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Rand's Custom Hats

DnSchlng

One of the Regulars
Messages
134
Location
Pennsylvania
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.
 

K.D. Lightner

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,354
Location
Des Moines, IA
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
 

K.D. Lightner

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,354
Location
Des Moines, IA
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

Familiar Face
Messages
98
Location
Moreno Valley, CA
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
 

Aerol

A-List Customer
Messages
303
Location
Chicago, IL
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.
 

DnSchlng

One of the Regulars
Messages
134
Location
Pennsylvania
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.
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
Incoming:

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High hopes for this hat.
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
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

Practically Family
Messages
954
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.
 
Messages
10,879
Location
vancouver, canada
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.
 
Messages
19,001
Location
Central California
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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.
 

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Messages
10,879
Location
vancouver, canada
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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

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,370
Location
Norman Oklahoma
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

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,847
Location
Northern California
Hey all!
I found this Rand while out thrifting today. Unusual color on a Western.

20210108_163911.jpg 20210108_163859.jpg 20210108_163848.jpg 20210108_163838.jpg

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

20210108_165333.jpg 20210108_163820.jpg 20210108_162722.jpg

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...
 

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