Phoenix Hat Company

[humanshoes]

Thanks Rick. So if I understand you right, I need to have you order me several FEPSA hat bodies for the shipping to make sense.




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Thanks Rick. So if I understand you right, I need to have you order me several FEPSA hat bodies for the shipping to make sense.




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It will definitely make more sense to order multiples for any future orders I place with them. Also, I'm still not familiar with the entire range of colors and finishes I'm able to buy in their online shop. I plan to call Joana this week to chat with her about available options. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[humanshoes]

Rick....i love the Fepsa delta and not to complicate things I would my Aberama hat in a Fepsa brown rather than Winchester. Can you email me with your thoughts? ergault@
Thx....bob

Will do Bob.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I’m sure a FEPSA is in my future. Until then, a Winchester beaver in black cherry is in the works.

Rick kept showing me ribbon and binding colors until I had exactly what I had envisioned. My first hat, natural beaver, should be here this week and I’ll give a full review, but Rick has been so responsive and so perfect on the details that I was comfortable going forward with another hat before receiving the first.



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[humanshoes]

I’m sure a FEPSA is in my future. Until then, a Winchester beaver in black cherry is in the works.

Rick kept showing me ribbon and binding colors until I had exactly what I had envisioned. My first hat, natural beaver, should be here this week and I’ll give a full review, but Rick has been so responsive and a perfect on the details that I was comfortable going forward with another hat before receiving the first.



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Thanks for the kind words DH. Your new hat will be there Thursday and I think I might be as excited about it as you are.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

My hat arrived today, two days early! I was going to wait until I got home to open it but just couldn’t stand it. I opened the package in a parking lot and it kept getting better and better.

The hat was double boxed and outside box was a stout cardboard offering great protection. The inner box is a thin square cardboard affair without a crown support ring. The branding is a nice touch.

Immediately I knew I was going to love this hat. The ribbon and binding were exactly the right color. I wasn’t expecting a finely finished hat since Rick was upfront with me from the start that he didn’t have some of the expensive specialty tools needed to achieve the best finishes. What I found surpassed my expectations in every way. At first I thought Rick had been blowing smoke when he said he couldn’t achieve the same finish as some of the big names we are familiar with. Upon a close inspection I saw what he was talking about, but you have to look closely to see the differences. I’m loving the hat!

The shape is classic #52 and it is about 1/16” short of a full 6” in the crown. The 2 5/8” brim is just what I asked for. Rick wasn’t happy with the brim binding but even upon close examination I’m completely satisfied. The sweat is soft and supple, but where the ends were sewn there is a small failure to meet up evenly; however, this is just being picky as it is such a minor cosmetic only issue that I easily overlook it. The liner is very nice and at my request is just tucked under the sweat, but Rick offered to sew it in if I wanted it.

The frayed bow treatment is nicely done and the ribbon if perfectly fitted with the bottom just kissing the tolliker break line without running over. Perfection! The felt itself is void of any tool marks and has an excellent hand. The crown has just the right amount of stiffness to it and took a dry crease, but the pinches didn’t want to stay in without steam or water. Not a criticism as some of the best felt needs some convincing to maintain a shape and I’ll take that over the cardboard some makers call fur felt.

Rick and I exchanged over 40 emails in the commissioning of the hat. Most of my emails were answered the same day and all were answered in a timely manner. He sent me lots of photos and let me be as involved in the process as I wanted. Rick let me make decisions when I wanted and when I trusted to his judgement he came up with details better than I could have. He has an artist’s eye and a streak of perfectionist that has made him my new favorite hatter.

As to sizing, the finished product is spot-on. I was worried as I’m a long oval and some size 7 5/8 hats are too tight on me; not this time. I’ve already asked for a second hat in black cherry beaver and I’ll give a FEPSA hare/rabbit blend a try too.

I suppose that if you are an absolute perfectionist who is used to the very best of customs you could find a Phoenix Hat Company custom wanting. I have hats from VS, Gannon, and others and I’m completely satisfied with this hat. Rick might not have the equipment needed to go the last 5% but 95% is a strong A in my book. Those who know me know that I’ve tried some customs from discount overseas hatters with mixed results. Phoenix hats are in an entirely different class and don’t need to have any excuses made for them. My only compliant is that Rick has lots of irons in the fire and I’ll have to wait an entirely reasonable 2-3 months.

Rick, thank you for the great hat and for making the process so enjoyable.


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[humanshoes]

Thanks for the excellent review DH and for the constructive criticism which I value nearly as much as the praise. As you know, I've been somewhat of a reluctant hatter when it comes to online sales of my custom hats, having so far been content to make hats for the locals who can be personally involved in every step of the process, but your review has me rethinking that attitude. You've been a real pleasure to work with, more of a hat making partner than just an end user, and I look forward to making your next hat.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Some better photos in natural light.

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[humanshoes]

That hat looks fantastic on you DH! Almost like it was made for you. Hah! The only problem I have now is that I like the combo so much that I'm going to have to make one for myself. As my father used to say when my mother would pick jewelry for herself out of his jewelry store, "There go the profits".

 

[steur]

My hat arrived today, two days early! I was going to wait until I got home to open it but just couldn’t stand it. I opened the package in a parking lot and it kept getting better and better.

The hat was double boxed and outside box was a stout cardboard offering great protection. The inner box is a thin square cardboard affair without a crown support ring. The branding is a nice touch.

Immediately I knew I was going to love this hat. The ribbon and binding were exactly the right color. I wasn’t expecting a finely finished hat since Rick was upfront with me from the start that he didn’t have some of the expensive specialty tools needed to achieve the best finishes. What I found surpassed my expectations in every way. At first I thought Rick had been blowing smoke when he said he couldn’t achieve the same finish as some of the big names we are familiar with. Upon a close inspection I saw what he was talking about, but you have to look closely to see the differences. I’m loving the hat!

The shape is classic #52 and it is about 1/16” short of a full 6” in the crown. The 2 5/8” brim is just what I asked for. Rick wasn’t happy with the brim binding but even upon close examination I’m completely satisfied. The sweat is soft and supple, but where the ends were sewn there is a small failure to meet up evenly; however, this is just being picky as it is such a minor cosmetic only issue that I easily overlook it. The liner is very nice and at my request is just tucked under the sweat, but Rick offered to sew it in if I wanted it.

The frayed bow treatment is nicely done and the ribbon if perfectly fitted with the bottom just kissing the tolliker break line without running over. Perfection! The felt itself is void of any tool marks and has an excellent hand. The crown has just the right amount of stiffness to it and took a dry crease, but the pinches didn’t want to stay in without steam or water. Not a criticism as some of the best felt needs some convincing to maintain a shape and I’ll take that over the cardboard some makers call fur felt.

Rick and I exchanged over 40 emails in the commissioning of the hat. Most of my emails were answered the same day and all were answered in a timely manner. He sent me lots of photos and let me be as involved in the process as I wanted. Rick let me make decisions when I wanted and when I trusted to his judgement he came up with details better than I could have. He has an artist’s eye and a streak of perfectionist that has made him my new favorite hatter.

As to sizing, the finished product is spot-on. I was worried as I’m a long oval and some size 7 5/8 hats are too tight on me; not this time. I’ve already asked for a second hat in black cherry beaver and I’ll give a FEPSA hare/rabbit blend a try too.

I suppose that if you are an absolute perfectionist who is used to the very best of customs you could find a Phoenix Hat Company custom wanting. I have hats from VS, Gannon, and others and I’m completely satisfied with this hat. Rick might not have the equipment needed to go the last 5% but 95% is a strong A in my book. Those who know me know that I’ve tried some customs from discount overseas hatters with mixed results. Phoenix hats are in an entirely different class and don’t need to have any excuses made for them. My only compliant is that Rick has lots of irons in the fire and I’ll have to wait an entirely reasonable 2-3 months.

Rick, thank you for the great hat and for making the process so enjoyable.


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Congrats on the hat, Brent and thanks for the review. Very informative.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Congrats on the hat, Brent and thanks for the review. Very informative.

Thanks, Stefan. I know you’re a vintage hat guy but those of us cursed with non-vintage head sizes need options. Rick really made me a great hat and I enjoy singing his praises.


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[drmaxtejeda]

My hat arrived today, two days early! I was going to wait until I got home to open it but just couldn’t stand it. I opened the package in a parking lot and it kept getting better and better.

The hat was double boxed and outside box was a stout cardboard offering great protection. The inner box is a thin square cardboard affair without a crown support ring. The branding is a nice touch.

Immediately I knew I was going to love this hat. The ribbon and binding were exactly the right color. I wasn’t expecting a finely finished hat since Rick was upfront with me from the start that he didn’t have some of the expensive specialty tools needed to achieve the best finishes. What I found surpassed my expectations in every way. At first I thought Rick had been blowing smoke when he said he couldn’t achieve the same finish as some of the big names we are familiar with. Upon a close inspection I saw what he was talking about, but you have to look closely to see the differences. I’m loving the hat!

The shape is classic #52 and it is about 1/16” short of a full 6” in the crown. The 2 5/8” brim is just what I asked for. Rick wasn’t happy with the brim binding but even upon close examination I’m completely satisfied. The sweat is soft and supple, but where the ends were sewn there is a small failure to meet up evenly; however, this is just being picky as it is such a minor cosmetic only issue that I easily overlook it. The liner is very nice and at my request is just tucked under the sweat, but Rick offered to sew it in if I wanted it.

The frayed bow treatment is nicely done and the ribbon if perfectly fitted with the bottom just kissing the tolliker break line without running over. Perfection! The felt itself is void of any tool marks and has an excellent hand. The crown has just the right amount of stiffness to it and took a dry crease, but the pinches didn’t want to stay in without steam or water. Not a criticism as some of the best felt needs some convincing to maintain a shape and I’ll take that over the cardboard some makers call fur felt.

Rick and I exchanged over 40 emails in the commissioning of the hat. Most of my emails were answered the same day and all were answered in a timely manner. He sent me lots of photos and let me be as involved in the process as I wanted. Rick let me make decisions when I wanted and when I trusted to his judgement he came up with details better than I could have. He has an artist’s eye and a streak of perfectionist that has made him my new favorite hatter.

As to sizing, the finished product is spot-on. I was worried as I’m a long oval and some size 7 5/8 hats are too tight on me; not this time. I’ve already asked for a second hat in black cherry beaver and I’ll give a FEPSA hare/rabbit blend a try too.

I suppose that if you are an absolute perfectionist who is used to the very best of customs you could find a Phoenix Hat Company custom wanting. I have hats from VS, Gannon, and others and I’m completely satisfied with this hat. Rick might not have the equipment needed to go the last 5% but 95% is a strong A in my book. Those who know me know that I’ve tried some customs from discount overseas hatters with mixed results. Phoenix hats are in an entirely different class and don’t need to have any excuses made for them. My only compliant is that Rick has lots of irons in the fire and I’ll have to wait an entirely reasonable 2-3 months.

Rick, thank you for the great hat and for making the process so enjoyable.


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Now, that's a review! Nothing left to ask.

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[deadlyhandsome]

Now, that's a review! Nothing left to ask.

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I was Rick’s first “internet” order and I wanted perspective clients to have a good feel for his level of service and the qulality of his craftsmanship. I can’t overstate how pleased I am with his work and I was very critical. He’s my new favorite hatter.

 

[drmaxtejeda]

I was Rick’s first “internet” order and I wanted perspective clients to have a good feel for his level of service and the qulality of his craftsmanship. I can’t overstate how pleased I am with his work and I was very critical. He’s my new favorite hatter.

I am am Optimo guy through and through.
I way prefer tapered, not-tall crowns with wide brims, similar to Italian-market Borsalinos.
To my newbie eyes non-tapered hats look boxy when seen from the side. Maybe with more experience my tastes will change.

I just had a crucial bit of good business news, so to celebrate, I am going to order a new Optimo. This time, I am ready to explore and change a little with a wide-brimmed porkpie in Bison. It really will be a copy of the Optimo Frank Lloyd Wright, which I like, but the Wright includes a bunch of stuff I'm not interested in, and they sell it for $1500.00. The copy in Bison will cost half of that.

https://www.optimohats.com/collection/the-frank-lloyd-wright

https://www.optimohats.com/collection/the-porkpie

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[deadlyhandsome]

I am am Optimo guy through and through.
I way prefer tapered, not-tall crowns with wide brims, similar to Italian-market Borsalinos.
To my newbie eyes non-tapered hats look boxy when seen from the side. Maybe with more experience my tastes will change.

I just had a crucial bit of good business news, so to celebrate, I am going to order a new Optimo. This time, I am ready to explore and change a little with a wide-brimmed porkpie in Bison. It really will be a copy of the Optimo Frank Lloyd Wright, which I like, but the Wright includes a bunch of stuff I'm not interested in, and they sell it for $1500.00. The copy in Bison will cost half of that.

https://www.optimohats.com/collection/the-frank-lloyd-wright

https://www.optimohats.com/collection/the-porkpie

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Cool and unusual hat! I’ll look forward to seeing it.

No one is going to fault you for liking Optimo.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

It’s the little touches, like the binding thread matching the ribbon to give it some subtle “pop” and tie the colors together. Rick’s work is really first rate. It’s going no to be a long month of waiting.


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[Woodtroll]

It’s the little touches, like the binding thread matching the ribbon to give it some subtle “pop” and tie the colors together. Rick’s work is really first rate. It’s going no to be a long month of waiting.


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Now that IS a nice touch! I really like that.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Now that IS a nice touch! I really like that.

Thanks, Rick has an eye for the details.

Any progress on deciding which color you’re going with? I don’t know what’s available, but you might ask him about FEPSA since they make colors that Winchester doesn’t. I’m waiting on a Rick to find out pricing and details on a FEPSA hat for me.


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[Woodtroll]

Thanks, Rick has an eye for the details.

Any progress on deciding which color you’re going with? I don’t know what’s available, but you might ask him about FEPSA since they make colors that Winchester doesn’t. I’m waiting on a Rick to find out pricing and details on a FEPSA hat for me.

Yes, I decided to go with the Pecan. The yellow tones I see in a lot of the pictures of the Whiskey felt don't attract me; being a fair-skinned redhead (with quite a bit of gray now!) I'm afraid the yellow would make me look jaundiced. From something I read here on the Lounge while researching colors I got the impression that FEPSA didn't do 100% beaver bodies, but I couldn't swear to that.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Yes, I decided to go with the Pecan. The yellow tones I see in a lot of the pictures of the Whiskey felt don't attract me; being a fair-skinned redhead (with quite a bit of gray now!) I'm afraid the yellow would make me look jaundiced. From something I read here on the Lounge while researching colors I got the impression that FEPSA didn't do 100% beaver bodies, but I couldn't swear to that.

You know, all the FEPSA hat bodies I’ve been looking at are hare and rabbit blends. I just assumed (can’t get in trouble doing that ) that they also made beaver hat bodies. Have you looked at Tonak felts?

Whatever Rick makes for you I’m sure you’ll like it. Of course if you post a pecan I’ll probably want one of those too.

 

[jlee562]

Well, we have to do some transitive logic, but Fepsa makes felts for Optimo, and Optimo's standard felt line (as of a few years ago anyway, earlier hats were not all beaver) is 100% beaver. For instance, IIRC, my Dillinger is would be a beaver blend.