Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

[Retserrof]

Regarding the recently posted LW ones:
Curb your expectations if you're hoping to get one of the legendary heavyweight LW jackets - the ones from JP tend to have much thinner and lower grade (?) leather. This has been discussed on TFL multiple times but it's still worth mentioning.

I know it's been discussed before, but the price is definitely a deal for what you get. I've had a few Lost Worlds from Japan and they have all been on par in quality, stitching etc. Only difference I can tell from the ones I've had is that they tend to be 3oz leather. YMMV

 

[TartuWolf]

I know it's been discussed before, but the price is definitely a deal for what you get. I've had a few Lost Worlds from Japan and they have all been on par in quality, stitching etc. Only difference I can tell from the ones I've had is that they tend to be 3oz leather. YMMV

Same experience here. Quality was great, leather was very meh. I'm wondering if the patterns are the same or adjusted for JP crowd.

 

[greenc]

Regarding the recently posted LW ones:
Curb your expectations if you're hoping to get one of the legendary heavyweight LW jackets - the ones from JP tend to have much thinner and lower grade (?) leather. This has been discussed on TFL multiple times but it's still worth mentioning.

@TartuWolf why are the Japanese Lost Worlds of lighter weight horsehide? Stu and his gang are still the only ones making these - is there a reason the versions for the Japanese market seem lighter?

 

[TartuWolf]

@TartuWolf why are the Japanese Lost Worlds of lighter weight horsehide? Stu and his gang are still the only ones making these - is there a reason the versions for the Japanese market seem lighter?

The WHY is something I can only speculate on. Most likely batches of jackets ordered by distributors in JP for the local clientele. Whether the lighter hide choice comes from the requester or provider - I have no idea. But this topic has been discussed and confirmed multiple times on TFL in the past.

 

[photo2u]

I have the very same production jacket in russet. The hide is good. However, when we review LW, there are many aspects that make LW a superior jacket. First off course is their hide. However, craftsmanship and fit are superior to most companies. Lastly, the materials used such as thread, lining and hardware are major aspects in a jacket that are crucial when judging a jacket. LW makes a great jacket. Some like the thicker hide over the thinner. The bottom line with LW is that you will not be disappointed by their products.

 

[greenc]

Limited edition Lewis Leathers x Erostika size 38 with custom lining - at approximately $2,400 USD it isn't cheap but you'll probably not see one again anytime soon.

https://jp.mercari.com/item/m88808993563

 

[greenc]

I have the very same production jacket in russet. The hide is good. However, when we review LW, there are many aspects that make LW a superior jacket. First off course is their hide. However, craftsmanship and fit are superior to most companies. Lastly, the materials used such as thread, lining and hardware are major aspects in a jacket that are crucial when judging a jacket. LW makes a great jacket. Some like the thicker hide over the thinner. The bottom line with LW is that you will not be disappointed by their products.

I've handled three Lost Worlds from Japan - an aviator, a prototype sample G1, and a J24 - and all of them are of exceptional quality. The horsehide on the aviator was probably not more than 1.5 mm but the jacket had a great drape and a lovely pattern.

The J24 is in all sincerity the nicest motorcycle jacket I've handled, it's fantastic - heavyweight 4oz leather that's remarkably pliable and soft, and like the aviator the pattern is really exceptional.

I think it must really depend on what retailer or customer ordered from Lost Worlds as to the weight of the hides - I wouldn't think that Stu as a matter of course chooses thinner hides for the Japanese market.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

I do recall Stu had an ebay warning page sometime ago that mentioned how over 20 years ago they sold some samples and apprentice jackets for cheap. I'm assuming these are the lower grade stuff that is being referred to. I don't think there was any mention that these got sold to Japan.

His thinner Horsehide isn't anything to write off - it drapes from the get go, is easy wearing and produces grain a lot faster. Nothing wrong if that's what someone is looking for in a jacket.
This is how his Japanese wholesale buyers would have spec-ed their orders with him. Not Stu deciding they don't deserve his 4oz HH so they get something less.

Here's a pic of my Ryder which is around 2.75oz. The grain just shows up like nobody's business.
If your purpose is just to casually wear a leather jacket, I wouldn't call the leather second grade to the heavier stuff I have.

 

[greenc]

I do recall Stu had an ebay warning page sometime ago that mentioned how over 20 years ago they sold some samples and apprentice jackets for cheap. I'm assuming these are the lower grade stuff that is being referred to. I don't think there was any mention that these got sold to Japan.

His thinner Horsehide isn't anything to write off - it drapes from the get go, is easy wearing and produces grain a lot faster. Nothing wrong if that's what someone is looking for in a jacket.
This is how his Japanese wholesale buyers would have spec-ed their orders with him. Not Stu deciding they don't deserve his 4oz HH so they get something less.

Here's a pic of my Ryder which is around 2.75oz. The grain just shows up like nobody's business.
If your purpose is just to casually wear a leather jacket, I wouldn't call the leather second grade to the heavier stuff I have.

View attachment 695899

@bigmanbigtruck I agree that Stu would just be filling orders with whatever weight horsehide the customer wanted. His lighter hides are still robust and of terrific quality.

The graining on yours looks terrific.

 

[greenc]

Many of you probably know about Lost Worlds' consignment page, but I just learned about it 20-min ago. Some interesting deals including the following...

https://lostworldsinc.com/Lost Worlds Consignment and Sale Items.html

 

[cbez]

"These measurements are taken by an amateur, so please understand that there may be some slight errors."
This is hilarious for 3k jacket.

Very normal. Also, jackets are 3d objects. You and I could measure the exact same jacket differently while working hard to be accurate.

 

[Kongotronics]

Now discontinued (I believe) Flathead Double Rider WRJ-51 with side ties and belt loops, size 38. At approximately $670 USD this is basically one third the price of a new fn-lj-hw004.

I dig it because it's different than what's currently available - someone should jump on this.

https://jp.mercari.com/item/m75522825669

I see so many good deals listed here from Mercari in my size but I have no idea how you guys are navigating and using this website! Can anyone care to show me the ropes, how do I make a purchase? Etc

 

[greenc]

@Kongotronics welcome, happy to know you're finding interesting pieces to consider here. Unless you're in Japan the easiest way to inquire or make a purchase on Mercari, Rakuten, or Yahoo Japan is via a proxy service like Buyee or From Japan.

If you log onto one of those sites you can create an account and then begin shopping. Basically the proxy service makes the purchase on your behalf, has the piece shipped to the proxy's warehouse, and then the proxy ships it to you.

It's actually very simple and effective.

The proxy can also help you ask questions of the seller, which is important. Good luck, and let me know if you need anymore help, happy to provide it.

 

[tmitchell59]

In this album is a LW Trojan that came from Japan. It was magnificent leather, similar in weight to an original; not a 4 ounce + Test that I owned. I've owned a few LW jackets, I preferred the lighter weight jackets.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/W4QbuxQxgxyovLnv7

 

[TartuWolf]

Very normal. Also, jackets are 3d objects. You and I could measure the exact same jacket differently while working hard to be accurate.

I don't agree. If you're selling a jacket for 3k then you're not an "amateur", you should know how to measure. And provide photos of the measurements if the method is in doubt. On the other hand at those prices the jackets most likely don't get worn anyway and just go to some collectors case/closet so the measurements don't matter anyway.

 

[TartuWolf]

I have the very same production jacket in russet. The hide is good. However, when we review LW, there are many aspects that make LW a superior jacket. First off course is their hide. However, craftsmanship and fit are superior to most companies. Lastly, the materials used such as thread, lining and hardware are major aspects in a jacket that are crucial when judging a jacket. LW makes a great jacket. Some like the thicker hide over the thinner. The bottom line with LW is that you will not be disappointed by their products.

Perhaps you are correct, but I certainly was not impressed by the LW jacket that I received from JP. But likely that has more to do with the mythical status of LW and my high expectations than what the jacket actually was. It was definitely good quality, but nothing WOW about it at all.
Loved the striation marks though on the right mid sleeve though!
And nylon lining..
And the wide lapels!
Don't get me wrong, I'm still buying a LW from JP if I see something I like (for example a J-22 or J-24 or an aviator..).

 

[Herrvallmo]

Stunning aviator from West Ride, size 36

On Mercari

 

[TartuWolf]

Stunning aviator from West Ride, size 36

On Mercari

View attachment 696018

Beautiful jacket but this is what kills it for me:
1. Cinches at the bottom instead of half-belt level. I know there are historic example of this but I find this completely bizarre.
2. The sleeve width looks ENORMOUS.
3 . Hookless zipper is not your friend most of the time.
4 . 59cm long sleeves (assuming it was measured correctly straight from shoulder to cuff).
5 . The pointless buttons on the cuffs.
6 . What's with the missing lining at the bottom? I suppose it's there to let the lining move instead of just leaving extra material there.

 

[Herrvallmo]

Beautiful jacket but this is what kills it for me:
1. Cinches at the bottom instead of half-belt level. I know there are historic example of this but I find this completely bizarre.
2. The sleeve width looks ENORMOUS.
3 . Hookless zipper is not your friend most of the time.
4 . 59cm long sleeves (assuming it was measured correctly straight from shoulder to cuff).
5 . The pointless buttons on the cuffs.
6 . What's with the missing lining at the bottom? I suppose it's there to let the lining move instead of just leaving extra material there.

You are right mate, didn't look to closely at measurements and inside pics, that missing part sure is strange haha.

 

[greenc]

In this album is a LW Trojan that came from Japan. It was magnificent leather, similar in weight to an original; not a 4 ounce + Test that I owned. I've owned a few LW jackets, I preferred the lighter weight jackets.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/W4QbuxQxgxyovLnv7

@tmitchell59 that LW Trojan is really good looking, the graining and wear on it makes it look luxurious even laying flat. How was it to wear? How was the drape?