Iron Heart Nagoya

[Colin G]

I'm in Nagoya and went to the Iron Heart shop a couple hours ago. Really nice little shop and buying from an Iron Heart shop instead of mail ordering to Canada is much less. Paid about $275 CAD for a pair if 14oz 777 jeans that are $470 from Iron Heart International.

Figured I would post a few pics for those interested. Akira was a nice fella to deal with and shortened my jeans on the spot for no charge. There was also a really sweet old Iron Head there.

I thought about going to Langlitz Nagoya to check out some leather riding pants but can't afford them right now so I am not going. I already own a Langlitz jacket so no point in tempting myself further with stuff I want but don't need.

 

[Bennarion]

Really very cheap

 

[Colin G]

Really very cheap

I was very surprised. I knew buying here in Japan would be cheaper than buying online since the Yen has dropped but I did not think it would be that much cheaper.

 

[Jasonissm]

Iron Heart International really pushed hard to make themselves basically the exclusive distributors other than some other select denim stores that charge similar prices. They also made it so none of the stores that sell Iron Heart domestically in Japan can ship to international customers. Prices are basically double, it's nuts.

Their service was splendid when I dealt with them once but the prices are really too high for me.

Thank you for sharing the pics, I wasn't able to visit any of their stores while I was in Japan so it's nice to see it!

 

[TREEMAN]

The Shovel Head is a nice addition ….

 

[Colin G]

I bought an IH shirt at Hinoya in Osaka on my first trip. It was much cheaper buying from them than IH international but you are correct, they can't sell online, just from their brick and mortar shops.

 

[El Marro]

Thanks for sharing the photos @Colin G!
I would be like a kid in a candy store at that shop.

 

[Aloysius]

Iron Heart International really pushed hard to make themselves basically the exclusive distributors other than some other select denim stores that charge similar prices. They also made it so none of the stores that sell Iron Heart domestically in Japan can ship to international customers. Prices are basically double, it's nuts.

Their service was splendid when I dealt with them once but the prices are really too high for me.

Thank you for sharing the pics, I wasn't able to visit any of their stores while I was in Japan so it's nice to see it!

It’s a really disgusting enterprise which doesn’t get the heat it deserves.

Basically some reseller labelled itself “Iron Heart UK” and then strong armed Iron Heart into giving them a monopoly on all foreign sales, including from other foreign shops, so Giles and co get their margin no matter where outside of Japan you buy it.

The only way I’d buy Iron Heart is in Japan. Not giving those guys a penny. And even then I probably wouldn’t buy them lest I look like part of Giles's “Iron Heart Army” cult. They actually kicked out one of their biggest customers (Superfluous who was on here as well) because he advised IHUK on their forum against an unscrupulous business partner, whilst praising Giles, and even this was seen as too much questioning of the Great Leader.

 

[Observe]

It’s a really disgusting enterprise which doesn’t get the heat it deserves.

Basically some reseller labelled itself “Iron Heart UK” and then strong armed Iron Heart into giving them a monopoly on all foreign sales, including from other foreign shops, so Giles and co get their margin no matter where outside of Japan you buy it.

The only way I’d buy Iron Heart is in Japan. Not giving those guys a penny. And even then I probably wouldn’t buy them lest I look like part of Giles's “Iron Heart Army” cult. They actually kicked out one of their biggest customers (Superfluous who was on here as well) because he advised IHUK on their forum against an unscrupulous business partner, whilst praising Giles, and even this was seen as too much questioning of the Great Leader.

Interesting tidbit. Didn't realize this was the case. I've bought several things from IH International and their service has always been great, but considering the markup I guess it damn well better be. Kinda over IH stuff anyway as I'm out of the heaviest everything phase of the denim/leather game.

 

[Aloysius]

Interesting tidbit. Didn't realize this was the case. I've bought several things from IH International and their service has always been great, but considering the markup I guess it damn well better be. Kinda over IH stuff anyway as I'm out of the heaviest everything phase of the denim/leather game.

This is the thing. Many of my friends are avid buyers and cite the customer service but if you are selling something for double its actual retail price, then you can afford to give all the service in the world. Like the flippers who sell Rolexes at double MSRP will have the thing overnighted to you.

 

[cbez]

I'm wearing my used pair. Came looking brand new, already chain stitched, from japan for like 100$.

I get a lot of compliments and people asking where to buy them, but retail prices are insane for a pair of jeans both in Japan and intl.

 

[Will Zach]

I'm wearing my used pair. Came looking brand new, already chain stitched, from japan for like 100$.

I get a lot of compliments and people asking where to buy them, but retail prices are insane for a pair of jeans both in Japan and intl.

Same with me. I have two pairs of IH canvas chinos - in navy and white. Both bought used for about $150 apiece, both built like tanks of heavy (yet soft), canvas. Buying new from the overpriced monopolist just did not make any sense to me.

 

[konadog]

I own about 25 pieces of Iron Heart clothing and love every piece. Some I bought directly from their site, some from Self Edge, some from Iron Shop Provisions, and some used. Yes, Iron Heart International is expensive, and maybe they mark it up and prevent the Japanese companies from selling the goods for less, but that's business. They offer a service through their fantastic website, customer service, and forum, and that's worth something. I will continue to buy and love the brand as long as they maintain quality control.

 

[red devil]

It’s a really disgusting enterprise which doesn’t get the heat it deserves.

Basically some reseller labelled itself “Iron Heart UK” and then strong armed Iron Heart into giving them a monopoly on all foreign sales, including from other foreign shops, so Giles and co get their margin no matter where outside of Japan you buy it.

The only way I’d buy Iron Heart is in Japan. Not giving those guys a penny. And even then I probably wouldn’t buy them lest I look like part of Giles's “Iron Heart Army” cult. They actually kicked out one of their biggest customers (Superfluous who was on here as well) because he advised IHUK on their forum against an unscrupulous business partner, whilst praising Giles, and even this was seen as too much questioning of the Great Leader.

This doesn’t really match what I’ve seen.

First off, the markup on Japanese goods that aren’t as mainstream as, say, Sony, has always been pretty high in Europe. This goes for everything from food to entertainment. Charging double for imports is nothing new—I've seen it since the early days of manga and anime.

Also, I’ve met both Giles and Haraki, and I really doubt either of them strong-armed the other. Their relationship didn’t seem like that at all. I speak Japanese, so I was able to talk to everyone directly.

As for the forum ban, I don’t have all the details, but I know there are definitely different sides to that story.

Just to clarify, I’m not directly involved with Iron Heart, but I’ve been to a few of their events and was treated really well. I’ve also bought a few items and had good experiences overall.

 

[Aloysius]

First off, the markup on Japanese goods that aren’t as mainstream as, say, Sony, has always been pretty high in Europe. This goes for everything from food to entertainment. Charging double for imports is nothing new—I've seen it since the early days of manga and anime.

IHUK selling items for markup + British VAT is one thing. Having a global monopoly such that even sales by stores in the U.S. are handled through them and incorporate that cost is another still.

I don’t give Iron Heart Japan a pass for it to be clear. I don't see them as passive in giving Giles his monopoly.

 

[Brandrea33]

I’m a big fan of the brand and I see good value in the clothing they offer. YMMV.

 

[cbez]

there is no value in 500$ jeans

they are not a small shop like ooe yofukuten

they're a medium sized brand that makes great jeans that also happen to have a 500% markup

 

[El Marro]

I own about 25 pieces of Iron Heart clothing and love every piece. Some I bought directly from their site, some from Self Edge, some from Iron Shop Provisions, and some used. Yes, Iron Heart International is expensive, and maybe they mark it up to prevent the Japanese companies from selling the goods for less, but that business. They offer a service through their fantastic website, customer service, and forum, and that's worth something. I will continue to buy and love the brand as long as they maintain quality control.

I am only about 10 pieces behind you and I feel the same way. Many companies charge stupid prices for their clothing and too many times I have felt stupid myself after believing the hype and then discovering it is just cheaply made junk. I have never felt that way with IH though, everything I’ve bought from them has been beyond well made. I have also had great experiences with their customer service. I know IH is not for everyone, but I am a serious fan.

 

[Jasonissm]

I am only about 10 pieces behind you and I feel the same way. Many companies charge stupid prices for their clothing and too many times I have felt stupid myself after believing the hype and then discovering it is just cheaply made junk. I have never felt that way with IH though, everything I’ve bought from them has been beyond well made. I have also had great experiences with their customer service. I know IH is not for everyone, but I am a serious fan.

What fabric do you like the best? I haven't touched heavy denim since I first started getting into denim but it was a cheap Chinese brand that didn't really impress me. I've been interested in trying one of Iron Hearts 21 oz or 25 oz since they get so much hype.

 

[Bennarion]

What fabric do you like the best? I haven't touched heavy denim since I first started getting into denim but it was a cheap Chinese brand that didn't really impress me. I've been interested in trying one of Iron Hearts 21 oz or 25 oz since they get so much hype.

IH 21 oz denim is softer and wears out faster. IH 25 oz is a little bit tougher and stronger. In the end, I settled on IH 25 oz