How to use this shaving mug?

[zero]

Never having used this style of shaving mug before:

http://www.mygrannysatticantiques.com/assets/images/arthurwood_shaving_mug2.jpg

I was wondering does the soap sit on the top? There don't appear to be much height around the edges to stop a block of shaving soap from sliding off the edge when lathering.

Perhaps it's just used with a shaving cream?

I'm used to using a tabac tub which have high walls around the soap bar to keep it in place.

Thanks

 

[JDV]

That is what is commonly referred to as a scuttle. I've never used one, so I'm of no help on the specifics, but many members have and use them, so I'm certain they will chime in.

 

[Bertilak]

Look at the top of the handle. I believe that groove is for setting the brush handle on. A puck of soap would sit over the drain holes and the brush could, with the help of the groove on the scuttle's handle, rest on top of the soap. Not all scuttles had this style handle.

The opening on the side is for dipping the brush into water held in the base of the scuttle. I think this design is intended for shaving where there is no (hot?) water available at the shaving station. Use it to bring just-boiled/heated water from the stove in the kitchen.

 

[TenorClef]

I tend to call this a shaving jug which is a little different from a shaving scuttle or mug. I have one too see attached photo

I think you use them like this, place soap puck on top, wet brush via side and lather up, the jug provides a good supply of hot water so that you can re-wet your brush and lather up continuously. Shaving scuttles don't have a placement for soap and the brush is placed inside the scuttle to retain the warm of the brush.

Correct me if I'm wrong....

 

[luvmysuper]

The old fashioned is filled with hot water, and the brush is put in the opening. Soap sets on the top. When you are ready, you pull the brush, shake it and load the brush on the soap, then lather the face, the brush can be set on the soap to help to keep it a little warmer than sitting on the counter, but nothing like a modern scuttle. The drain holes allow water from the brush to drain down into the bottom.

These old fashioned scuttles were made in a time when hot water in the bathroom was not a common thing.

 

[michiganlover]

These old fashioned scuttles were made in a time when hot water in the bathroom was not a common thing.

Yup, the entire point was to allow for hot water to be brought to the area where shaving was to occur, as such they are rather worthless in today's shaving setups, and nothing like a true scuttle designed for keeping your lather (and brush) warm.

 

[buddydog]

I don't think the soap is put on the scuttle at all.You put hot water inside,face lather,rest the brush over the holes between passes.Brush and lather stays hot...

 

[luvmysuper]

Examples of use from different sites;

 

[TenorClef]

Whilst limited I still use my old fashioned shaving jug when i DE shave in the shower. Tonight i just purchased this modern shaving scuttle off ebay. Looks small but should be right for keeping my loaded brush warm between passes and better for my straight shaves which i do at the sink. If anybody is interested its made by Steve Woodhead Studio Pottery. Steve makes a range of handmade stoneware pottery in his private workshop in Warwickshire, England.