KO' Win By Johnson Leather

[Uffizi]

I've got plenty to say about this one, so if you don't like reading -- Alan and Johnson Leathers have made me a very happy man. Go - Now - Pics vvv - Many.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE A STORY:
It's been a journey. Not just in the process of designing/making the jacket, but also all the things that have led up to it. I have owned Bucos, Harleys, Japanese, American, British, German (only vintage) and even Soviet leather jackets. As many can attest, the hunt for the perfect jacket, or at least the perfect version of a style ('cause you gotta have multiple styles) has always proved to be a greater reward than the jacket itself. There would always be some issue with size, or leather, or "if only I could take the pocket from this one and match it with the back from that one" itch in the back of my mind.

Realizing that, and having discovered Johnson Leathers (thanks to this forum), I sold the meat of my collection and started on what you're about to see. Enjoy!


INSPIRATION:
Lapels: X Wide - various vintage. Tweaked to perfection by Alan and Johnson leather. Was worried they'd be too floppy, but Alan made some minor mods and assured me the thick hide would add the muscle needed. Once again he was right.

Long Zip: 50s Grais Modified elongated so I can fit gloves etc. no prob


INSPIRATION:
Arm Pockets: Saw a single vertical on some 80s dud, but it got the juices flowing. Modified by making 2 snap horizontal and adding zip.


INSPIRATION:
Back Fan: Vintage Peter's Leather (think 30s/40s) Modified for angle and layering. I couldn't really express exactly how I wanted it modified but Alan and Johnson leather used their magic touch and pulled the image from my brain and made it in leather.

Cream Thread: Too many to list. But god do I love it.

 

[handymike]

Congratulations!

 

[Uffizi]

INSPIRATION:
Epaulets Sewn/Clusterbead Studs: 50s Harley Cycle King


INSPIRATION:
Snap Pocket: 50s Buco J27. Modified with vents and, once again credit to the craftsman for pulling off the dimple inverting of the original in the middle. They don't miss a detail.


INSPIRATION:
Hidden Collar Pocket: Met a couple of Albanians at a bar years ago that all had them sewn in their canvas work jackets. Said it was because they worked construction and they kept cigarettes there so they wouldn't get bumped scraped or crushed... More than one had a knife in there too though soooo. Good guys though hahaha. And more than kept up with me on vodka when I was a lot bigger than a size 40.


INSPIRATION:
Cuff Studs: One biker hanging outside the (now gone) Hells Angels Manhattan clubhouse when I was just 18. He had them wrapping all the way around like mediaval gauntlets, and originally I was going to go that route. But the back of this jacket was too beautiful I didn't want to detract from that. Once again Alan 100% agreed and guided. So this is what I ended up with. PS: Vic (Hells Angel) if you happen to be an FL member, thanks big time chief.

Zips: So this is actually what made the jacket take so long. I was obsessed with finding all authentic vintage talon zips. Finally I realized this jacket is a mix, so should the zipper (Conmar, Waldes, Talon). Guys at Johnson Leather kept their patience with me for basically two years as I kept sending them a trickle of zippers I'd find on ebay/ tear off old purses (hint hint people looking). And the rector style on the cuffs Alan actually came through on with his sources. That's called teamwork!



INSPIRATION:
Inner Breast Zip: OUTLAW - Waylon Jennings, the origin of biker jackets, the fact I'm going to wear this jacket to hell and back and have fun doing it. Your pick.

White Buffalo Plaid: Because I always see red, and if you haven't noticed by now I'm a little weird/different... And if you really haven't noticed, welcome to the club weirdo.


The guitar is a 1958 Gibson ES 175 passed down to me by my father. I play it all the time and will have it for the rest of my life just like this jacket. And seeing as it's inspired by the same era I had to see if they got along. Turns out -- It's the start of a beautiful friendship.

Thank you Alan. Thank you Johnson Leather. This is the third jacket I've had made from you guys (styles again) and I can honestly say I don't need another jacket for the first time in my life. I don't want another jacket for the first time in my life. But you guys have made this entire process so amazing I might just try and talk you guys into making every other type of clothing just to keep bothering you.

Leather Used: 3.75-4oz Horween CXL HH Overdye. Loving the break in. Already starting to give a little... a little. Will be uploading fit pics from out in the wild and leather changes.

 

[ton312]

Love the collar in particular! Jacket has a 70’s vibe overall to me, which I appreciate. Would love to see some fit pics!

 

[Uffizi]

Almost forgot the belt. Just some great small detail stitching that really ties it to the rest of the jacket. Plus, Alan got some Horween belt leather which is much stiffer and thicker because I mentioned once how I hate when belts on jackets get super floppy. Really going the extra mile.

 

[TREEMAN]

SWEET !!

 

[SinSir]

What a cool jacket and great write up!

 

[Carlos840]

What about the small snap pockets next to the left bicep pocket, do these actually have a purpose? or just for show?

 

[AeroFan_07]

Really neat! Work of art there! Alan and his team are indeed awesome to work with. That took a lot of creativity there to come up with. Maybe Alan should make a similar model as a stock jacket? You could patent this...it is that good and you designed it. Enjoy the break in and having a true one of a kind jacket there.

 

[Uffizi]

What about the small snap pockets next to the left bicep pocket, do these actually have a purpose? or just for show?

Originally designed them for cigars. So zip is for the cigar in tube. Then one snap for torch lighter, the other for matches in tin spark box.

Not sure if I love the look though so I'm actually thinking about sending the jacket back to Alan and having the panel replaced with just a regular arm. Would actually love an opinion on them. Keep or toss?

 

[Uffizi]

Really neat! Work of art there! Alan and his team are indeed awesome to work with. That took a lot of creativity there to come up with. Maybe Alan should make a similar model as a stock jacket? You could patent this...it is that good and you designed it. Enjoy the break in and having a true one of a kind jacket there.

Thanks man, really appreciate that. I loved the whole brainstorm of the process.

If they were to make a stock jacket even inspired by this I'd be honored. The patent could be all theirs. I just did it for the love of leather... Although I hope they'd name it after me because that'd be awesome.

 

[nick123]

Just amazing. Literally "all the bells and whistles". Congrats.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Very unique details. Quite a cool jacket.

 

[navetsea]

Wild design, surely eye catching.

 

[Will Zach]

I like the contrast stitching. Now for some fit pics.

 

[Davidm]

wow congrats! great jacket! fit pics please if possible =)
Also what leather do they offer?

 

[red devil]

Impressive, very impressive! I love everything about it, the uniqueness, the creativity...

Thanks for breaking down all the points and explaining where the inspiration came from, it was a real treat to read!

I would honestly keep the jacket as is

Edit: Unless these pockets really bother you, I wouldn't change them

 

[Uffizi]

wow congrats! great jacket! fit pics please if possible =)
Also what leather do they offer?

They have all types. Just give Alan a call. I've seen them use various HH in various weights, bison, cow, steer, I have 2 other jacket from them in different weights of goat which are great.

 

[JMax]

Originally designed them for cigars. So zip is for the cigar in tube. Then one snap for torch lighter, the other for matches in tin spark box.

Not sure if I love the look though so I'm actually thinking about sending the jacket back to Alan and having the panel replaced with just a regular arm. Would actually love an opinion on them. Keep or toss?

Keep. They serve a cool purpose. Lord knows I would like a spot to seamlessly keep my cigars, torch, etc. if it’s not too much trouble, a pic with the pockets being used as intended would be cool. Very interesting idea. I like it.

 

[roadking04]

Keep. They serve a cool purpose. Lord knows I would like a spot to seamlessly keep my cigars, torch, etc. if it’s not too much trouble, a pic with the pockets being used as intended would be cool. Very interesting idea. I like it.

Awesome jacket man! One of a kind for sure. Gotta love the JL crew. What other maker would even attempt a project like this?!? Can't wait to see this jacket evolve.

I have to agree with J one thousand percent. You gotta keep the pockets. The pockets serve a unique purpose on a unique jacket.

Thanks for the awesome review with pics. Can't wait to see and hear more about this jacket as time goes on.