Moss Scuttle - useless for me?

[argilmou]

So I got my small Moss a couple of weeks ago, and I'm starting to think that it was really a waste for me. Hear me out...

I have a pretty light beard and really can get close to a BBS shave with one pass WTG. The most I can do without really tearing my face up is 2 WTG passes. XTG/ATG is out of the question for me. I have been trying a bunch of new soaps, etc and have found that I REALLY like Tabac, and I have found that I have achieved great results by face lathering.

Anyway, since I am typically making only a single pass and the small Moss is too small to lather in, the only thing I am finding is that I can have warm lather for a 2nd WTG pass on the goatee area. I'm wondering if I would have been better off getting the large Moss to lather in, then applying warm lather to my face instead of face lathering?

I've tried bowl lathering, then transfering to the Moss, then lathering my face, but the lather doesn't seem that warm unless it really sits there for a while (which tends to degrade the lather), plus it seems like a lot of extra mess and work for minimal extra benefits.

I'm thinking of potentially offering up to trade for the Large Moss on the BST forum.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[norman931]

Just a note of caution:
If you work up a trade, be sure that you're clear that the scuttles will be packed to withstand a nuclear blast. I once received a beautiful Moss scuttle in many tiny pieces. I would recommend bubble wrap, box, then wrap more bubble wrap around the box, then put it in a bigger box.

 

[argilmou]

Agreed...good point Norm.

Alex

 

[Black Adder]

A larger scuttle might help. I have the Schwarzweisskeramik large scuttle, and they don't come much bigger than that! I use creams exclusively in the scuttle; I find it easier to whip up a lather from a dollop of cream than to take it from a cake of soap, and this is coming from a die-hard fan of Tabac and MWF. A larger scuttle usually means a larger warming chamber, which retains heat.

In helping you to answer your question, I personally have found no tangible, quantifiable difference in my shaves between face lathering off a cake of Tabac or using warm Santa Maria Novella from the scuttle. My take on my scuttle is that it adds to my shaving "ambiance," but I really can't tell you that my whiskers are removed more efficiently. Lather may go on warm from the scuttle, but it cools quickly when applied to the face.

I like the process, though. I use old school creams... Proraso, Musgo Real, SMN, and the warm scent of those lathers adds to each morning's shave. Better shaves? Probably not. Waste of money shelling out for a Schwarzweisskeramik? Nope. I like using it; its part of the process, the ritual, if you will. Good luck with your end decision!

Don

 

[senorsignor]

I had a friend make me a custom knock off/variation of the moss scuttle, and I do enjoy it a lot. BUT, I never use it for lathering in--I face lather as well. For me, it just keeps the loaded brush nice and warm. I'll take the loaded brush and smush it down and rotate a bit so the cream is in good contact with the warm bowl.

 

[huntmol]

I tried using a scuttle for a while and found that it was nice, but I eventually sold it and never really minded much. Some swear by them, though. I face lather, and my D01 Shavemac provides warm enough lather for two passes, so for me a scuttle was more trouble than it was worth.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Just a note of caution:
If you work up a trade, be sure that you're clear that the scuttles will be packed to withstand a nuclear blast. I once received a beautiful Moss scuttle in many tiny pieces. I would recommend bubble wrap, box, then wrap more bubble wrap around the box, then put it in a bigger box.

I recommend either the large bubbles or the air packs. I received my scuttle with a small chip even though it was wrapped exceptionally well. Remember that the word 'FRAGILE' is postman for 'drop kick before delivery.' True to that form, my postman politely knocked and handed me my box that held my large bottle of TABAC aftershave dripping from the corners and running down his arm. He did enjoy the smell.....

 

[Sluggo]

Mine was too small as well, now that I use a smaller brush I wish I had a scuttle especially in the WI winters!

 

[3fa]

I tried using a scuttle for a while and found that it was nice, but I eventually sold it and never really minded much. Some swear by them, though. I face lather, and my D01 Shavemac provides warm enough lather for two passes, so for me a scuttle was more trouble than it was worth.

huh totally agree, bought a super large DB and man it was huge too big and eventually sold it.
I too face lather now with a little soap scuttle and it's working really nice.