Borso Alessandria from Bencraft

[thefedorastore]

I ordered an Alessandria from Bencraft. It came today, just days after ordering, and was delivered in a very nice hat box. I am very pleased with the felt, which is nice to work with to put my own bash in, and the soft sweat is very comfortable. But most of all, I am very pleased with how promptly the order was handled. Thanks Steven and all at Bencraft.

 

[RBH]

I was just looking at that very hat on Bencrafts site.
Does the Alessandria live up to its price?
Thanks and what about a photo?

 

[D00R]

thats where I got my hat. there nice guys over in the burrow park store.

Alessandria Nice choice

when i get the money I want to get that hat.

 

[Bruneau]

Nice hat. I've always drooled over their Bellini.

 

[duggap]

I have two Borso from Bencraft. Both are amoung my favorites. One is a travel hat and has a fabric sweatband which I don't like but the hat looks great and the felt is soft and takes a crease or bash easily. Steve and his people are very nice to deal with and its easy to recommend them.

 

[analogist]

BENCRAFT AND BORSALINO

It's like bread and butter, scotch and soda, etc., etc.

Go to their Williamsburg shop and you walk into the entire Borsalino catalog. Just about every size, every style, every color.

I own countless Borsos and although they are a far cry from a custom hat from any of our top makers, they are the best off the rack product. The Allesandria is my very favorite and one in Fawn is soft, pliable, and very comfortable. IMHO it is the best thing they make.

Whether you deal with Steven (besdor), his dad Stanley or any of his knowledgable and courteous staff you will get a good product at the best price and you will want to go back. It is a good old fashioned hat shop with specialists assisting you.

Perhaps I am biased because they are all very good friends of mine but the friendship developed as a result of my satisfaction and their ability to never give any customer the bum's rush.

analogist

 

[J.T.Marcus]

thefedorastore, Please forgive me for asking, and it may be a trade secret, but...Why would one hat store order a hat from another hat store?

 

[deelovely]

thefedorastore, Please forgive me for asking, and it may be a trade secret, but...Why would one hat store order a hat from another hat store?

Exactly what I was wondering, but didn't want to ask![huh]

 

[besdor]

I buy and sell hats with other stores all of the time . If I need something I will ask another store and vice versa. It's a very small industry. It's better in the long run if everyone gets along.





Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[J.T.Marcus]

besdor, What a great answer. Thanks for responding! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[fedoralover]

In checking Bencrafts website I noticed the Alessandria was only $200. I was just in a John Helmer's in Portland Oregon 2 weeks ago and while he didn't have the Alessandria, his borsalino's were $275.00. I like the looks of the Alessandria the best of all the newer Borsalino's and evidently they are the best priced at Bencraft.

fedoralover

 

[thefedorastore]

thefedorastore, Please forgive me for asking, and it may be a trade secret, but...Why would one hat store order a hat from another hat store?

I don't carry Borsalino, I wanted one (for me), so I got one from someone I have dealt with in discussions, and one where if I posted my postive comments would get a nice thread going. Also, Besdor has the best prices around for the particular hat. I also have a hat from Art, which I wanted and couldn't get anywhere else. It is a small industry as Besdor states, and it is best for us all to get along, especially 'in public' and when face to face. ;-)
I also desire to compare todays Borsalino to a brand I am carrying. Surely hope this helps you.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

This has been a fantastic discussion, guys. Thanks for your enlightening responses. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Art Fawcett]

It's a much smaller world than most would think JT and this kind of thing happens alot. I talk to and cooperate with many hatters and can only think of one that I am not willing to work with. My "Artlight" project was actually started by Gary White calling to get my opinions and has lead to some fun hats for both of us. Animosity isn't the norm.

 

[Qwkslvr]

Vendors

I think it's great that you all order from each other and work together to get your clients what they want.
I've been wanting the Borsalino Alessandria for quite some time and will more-than-likely make purchase of one sometime next year.
I've a BB Grand Beaver on order from TheFedoraStore and have had the best service from Duane (thanks), and am impatiently waiting for the hat (the problem with custom hats is the near unendurable wait for something you want to wear today).
My next hat purchase will probably be a Homburg. I'll no doubt have it custom made from one of you fine vendors.

 

[cookie]

Borsa Allesandria

Could we have a few comments on the vintage Alessandrias versus the modern?

1. Heck of a difference;

2. Chalk and Cheese;

3 Much of a Muchness;

4. None of the Above.

 

[ideaguy]

IMO- heck of a difference. The felt just feels smoother, finer, and the hat overall has a luxurious tone to it-I'm referring to the Allesandria; the leather
is rich,liner same, and the color to the hat seems to be a bit more muted
than that of a new hat-taking nothing away from buying new-I've had the great good fortune of buying one that saw very little use, no fading or discoloration-and next to one of my newer ones-it almost looks soft;
certain somethin'...just glad to own one!

 

[thefedorastore]

3 Much of a Muchness;