I've been interested in this process for years, but have never had the guts to use it until now. I've read horror stories about big grease spots being left on the felt. I've recently had some reject bodies to practice on and decided to go for it. Some care must be taken in the application [rpcess, but when done correctly it definitely makes a nice difference in the hat finish.
Hah! I've decided to accept a few straw hairs here and there rather than putting the flame to my hats.
I'm just gonna say yes to both. Hell, it may even be edible if you get lost in the woods.Neat, thanks for the education! With the coconut oil on it, does that make it a "Tropical Trekker" hat? And will it "lure" babes?
That's great to see. Thanks for taking the time to show us this! I'm curious to hear more about your experience with this process and the results.
I’m not looking for another “babe.” Rather, I should say that all I do is look.
Great job! What colors are the felt and ribbon?
I ordered it as a Dark Brown Winchester felt but Rick advised me that it came in a little lighter shade. More of a mid brown than a dark chocolate. I don't like much contrast in my ribbons so I chose a colour close to the felt just a tad lighter shade. The second head shot, the one from the side shows the colour the best.
The style is super!
I have customs from 7 different custom hatters, all present here on the lounge plus Leon Drexler out of Toronto. I can say that Rick's craftsmanship
Gustin Vintage Heavyweight Sweatshirt - Natural Rainbow Nep - $119 Rugged 14oz cotton that gets better with every wear. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket.
Thanks for you generous endorsement and kind words Bob. I really do appreciate it.
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. I’m loving the hat! It compares well to any of the fine customs I have from some of the big names in bespoke hats.
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 and expertly sewn in. 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 have hats from VS, Gannon, and others and I’m completely satisfied with this hat. Rick might not have all the equipment he would like, but his the finished product is without compromise. 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 for future hats.
Rick, thank you for the great hat and for making the process so enjoyable.
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To finish my thought above before my computer went wonky and locked up. Rick's craftsmanship equals that of any of my customs. His work stands with the best. Not sure he wants this endorsation as it may cause his book to grow but he deserves the accolades. It came open crown and the felt had a real buttery quality when I placed the bash. The pouncing is top rate and his liners (forgot to take a pic) have a plastic insert on the top portion which I think is a nice touch... I know I told myself this hat would be my last custom but am having second thoughts and if I can come up with a idea that excites me will place one more order.
Great job. That was indeed a remarkable hat Gillen wore in that role. For reference:
