Black Sheep Hat Works

[Ken David]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with BSHW beaver felt differences between different models of hats or felt colors? I have noticed a very noticeable difference between the stiffness: one being extremely flexible and pliable (blow in the wind but snap back to shape) the other being more rigid but both have the soft nap of beaver (explained with my very limited experience). Is this a factor of the felt and/or the hatmaker's use of different amounts of stiffener in the hat making process?

 

[FedOregon]

I only have a couple Penman hats to relate to on this one, but that's what I'm guessing, David.

One is my custom and it's very soft, malleable and the brim is almost floppy, but not... if that makes sense. The other is a Penman I got 2nd hand, and it has a pretty stiff 6-point diamond crease. I think it's because of stiffener as it seems more solidly in place than a steamed in crease. Just my thoughts on the process and I'll defer to our pro hatters, of course, if the reasons are different than my stated 2 cents worth.

I suppose I could also add that my refurbed hat from Bob at BSHW is unique unto itself, and maybe that's partially a function of superior felt quality to start with. It's got nicely steamed in side dents, front pinch and a tear drop crown with a snap brim. It's got much more life after cleaning and reblock, reflange, etc. Stiffener added? Not sure. Could be these are hatter secrets of the trade, too...

 

[moontheloon]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with BSHW beaver felt differences between different models of hats or felt colors? I have noticed a very noticeable difference between the stiffness: one being extremely flexible and pliable (blow in the wind but snap back to shape) the other being more rigid but both have the soft nap of beaver (explained with my very limited experience). Is this a factor of the felt and/or the hatmaker's use of different amounts of stiffener in the hat making process?

why not just hit up Bob?

@navarre

bob@blacksheephatworks.com

probably the nicest guy you'll ever talk to

 

[Erik White]

This is my Tsavo, there are others like it (not a lot mind you, but a few) but this one is mine.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Last yr I ordered a 1920's - 1930's Fray Ribbon clone similar to Jared's (jlee562) hat, from Bob @ BSHW. I ordered the blue heather fur felt with the short nap scorch finish, 3/4" ribbon with Fray bow & the Halo+one brim trim. Included would be the Impermeable Tip Shield, perforated sweat & the Hanging Loop of Bob's design.


The hat arrived well boxed & protected. The small cedar block affixed inside the hatbox is a nice touch.

The Fray ribbon end

The Halo+one brim trim

Showing the Hanging Loop extended, plus the Impermeable Tip Shield

And the Hanging Loop retracted

Denoting the Halo trim

One of Bob's patterns for the perforated sweat

This is among the lightest & thinnest pounced hats that I have. The brim curl actually flat spotted just a bit in places while in the box in shipment, I think. It did recover some of its shape overnight & I continue to work with it with just my hands, no steam. I'm sure I can get the curl to straighten up.

The fit is perfect, just the way I like my hats to fit. I could wear it for hrs & never reach up to adjust it, never even have to touch it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

 

[moontheloon]

very nice Jack
the sweat is very appealing to me ... all the details and debossments
I dig the hanging loop ... a bit of a nod to European hats from the 20s and 30s Ive seen that have the loop.
great brim edge detail and wonderful fray on the bow ... fantastic crease as well
I very much look forward to seeing this pop on now and then when you wear it ... eye candy without a doubt

 

[KarlCrow]

it's beautiful, oozes quality in the pictures at any rate, not knowing anything about the original, what width is the brim?

 

[Bob Roberts]

A first class, killer beauty. Wear it in great health Jack.

 

[BobHufford]

Glad the long wait was worth it. A beauty!

 

[Hurricane Jack]

it's beautiful, oozes quality in the pictures at any rate, not knowing anything about the original, what width is the brim?

Thanks Karl. The brim is 3" wide & the crown is 4-3/4" at the dip.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

A first class, killer beauty. Wear it in great health Jack.

Glad the long wait was worth it. A beauty!

Thanks guys!

 

[KarlCrow]

Thanks guys!

no, thanks for posting it, inspiring.

 

[FedOregon]

Last yr I ordered a 1920's - 1930's Fray Ribbon clone similar to Jared's (jlee562) hat, from Bob @ BSHW. I ordered the blue heather fur felt with the short nap scorch finish, 3/4" ribbon with Fray bow & the Halo+one brim trim. Included would be the Impermeable Tip Shield, perforated sweat & the Hanging Loop of Bob's design.


The hat arrived well boxed & protected. The small cedar block affixed inside the hatbox is a nice touch.

The Fray ribbon end

The Halo+one brim trim

Showing the Hanging Loop extended, plus the Impermeable Tip Shield

And the Hanging Loop retracted

Denoting the Halo trim

One of Bob's patterns for the perforated sweat

This is among the lightest & thinnest pounced hats that I have. The brim curl actually flat spotted just a bit in places while in the box in shipment, I think. It did recover some of its shape overnight & I continue to work with it with just my hands, no steam. I'm sure I can get the curl to straighten up.

The fit is perfect, just the way I like my hats to fit. I could wear it for hrs & never reach up to adjust it, never even have to touch it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

A marvelous, ultra classy hat, Jack! Thanks for posting all the detail pics. I love the sweat treatment in the back with the slots and the white ribbon all coming together in a bow. First rate, top drawer, a very special hat, without a doubt.

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

Great workmanship. A really classic look and from beginning to end!

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Thanks again, guys. Jared deserves the credit for getting Bob to do the first clone for him from an original owned by Alan, I think.

 

[LuvMyMan]

Last yr I ordered a 1920's - 1930's Fray Ribbon clone similar to Jared's (jlee562) hat, from Bob @ BSHW. I ordered the blue heather fur felt with the short nap scorch finish, 3/4" ribbon with Fray bow & the Halo+one brim trim. Included would be the Impermeable Tip Shield, perforated sweat & the Hanging Loop of Bob's design.


The hat arrived well boxed & protected. The small cedar block affixed inside the hatbox is a nice touch.

The Fray ribbon end

The Halo+one brim trim

Showing the Hanging Loop extended, plus the Impermeable Tip Shield

And the Hanging Loop retracted

Denoting the Halo trim

One of Bob's patterns for the perforated sweat

This is among the lightest & thinnest pounced hats that I have. The brim curl actually flat spotted just a bit in places while in the box in shipment, I think. It did recover some of its shape overnight & I continue to work with it with just my hands, no steam. I'm sure I can get the curl to straighten up.

The fit is perfect, just the way I like my hats to fit. I could wear it for hrs & never reach up to adjust it, never even have to touch it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Geez...that is really a great looking Fedora!

 

[jlee562]

I love it! Of course, that would be pretty obvious I guess.

The original hat (back a few pages) was Alan's Stetson Star. Bob really nailed the profile from just a few pics.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Last yr I ordered a 1920's - 1930's Fray Ribbon clone similar to Jared's (jlee562) hat, from Bob @ BSHW. I ordered the blue heather fur felt with the short nap scorch finish, 3/4" ribbon with Fray bow & the Halo+one brim trim. Included would be the Impermeable Tip Shield, perforated sweat & the Hanging Loop of Bob's design.


The hat arrived well boxed & protected. The small cedar block affixed inside the hatbox is a nice touch.

The Fray ribbon end

The Halo+one brim trim

Showing the Hanging Loop extended, plus the Impermeable Tip Shield

And the Hanging Loop retracted

Denoting the Halo trim

One of Bob's patterns for the perforated sweat

This is among the lightest & thinnest pounced hats that I have. The brim curl actually flat spotted just a bit in places while in the box in shipment, I think. It did recover some of its shape overnight & I continue to work with it with just my hands, no steam. I'm sure I can get the curl to straighten up.

The fit is perfect, just the way I like my hats to fit. I could wear it for hrs & never reach up to adjust it, never even have to touch it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Hot damn thats a great hat. Love the little "extras". The heathered felt look fantastic. May have to add a hat like this to my wish list.
wear it in good health
Johnny.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Thank you Cindy, & Johnny. And thanks for chiming in, Jared.

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Last yr I ordered a 1920's - 1930's Fray Ribbon clone similar to Jared's (jlee562) hat, from Bob @ BSHW. I ordered the blue heather fur felt with the short nap scorch finish, 3/4" ribbon with Fray bow & the Halo+one brim trim. Included would be the Impermeable Tip Shield, perforated sweat & the Hanging Loop of Bob's design.


The hat arrived well boxed & protected. The small cedar block affixed inside the hatbox is a nice touch.

The Fray ribbon end

The Halo+one brim trim

Showing the Hanging Loop extended, plus the Impermeable Tip Shield

And the Hanging Loop retracted

Denoting the Halo trim

One of Bob's patterns for the perforated swell.This is among the lightest & thinnest pounced hats that I have. The brim curl actually flat spotted just a bit in places while in the box in shipment, I think. It did recover some of its shape overnight & I continue to work with it with just my hands, no steam. I'm sure I can get the curl to straighten up.

The fit is perfect, just the way I like my hats to fit. I could wear it for hrs & never reach up to adjust it, never even have to touch it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Jack; This is the second time tuning to re-visit your new hat postings. WOW! The hat is a Jack hat IMO. The heather felt and dimensions are dynamite. Wow, just wow to the felt. It is a felt not seen often and just eye catching. Great choice in brim, flange and crown choices. It will prove to be a frequent wearable hat on your worthy hat rack. The details are superb. Between the sweat and the loop nothing can beat the details. Well done. The ribbon fray work is well done as shown by your photos. Congrats.

Cheers for you Jack and the artisan. Your new hat is dynamite and I look forward to seeing it frequently on the What Hat Are You wearing Thread.

I tip my hat this evening in your general direction. Best, Eric -