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Whiskey. I saw it and immediately thought pecan.
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Northwest Hats, Eugene, Ore.
- Thread starter mikespens
- Start date
Whiskey. I saw it and immediately thought pecan.
Tukwila
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- 3,382
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- SW of Antifa Central (PDX)
Sometimes the pics are hard to get on those 2 colors, and the effect of the ribbon color can make things look different as well.
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- 19,001
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- Central California
I’ll know soon enough. Mike went way over his completion time estimate so I’ll be even more bummed if the color is disappointing.
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I have a Whiskey and it is a gorgeous mid brown. On my monitor your new hat looks nothing like mine....i would have guessed Granite. I suspect it is just the photo that is messed up.
- Messages
- 19,001
- Location
- Central California
Arrived almost a week ago but only was able to open it today. Whiskey beaver:
This hat was a long time coming. I was worried that the color was not what I was hoping for. Still, colors can be hard to capture in photos.
I opened the box and immediately noticed that the felt was stiff, very stiff. I have western conversions that aren’t this stiff. The sizing is about right to maybe just a bit tight. The build quality is very good and what I was expecting, but that stiff felt is a head scratcher. I have 20ish customs and this is the stiffest non-western weight hat that I’ve received. I like stiff hats sometimes, but I wanted more of a soft dress hat and that is not what I received. I’m not thinking of returning the hat, but I’m not in a hurry to order another Northwest. I know that my experience is unusual as Mike has the reputation for making great hats of wonderful quality and I’ve never heard of others complaining about them being too stiff.
Brent
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This hat was a long time coming. I was worried that the color was not what I was hoping for. Still, colors can be hard to capture in photos.
I opened the box and immediately noticed that the felt was stiff, very stiff. I have western conversions that aren’t this stiff. The sizing is about right to maybe just a bit tight. The build quality is very good and what I was expecting, but that stiff felt is a head scratcher. I have 20ish customs and this is the stiffest non-western weight hat that I’ve received. I like stiff hats sometimes, but I wanted more of a soft dress hat and that is not what I received. I’m not thinking of returning the hat, but I’m not in a hurry to order another Northwest. I know that my experience is unusual as Mike has the reputation for making great hats of wonderful quality and I’ve never heard of others complaining about them being too stiff.
Brent
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice color and proportions,its unfortunate you're not pleased with the hand of it.I think I'd call and talk to Mike.Arrived almost a week ago but only was able to open it today. Whiskey beaver:
This hat was a long time coming. I was worried that the color was not what I was hoping for. Still, colors can be hard to capture in photos.
I opened the box and immediately noticed that the felt was stiff, very stiff. I have western conversions that aren’t this stiff. The sizing is about right to maybe just a bit tight. The build quality is very good and what I was expecting, but that stiff felt is a head scratcher. I have 20ish customs and this is the stiffest non-western weight hat that I’ve received. I like stiff hats sometimes, but I wanted more of a soft dress hat and that is not what I received. I’m not thinking of returning the hat, but I’m not in a hurry to order another Northwest. I know that my experience is unusual as Mike has the reputation for making great hats of wonderful quality and I’ve never heard of others complaining about them being too stiff.
Brent
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tukwila
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- SW of Antifa Central (PDX)
That hat looks great, Brent. I'm surprised the felt is as stiff as you say. I have a hat Mike made for me and he sent it open crown and while it's not a lightweight Borsalino, it's easily molded to whatever crease I want.
I do have another hat, though, that I asked Mike to crease in an old classic teardrop and it's got a little stiffness to it, which is about how I like it so it holds the crease even when bumped or squashed...
I do have another hat, though, that I asked Mike to crease in an old classic teardrop and it's got a little stiffness to it, which is about how I like it so it holds the crease even when bumped or squashed...
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- 19,001
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I’m just accepting it as one of the risks of buying over the internet. It is a fine hat other than the stiffness (excellent pouncing), and I know that some people like them stiffer and some dye colors/lots have different qualities. I was comparing this to my Gannons, VS, and Phoenix hats among others. None of my other customs were anywhere near this stiff. I should have been more clear when I placed my order. I’m thinking of using it as a rain hat to see if the weather might take some of the “starch” out of it. No joke, my recent 3X western conversion is considerably less stiff.
This isn’t a condemnation of the hat but rather an observation. If you don’t ask for a soft dress weight hat specifically it’s hard to complain when that’s not what you get. My lesson learned.
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Nathaniel Finley
A-List Customer
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Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!
This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!
It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!
Cheers,
Nathan
This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!
It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!
Cheers,
Nathan
drmaxtejeda
I'll Lock Up
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Nathaniel Finley
A-List Customer
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P.S.
Here’s a better shot of the vent holes.
Here’s a better shot of the vent holes.
Nathaniel Finley
A-List Customer
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Yes, definitely. It was a great experience for my first custom order, I am very pleased indeed.
Woodtroll
One Too Many
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- 1,263
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- Mtns. of SW Virginia
Very nice hat! I was was wondering how your truck driving was going, then saw your post this morning. Glad to see you back and with such a nice new acquisition.
Take care,
Regan
Nathaniel Finley
A-List Customer
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Thank you Regan! The trucking has been challenging - it’s hard work and VERY time consuming. But it’s good pay and I get to do two things that I have loved all of my life: travel and wear hats!
It’s nice to have a bit of downtime to play with fellow enthusiasts. Have a great Sunday!
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Absolutely beautiful Nathan! I do love a navy felt. The stiffness will go away quickly, just fondle it a lot. My 1942 Rosebowl hat has come around nicely. I like your use of the thin ribbon and matching navy binding. Those vent holes are a hoot! So perfect for you!
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Hey there Nathan,
Good to see you back on the Lounge. My recent Northwest was also incredibly stiff. I thought/think that Mike accidentally used a western weight hat body. None of my other Winchester beaver felt hats are anywhere near this stiff. Honestly, it’s as stiff as a new Stetson 6X western. Everything else is great but that felt? Not what I wanted or expected. I was looking for a dress weight hat so I’m back with other hatters.
Yours is a great hat that should give you years of service. I love the blue.
Mustang Mike's Hats
A-List Customer
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Sweet!! 
Tukwila
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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I really like the style, Nathan. Nice touch with the ventilation design! What color is the crown ribbon? It's hard to tell on my monitor.
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- Albany Oregon
I too am making a trek down to Eugene next week. I've kept my new creation a secret so far. We will see about the stiffness issues. Look for something interesting in the next couple of days from Mike Miller.
Great looking lid!
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