dudewuttheheck
I'll Lock Up
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Well, it's been about 10 months since I received my J-100 in seal brown shank HH. I had been searching for 6 months to find the perfect first leather jacket and after seeing a couple of threads about his jackets here I found my way to his website and stumbled upon what may be the deal of my lifetime as he was just then running a very special deal of offering shank HH J-100s for just over $900.
Now, for that price I didn't expect it to be exactly like the smooth and laser-straight RMC/FH/Himel jackets. In fact, he uses the same, more grainy shank that JC of Good Wear uses so it couldn't be the same. In addition, like Good Wear and unlike the Japanese repro manufacturers, Dave advertises less-than-perfect stitching and construction that is still absolutely solid and serviceable. His work is advertised. There are some minor stitching imperfections that you can see in the pictures that you likely won't find on the Japanese jackets. However, I think the pictures also will prove that the construction is still top notch overall. It is a very solidly-constructed jacket and I have yet to run into any actual construction flaws and don't expect to.
More importantly, and another great difference between Dave and some other makers is the cut of the jacket. I have seen in other forums (IH specifically) that RMC and other makers' J-100/cafe racer jackets are rather slim and straight cut with thin biceps. I'm not a body builder, but I do need a decent drop from my shoulders/chest and do need room in my arms/shoulders. Dave's jacket is definitely cut more for a person of my build and I have to say that I think it fits me like a glove. Dave recommended going to a size 42 instead of my normal size 40 after I gave hime my measurements and his advice was spot on. The Shinki HH itself is immaculate and definitely the most beautiful leather I have ever seen in my personal opinion (I'm not trying to say it is better than others) and honestly it makes me just want to have other shades of Shinki for all my other jackets.
Ten months later and I definitely am satisfied with my purchase. Even at a slightly higher price, I would still say that Dave's jackets are more than worth it. I know some people absolutely must have perfect stitching and like Dave says, this isn't for them. However, for people who want a beautifully constructed jacket with a very well-crafted cut (best part of the jacket besides the hide) with truly top-notch customer service for an absolute steal of a price, then Dave is someone you should contact. I am honestly surprised that more people aren't wearing his jackets.
Anyway, here are some pics after about 6 months of pretty consistent wear, which is quite a lot considering I live in Orange County.
Now, for that price I didn't expect it to be exactly like the smooth and laser-straight RMC/FH/Himel jackets. In fact, he uses the same, more grainy shank that JC of Good Wear uses so it couldn't be the same. In addition, like Good Wear and unlike the Japanese repro manufacturers, Dave advertises less-than-perfect stitching and construction that is still absolutely solid and serviceable. His work is advertised. There are some minor stitching imperfections that you can see in the pictures that you likely won't find on the Japanese jackets. However, I think the pictures also will prove that the construction is still top notch overall. It is a very solidly-constructed jacket and I have yet to run into any actual construction flaws and don't expect to.
More importantly, and another great difference between Dave and some other makers is the cut of the jacket. I have seen in other forums (IH specifically) that RMC and other makers' J-100/cafe racer jackets are rather slim and straight cut with thin biceps. I'm not a body builder, but I do need a decent drop from my shoulders/chest and do need room in my arms/shoulders. Dave's jacket is definitely cut more for a person of my build and I have to say that I think it fits me like a glove. Dave recommended going to a size 42 instead of my normal size 40 after I gave hime my measurements and his advice was spot on. The Shinki HH itself is immaculate and definitely the most beautiful leather I have ever seen in my personal opinion (I'm not trying to say it is better than others) and honestly it makes me just want to have other shades of Shinki for all my other jackets.
Ten months later and I definitely am satisfied with my purchase. Even at a slightly higher price, I would still say that Dave's jackets are more than worth it. I know some people absolutely must have perfect stitching and like Dave says, this isn't for them. However, for people who want a beautifully constructed jacket with a very well-crafted cut (best part of the jacket besides the hide) with truly top-notch customer service for an absolute steal of a price, then Dave is someone you should contact. I am honestly surprised that more people aren't wearing his jackets.
Anyway, here are some pics after about 6 months of pretty consistent wear, which is quite a lot considering I live in Orange County.
