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[splintercellsz]

I have heard of people using a spray bottle with distilled water.

Without photos, we really can't tell if it's a simple fix or if a reblocking may be on the horizon.

 

[Seth Duzan]

Ok, I got some in the Disney Diner(near end of thread), but those are a year old, I'll get some fresh pictures up later this evening when I get a spare moment.

 

[splintercellsz]

Very nice Disney. The only issue in those looks like the sweat. I look forward to seeing the issues you described so we can figure what that fine lid needs

 

[ManofKent]

Well done and effortless!... but it does help to start with 1920s Stetson Premier Quality felt. Other hats might require a little steam persuasion.

Steam from a kettle is definitely needed with some hats to hold a pinch. Mine has quite a distinct spout. and with over-ridiing the cut-out by holding down the switch you can direct steam fairly well.

 

[Seth Duzan]

Ok, as you can see here in these two, the pinch is a little off center, but that doesn't really bother me as much. However the pinch dents do. The one seems too large, and the creases are uneven in height. I know it may seem odd that the off center pinch doesn't bother me but the sizes and uneven top do. What can I say? Showing age and character is one thing, as long as it doesn't get 'sloppy'... Lol, I get weirdly anal about some things...

And in these next two you can see where the center/diamond dent is just all wonky...

 

[Michaelshane]

Boil water in a pan on the stove.It makes steam.

 

[nigeloscar]

I was wearing an Akubra Bronco hat yesterday (cattleman crease) in pouring rain, when the hat was pretty drenched, i steamed it quite easily into an open crown, then opted for a different bash. This hat was pretty stiff, but with steam and a wet felt, it popped into the new shape effortlessly... Just not sure I like the end result, but thats another story..

 

[g.durand]

I recently had Optimo replace the sweatbands in four vintage hats, which required they be cleaned and re-blocked. The hats were all from the late '40s, early to mid- '50s--a Mallory Ten, a Lee Silver Label, a Knox Fifteen, and a Hersey Hat Company branded Champ. When they came back, they were like brand new hats. Three of the four took hand creases and the third, the Champ, required a minor amount of steam to set the pinch. So having a hat made of high quality felt makes a difference.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

I was wearing an Akubra Bronco hat yesterday (cattleman crease) in pouring rain, when the hat was pretty drenched, i steamed it quite easily into an open crown, then opted for a different bash. This hat was pretty stiff, but with steam and a wet felt, it popped into the new shape effortlessly... Just not sure I like the end result, but thats another story..

Ah but it is truly yours now! I do hope that you come up with something that pleases you. Besides, anything beats a cattleman's crease in my view. Generally reworked any hat with one when given a chance.

Fed

 

[gtdean48]

Mark center based on your nose with a paper clip on the hatband. Nothing more annoying than off center pinch

 

[ManofKent]

I'd use steam, and then just tweak with my fingers. A pan of water will work but I find an electric kettle easier (mines got an old fashioned spout, but if you've got a wider spout you can make a narrower spout out of tin foil). With a kettle you can direct the steam more easily.

 

[gtdean48]

Brush thoroughly, spray bottle with distilled water, spray liberally, shape to taste, set with steam from boiling pot of distilled water, dry while wearing...

 

[myusedhats]

Hat sizes

i have a whole bunch of borsalino hats with no sizes...whats the best way to figure out the size?

 

[yttclothing]

If you can get hold of one of these

If not a flexi tape measure, and measure the inside circumference then check it on a chart I find this one best

http://www.hatsuk.com/hatsuk/hatsukhtml/bible/hatsize.htm

 

[Seth Duzan]

Is it best to work smaller areas or the whole thing at once?

 

[gtdean48]

Not sure how you divide it up but I always do the entire crown at once...

 

[gtdean48]

Measure length of opening front to back & then side to side. Use ellipse circumference calculator then use size chart...

 

[alanfgag]

Measure length of opening front to back & then side to side...

If you add these two measurements (in inches) and divide the sum by 2 you will come very close to the U.S. hat size.

 

[fedoracentric]

Get a whole bunch of guys with different sized heads and...

But seriously, the measuring noted above is the best way. Hat sizing devices are pretty expensive and the measuring suggested above will get you close enough.

 

[ManofKent]

If you add these two measurements (in inches) and divide the sum by 2 you will come very close to the U.S. hat size.

Useful tip - I've not come across that one.