First off let me state that I'm a real newbie to fine hats and this forum.
I was born a collector and have collected many things, hat's being my latest focus. My other notable collections are of timepieces and fountain pens. In the watch world most people bash Rolex. Similarly in the fountain pen domain many bash Montblanc. In both these cases, these companies products have risen to the top of the popularity chart and are priced accordingly. Again, with respect to pens and watches, the connoisseurs pick apart Rolex and Montblanc for every little fault regardless of the true consequences of that design choice. For example: Rolex continues to use stamped steel clasps on many of their watch bracelets. Many are quick to point out that for the money you pay to get one, it should be machined like the products from lesser companies. Many ignore the fact that this design has worked well for the last 40+ years. I myself have never had a problem with mine and I appreciate the unchanged history of the design.
Dare i say, it's almost like some sort of jealousy.
Now, getting to Borsalino. I often hear bad things about them on this forum. But it's rarely quantified. "Junk" is a term often used. I won't argue that they are too expensive. (My first good hat was a Borsalino Safari and you wouldn't believe what i paid for it!:eusa_doh: ) Is it a similar pick-them-apart-because-they're-at-the-top mentality or are there reasons that make them junk? A vintage Borsalino that i just received off of the bay has a silk liner, a soft leather sweatband, and thick soft felt. In contrast my Safari doesn't have a liner or a leather sweatband, and the felt is thin and flexible. It seems very well built though and is much more comfortable on warmer days then the vintage hat. All in all it was expensive but my untrained eye can't find the "Junk". What am i missing?
I was born a collector and have collected many things, hat's being my latest focus. My other notable collections are of timepieces and fountain pens. In the watch world most people bash Rolex. Similarly in the fountain pen domain many bash Montblanc. In both these cases, these companies products have risen to the top of the popularity chart and are priced accordingly. Again, with respect to pens and watches, the connoisseurs pick apart Rolex and Montblanc for every little fault regardless of the true consequences of that design choice. For example: Rolex continues to use stamped steel clasps on many of their watch bracelets. Many are quick to point out that for the money you pay to get one, it should be machined like the products from lesser companies. Many ignore the fact that this design has worked well for the last 40+ years. I myself have never had a problem with mine and I appreciate the unchanged history of the design.
Dare i say, it's almost like some sort of jealousy.
Now, getting to Borsalino. I often hear bad things about them on this forum. But it's rarely quantified. "Junk" is a term often used. I won't argue that they are too expensive. (My first good hat was a Borsalino Safari and you wouldn't believe what i paid for it!:eusa_doh: ) Is it a similar pick-them-apart-because-they're-at-the-top mentality or are there reasons that make them junk? A vintage Borsalino that i just received off of the bay has a silk liner, a soft leather sweatband, and thick soft felt. In contrast my Safari doesn't have a liner or a leather sweatband, and the felt is thin and flexible. It seems very well built though and is much more comfortable on warmer days then the vintage hat. All in all it was expensive but my untrained eye can't find the "Junk". What am i missing?
