How many new jackets do you have coming (and how many potential ones)?

[jonbuilder]

This SB arrived. Sadly it’s a buy and fly. Marked a 44” but fits like a 46”. Maybe even a 48”.
View attachment 254075

Aero HWM sizing. I do not understand the logic of marking jackets two sizes larger than the tag size

 

[jonbuilder]

Deerskin really does feel absolutely incredible. I was a horsehide only guy for so long, but now my deerskin jacket is my favorite.

I really hope Freewheelers does more deerskin jackets in the future.

Himel does have some, but he is low on the stock of one of the colors. You could definitely send him an email or something and ask though. Otherwise I would echo @red devil and say go with Thedi. I saw Theodoros post some gorgeous looking deerskin on Instagram so that would probably be a good bet.

Lost World will do a special order if they have any deer in stock

 

[jonbuilder]

I certainly would rather have this one:
View attachment 253957 View attachment 253958

looks like a soft leather perhaps deer?

 

[red devil]

Considering the jackets I have handled, I would chose Thedi over Himel every single time, but I think I am very clear in my appreciation of Thedi leathers

The deerskin used by LW is less pliable, so I don't think it is a good option for @jonesy86 , I would rather recommend goatskin in this case.

I think the best bet is Thedi overall, he had veg tanned deerskin, so it will age nicely

 

[Tom71]

View attachment 253917
Guess I’ll see what the hype is about. Should be here in Nov which sounds ideal.

Really interested to learn how this works out for you. As you say, the stuff looks good, but perhaps just not quite unique enough to explain the huge hype. Could it be that they run their thing a tiny bit like a sect?? I mean they are clearly cool and thoughtful people, but there is quite a bit of political opinion going on with their Insta. Not that I mind...

Having said on this, I would order the Wills in a heartbeat but for the fuss about the „order race“ (which honestly p...‘s me off a bit) and the additional cost on an already pricey item due to import duties.

Will read your impression with interest, once you lay your hands on the jacket!

 

[58panheadfan]

Their sunset jacket in deerskin is really cool.

There is a reason why my fw sunset jacket is at the top of the podium of the countless leather jackets I had and that is shinki deerskin!

 

[El Marro]

I have been searching for a vintage deerskin, but as with most vintage stuff it is too small and/or short for me. I sure like the FW Sunset which I have read is Shinki deerskin, but probably can't get one that would fit. I handled a deerskin RMC that was very nice, but as with most Japanese makers too small. Don't think Aero does deerskin, don't think SB does either. Himel has some on his web page under specialty leather, but have not heard much. I think Thedi has done some in the past, I will ask him when he gets back from vacation. Deerskin sounds like a good choice. Thanks for the tip.

I bet you that Johnson Leathers could make you something in deerskin but they would probably have to order the hide first. At one point I was talking to them about making me a jacket in a nice tobacco colored bison so I know they have access to to a variety of hides.

 

[red devil]

I bet you that Johnson Leathers could make you something in deerskin but they would probably have to order the hide first. At one point I was talking to them about making me a jacket in a nice tobacco colored bison so I know they have access to to a variety of hides.

Yes, Johnson leather can pretty much do almost anything, they have or can easily source deerskin. Funny you should mention bison as I am struggling to choose which colour to go with, they have an impressive selection!

 

[Robbie79]

I have been searching for a vintage deerskin, but as with most vintage stuff it is too small and/or short for me. I sure like the FW Sunset which I have read is Shinki deerskin, but probably can't get one that would fit. I handled a deerskin RMC that was very nice, but as with most Japanese makers too small. Don't think Aero does deerskin, don't think SB does either. Himel has some on his web page under specialty leather, but have not heard much. I think Thedi has done some in the past, I will ask him when he gets back from vacation. Deerskin sounds like a good choice. Thanks for the tip.

@jonesy86 I do also recommend Thedi. He has a beautiful distressed brown veg tanned Deerskin (I have one jacket in order) which is rather thick and pliable but he also offers also other colours. Theodoros recommended the brown one to me. You can’t go wrong with Theodoros. I do also have a FW Sunset and a still unworn The Flat Head deerskin jacket. I do also prefer deerskin over Goatskin even if it is not so wear resistant

 

[Harris HTM]

don't think SB does either

I do own a SB Gatsby in Deerskin, around one year old. It is thick and heavy, yet really supple.

 

[handymike]

I have a vintage deerskin that feels great, even if it is dry and flakey due to it’s age.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

There is a reason why my fw sunset jacket is at the top of the podium of the countless leather jackets I had and that is shinki deerskin!

Pics update??
B

 

[jonesy86]

looks like a soft leather perhaps deer?

Yeah, that is the Freewheelers Sunset in Shinki deerskin.

 

[handymike]

Not sure about the feel of deer in hotter climates. It has some heft and feels like a warm blanket is draping on you. Goat might be the way to go.

 

[jonesy86]

Not sure about the feel of deer in hotter climates. It has some heft and feels like a warm blanket is draping on you. Goat might be the way to go.

Thanks, I was wondering about that. Holly at Aero said that the lightest weight leather that they have is their battered steerhide, and Theodoros at Thedi said he would do some research and get back to me on a light goatskin or capeskin. I recognize that leather jackets in the tropics is a bit of an oxymoron, but it does get down below 70 degrees Fahrenheit here, at night for several weeks in the year.

 

[handymike]

Thedi has both, so samples are in store!!!

 

[jonbuilder]

Thanks, I was wondering about that. Holly at Aero said that the lightest weight leather that they have is their battered steerhide, and Theodoros at Thedi said he would do some research and get back to me on a light goatskin or capeskin. I recognize that leather jackets in the tropics is a bit of an oxymoron, but it does get down below 70 degrees Fahrenheit here, at night for several weeks in the year.

I would guess light goat would be a good option. Our navy handed it out to their Pacific pilots during the 2nd war. Minus the fur collar good to go

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Not sure about the feel of deer in hotter climates. It has some heft and feels like a warm blanket is draping on you. Goat might be the way to go.

My deerskin jacket actually feels the best of all my jackets in warmer weather, though I don't know how universal that is.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Thanks, I was wondering about that. Holly at Aero said that the lightest weight leather that they have is their battered steerhide, and Theodoros at Thedi said he would do some research and get back to me on a light goatskin or capeskin. I recognize that leather jackets in the tropics is a bit of an oxymoron, but it does get down below 70 degrees Fahrenheit here, at night for several weeks in the year.

Not sure if this is relevant, but my experience with Aero goat and Aero Vicenza is that the Vicenza is lighter to wear.

 

[jonesy86]

T

Not sure if this is relevant, but my experience with Aero goat and Aero Vicenza is that the Vicenza is lighter to wear.

Thanks for the tip. I guess the issue of looking for a light weight or Summer weight jacket is more complicated than just the weight or thickness. I have an Aero Vincenza that feels heavier than my Himel in Shinki horsehide. I had JL make a M500 out of 2.5 oz naked cowhide a couple years ago that has a nice drape. My GW goatskin cossack is pretty light, though it will take a long time to soften up. As others go into the 6 oz. realm in search of the thickest jacket that still has a nice hand and drape, I suppose I am going in the other direction. I am heading in the 2 oz. direction of leather that still has a decent feel and drape.