Rand's Custom Hats

[DnSchlng]

I think I've read some things about them here but couldnt find it in a search, anyway does anyone have any hats from Rands? so far there one of the only custom hatters that send out a catalog that I know of. They mostly deal with cowboy and western hats.

 

[gtdean48]

Tonto Rim sends out a catalog with lots more than just the custom hats.
http://tontorim.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page1.html

 

[DnSchlng]

thanks for the link i actually havent heard of them before now

 

[K.D. Lightner]

I have a Rand's hat I got off eBay, of all places, a couple of years ago. I think they were selling off some hats.

Don't have a photo of it in my collection, but if you go to:

http://www.randhats.com/catalog.cfm

... the cowboy hat shown at the top left hand corner is my hat. It is called a Gus Chisolm or a Gunfighter. It is an 8X beaver and a sand color.

A wonderful hat and I got it for a pittance. It has my name stamped in it, has a silk lining.

karol

 

[DnSchlng]

thats a nice hat but is water/weatherproof? or is your special occasion hat

 

[K.D. Lightner]

I don't know, I haven't worn it out in bad weather, but if it is 8X beaver, it should have some protection. It think 10X is the highest.

It was supposed to be worn out in wild weather, thus the stampede strap.

Like most all cowboy hats, it is stiff. I wonder if rain would soften it.

karol

 

[JPMcAdara]

I do not have one of his hats, but I have talked to Ritch on numerous occasions. He is a really nice guy and is easy to talk to. He says he makes hats that are meant to be worn and will definitely stand up to the elements. He obviously know his stuff and really makes some of the finest hats.
Another guy you may want to look up for durable western is Mike Moore at Buckaroo Hatters. He really makes some great stuff and also does a really nice fedora.

JP

 

[High Pockets]

For anyone looking for an unbelievable hat in a western style, I'd suggest Mike's Custom Hatters:

http://www.mikescustomhatters.com/

I bought one of his "Gus" hats in 7x at a SASS event 6 years ago and that beauty is still stiff enough to park a truck on!

 

[Aerol]

Hat saddles

I never bought a hat from them, but their Hat Saddles, while pricey, are the best thing in the world for hanging hats.

 

[feltfan]

I don't know about Rand, but there are quite a few
cowboy hat makers with catalogs online. I've always
wanted to order from these guys, former Lounge members:
http://www.rockymountainhatcompany.com/

I've heard good things about this current Lounge member:
http://www.northvalleyhatco.com/

If you're gonna pay that kind of money for a felt hat, it had
better be able to take some rain.

 

[DnSchlng]

thanks for more links guys. I dont know why but even though i could see things online anytime, I just really like seeing it in print.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Incoming:

High hopes for this hat.

 

[belfastboy]

Incoming:

View attachment 279795 View attachment 279796

High hopes for this hat.

Anxious to get your review. Rand's hats are at the top end of the western price point scale. I follow them on FB and the pics they show of their refurbishments of some pretty nasty hats is amazing.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Anxious to get your review. Rand's hats are at the top end of the western price point scale. I follow them on FB and the pics they show of their refurbishments of some pretty nasty hats is amazing.

The hat looks to be in good shape, but their $150 renovation package sounds like a bargain, even their $200 worst case price is a good value if the felt is quality to start with.

I’m not looking to needlessly spend $150, but I’m tempted to try it to get basically a new custom Rand! I bought this hat “right.”

 

[RossRYoung]

I had randomly searched for a silversmith to punch a hole in my new hat band to extend it as far as it will fit, the closest one to my house was called Silver King. Sure enough, they’re long time western artists that partnered with Rand (among other hatters) to make their hat bands! Small world, and very nice people with exceptional products.

 

[belfastboy]

The hat looks to be in good shape, but their $150 renovation package sounds like a bargain, even their $200 worst case price is a good value if the felt is quality to start with.

I’m not looking to needlessly spend $150, but I’m tempted to try it to get basically a new custom Rand! I bought this hat “right.”

The guy that does the refurbs must be a master as the 'before' pics are some beat up hard worn abused western working hats and he turns them back to like new. Shows how forgiving a good fur felt can be.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I’m not hugely impressed. There isn’t a quality/felt designation on the hat, but I feels like rabbit and/or a rabbit hare blend. It’s not particularly dense and the whole feel of the hat is a resounding average. I changed the brim and after taking it to open crown I re-creased it. The felt reminds me of 1970s 5X hats from Stetson and Resistol. The build quality is fine, the pouncing is even, and the leather sweatband is supple. Nothing wrong with the hat, but nothing special either. I assume their higher tier hats are more impressive. It’s also a bit smaller than the seller stated, and that makes it even easier to move it on to someone else.

 

[belfastboy]

View attachment 281614 View attachment 281615 View attachment 281616 View attachment 281617 View attachment 281618 View attachment 281619 View attachment 281620 View attachment 281621

I’m not hugely impressed. There isn’t a quality/felt designation on the hat, but I feels like rabbit and/or a rabbit hare blend. It’s not particularly dense and the whole feel of the hat is a resounding average. I changed the brim and after taking it to open crown I re-creased it. The felt reminds me of 1970s 5X hats from Stetson and Resistol. The build quality is fine, the pouncing is even, and the leather sweatband is supple. Nothing wrong with the hat, but nothing special either. I assume their higher tier hats are more impressive. It’s also a bit smaller than the seller stated, and that makes it even easier to move it on to someone else.

That is at least a $500 hat you have there if I remember correctly as that is about their entry level pricing and it goes waaay up from there. Nice looking at at this distance.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi
If I didn't have 3 rough-rider styled hats from Mike Moore (Buckaroo) and one from Tony Bruener (Tumwater), I might be interested. I like the wider ribbon.
Later

 

[moehawk]

Hey all!
I found this Rand while out thrifting today. Unusual color on a Western.



No liner, tag or sticker. Here's the stamps.



The last pic explains the very small size.
Measures 7 1/4" by 6 1/8". Brim is 3 3/4", the crown 5" at highest point as creased. 206g. The felt is nicer than my 3X Resistol.
I'm guessing Holly paid some serious cheddar for this one new...
Not sure what to do with it being so small. Maybe it will fit my younger niece...