helps to keep the heat in and limit evaporation - much like using a tall narrow sauce pan as opposed to a wider flatter one.
I do love using the Fiesta pieces - I love that retro-look and the lathering action is fast. The scuttle is more convenient because I don't need to have a bowl sitting in another bowl of hot water on the sink. I have a small sink area to work with - any space advantage is a huge plus for me.
Plus the scuttle has a lid - which I like to keep in place while I'm shaving to keep the heat in. This is a PITA with soapy fingers though so I have to be really careful when taking if off or putting it back on.
Also - the scuttle has ridges in the bowl to help the brush with it's lather-making abilities. This is a major plus and it's somehting I had not thought of when I was buying it.
What else can I say - It's hand-made in the USA, it wasn't expensive, it looks fantastic, and most importantly - it works really really well.
Besides the scuttle - I lather in a couple of different vessels - one is a Fiestaware chili bowl, another is a Fiestaware mug (looks just like the chili bowl but has a handle) and I also have a double-wall thermal stainless bowl. I have a few of those stainless bowls and I use a second one as a hot-water bath for the chili bowl. I wind up with almost no free space on the sink then.
Lathering-wise, the scuttle works similarly to the stainless bowl - the scuttle I have is a larger one with an opening that's about 5" across at the top, the stainless bowl is about 7" wide. Both are proportionately shallow so they behave similarly when it comes to making lather. I like a long-handled brush so it's kinda like using a whisk to scramble eggs.
The scuttle holds heat better than the stainless though. And I can dump out the water to refresh the heat-factor if needed quite easily.
The Fiesta pieces are about 4" across and they're deeper - I think this helps to keep the heat in and limit evaporation - much like using a tall narrow sauce pan as opposed to a wider flatter one.
I do love using the Fiesta pieces - I love that retro-look and the lathering action is fast. The scuttle is more convenient because I don't need to have a bowl sitting in another bowl of hot water on the sink. I have a small sink area to work with - any space advantage is a huge plus for me.
Plus the scuttle has a lid - which I like to keep in place while I'm shaving to keep the heat in. This is a PITA with soapy fingers though so I have to be really careful when taking if off or putting it back on.
Also - the scuttle has ridges in the bowl to help the brush with it's lather-making abilities. This is a major plus and it's somehting I had not thought of when I was buying it.
What else can I say - It's hand-made in the USA, it wasn't expensive, it looks fantastic, and most importantly - it works really really well.
Did you get that "midnight sky" one? I was going to buy that one when I got home from school last night only to find it gone!
Good for you, I hope you enjoy it! 
Cheers!
-Greg
- Thread starter
- #5
Did you get that "midnight sky" one? I was going to buy that one when I got home from school last night only to find it gone!
Cheers!
-Greg
Yes I did get the Midnight Sky one
Thanks Greg.
I knew it HAD to be someone from here. LOL Congrats!Yes I did get the Midnight Sky one
Thanks Greg.
-G
I have a Becker and LOVE it! I've used Dirty Bird Scuttles before and love them too and they're very solid.
I haven't used a Moss Scuttle or Georgetown but both of those seems to be great scuttles as well.
My scuttle gets used for soaking my brush in it more than it does for it's intended purpose of keeping warm lather readily available. (It sits out on the vanity top.) When I have some extra time in the morning I enjoy taking the time to use it for it's intended purpose but on workdays, I usually just face lather and go.
I haven't used a Moss Scuttle or Georgetown but both of those seems to be great scuttles as well.
My scuttle gets used for soaking my brush in it more than it does for it's intended purpose of keeping warm lather readily available. (It sits out on the vanity top.) When I have some extra time in the morning I enjoy taking the time to use it for it's intended purpose but on workdays, I usually just face lather and go.
I just ordered one of Robert's scuttles too last week it's actually a custom job as I asked for a mid sized one with the lid and stopper so he had to start from scratch. I can't wait for it to get here!
I have had a couple Robert Beckers. They are all very nice and function as well as my Dirty Bird.
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I think that you will enjoy the Robert Becker scuttle. I have one and gave one to my son and we think that they are great. The first time that you fill it with hot water it will "sing" to you. Don't be concerned, it is just reacting to the hot water. Mine did in only the first time.
Enjoy your shaves,
Doug
Enjoy your shaves,
Doug
My R becker scuttle "Sings" even after many uses but it has served me admirably, I pull it out occasionally as I have a "Custom Scuttle" I use every day.
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- #12
- Thread starter
- #13
Which one is the Becker scuttle in this pic?
- Thread starter
- #15
My first scuttle (Becker) finally arrived. I used it today and really liked. The lather was nice and warm during the first two passes. I didn't use the lid, maybe that will make a difference the next I use it. The second pic is the remaining lather using a soap hungry badger brush.
I recently purchased a small Robert Becker scuttle to use as a brush scuttle because I face lather. He also included a separate brush holder in an antique white color. I use it to keep my brush warm after giving it a quick soak and then to keep my lathered brush warm between Kyle's prep and lathering for my shave. It works great. I contacted him and told him what I was looking for and he let me know when it was finished. Looks good too.
nice looking scuttle I hope you enjoy it
Congrats on the scuttle. I love them. I feel like an ape when I don't have warm lather.
Enjoy it!
YES, use the lid. It helps to keep the moisture in since the heat will tend to dry out your lather more quickly. It also prevents heat loss to a great degree. I have also found that as my shave has improved, I go a little more quickly and the lather can stay warmer.
Enjoy it!
I love my scuttle. It's not a modern lathering-bowl one, it's an old-fashioned puck-soap scuttle. I use it the traditional way, with hot water in the bottom chamber with the brush, and hard soap in the top chamber with the holes in it. Heat retention isn't great, but it can help me whip up some damn great lather.
- Thread starter
- #20
I also have one of those traditional ones (with very nice painting) but I didn't know how to use it
and I didn't want to damage it.Thanks for explaining how you use your old school scuttle.
