Western, anyone?

[Renault]

say Renault... what are the specs on your hat?

Right off the box. This what you need?


Resistol hat company

 

[WesternHatWearer]

What is the best way to shape an Open Crown Straw cowboy hat without cracking the straw? The open crowns I have encountered have also already been shellacked. I have been shaping some felts (Crown and Brim) and a few straws (brim only) and was recently asked if I could shape an open crown shellacked straw. I answered the individual by declining to work on an open crown straw. I have no experience with that and I would not appreciate some novice lying to me and destroying my hat; so I was honest with person. So, now I am seeking some advice that I may apply while practicing on my own straw hat. Thank you for any advice you may offer.

 

[DJH]

When I've shaped the crowns of straw hats, I've relaxed the stiffener by steaming the heck out of it and doing the shaping before it sets again. Usually works pretty well.

On a couple of occasions, I've gotten frustrated and put the hat under the shower, then shaped while still wet. Believe it or not, this has worked quite well too.

 

[RJR]

What DJH said.

 

[Renault]

I remember, in times past, smaller western wear stores (the mom & Pop type) there would be a #3 washtub full of water on the floor specifically used for the shaping of straw hats.

Not being a straw hat wearer, I do not know if this practice is still employed. Hard to find the old mom & pop shops anymore too! My great uncle ran one in Rocksprings Texas for years.

 

[gtdean48]

Steam relaxes all the shellac on the straw & then sets back as it cools...not much different from fur felt....
Water does soften the shellac come but the heat of the steam does it better, IMHO...

 

[WesternHatWearer]

Thank you everyone. Steam was my initial guess as to what to use, but I was not confident that I had a full understanding.
I will experiment with a straw hat I own and see what my hands are capable of. Thank you once more.

 

[1mach1]

Resistol 3x Western in silverbelly.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Nice one Harv.

 

[1mach1]

Thanks, Joao. At 3 1/2" brim, it is getting close to your territory.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Thanks, Joao. At 3 1/2" brim, it is getting close to your territory.

Need a lil'bit more

 

[1mach1]

Need a lil'bit more

lol lol

 

[DJH]

My Western Expansion - Buckaroo on the left, Black Sheep on the right

 

[bowlerman]

Absolutely gorgeous, David! The buckaroo is masterfully done.

So is the black sheep, of course, but I've seen that one already.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Those two look really nice!

 

[1mach1]

Awesome, David! Looks like you are right at home in Texas.

 

[DJH]

Thanks, Jeff, Joao, Harv.

Both these westerns are impeccably made - Bob and Mike are both great hatmakers.

 

[RJR]

+1,very nice.

 

[navarre]

Need a lil'bit more

Since your always complaining about the short brims Joao, I just might have found one for you. How about a 7" brim??




Found em on Etsy

I am not quite sure you could walk through a doorway with one, but I thought I might approve.

 

[RJR]

Joao will be on that one in an instant eace: