technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,241
- Location
- San Francisco
I wasn't really intending to post this jacket, just because this is probably not typical of Johnson Leathers and I made a lot of mods. But since there were some inquiries, here it is: my latest jacket from Johnson Leathers was again based on a M200-J. I love the functionality and simplicity of this particular design - I had them make me one in the famous Chromexcel Horween overdyed black a while back. But this time I knew I didn't want anything that thick and heavy.
Again I added an extra inch to the length of the body, and 2 inches to the sleeves. Luckily Alan at Johnson Leathers had some vintage brass Talon zips stored away, and he found some smaller brass buckles that were perfect for the side straps. And he also had a wonderfully soft plaid cotton lining. It's such a pleasure to work with him. I requested the sleeve zips be placed on top. I also specified an inside horizontal pocket with snap, and that all pockets lined with corduroy instead of the usual leather. No gussets or action back, just a simple yoke.
The hardest part was selecting the hide. To that end, Alan and I had many discussions about sourcing horsehide from a number of possibilities -yet none of them were really panning out. One day, while visiting, I spotted a beautiful hide he had draped over the counter, in a very distinctive shade of brown with black overtones. Alan said it was the last of a particular batch of Horween horsehide, "Vermont." (From what I've come to learn, Horween's "Vermont" hide is a "full grain" hide in a 1.5-2.5 oz weight, in a combo chrome/vegetable dye. To source it directly from Horween would have set me back around $500... assuming it was available in the same color.) Alan didn't know if he had enough hide left to make a jacket, but he confirmed with his cutter a few days later. My lucky day.
The end result is that this is one of the most comfortable jackets I've ever owned. The leather is supple, and has a rich feel to the touch. Not too heavy, but still some weight to it, with loads of character and luster. The jacket is versatile enough to layer a sweater underneath, or just wear with a casual t-shirt. This one has quickly become my daily wearer and all time favorite. Big thanks to Alan for being so flexible, patient, and accommodating.
Again I added an extra inch to the length of the body, and 2 inches to the sleeves. Luckily Alan at Johnson Leathers had some vintage brass Talon zips stored away, and he found some smaller brass buckles that were perfect for the side straps. And he also had a wonderfully soft plaid cotton lining. It's such a pleasure to work with him. I requested the sleeve zips be placed on top. I also specified an inside horizontal pocket with snap, and that all pockets lined with corduroy instead of the usual leather. No gussets or action back, just a simple yoke.
The hardest part was selecting the hide. To that end, Alan and I had many discussions about sourcing horsehide from a number of possibilities -yet none of them were really panning out. One day, while visiting, I spotted a beautiful hide he had draped over the counter, in a very distinctive shade of brown with black overtones. Alan said it was the last of a particular batch of Horween horsehide, "Vermont." (From what I've come to learn, Horween's "Vermont" hide is a "full grain" hide in a 1.5-2.5 oz weight, in a combo chrome/vegetable dye. To source it directly from Horween would have set me back around $500... assuming it was available in the same color.) Alan didn't know if he had enough hide left to make a jacket, but he confirmed with his cutter a few days later. My lucky day.
The end result is that this is one of the most comfortable jackets I've ever owned. The leather is supple, and has a rich feel to the touch. Not too heavy, but still some weight to it, with loads of character and luster. The jacket is versatile enough to layer a sweater underneath, or just wear with a casual t-shirt. This one has quickly become my daily wearer and all time favorite. Big thanks to Alan for being so flexible, patient, and accommodating.
