My scuttle prototype has arrived

[bob.e]

Here are some pictures of my bobē scuttle prototype it just arrived tonight, I'll be using it for the next little while, then we will build my actual scuttle based on my observations on this one.

It's lather bowl is 3 1/2 inches across by 2 inches deep
Outside diameter 5 inches
Widest 6 1/2 inches handle to spout
Colors brown, gray, green, & blue

There is a "Dribble Port" in the bowl, so if you tip the scuttle away from you a small amount of water dribbles into the bowl to adjust your lather
visible in pictures 1,4,5

It weighs in at just under 3 pounds it's heavy.

It lathered quite nicely and the "Dribble Port" worked as planned but will be refined a little more on the new scuttle and it gave a nice comfortably warm shave, I've still got to experiment with the initial water temp to find- ideal, he's built it with a thick outer wall for holding in the temp and thinner bowl wall for heat transfer.

After refining the design my scuttle maker may entertain building scuttles for us B&B'rs He's been lurking on the site for about a month learning all he can about scuttles you can PM me for more information. By the way this actual scuttle may be pif'd after my actual scuttle is made

Anyway time to shut up and show you what your all waiting for . . . The Pictures

 

[JPM]

Nice looking scuttle!

 

[brentaar]

That looks nice, and the dribble port is a good idea.

 

[BladeDE40]

Looks solid!

 

[Dpflaum]

I would be lying if I said this wasn't my new favorite scuttle...

 

[Trawlerman]

Nice scuttle but i'm thinking it may be better with a groove on the bottom to aid with lathering like other scuttles have?

 

[mwhals]

nice scuttle but i'm thinking it may be better with a groove on the bottom to aid with lathering like other scuttles have?

+1

 

[bob.e]

The scuttle shrank about 20% when fired and the lathering grooves did too LOL that is why this is a prototype, to work out the kinks. the final will have a larger bowl area better defined ridges and improved dribble port and larger water reseviour.

The dribble port works great but needs to be higher up the bowl as the location of the port determines the water line in the scuttle, on my next one it will be higher. if you want to incorporate one into your own scuttle mine is situated for someone who holds the scuttle in their right hand if you hold it in your left hand it needs to be on the oppositet wall. To use it just tip the scuttle a way from you and a little water spurts into the bowl.

Any suggestions you guys have please make them as he is going to make another, the proffesor in charge of the ceramics dept has taken interest in this project and has demanded he make another and make it better

 

[jakespoppy]

That's a great looking scuttle! I love the colors, including the "aged" look, and the dribble port is a great idea, but it does make sense to make it higher as you described. I can't tell dimensions from the pics, but I like it when mug handles are big enough to fit all four fingers in, escpecially for a heavy mug like this one. But mayber it's already big enough for that. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Razor Emporium]

looks great- but you really should try out a cold water shave. it sounds harsh- but you may find that it provides better results.

With cold water, the hair stands up and the skin firms. Causing a closer, irritation free shave. It took me years of experimenting to realize that this simple change could have such dramatic results.

 

[John Kreiner]

It's a very good looking scuttle, you have designed, and the idea with the dribble port sounds great.

But I wonder how you will clean it between the inner and outer bowl. Well you might not have the same problem, we have many places in Denmark with lots of lime in the water.

That lime will after a pretty short time settle in the outer bowl and at the outer side of the inner bowl and give a lot of removing problems - under Danish circumstances at least.

Therefore I prefere a scuttle where the inner bowl can be removed for cleaning after use.

IMO grooves in the inner bowl are not necessary for building good lather. My Danish scuttle is totally smooth inside and I have 1st class lather each time.

The alun-block is only to indicate the size of my scuttle.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Looks like a winner. Be sure to let us know who it performs.

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

Wow production Bobe! Looks fantastic!

 

[infotech]

Nice looking scuttle! I like the muted look to it... Not too bright, rustic looking and very nicely done.

personally, I like the smooth look.

I've never understood how grooves can help build a lather. I use a smooth dish and have never had a problem with building lather. I get the same results when I face lather and my beard is pretty rough. I think we have a case for Myth Busters here and a good chance it'd get busted.

Why not have a dribble hole on both sides of the scuttle so it can be used in either hand?

 

[Eddieb208]

Why is there a seam around the middle of the bowl? Spoils the look!

 

[bob.e]

Commenting on earlier comments

John Kreiner- Try putting a strong mixture of good old fashioned vinegar and water in your scuttle overnight to remove lime deposits it will dissolve the lime and not be harsh on your finish

Infotech- the reason for one "Dribble Port" instead of two is some people like to hold their scuttle up while mixing their lather and would naturally tip the scuttle towards them while mixing lather and with two holes they would inadvertently be adding more water, with the "Dribble Port" on the far wall as you use the scuttle you would need to tip it away from you to add water, so you need to figure out which hand holds the scuttle to know which wall to put the "Dribble Port" on.

My report on using the scuttle today: I'm still figuring the right water temperature to use but it appears I can go pretty hot, as for heat retention, I'm guessing like a G-4 or G-5 scuttle due to small water reservoir, but still fine for a 4 pass shave.

I'm getting good consistent lather in it in fact my best yet.

The "Dribble Port" has been fun to play with, and I highly recommend if your having a scuttle built to get one, I'm sure Sara, Julie or the Georgetown folks would accommodate you. You can reference this thread or have them PM me if they have any questions. I've been playing with it all evening and it takes no time to develop a feel for how to tip the scuttle to add small or larger amounts of water, the nice thing is this water is the same temperature as the scuttle so your not cooling things down while mixing the lather

 

[bob.e]

Today's scuttle use report

I tried a different tact on the water tonight I filled the scuttle with the hottest water my hot pot could produce and let it sit while I showered to heat the clay all the way through, then drained the scuttle and refilled it with the leftover water in the hot pot and got a very nice 4 pass shave. I continued to play with the "Dribble Port" to see how far I could stretch the lather and re-lathered another 5 times with still warm lather.

My fears that the "Dribble Port" might add too much water appear to be unfounded the water is easily controlled and after just a few uses of the scuttle it is becoming second nature.

I can't wait to get the "improved" scuttle made, which will basically be more water capacity a larger lather bowl with deeper lathering ridges & a higher set "Dribble Port"

 

[superspot]

Keep us posted

 

[Uncle Erik]

Hey, the dribble port is on the wrong side for us southpaws!

That's a beautiful piece - I will look forward to reading more about your progress!

 

[JeffCren]

Yes, please keep us posted, especially if your maker decides to sell here!