Post New Hats Here!

[Steve1857]

Bummer experience. I can feel your disappointment.

As everyone else has said, it still looks a cool Indy.

Steam is your best friend. Open it up and steam away. Looking forward to seeing the result.

Well, at long last, I finally got my Indy hat. I, like many others, have been inspired by the Indy fedora to get into hats, and what I initially thought would have been a pleasant experience in landing the mothership, it was actually quite the opposite. After doing some research and some brain racking, I decided to go with Penman due to his reputation as a hatter, namely with Indy hats. I placed my order last January for a custom Raiders without the turn. John informed me that without the turn, it would look like the gray travel hat, and not the "hero" hat. I told him my concerns with the turn, and he told me to let him know what I decided. My hat was to be ready around July.

Thinking that I had time to ponder a final decision, I let it sit for a couple of weeks. I then sent an email with questions, and never received a reply. I figured, by mistake, that I would hear back when it came time to build my hat. Fast forward to July. Still no word. I sent another email with more questions, and stated that I changed my mind and wanted the turn. I figured I would regret not getting it. Still no response. About two weeks later I receive an email (in a new thread) with pics of my finished hat, without the turn. He apparently never got any of my emails, but he'd see what he could do about moving the crease, but there may be old crease lines. I told him if that were the case then to not re-crease it, but he'd see what he would do.

I received the hat in August, exactly as it was shown in the pic I was sent when the hat was finished. I started going back and forth with him on what it would take to get the turn. He told me that if he were to add the turn, he would have to tear the hat apart and reblock it to remove the old crease lines, put the breakline back in, flange it and then put the hat back together. I don't know why none of this was mentioned before shipping the hat. He then wanted to charge me for the repair and shipping, plus wait in line again. I found this to be completely unacceptable, and he eventually agreed to do the work for free.

I finally received the hat today, and the first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was the old crease line. Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. And to think all of this could have been avoided with simple communication. I just don't get it. I'm pretty speechless about it, and at this point, I'm pretty exhausted just thinking about this whole scenario. I suppose this Indy hat is better than no Indy hat. I'll try hitting it with some steam and see what happens. View attachment 312662
View attachment 312664

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Well, at long last, I finally got my Indy hat. I, like many others, have been inspired by the Indy fedora to get into hats, and what I initially thought would have been a pleasant experience in landing the mothership, it was actually quite the opposite. After doing some research and some brain racking, I decided to go with Penman due to his reputation as a hatter, namely with Indy hats. I placed my order last January for a custom Raiders without the turn. John informed me that without the turn, it would look like the gray travel hat, and not the "hero" hat. I told him my concerns with the turn, and he told me to let him know what I decided. My hat was to be ready around July.

Thinking that I had time to ponder a final decision, I let it sit for a couple of weeks. I then sent an email with questions, and never received a reply. I figured, by mistake, that I would hear back when it came time to build my hat. Fast forward to July. Still no word. I sent another email with more questions, and stated that I changed my mind and wanted the turn. I figured I would regret not getting it. Still no response. About two weeks later I receive an email (in a new thread) with pics of my finished hat, without the turn. He apparently never got any of my emails, but he'd see what he could do about moving the crease, but there may be old crease lines. I told him if that were the case then to not re-crease it, but he'd see what he would do.

I received the hat in August, exactly as it was shown in the pic I was sent when the hat was finished. I started going back and forth with him on what it would take to get the turn. He told me that if he were to add the turn, he would have to tear the hat apart and reblock it to remove the old crease lines, put the breakline back in, flange it and then put the hat back together. I don't know why none of this was mentioned before shipping the hat. He then wanted to charge me for the repair and shipping, plus wait in line again. I found this to be completely unacceptable, and he eventually agreed to do the work for free.

I finally received the hat today, and the first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was the old crease line. Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. And to think all of this could have been avoided with simple communication. I just don't get it. I'm pretty speechless about it, and at this point, I'm pretty exhausted just thinking about this whole scenario. I suppose this Indy hat is better than no Indy hat. I'll try hitting it with some steam and see what happens. View attachment 312662
View attachment 312664

It doesn’t look bad to me as I think Indy hats should be a bit beat up. The problem is it’s not what you payed for. What matters is if it was made the way you asked. It is not a cheap hat and it should be perfect. I’m a pretty easygoing guy and I’m willing to overlook a lot of the small stuff, but when you buy from a top tier hatter you shouldn’t have to compromise or accept poor customer service.

Art Fawcett once confused my orders and made me a hat using a prior hat’s specs. Art immediately acknowledged his error, paid for the shipping, and within two weeks had the correct hat delivered to me. Everyone can make mistakes, but if the hatter won’t make it right, or asks you to pay for the fix, then you need to find another hatter.

 

[belfastboy]

It doesn’t look bad to me as I think Indy hats should be a bit beat up. The problem is it’s not what you payed for. What matters is if it was made the way you asked. It is not a cheap hat and it should be perfect. I’m a pretty easygoing guy and I’m willing to overlook a lot of the small stuff, but when you buy from a top tier hatter you shouldn’t have to compromise or accept poor customer service.

Art Fawcett once confused my orders and made me a hat using a prior hat’s specs. Art immediately acknowledged his error, paid for the shipping, and within two weeks had the correct hat delivered to me. Everyone can make mistakes, but if the hatter won’t make it right, or asks you to pay for the fix, then you need to find another hatter.

I think it was in Art's video where he talks about being a "master" hatter. He said he still made mistakes but being a master meant that his mistakes never made it out the door and into his customer's hand.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Burns Saddlery: I bought this custom hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did is top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out.

 

[Blare]

Dobbs Challenger - Fuzzy finish

Dobbs Challenger - Schuss Loden
Velour like finish
4 7/8 crown
5/8 green woven band
1 7/8 raw edge brim
Made in West Germany

A velour like finish on this Dobbs Challenger made in West Germany. The tag indicates the model is Schuss and the color is labeled Loden which is supposed to be a darker olive drab. The felt appears much more brown with greenish undertones tied in with a light green woven band.

 

[Blare]

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did was top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out.


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Fantastic Brent

 

[Just A Hat Rack]

If it makes you feel any better, the old crease lines actually give it some adventure-wear. Adds some character to it. I think you rock it but still, I feel your frustration through the post. I wish it had turned out better for you. Again, I think you look great in it.

I agree with Jesse John. It shouldn't have been so difficult for you to get the hat you wanted, but that extra hint of a crease does give it more character and makes that hat uniquely yours. And it looks good on you too!

It doesn’t look bad to me as I think Indy hats should be a bit beat up. The problem is it’s not what you payed for. What matters is if it was made the way you asked. It is not a cheap hat and it should be perfect. I’m a pretty easygoing guy and I’m willing to overlook a lot of the small stuff, but when you buy from a top tier hatter you shouldn’t have to compromise or accept poor customer service.

Art Fawcett once confused my orders and made me a hat using a prior hat’s specs. Art immediately acknowledged his error, paid for the shipping, and within two weeks had the correct hat delivered to me. Everyone can make mistakes, but if the hatter won’t make it right, or asks you to pay for the fix, then you need to find another hatter.

Thanks for the good vibes. I feel what everyone is saying about the old crease giving the hat a bit of the worn, adventurous look. I kind of thought the same thing to an extent, but that crease shows more than it appears in the photos. I know there were things that I could have done to help avoid this situation altogether. I just think that if you are taking people's hard earned money for something you are crafting specifically for them, the number one priority should be making 100% sure that the product is exactly what they want based on your ability to give it to them. I am not a hatter. I don't know what it's like to be a hatter. I don't even know the first thing about constructing a hat. What I do know is that I would never put a hat that looked like that in a box and send it off to someone as a finished product. I tip my hat to those like Art and Rick, and others, who make sure their customers get what they want.

 

[Just A Hat Rack]

Dobbs Challenger - Fuzzy finish

View attachment 312889

Dobbs Challenger - Schuss Loden
Velour like finish
4 7/8 crown
5/8 green woven band
1 7/8 raw edge brim
Made in West Germany

A velour like finish on this Dobbs Challenger made in West Germany. The tag indicates the model is Schuss and the color is labeled Loden which is supposed to be a darker olive drab. The felt appears much more brown with greenish undertones tied in with a light green woven band.

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I'm not a fan of stingy's, at all. But you make them look good, and you look good in them Joe.

 

[Just A Hat Rack]

Bummer experience. I can feel your disappointment.

As everyone else has said, it still looks a cool Indy.

Steam is your best friend. Open it up and steam away. Looking forward to seeing the result.

Thanks Steve. I may try steam at first, but I'm thinking I may have to soak it some with some water to get the best results. Its a pretty hard crease. We'll see I guess!

 

[TheGuitarFairy]

Thanks Steve. I may try steam at first, but I'm thinking I may have to soak it some with some water to get the best results. Its a pretty hard crease. We'll see I guess!

Soaking in water can change color of felt. I'd most definitely go with heavy spritz / steam first.
While I absolutely agree for that kinda' dough hat should meet your expectations .. you and hat look great together. Good luck.

 

[Blare]

I'm not a fan of stingy's, at all. But you make them look good, and you look good in them Joe.

Thank you Ryan. Much appreciated

 

[Rmccamey]

That is a great look and an interesting color for a western, Brent. Very nice.

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did is top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out.


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[deadlyhandsome]

That is a great look and an interesting color for a western, Brent. Very nice.

Thanks, Randy. I’ve seen photos of Serratelli hats in this color, but this is the first I’ve seen in person. Has a chocolate chip look with very small “chips.”

 

[Zombie_61]

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did is top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out...

That's a damn fine hat Brent! I really like the subtle heathered felt and the color combinations, and that crown height is just right for you.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

That's a damn fine hat Brent! I really like the subtle heathered felt and the color combinations, and that crown height is just right for you.

Thanks, Al. @belfastboy sure did a great job on it.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Another great Wolfbrae! @belfastboy has been doing some great work for me and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. This hat is from a Millinery Warehouse western rabbit fur felt body that I’d consider to be moderately stiff for a western. The color is bottle green. It’s a nice weight and has a nice hand in my opinion. It’s approximately 3X6 and took both water and a generous amount to steam to shape. It’s also one of the most comfortable wearing westerns I’ve ever had on my head.

 

[Frank Boskovich]

Pure Beaver soft bashed diamond crease in natural with antique 2” belly nutria kick back bow Size 58cm ready to wear. Hand shaped and hand sewn by me.

 

[Zombie_61]

Another great Wolfbrae! @belfastboy has been doing some great work for me and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. This hat is from a Millinery Warehouse western rabbit fur felt body that I’d consider to be moderately stiff for a western. The color is bottle green. It’s a nice weight and has a nice hand in my opinion. It’s approximately 3X6 and took both water and a generous amount to steam to shape. It’s also one of the most comfortable wearing westerns I’ve ever had on my head.

I'm not sure "bottle green" was a traditional color for hats in the old west, but I don't care 'cause I like it! Looks great on you too Brent!

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I'm not sure "bottle green" was a traditional color for hats in the old west, but I don't care 'cause I like it! Looks great on you too Brent!

Thanks, Al. I’m the anti-Stefan when it comes to green hats.

 

[belfastboy]

Another great Wolfbrae! @belfastboy has been doing some great work for me and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. This hat is from a Millinery Warehouse western rabbit fur felt body that I’d consider to be moderately stiff for a western. The color is bottle green. It’s a nice weight and has a nice hand in my opinion. It’s approximately 3X6 and took both water and a generous amount to steam to shape. It’s also one of the most comfortable wearing westerns I’ve ever had on my head.

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This is like Christmas in February for me. Everyday I get a new picture of a hat on a head!