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Wondering if anybody could confirm if the edge treatment on this Royal Stetson is not original. It appears to be a raw edge with a single contrasting stitch. Interested in any opinions. Thanks.

UmcjrE3.jpg
My opinion, it is original. Playboys, have that stitch.

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19,001
Location
Central California
I will do a comparison as i have one of his rabbits from earlier days before he opened the brick and mortar shop.

I'll keep an eye out for that comparison. As an aside, Michael Gannon talked me out of ordering one of his rabbits saying they would not finish as well and would be rough (compared to the beaver). I already knew that the rabbit was going to be inferior but he really did not think I was going to be happy with one of his rabbits. Maybe I'll order one someday just to be able to compare it to his beaver hats.
 
I'll keep an eye out for that comparison. As an aside, Michael Gannon talked me out of ordering one of his rabbits saying they would not finish as well and would be rough (compared to the beaver). I already knew that the rabbit was going to be inferior but he really did not think I was going to be happy with one of his rabbits. Maybe I'll order one someday just to be able to compare it to his beaver hats.
They are for lack of better words, a real treat to work on. If it doesn't bone up, it's not a great finish, simply said. I like to have 2 on hand, in case one doesn't fare out well. The process to get that to bone up , is different amongst us. I suspect it's why also, many favor building beaver. And I'm assuming, the convo, is based, on one specific felter.

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Messages
12,009
Location
East of Los Angeles
I've only seen pics of Ally Kat Hats, but what I hear about Tim's refined approach to rabbit would indicate he's also in that elite pouncing group...
I only have one hat (so far) that was made by Tim Mahovich long before he adopted the Alley Kat Hat Co. name. He made the hat for me in April/May of 2014, and even then his workmanship and skills as a hatter were obvious. I don't have any other custom/bespoke hats to compare it to, but it's far superior to my mass-produced Akubra hats. The rabbit felt is smooth and soft but holds it's shape well, the sweatband is soft and very comfortable, and his hand stitching is flawless. On top of that, the entire process was extremely friendly and relaxed--there was zero pressure when a decision had to be made about any of the details, and he treated me as if we'd been long-time friends, even chatting about non-hat-related things. He doesn't have a website yet, but examples of his work can be seen on Instagram. I have no experience with any of our other venerated hatters so I can't make comparisons (in othe words, take my opinions for what they're worth), but I'd recommend Tim ("Cane Rod Maker" here on The Lounge) and Alley Kat Hat Co. to anyone who wants a quality custom-made hat at a competitive but reasonable price.

Disclaimer: Except for friendship, I receive no compensation whatsoever for promoting and complimenting Tim's work and the products he provides to his customers. I'm very much a "call it as I see it" kind of guy, and if I had been dissatisfied in any way I would let that be known as well.
 
Last edited:

LuvMyMan

I’ll Lock Up.
Messages
4,558
Location
Michigan
I've only seen pics of Ally Kat Hats, but what I hear about Tim's refined approach to rabbit would indicate he's also in that elite pouncing group. I can say with complete confidence, owning lids from all three, that Custom Hatters of Buffalo, (Gary White) Vintage Silhouettes, (Art Fawcett) and Black Sheep Hat Works, (Bob Jessee) are also in this league of perfect pouncers! POUNCE ON PROUDLY, Pals!!!
My "cat" pounces...OH NO! LOL! haha!
 

LuvMyMan

I’ll Lock Up.
Messages
4,558
Location
Michigan
I only have one hat (so far) that was made by Tim Mahovich long before he adopted the Alley Kat Hat Co. name. He made the hat for me in April/May of 2014, and even then his workmanship and skills as a hatter were obvious. I don't have any other custom/bespoke hats to compare it to, but it's far superior to my mass-produced Akubra hats. The rabbit felt is smooth and soft but holds it's shape well, the sweatband is soft and very comfortable, and his hand stitching is flawless. On top of that, the entire process was extremely friendly and relaxed--there was zero pressure when a decision had to be made about any of the details, and he treated me as if we'd been long-time friends, even chatting about non-hat-related things. He doesn't have a website yet, but examples of his work can be seen on Instagram. I have no experience with any of our other venerated hatters so I can't make comparisons (in othe words, take my opinions for what they're worth), but I'd recommend Tim ("Cane Rod Maker" here on The Lounge) and Alley Kat Hat Co. to anyone who wants a quality custom-made hat at a competitive but reasonable price.

Disclaimer: Except for friendship, I receive no compensation whatsoever for promoting and complimenting Tim's work and the products he provides to his customers. I'm very much a "call it as I see it" kind of guy, and if I had been dissatisfied in any way I would let that be known as well.
Well now, I can agree...Tim works his rear end off to do a masterful job and make a person's hat be more than expected. He has my recommendation 24/7!
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
I just picked up a rabbit felt from Mike at NorthWest Hats and was thrilled with the quality. It has me wondering now if I should spend the $$$ bothering to go with a beaver felt for my next hat. Seriously wondering if it is worth the extra dollars. When it is on my head no one will be able to tell if it is rabbit or beaver. Perhaps if I was in my 20's and wanted a hat to last a lifetime then beaver would be the choice but at my age I will never wear out this rabbit. If funds are a concern don't rule out of hand the choice of rabbit from one of these fine custom hatters.
I totally agree about Mike's rabbit pouncing. The Lt. Blue Winchester on my new duplex is about as nice as you would ever want, beaver or bunny. I might consider a full on rabbit just to feel how the crown takes to this process. Yes, another NW hat in the queue next week.
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
I only have one hat (so far) that was made by Tim Mahovich long before he adopted the Alley Kat Hat Co. name. He made the hat for me in April/May of 2014, and even then his workmanship and skills as a hatter were obvious. I don't have any other custom/bespoke hats to compare it to, but it's far superior to my mass-produced Akubra hats. The rabbit felt is smooth and soft but holds it's shape well, the sweatband is soft and very comfortable, and his hand stitching is flawless. On top of that, the entire process was extremely friendly and relaxed--there was zero pressure when a decision had to be made about any of the details, and he treated me as if we'd been long-time friends, even chatting about non-hat-related things. He doesn't have a website yet, but examples of his work can be seen on Instagram. I have no experience with any of our other venerated hatters so I can't make comparisons (in othe words, take my opinions for what they're worth), but I'd recommend Tim ("Cane Rod Maker" here on The Lounge) and Alley Kat Hat Co. to anyone who wants a quality custom-made hat at a competitive but reasonable price.

Disclaimer: Except for friendship, I receive no compensation whatsoever for promoting and complimenting Tim's work and the products he provides to his customers. I'm very much a "call it as I see it" kind of guy, and if I had been dissatisfied in any way I would let that be known as well.

Despite my age, I prefer to shop via the internet and not having a website makes it difficult for me. I eschew social media (other than the Lounge and what is required at work) so Instagram et al doesn't help me. I've seen his work here at the Lounge and it looks top notch and some heavy hitters have endorsed him without reservation. I just like websites with lots of information and lots of photos. Just a personal preference. Back in the day, I had no trouble ordering from the Sears and Roebuck catalog, but now I'm an brick and mortar or dedicated website guy (or yes, Amazon). I get that there is expense involved with setting up and running a website, but that's the world I live in.
 
I totally agree about Mike's rabbit pouncing. The Lt. Blue Winchester on my new duplex is about as nice as you would ever want, beaver or bunny. I might consider a full on rabbit just to feel how the crown takes to this process. Yes, another NW hat in the queue next week.
I sent you a PM, which I'd like you to read, thanks!

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Messages
19,414
Location
Funkytown, USA
Messages
10,840
Location
vancouver, canada
I'll keep an eye out for that comparison. As an aside, Michael Gannon talked me out of ordering one of his rabbits saying they would not finish as well and would be rough (compared to the beaver). I already knew that the rabbit was going to be inferior but he really did not think I was going to be happy with one of his rabbits. Maybe I'll order one someday just to be able to compare it to his beaver hats.
Mike at NW has a real bias towards the beaver as well. Perhaps the rabbit is more work, more finicky to work with???
I went with the camel in rabbit as I was not sure about the colour and was looking to mitigate the risk.....no risk in the end as the colour is great AND I love the rabbit felt to boot.
 

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