Penman Hats

[bendingoak]

I hear you brother. I live in the 2nd most rainy state in the country so a hat that can withstand rain is a must for me as well. Thats why I use that naptha based rain protection. There are 2 things I like about it. It doesn't change the felt in anyway and water beads on the hat. The down side is that I tried to re-block a hat after I used this stuff and it was very hard to get the hat wet. I can do it but it gives me more work.

 

[avedwards]

Will it be OK for hand bashing though? I really want to have an open crown hat to hand bash but if it's hard to block will it be hard to shape?

 

[bendingoak]

These hats are easy to bash just a few moments and no steam or water needed at all.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

It's not as bad here in the Midlands in England, but it still rains frequently enough, and sometimes I have to go out in it whether I like it or not, so a rain proof hat is a must.

You can trust Oak's felt for rain. It's pretty much the best of the so-called "dress felts," plus a little extra treatment. Oak just likes being painfully up front about what he's selling. Technically it's not a rain hat.

The other thing is, even if rain causes shrinking or tapering over time, the felt should remain perfectly sound, and could be reblocked. Fact is, even the best felt hats will need a little TLC eventually.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Will it be OK for hand bashing though? I really want to have an open crown hat to hand bash but if it's hard to block will it be hard to shape?

Mine was done by hand. Just a touch of steam or water was used for the stubborn spots.

 

[avedwards]

Sounds like these are for me then.

 

[avedwards]

Penman rabbit

I still want one but I'd have to go for a rabbit one to lower the cost (this isn't a complaint, the cost is more than reasonable but I am extremely short on cash).

I have mixed feelings about rabbit though. On one hand, Akubras are rabbit and they sound tough, on the other hand many people here say rabbit is inferior to beaver and not worth bothering with.

So how good are Penman rabbit hats? I'm not bothered about softness or how luxurious it feels, all I care about is durability.

 

[duggap]

Don't see why you should worry about rabbit. Most fur felt hats are rabbit. Beaver is nicer but more costly.

 

[avedwards]

The only reason I'm worried is because this hat is intended to be worn every day for a few years at least. I don't rotate hats, I wear one all the time and that one has to last.

 

[Brad Bowers]

The rabbit is very durable. All of the hats in my rotation the last few years are rabbit, same felt as Penman's. Haven't had any problems with them holding up to the weather and my abuse. I heartily recommend the rabbit, if that's all you can afford. It won't let you down.

Brad

 

[avedwards]

Since you seem to be a major hat wear I'll take your word for it Brad. Thanks for the advice. I'll be ordering one as soon as I have sufficient funds. But considering I said that to Art and Metropd and changed my mind both times, that might be a long time.

 

[dostacos]

here are a couple of shots of my "Marlo"

I also have 2 hats on order, a third for my son{a Rorschach} and a re-block for my daughter in law when my son and daughter in-laws hats come in we will do a photo shoot with my Marlo and their hats in the mean time it is empty hat time:eusa_doh:

 

[Not-Bogart13]

When I spoke to John about his rabbit felt, he told me that they were slightly higher quality (or grade or some such term :eusa_doh: ) than Akubra's Fed deluxe is made from, but softer in feel. Basically, as long as some horrible tragedy does not befall a good rabbit felt hat, all it should need is cleaning and reblocks every few years in order to last a decade or so. Maybe even longer. The main problem with rabbit is that the hat will probably taper faster than a beaver felt, but both ultimately need the same care. It's just a difference of frequency.

 

[avedwards]

I'm still in the process of saving up until I can finally have my first custom....

But meanwhile, I have a question. Does John make liteweight felts? The sort which can be worn comfortably in summer (no straws for me please) and maybe even rolled up? I really like the idea of a rollable hat which pops to an open crown and can be creased differently whenever I feel like it. I got the idea from the Christy's foldaway but I doubt that will be anywhere near as durable as a Penman.

I've done nothing but ask questions on this thread, however I want to get it right when I go for a custom as money is too short for more than one.

 

[billyspew]

I'm still in the process of saving up until I can finally have my first custom....

But meanwhile, I have a question. Does John make liteweight felts? The sort which can be worn comfortably in summer (no straws for me please) and maybe even rolled up? I really like the idea of a rollable hat which pops to an open crown and can be creased differently whenever I feel like it. I got the idea from the Christy's foldaway but I doubt that will be anywhere near as durable as a Penman.

I've done nothing but ask questions on this thread, however I want to get it right when I go for a custom as money is too short for more than one.

Probably not as durable but for 55 pounds not bad and will last for a number of years at least. I have handled them and they are quite thin, yet very dense felt. Not bad looking either.

TTFN,

Bill

Edit: Forgot to say - You should still save up for a custom - wasn't trying to sell you a Christys!

 

[avedwards]

I'm not interested in the Chrisy's really anyway, I just like the idea. I've had enough modern factory produced hats, so I finally want a hand made one. John's website doesn't mention anything about liteweight felts though so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

As far as I know, he hasn't started dabbling with the lightweight stuff yet. Still, it never hurts to ask.

 

[Garrett]

I'd like to point out how nice John's refurbish work is:

I sent two hats (Stetson Standard and Mossant Gallia) from this auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=260365547022

for re-block, new sweat bands, and a vintage ribbon replacement on the charcoal Mossant.

Here are the results:






Currently, I've got him on a refurb whippet project and I'll share the results when it arrives.

 

[bendingoak]

I'm not interested in the Chrisy's really anyway, I just like the idea. I've had enough modern factory produced hats, so I finally want a hand made one. John's website doesn't mention anything about liteweight felts though so I thought I'd ask.

I'm currently looking into light weight rabbit felt but Haven't found any that I like the quality of. My current rabbit even though not consider light weight is still very nice for summer wear. If that is anyones concern and the quality is very high.

 

[Garrett]

GREEN WHIPPET RESTORED

John restored this green stetson whippet with vintage ribbon and a new sweatband. I've given flash and non-flash photos for color comparison.

Needless to say I'm very pleased!