Squatter review?

[dr greg]

mist thread

This one is what I call a pie-block, and is the one invariably worn by city slicker politicians and other dickheads who wish to make a flying visit to the country and look authentic, our PM is famous for having one: ergo they are relatively common in op-shops, and I reblock them with glee.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Good Day
scotrace, I was wondering what Akubra re-named the Open Road when there contract with Stetson ran out. Good to know.
dr greg, so how do you re-block them? What style?
Johnny

 

[Benny Holiday]

BT is spot-on

Well... the Squatter is definitely squatter than the Federation but I think the name is more based in Australian history(if you didn't know...)- as in- to squat(set up camp) on unclaimed land in order to claim title.
Remember, posession is 9/10 of the law.

A squatter was an early farmer who occupied undeveloped land. Although they had no legal title over the land, they gained use of it by being the first Europeans to settle on it.

My black squatter has served me well for eleven years, its crown shaped in a pork-pie style to achieve a tando (zoot hat) look. The quality is as fine as any of my other Akubras, which is to say I'm very happy with it.

 

[Speedster]

For those who may have missed last year's threads on the subject, that Campdraft is the old Stetson Open Road, if shaped properly.

So you can go down the Open Road at a reasonable price. Thanks for the info. Very nice to know if you cannot spare the funds for a vintage Stetson.

 

[scotrace]

So you can go down the Open Road at a reasonable price. Thanks for the info. Very nice to know if you cannot spare the funds for a vintage Stetson.

Yes - a member compared the two side-by-side mostly favorably. But the felt, of course.... the felt... apples & oranges.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Oh yes, the Twins.

I believe Scotrace is talking about me. Last year I bought the Campdraft and also a 50's Open Road. Now I have two OR's. Anyway, as far as shape and design, the Capmdraft is pretty much dead on, open crowned and ready for shaping. But vintage OR's will be much softer felts. Still, an Akubra can break in rather nicely, and you'll know for sure that it can take a beating and bad weather. Not that a vintage can't, but some would rather not risk their prized vintage hats.
NB

 

[dr greg]

it'll all end in tears

Good Day
scotrace, I was wondering what Akubra re-named the Open Road when there contract with Stetson ran out. Good to know.
dr greg, so how do you re-block them? What style?
Johnny

As you can see with the photo I posted above, I just go for the basic teardrop crown, done by hand after a good soaking with warm water while in the shower, you also need a soft brush to try and erase the line of the old block..not something done for a Borsalino or whatever. but good enough for 2nd hand day hats.
Also in relation to 'squatters' the word now means a well-to-do farmer; the top level of whom are colloquially known by those who aren't impressed with their political machinations and attitude, as the "Squattocracy"