Question:
I've been using cheap disposables for all of my shaving life and decided to get a razor like dear old dad used--a simple DE.
I ordered a nice chromed set from "Amazing Shaving" with Merkur blades.
Question: what's the bowl for? Is it for cleaning the razor, or does it have to do with prepping the lather?
Also, if it's for the lather, I've read a lot of posts here about shaving creams and gels and I've decided to stick with one thing at a time...I'm planning on using the same ol' for now...Edge gel, of course...so I also ordered a "hot lather" machine which is supposed to fit a variety of different cans.
Anyone use one of these? Is it a gimmick or does it actually give you a closer shave? Even if it doesn't, it still appeals to me to slap something warm on my face in the chilly mornings...I'm sure I'll be buying better lathering products in the future.
Thanks!

Answer:
I've often wondered the same thing myself. It would be good if they put instructions on shaving kits.
Renato

Answer:
The bowl (didn't you get a brush too?) is for the soap and hot water. I use the two mug method: one has a soap cake in the bottom (I believe you can also get shaving soap in powder form) the other is for the water. You fill the one mug with hot water (I have a little hot-pot in my bathroom that takes about 8 mins to boil water) then get your brush wet and then work up a lather with the brush and soap. Then get a little extra hot water (more for the heat) and apply to your face. You get a very hot lather, the soap is ridiculously cheap and you're not filling landfills with empty shaving cream cans.
The traditional materials are a wooden bowl for lather and a badger-hair brush.

Answer:
Originally Posted by radix023 You get a very hot lather, the soap is ridiculously cheap and you're not filling landfills with empty shaving cream cans.
The traditional materials are a wooden bowl for lather and a badger-hair brush. I've been using a Taylor of Old Bond St set for a few years now. It looks very classy in the bathroom. The badger brush is as good as the day I bought it. I use sandalwood soap in a wooden bowl. I shave 3/4 times a week and I still have my original soap left. The scent has mostly gone now, so I'm going to replace with a rose or violet soap (Taylors or Trumpers).
All in all, it takes a few seconds longer than squirting some foam on your face and scraping a blunt plastic razor across it - but what a shave! Sets you up for the day.
There is a whole forum on the subject and if you think we are obsessive here on BN - check out these guys!
http://www.badgerandblade.com/

Answer:
Originally Posted by Rebelwithoutaclue Question: what's the bowl for? Is it for cleaning the razor, or does it have to do with prepping the lather?
so I also ordered a "hot lather" machine which is supposed to fit a variety of different cans. Sorry Rebel - I was so busy waxing lyrical I forgot to answer your question. The bowl is for holding your shave soap. Simply fill your basin with hot water - wet the brush - shake excess water off - lather up the soap in the bowl - brush the lather onto your face - give it a good brush (this, plus the heat, is what softens and raises your bristles, making the shave closer and more comfortable) - keep the blade wet and off you go!
I've never heard of a hot lather machine, but honestly the old-school style is effective and easy.
I don't know if Trumper or Taylor products are available in the US, but there will be plenty of suppliers of good shave soaps.

Answer:
Thanks guys!