Copper lathering bowls

Blademonkey

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Question: Do copper lathering bowls offer any advantage over lathering bowls made from other materials?
I've noticed that a lot of Turkish lathering bowls are made from copper and was wondering why.
I've ordered myself a copper lathering bowl because I have a couple of copper razors and a copper handled shaving brush and I'm a bit of a tart when it comes to matching materials.
Being a Cornishman Copper is very close to my heart because of all the copper amongst other metals and minerals that used to be mined here in Cornwall.
Paul.
 

MntnMan62

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I have a turkish made lather mug with the handle. The inside is lined with tin. It is very very light and is hand hammered so it produces a lush lather fairly quickly. And it was extremely inexpensive. The only issue was having to wait for about a month for it to get to me and pass through US customs from Turkey. I have also been looking at and am considering purchasing the Captain's Choice copper lather bowl, the heavy version. It has the swirl in the bottom of the bowl which is supposed to also help in working up lather. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet is because I cannot justify the expenditure at the moment. If I had the money I would buy it immediately.
 

Blademonkey

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I have a turkish made lather mug with the handle. The inside is lined with tin. It is very very light and is hand hammered so it produces a lush lather fairly quickly. And it was extremely inexpensive. The only issue was having to wait for about a month for it to get to me and pass through US customs from Turkey. I have also been looking at and am considering purchasing the Captain's Choice copper lather bowl, the heavy version. It has the swirl in the bottom of the bowl which is supposed to also help in working up lather. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet is because I cannot justify the expenditure at the moment. If I had the money I would buy it immediately.
The one I bought is not tin lined it is all copper, I have seen the one you have but decided against it because the handle is brass so I went for a full copper one with no handle, just a raised (inverted) bottom.
I will look in to the Captain's Choice bowl though, thank's for your reply. P.
image.jpeg
 
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Masamune

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I've got the Captain's Choice bowl in copper (the heavy one). I really like the thermal properties of copper and the warm lather but was disappointed to see just how quickly the lacquer is removed from the base. It's the perfect size -- the height in particular. Not sure the lather is any better than that made in a ceramic bowl.
 

MntnMan62

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I've got the Captain's Choice bowl in copper (the heavy one). I really like the thermal properties of copper and the warm lather but was disappointed to see just how quickly the lacquer is removed from the base. It's the perfect size -- the height in particular. Not sure the lather is any better than that made in a ceramic bowl.
Do you mean the lacquer that is at the bottom of the inside of the bowl or the lacquer on the bottom of the bowl itself that comes in contact with your hand or any other surface you rest it on?
 

Marcos

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I have the tin lined copper bowl from Turkey as well. Not bad for being so inexpensive but I don’t use it much and the thumb hole loop is too small for me and my finger gets stuck in it.
 

junipertar

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Question: Do copper lathering bowls offer any advantage over lathering bowls made from other materials?
I've noticed that a lot of Turkish lathering bowls are made from copper and was wondering why.
If by lathering bowl you mean these:

ayran.png


They are actually bowls for drinking "ayran", which is drink made of yoghurt - a salty, watered version of it. Traditionally, food was cooked in copper ware, tea & coffee were brewed in copper ware as well - because everything tasted better when done that way. However, since copper needs to be plated (with tin?) which has to be maintained periodically, it couldn't keep up with modern cookware.

So in terms of lathering the only advantage over other bowls would be the price. In terms of taste, well, if you ever happen to come to Istanbul, we could do a test over kebabs - ayrans on me :okay:
 

Blademonkey

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If by lathering bowl you mean these:

View attachment 59275

They are actually bowls for drinking "ayran", which is drink made of yoghurt - a salty, watered version of it. Traditionally, food was cooked in copper ware, tea & coffee were brewed in copper ware as well - because everything tasted better when done that way. However, since copper needs to be plated (with tin?) which has to be maintained periodically, it couldn't keep up with modern cookware.

So in terms of lathering the only advantage over other bowls would be the price. In terms of taste, well, if you ever happen to come to Istanbul, we could do a test over kebabs - ayrans on me :okay:
Hello, yes that's the type of bowl that's is being sold as lathering bowls on eBay .
If I should happen to find myself in Istanbul I shall take you up on your kind offer, :) thank you. P.
 
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SweeneyTodd

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If by lathering bowl you mean these:

View attachment 59275

They are actually bowls for drinking "ayran", which is drink made of yoghurt - a salty, watered version of it. Traditionally, food was cooked in copper ware, tea & coffee were brewed in copper ware as well - because everything tasted better when done that way. However, since copper needs to be plated (with tin?) which has to be maintained periodically, it couldn't keep up with modern cookware.

So in terms of lathering the only advantage over other bowls would be the price. In terms of taste, well, if you ever happen to come to Istanbul, we could do a test over kebabs - ayrans on me :okay:
Out of interest, what is the particular reason or advantage for these bowls to be dimpled or hammered thus, when used for the purpose of drinking "ayran"? Or is it a traditional design element?
 

junipertar

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Out of interest, what is the particular reason or advantage for these bowls to be dimpled or hammered thus, when used for the purpose of drinking "ayran"? Or is it a traditional design element?
As far as I know it is just a traditional design element, as the bowls were hammered during production. Ayran is shaken and stirred when being made, but before it is served in cups, so there would be no advantage gained from the particular shape.
 

MntnMan62

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I mean the inside bottom of the bowl where the soap is.
Wow. That's not good. For $50 you would think a large outfit like Captain's Choice could get the product right before offering it to the market. Now, I have no reason to consider moving forward on that bowl unless I have definitive confirmation that the problem has been addressed. I'd return it. No reason to spread pieces of lacquer on your face in the morning. That's really disturbing. I wonder if they are aware of the issue.
 
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