Question for the Merchants and Miliners out there...

[Colby Jack]

I'm looking at a custom "western fedora" made with Stetson 4X western weight fur felt. Now what would be the difference between this "western weight" fur felt and the felt they use in the Stetson fedoras like the Temple?
Can anyone help me with this?...I've looked up some of the older threads dealing with wool vs fur felt etc...but didn't find anything that answered this.
I'm also still wondering about the Bee Master Hatters Fedora I have...since it's not marked as to what type of fur it's made of...Does anyone know if they were known for more of a fur felt or wool felt hat.
I am really getting swept away by this new vice I've fallen into....

Thanks ahead for any help on these problems I've posed....
Colby Jack

 

[Art Fawcett]

Jack, the big difference is in thickness, weight, and stiffner added in the felting plant. "Dress" bodies are thinner and have less stiffner in the core because, generally, that don't have to hold shape with a wide brim that the western needs. You can make a fedora out of a western body but it doesn't make much sense to me as you will get the shape & style you want, but have the ability to drive nails with it too.

I haven't done alot of research on Bee Hats but have owned a number of them and generally they were fur felt, not wool ( at least the vintage ones were) and are pretty decent hats. I believe they targeted the working class and the younger hat wearers so their styles usually reflected that.

 

[Colby Jack]

Thank you Art...I am also a member of SASS, and am looking to accessorize my cowboy side also...Knudsen has this great looking fedora/cowboy hat. It's called the "Wildcatter". Of course they're are a couple of others in a 10X Beaver too....This hat frenzy goes on and on....

 

[Colby Jack]

Also Art...
I am dreaming of your Tucker hat....it's also one of my favorite movies!:eusa_clap

 

[Art Fawcett]

and the frenzy goes on..and on..:eusa_doh:


I'm not familiar with Knudsen Jack, haven't and don't study modern hats but am familiar with SASS. Our friend Mike Moore is also involved with SASS and might want to expand on my comments if he reads this.

Above all....Enjoy!!

 

[majormoore]

This is made by Stetson 4X western weight fur felt.
with a 3 1/4" brim, and a 4 1/2" tall crown.

Mike Moore