Open Road Homage

[Mark G]

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of Open Roads/Stratoliners. I have been thinking of making one with a little bigger brim dimensions. I wanted something that would be good for the field but also not out of place in the city. I settled on a pure beaver bodied Sahara color. I made the crown 5 7/8" open and the brim is 3" The sweat is a full two inches (thanks Tony B).

I ordered the ribbon from JKM (thanks for the heads up RBH) and the only color that looked close was beige. When I received it, it looked more camel in color but when I dyed it with RIT pearl gray it was a perfect match.

The biggest challenge for me was the binding, and I really have to thank Art Fawcett for his brief but very informative post in March.

I'm making my own linings and I'm still not happy with the results, so I'll probably replace this one.

It's probably not everyone's cup of tea but I like it.

And finally my mug under my new hat.

 

[warbird]

Excellent. Nice work. I'm certain there's much pride and appreciation for wearing a hat you created.

 

[ipokebadgers]

That is a great looking hat. I have an Art Stratoliner clone and it is by far my favorite style of hat. You did a great job and I think the lining looks very nice. Wear it proudly!

 

[univibe88]

That is a dead ringer for an Open Road. The 3" brim might scare many folks, but it looks awesome on you.

 

[tonyb]

Wow. Jeepers. Yowza. Holy smokes. That's really sumpin'. Et cetera.

It's undoubtedly nicer than any but the most precious Open Roads (you know, the vintage Stetson 100s and the like) and clearly superior to just about anything available new (with the exception of the best customs, of course). That bound edge takes it (and your skills as a hat maker) to another level. Very, very well done. You're an inspiration.

 

[jimmy the lid]

That is an absolutely super job, and looks great on you. Very, very nice. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Cheers,
JtL

 

[bolthead]

WOW....

Mark, you did an Amazing job my friend and the dimensions fit you perfectly.

You did a Fantastic job on the edging. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[deanglen]

Masterful job! Awesome!




dean

 

[GWD]

WOW! Great Hat! Congrats! :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

WOW Mark!!!!
That is fantastic!!!!! Great work!!! Great hat!!!!
And the best of all it looks super on you!!!!!!!
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[majormoore]

Hell, it looks like the bound edge was done on a machine, you did a great job, may have to start sending mine too you to bind.

I like it and again looks very nice bound edge job.

Major Moore

 

[AlanC]

Really impressive. The edge binding is very, very nice.

Slightly off topic, I've been wondering what a raw edge OR would look like.

 

[RBH]

Slightly off topic, I've been wondering what a raw edge OR would look like.

I bet it would look really sweet.

 

[indycop]

Beutiful job Mark!! That binding is perfect too!!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Mark G]

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I must say that I really couldn't have done it without the help of the members of the lounge. I've learned a lot and met some really great people.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Mark, I'm not easily impressed, But I've got to say, "WOW!!!" One of the best things to come out of this forum is a new crop of artisans who can rebuild a hat, or make a new creation from the proper components and the right amount of skill and determination. Today, sir, you are at the head of the class! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Duck]

Mark, that is fantastic work!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
It looks just like my old 3x Stetson, 3" bound brim.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

That is fantastic! I love the open road look, that is one sweet lid.

 

[Colby Jack]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[rrog]

And just where could one find order forms for such a hat?



Rick