Shaving Bowls

What is a shaving bowl?

A shaving bowl (also known as a shaving mug, shave bowl, shaving dish, shaving soap bowls, or a lathering bowl) is used to help create a shaving lather from traditional shaving soap or shaving cream with a shaving brush. The benefits of using a bowl are that it's less messy, it allows you to work up a very thick lather, and they're simple to clean. It also helps you become more precise with the consistency and quantity of lather you create, helping you to save money on soaps/creams.

A shaving bowl is commonly used with traditional wet shaving, where you use a single/double edge safety razor, high-quality cut-throat razor, or another shaver that uses stainless steel disposable double edge razor blades.

A shaving bowl will take your wet shave to the next level. It will help you shave your face with fewer cuts, nicks, and irritation.

There are also old school shaving scuttles, which are a closed top container that allows you to work a soap very aggressively to generate a strong lather without the mess.

How to use a shaving bowl:

We'll split this up into two sections, one for shaving soap, and one for shaving cream.

How to use with shaving soap and a brush:

1. Soak The Brush - if you are using an organic animal brush, you should soak it in warm water for a few minutes before you start (not required with synthetic brushes).
2. Bloom the puck of soap - this means adding a small layer of warm water on top of your shaving soap puck. This will start to soften it.
   
3. Squeeze off excess water from your shaving brush.
4. Swirl your brush over the soap puck for about 30 seconds, or until you have a good coating on the bristles.
5. Transfer over to your shaving bowl, and start to swirl for a further 30 seconds.
6. Now wet your brush again, and repeat the process until you have a thick, bubbly shaving lather.

How to use with shaving cream and a brush:

1. Soak The Brush - if you are using an organic animal brush, you should soak it in warm water for a few minutes before you start. For synthetic brushes, simply wet it before using.
2. Apply a small amount of shaving cream to your shaving bowl.
3. Squeeze off excess water from your shaving brush.
4. Start with quick circular motions in your shaving bowl over the cream, and as you build up the lather you can slow it down.
5. If it's not building well enough, you can add some more water to your bowl and continue (and if it's too damp, add more cream!).