Or use buttons...my solution every time.
Personally, I never go for anything heavier than a medium weight horsehide in any case so this isn’t generally an issue.
In terms of the metallurgy though, nickel has a higher yield strength than brass (almost double), but quality of casting...
Ironically, it’s a bit like buses, you go for decades without seeing one, and now both Headwind and Aero are making a Goldsmith pattern. Anybody else, John C?
An interesting pattern, with some quirks (the button/loop fastening is a nice transition from the A-1). Probably one for a small minority...
Have you considered Dave Sheeley? He has already demonstrated that he can replicate a Freewheelers Switchyard and offer the materials and high standard of workmanship that you’re seeking from FW. I have a modified Dustbowl in the works from him now.
If your pockets are really deep then I guess not.
If a typical jacket retails for around 220,000¥ from Mirror Ball, and the 100,000¥ supplement discussed earlier for customisation is added then I guess you’d be looking at 320,000¥ ($2894) plus shipping and any duties?
Have you tried Hoosier, Craig? A UK-based friend of mine has received FW jackets to try on, I don’t think that he was charged a restocking fee, but could check.
Prior to my Journeyman purchase I was discussing the subject of Shinki hides with the proprietor of Hoosier (one of the major outlets for Freewheelers) and he confirmed that the deerskin was Shinki as well.
I believe that this one is likely to be Shinki Horsehide (my jackets are both medium weight). My Journeyman is finished with a fairly glossy surface; the Brakeman is slightly heavier (yet still medium weight), but looks more like a typical veg tanned hide.
Yes, I appreciate that they’ll charge a big premium for customisation (about $900 on top), I really meant within the price (sorry, didn’t make that clear).
Well done, good choice. I now have two Freewheelers jackets (the Journeyman and the Brakeman). I had anticipated selling one, but I've decided against, they are just so wearable and the quality is outstanding.
Enjoy that one!!
Good luck with you search.
Are you trying the Japanese auction sizes (Yahoo, etc.)?
On the plus side, you’re in right size range for Japanese sales. I recently picked up a rare 44 Brakeman using Jauce, but jackets in this size don’t come up very frequently.
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