Scuttle help...

[tob1303]

I just picked up my first scuttle from Robert's feats of Clay on the Bay...it's below...however I can't seem to get a lather out of it and I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I have no problem with my regular bowl which is A) not a scuttle, and B) half the size. I did the same exact things I usually do as far as water/cream/brush saturation etc.

The only thing different was the scuttle. I filled the scuttle both top and inside with hot water and let the brush soak for a few minutes in the top bowl. This made the top bowl pretty warm. Then I emptied both the bottom and the top bowls...refilled the inside bowl and microwaved for 45 seconds...at this point the top bowl is pretty warm again, not too hot to the touch but obviously warm. I then tried to lather the way I always do.

The lather simply won't build. It doesn't fluff up at all...whipped and whipped for 3, 4, 5 minutes and nothing worth talking about. I let it sit for a minute, and it was virtually gone.

Anybody have any ideas?


(Sellers description)

Dimensions: Outside bowl is 6" diameter by 3 1/4" deep. The top bowl 5" diameter by 2 1/2" deep. This scuttle is slighly shallower then my
large scuttle with the stopper. I have added groves to the bottom and sides to help in mixing the cream or soap. Handle is large enough to insert 2 fingers inside to make holding the mug easy.

View attachment 105100

 

[mblakele]

Heat can be bad for lather. Have you tried lathering in this scuttle without the hot water? I know that defeats the purpose, but it might tell you whether or not heat is the culprit.

 

[tob1303]

I have not...I was going to wait until tomorrow to try a bit of a tempered heat...I have heard that before...but I don't fully understand it...I guess I'll see.

 

[Greybeard]

What holds the three parts of lather (water, soap, air) together is surface tension. IIRC heat expands the distance between molecules. This accelerates the deterioration of the surface tension of the lather and leads to faster decomposition. Less heat, slower decomposition.

You could also try more product. A thicker lather to start with may decompose slower.

 

[AJP]

Mate, i would bin the satanic microwave!!!

After the first filling of hot water, where you have let it sit, and some of the heat has trasferred to the scuttle, empty both bowls out and then fill the outer with water that is just from the tap. See how you go with that one.

 

[sodajerk]

I think it's heat related, too. I have a different style RFOC and didn't notice a change when I started using it. However, I use hot tap water only.

 

[houlejames]

I have one of Robert's scuttles and I find that you need to put a little water in the bottom of the bowl as the heat dries out the lather. Sometimes in between passes I add a little more water and this seems to keep the lather well, about a couple of tablespoons full + or -, you have to experiment, if the water is really hot maybe a little more. Mix the lather again after adding the water. Doing this I can make the water as hot as I like. With hot water your lather needs to be a little wetter. I usually microwave cold tap water 2.5 minutes, so the water is nice and hot. Also when I microwave I have a little water in the shave bowl part and leave it in. Learned this on the SRD forum, tip from Lynn, and it really works well whether I use a puck, cream or even a shave stick and face lather. Keeps my brush and lather warm. With a stick I usually lightly re-apply the stick on each pass and it works great.

 

[Sharp Blade]

I just picked up my first scuttle from Robert's feats of Clay on the Bay...it's below...however I can't seem to get a lather out of it and I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I have no problem with my regular bowl which is A) not a scuttle, and B) half the size. I did the same exact things I usually do as far as water/cream/brush saturation etc.

The only thing different was the scuttle. I filled the scuttle both top and inside with hot water and let the brush soak for a few minutes in the top bowl. This made the top bowl pretty warm. Then I emptied both the bottom and the top bowls...refilled the inside bowl and microwaved for 45 seconds...at this point the top bowl is pretty warm again, not too hot to the touch but obviously warm. I then tried to lather the way I always do.

The lather simply won't build. It doesn't fluff up at all...whipped and whipped for 3, 4, 5 minutes and nothing worth talking about. I let it sit for a minute, and it was virtually gone.

Anybody have any ideas?


(Sellers description)

Dimensions: Outside bowl is 6" diameter by 3 1/4" deep. The top bowl 5" diameter by 2 1/2" deep. This scuttle is slighly shallower then my
large scuttle with the stopper. I have added groves to the bottom and sides to help in mixing the cream or soap. Handle is large enough to insert 2 fingers inside to make holding the mug easy.

View attachment 105100

I do two things different than you do and I have very good luck with the lather.One, I use only hot water right from the tap in the bottom of the scuttle and two, I do not microwave the bowl. I soak my brush in the sink for just a few seconds and shake it out good and I also add just a very little bit of water in the top of the scuttle.

I tried putting very hot water in the top of the scuttle and got the same results you did,no lather to speak of and very thin to boot ! I'm using a DB 1.5 size scuttle and I really enjoy the results. Good luck to you and happy shaving,just remember you will do lots of experimentation to find exactly what works for you.


John

 

[SUMMERSRL]

Mate, i would bin the satanic microwave!!!

After the first filling of hot water, where you have let it sit, and some of the heat has trasferred to the scuttle, empty both bowls out and then fill the outer with water that is just from the tap. See how you go with that one.

I support this suggestion. I think microwaving water is a bit more than is required. I use a Robert's scuttle with hot tap water. I am very pleased with the results. Try it and see if there is a difference.