Looking at in person or on a screen? I’m not knocking the non-pigment options at all, just saying that depth of color and pigment finish aren’t mutually exclusive. The details of something like this don’t really get conveyed well, especially be use/wearing in.
On screen, in person could change my outlook completely. For instance, I would choose the unknown cowhide Fields carried over the brown Shinki by the color (on the screen). It has a nice chocolate brown, seems rich where the Shinki seems very dark and flat. That could also change seeing them in person.
Yeah the shady side of the thing... Haha... I got the used Buzz for a good deal. Used tanker jackets don't fetch the high prices like the flight jackets for some reason. Buzz use a lot of repro Crowns. I'll check it out when I get it. Thanks!
I have a hunch his veg tan cow hide comes from the same place Vicenza comes from aka the Victoria SRL. Not proven just my guess. It didn't look full on pigment to me in the photos so I assumed it was semi aniline. The truth is brown leather is the hardest to please. Light brown without much paint shows all the natural characteristics of the hide. Too much paint it looks flat. I have confidence in Greg's leather selection. I remember my first FL jacket I asked for many things like the mane mark and stuff and he outright told me no. Had I gotten what I asked for I'd be regretting that decision now.
Yeah that's why I mentioned C&C. It's the same zip tracks as the Crown, and more likely to get an actual NOS one without paying the Crown prices. Crowns are cool but really over heated like the real estate market...
I used to think the Vicory leather was aniline but when searching for pictures I saw that it was unfinished on the inside. There was a picture of a jacket being made on VJF. So they must have spent a great deal of time painting, airbrushing or whatever they do to give it that mottled look. Will this Resolene give it an effect similar?
Most of the fancy hides we go through here is really hand finished on the top right. Some gets drum dyed first so the core is in the same shade as the top layer but not always. The Resolene is really just a clear top coat that gives a bit of shine to the leather. So it plays with light and shadow contrast better and therefore gives the illusion of depth. Oiling or waxing does the same/similar thing but would take longer imo. I've done oiling the complete jacket to give it more shine. It needed a lot of coats and lots of brushing to get a shine, like polishing shoes. I was hoping Resolene gives me the same look but much less sweat equity. Learned it from a Himel's video actually. He did it to the same brown pigment Shinki Greg uses.
If I may shed a little light on this - Greg had prepared a lot of the B3 jackets prior to launch, and you can actually see them hanging on the wall in some of his posts around that time. I can't speak specifics, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes over at FL headquarters and I think people will be excited to see what he comes out with by the end of the year! Greg specifically planned to manage the added orders with the B3 project by frontloading the work and creating them in batches, so I dont think this is gumming up the works.
Electrician, rugged, "real man", or whatever else you'd like to call me is just fine. I'm happy to bring this fun hobby to new people and get them interested in caring about their appearance in a way that suits them.
If you can't find someone to take the picture and no tripod.
Right on, Carl. I enjoy your content. You and Albert have cost me a few bucks LOL. Keep putting stuff out there. Lots of people seem to be in labeling mode. I'm semi retired and posting my thoughts about fashion, so what more cred do I have than you? At least you got a job LOL. Bottom line, this isn't a race to zero. The fact you get attention, opportunities, collaborations, etc. is great. Doesn't take anything away from the rest of us. In fact, it helps us because you are shining light on manufacturers and products. Another thing a lot of people forget is how hard it is to create content and of course good content. I used to work for a very famous brand that I know everyone knows. I was in charge of content creation. People don't realize how hard it is. I notice all the tools, set up, etc. you use. Well done.
Well I certainly appreciate the kind words. It's difficult for me to say exactly what (if any) delays our B3 caused. It definitely was not the intent! Regarding Albert- he's a great human being and I really enjoy spending time with him. Its always nice to meet with like-minded people in this space.
Alden 403 Moc Toe Boot - Brown Chromexcel - $680 The classic "Indy" style Alden Boot in the classic Horween brown Chromexcel. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket. 
