Video: Four Bill Kelso (BK) A2, Duke, Dodger

[tmitchell59]

The Bill Kelso line up.

 

[nick123]

Awesome video Terry and thanks for taking the time. I enjoyed it a lot. Jackets are lacking in the video department and we need more of these gems!
I believe Andy said the BK House model used the same HH as Gibson & Barnes uses. But I think that model also comes in steerhide.

 

[Superfluous]

Great video Terry

 

[Monitor]

I think that the third jacket reviewed, the dark seal A-2 with the orange lining, is probably the most beautiful leather I've ever seen! Thank you again, Terry!

 

[tmitchell59]

Thanks folks.

Maybe BK should promote their House Brand if this is it! Even after looking at their website, I'm still not sure. To me it looks like the Buzz Rickson William Gibson. It is a great looking jacket.

I believe Andy said the BK House model used the same HH as Gibson & Barnes uses. But I think that model also comes in steerhide.

I will have to look at G and B leather. It is stiff as you can see in the pics. Heavier than the Liberty, lighter than than the Victory. it is also a custom sized jacket. I don't remember the numbers. I had no idea if it would fit, but it does. One of those jackets that the numbers just didn't make sense to me.

It doesn't wear like the Liberty. sorta chips off. Feels almost like pebbled goathide.

 

[tmitchell59]

Bill Kelso House Brand A2

 

[sw709]

Bill Kelso House Brand A2

Tmitch---is this your newly acquired BK A2? Nice fit!!

 

[tmitchell59]

Tmitch---is this your newly acquired BK A2? Nice fit!!

Yes, that is it. Fits looks OK? you familiar with this leather?

 

[sw709]

Yes, that is it. Fits looks OK? you familiar with this leather?

Yeah...fit looks real nice. And I appreciate your comment about the collar, as I've always had a hard time liking the way many A2 collars 'stand up' around your neck. But, it all depends on who is making the jacket.

The leather, on the other hand, I have NO clue about. it almost looks like Shinki (based on how my...I mean YOUR Himel looks), but I'm pretty sure BK never used that hide.

 

[tmitchell59]

Yeah...fit looks real nice. And I appreciate your comment about the collar, as I've always had a hard time liking the way many A2 collars 'stand up' around your neck. But, it all depends on who is making the jacket.

The leather, on the other hand, I have NO clue about. it almost looks like Shinki (based on how my...I mean YOUR Himel looks), but I'm pretty sure BK never used that hide.

Thanks. I do like the fit of this new BK. Nice to hear I'm not the only one with collar issues. I wore a Banana Republic A2 for years, or until I wore it out. It was not accurate, but it also fit better.

The BK leather does look and feel more like the Heron Shinki than anything else. Not sure how much the video shows in comparison. I have Good Wear Shinki and is not like the Heron Shinki. Maybe this is just a low end Italian HH that looks like Shinki. This jacket is a couple of years old.

 

[sw709]

Thanks. I do like the fit of this new BK. Nice to hear I'm not the only one with collar issues. I wore a Banana Republic A2 for years, or until I wore it out. It was not accurate, but it also fit better.

The BK leather does look and feel more like the Heron Shinki than anything else. Not sure how much the video shows in comparison. I have Good Wear Shinki and is not like the Heron Shinki. Maybe this is just a low end Italian HH that looks like Shinki. This jacket is a couple of years old.

Interesting graining on the BK jacket.

 

[tmitchell59]

Interesting graining on the BK jacket.

I will have to write them. I don't think I see this leather on their website.

It is the Mark 31 Italian HH. It is on their website under Leathers. I was looking for it on a jacket.

 

[sw709]

I will have to write them. I don't think I see this leather on their website.

It is the Mark 31 Italian HH. It is on their website under Leathers. I was looking for it on a jacket.

Ah! I do remember reading about that hide on their website too. Interesting nomenclature--sound like an old designation for a vintage aircraft.

 

[tmitchell59]

Ah! I do remember reading about that hide on their website too. Interesting nomenclature--sound like an old designation for a vintage aircraft.

I've been involved in the BK discussions here. Talked about Victory, Liberty, HH, I don't recall any mention of this Mark 31. I can't copy their online description but it is there. Don't recall being mentioned on their Facebook page. Interesting leather, a bit thicker than the Liberty and much stiffer. similar in feel to the Heron, that same thin stiffness and bit rough surface.

 

[tmitchell59]

New to me; BK A-1 Aeronaut in Badalassi Cowhide.

I'm quiet, but the Cowhide is pretty noisy!

 

[ton312]

New to me; BK A-1 Aeronaut in Badalassi Cowhide.

I'm quiet, but the Cowhide is pretty noisy!

That badalassi is badass"y" and as usual fits you perfectly. Another flippn killer jacket. Congrats TM!

 

[tmitchell59]

 

[handymike]

It's been said that the BK is a direct replica of the Himel Heron. Terry, since you now have both, would you share your observations?

 

[tmitchell59]

It's been said that the BK is a direct replica of the Himel Heron. Terry, since you now have both, would you share your observations?

Yes, I plan to do a video with them side by side and on and off. The differences are best seen worn. To me, two different jackets. Actually very different jackets. Two very nice jackets. To be continued.

 

[tmitchell59]

I don't recall seeing any discussion of the Badalassi Cowhide. Does anyone have this hide by BK or any maker?