Buzz Rickson's B-2...a pictorial review of an endangered species!

[Fletch]

The B-2 is not rocket science.

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

 

[Edward]

The unique nature is a plus to me. It's like riding a Triumph instead of a Honda

Pfft. Comparing a Triumph to a Honda is like comparing the Buzz B2 to a mall jacket.

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

I've yet to see a picture of a B1 - only ever seen verbal descriptions - but I imagine it to look something not dissimilar to the recently launched Aero Thunder Bay, albeit that the latter is based on a civilian jacket. If Aero had access to the correct lining material, that would suggest they have the capability in-house to manufacture a B2. I vaguely remember reading some years back that Ken(? Or was it Will Lauder?) wasn't keen, but I don't know if that was based on what they had the machinery for at the time, or a perception that there wasn't the market for it.

 

[John Lever]

The Few did make a B-1 a couple of years ago but discontinued production because it was too difficult to produce.

 

[saucerfiend]

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

Fletch,
Try "The Few". I'm sure they would do it.

Brian

 

[John Lever]

You didn't read my post Brian !!

 

[saucerfiend]

You didn't read my post Brian !!

No, I read it, John. But, I think they WOULD make one if asked.

Brian

 

[Fletch]

But I'd have to sell my car to pay for it. Call me undiscriminating, but that's what I was hoping to avoid doing.

 

[John Lever]

No, I read it, John. But, I think they WOULD make one if asked.

Brian

I tried it and was refused.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

 

[Blackadder]

View attachment 293803 Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

Nice. I have the older version with buckled throat latch in stead of buttons.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Nice. I have the older version with buckled throat latch in stead of buttons.
View attachment 293865

That’s the version I was looking for but the search for a 44 took years & I had almost given up.

 

[Carlos840]

I hadread so much negative about the B2s buttons both here and on VLJ but i have to say the ones on my LW B2 aer prettu usable, i don't find them a problem.
The snap throat latch is useless though.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I can use the button pocket easily but don’t as the pocket is only for decoration since it’s pretty small,(I love the pleated pocket though)the throat latch works well but I have heard others say it’s difficult to fasten.

 

[Peter Mackin]

View attachment 293803 Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

Update, ended up selling this jacket. Looks great but found it not practical, comfortable or warm enough for Scottish winters. Plus the crappy horsehide that has a sprayed on finish that looks and feels like pvc. the finish rubs off very easily leaving a grey hide showing, that's not patina as I see it. Haven't missed it and glad I didn't lose any money for the 1st time lol.