OK - I'm new here!

[HLSheppard]

Welcome aboard. So... what type of hat do you like? Any examples? perhaps we can help you find something that suits you

Take care.

Hi Matt -

Honestly? I like the style you have in your avatar... Is that considered a Fedora, I assume. I also like the open road (I think) that RBH has immensely.

That's where I want to start....

Thanks for all the kind words thus far, fellas!! :eusa_clap

 

[HLSheppard]

Well so far I've spent a decent amount of time poking around TheFedoraStore.com and Optimo. WOW!!!

Re: those gorgeous examples at Optimo... I don't think I'm willing to start off with a $500 hat... Not to say that they're not worth every penny, I'm sure.

A gorgeous hat isn't worth a divorce!

I'm very much an E-Bay skulker. Once I figure my hat size (I have a rather large noggin - I think 7 5/8, but I'll verify that) I may go for an E-Bay Boursalino. Any other tips for the neophite?

 

[tonyb]

Tips? Avoid newer Borsalinos. They're arguably better than most modern production hats, but not enough better to justify their price.
If you're looking at a lid on eBay, vintage or not, and don't know whether you ought to bid on it, you can always PM one of us here and ask his opinion, keeping in mind that eBay is always something of a crapshoot. Sellers' descriptions are notoriously unreliable and photos tell only so much. Many are the tales of "like new" eBay hats that turned out to be moth eaten and in sizes nowhere near the sellers' measurements.
Still, many of us own many, many great old hats bought off the 'Bay at bargain prices.

 

[Cruiser]

Larger Borsalinos on eBay...

...that are nice frequently go for higher prices, because they aren't as common. I'm talking 7 1/2 and larger. Prices vary, but often you could kick in another $50 to $100 and get a brand-new work of art in 100% beaver from Art Fawcett that fits perfectly because it was made for your head. In the long run, that might be the smartest move. Having said that, I am happy with a number of my eBay purchases.

 

[HLSheppard]

Well, I just measured my head a few times. I come it at just about 23 5/8 inches.

I guess that puts me out of the "majority" of e-Bay auctions, eh? lol

With regard to Art Fawcett hats. I only see one hat on the site. Do you have any idea how his pricing runs? Meaning, does he only list in-stock items on the site and the prices vary by individual hat? Or is the price listed sort of his "standard" price?

Sorry for any dumb questions...

 

[nightandthecity]

Forums such as this one dedicated to the (lost but returning) art of wetshaving.

You know, shave brush, soap, double edge or straight razor... Like what you remember your dad or grandpa doing.

wow! That makes me feel old - or backwards - or maybe both! I've always wet shaved, and it's still fairly common here in the UK. Even my hyper hip teenage son wet shaves.

I've felt a similar reaction to similar FL postings in the past. There was one about line drying once which talked as if it was desperately old fashioned, but it's pretty normal over here, and among all regions, classes, age groups.

For that matter I know plenty of Britons who don't own a car or who never watch TV. I bet that would classify as seriously eccentric in the US!

 

[Cruiser]

With regard to Art Fawcett hats. I only see one hat on the site. Do you have any idea how his pricing runs? Meaning, does he only list in-stock items on the site and the prices vary by individual hat? Or is the price listed sort of his "standard" price?

Your best bet is to communicate directly with Art, who is a true gentleman and very helpful. My sense is that he will work with you to get you exactly what you want. I believe his standard price for 100% beaver is about $275, but talk to him. Also, his web site is http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/

Good luck!

 

[HLSheppard]

Got it! Thank you.

 

[scotrace]

Pretty neat...

didn't think they were out there, shaving forums.

I use my Rolls quite often...takes a while but who's in a rush anyway.

My one attempt with my Rolls was a disaster. Any tips?

 

[HLSheppard]

I've not tried a Rolls.

Slantbar, Straight, Gem Micromatic, Standard DE, all types of vintage injectors, no Rolls... [huh]

 

[deanglen]

Hey HL, what is that contraption you're using as an avatar? I feel I should recognize it, but I can't figure it out.

dean

 

[HLSheppard]

Hi Dean -

It's a La Spaziele Vivaldi S1 espresso machine. It is part of my home setup.

(one of my other passions is home roasting coffee and espresso and consuming same)

 

[deanglen]

Hi Dean -

It's a La Spaziele Vivaldi S1 espresso machine. It is part of my home setup.

(one of my other passions is home roasting coffee and espresso and consuming same)

Knew it! I don't own one, but the ones I've seen are being run by someone else and I rarely see that side of it! Thanks. How revealing of how unsophisticated I truly am! Didn't recognize an espresso machine.:eusa_doh: I'll probably be asked to resign from FL, in a manner reminiscient of the opening scene of "Branded".

dean

 

[HLSheppard]

That's OK - with regard to hats I am a fellow "un-sophisticate."

lol

We'll keep it between us Michiganders...

 

[deanglen]

That's OK - with regard to hats I am a fellow "un-sophisticate."

lol

We'll keep it between us Michiganders...

"Thanks, man. I owe ya one." The look on his face was priceless. A mixture of relief and gratitude; it was so sad to see a man reduced to such a state.

dean