New Aero Dust Bowl in rough but not too rough Kudu

[robrinay]

http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/Rob_Naylor/library/Dust Bowl in Kudu

I ordered it last October (when it was called the 1920's half-belt and it arrived today. As has been posted elsewhere the last batch of Kudu has a bit of scarring under the finish but to me that's not a problem as
a) Kudu are wild creatures living in thorny areas - so that's to be expected and;
b) This is based on an austerity period jacket when all cuts of leather were used - so authentic -ish.
c) Lydia kindly offered me a discount owing to the scarring on the Kudu - and I believe it's unlikely they will use Kudu again owing to the variable quality of the hides - so a fairly unique jacket - bonus!

Thank you to Greg who made it - I love the fit, it's exactly what I wanted with a bit of room for layering - 26" sleeves and 26" back (cinch belts loose at present) and the Talon hookless zipper is just like the one on the original jacket Ken showed me when we drove up last year.

Rob

 

[Boyo]

Looks very nice from here!! I couldn't see any scarring, is it possible for you to post a picture of what you've observed. Wow that was a bit of a wait, October! was that due to sourcing the hide?

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

 

[schitzo]

that is such a lovely colour. I can see the scarring you're on about but it looks to me to be absolutely minimal. I've got a Dakota and the scarring on mine is a lot more prominent. I never thought I would, but I actually really like the scarring

 

[robrinay]

http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/Rob_Naylor/library/scarring
Here are a few pics showing the scarring I believe the wait was long owing to it being a new model- Ken only approved the 44" chest test jacket earlier this month.

 

[ButteMT61]

That jacket is awesome, robrinay!As for scarring - it's awesome, but this one (not meant to hijack) is the ultimate scarred Cape.

 

[ButteMT61]

BTW, Worf owns that beauty now...

 

[Sloan1874]

Great stuff and an ideal fit! The scarring gives it character.

 

[handymike]

That is Awesome!!!
If I'd seen this a couple days back, I would have grabbed the 38 off the sale page.

 

[Boyo]

http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/Rob_Naylor/library/scarring
Here are a few pics showing the scarring I believe the wait was long owing to it being a new model- Ken only approved the 44" chest test jacket earlier this month.

OK, yes I see what you mean, as you said you knew going in that the hide would have markings, certainly not a deal breaker, adds character and you have the only one like this! wear it well.

 

[simonc]

Beautiful Rob, truly wonderful. I missed out on the Kudu, I tried and after a wait Ken came back and said no we can't work with it any more. What is the lining, moleskin?

 

[eggleman]

Great looking jacket ... and you got it at a discount !
Be interesting to see how it ages ..
More photos to come ?

 

[wdw]

Very nice. Good to see one of the new ones coming through.

I don't see scarring as an issue as each of mine is scarred now thanks to me anyway.

 

[robrinay]

I kept to Ken's original recommendations with moleskin lining in the body and sleeves and thick cotton twill lined cuffs. I only pressed him for one change - an extra half inch on the sleeves. I'll post more pics in a while to show how it ages and yes a bit of scarring to start with makes me worry less about minor damage through normal wear.

 

[simonc]

would you say the leather is thicker than FQHH?

 

[robrinay]

Its certainly very supple straight away more so than fqhh is ,I gather, but as for thickness I don't have a fqhh one yet - but I'll let you know in a few days Simonc when my latest ebay buy arrives - an 'unworn' Aero fqhh biker jacket.

 

[simonc]

Get this; Ken (bless his heart) sees this thread, emails me and tell me he has found a few more hides, with some scars but if I really want they will make up a Pioneer for me. I love this guy.

 

[wdw]

Sure can't beat the personal touch.

 

[wanz]

Great looking jacket! I have a Pioneer in Kudu and love the hide (scars and all). To me it feels thicker than FQHH but in a "spongy" way that makes it very supple.

 

[Cooperson]

robrinay - That's one classic looking jacket! So glad to see one of Aero's new designs being worn. The hide is almost identical to my Pioneer, which I love by the way. I see the scarring as a bonus rather than a fault - just gives the hide so much more character - makes you wonder what the Kudu got up to get all the scars during it's lifetime. Apparently, they spend most of their lives lurking in thickets to keep out of sight of predators.

Congratulations on a great buy, enjoy the break in (which won't take long with Kudu) and please post some more pics when it's had a bit of wear.