What Hat Are You Wearing Today 1?

[hatophile]

VS Hitchhiker today for a hike, of course.
Looking good guys, everyone!
Is that a Gordon tartan you're wearing with your Balmoral, BR?

 

[TipTop]

Looking disappointed yet well-appointed, Manfred! Keep up the search. I like to think that with each failure to find a score, I build my reserves of luck for the next time!

Al, your choice from Graham is as superb as your photos.

Ray, WOW! ZOWIE! Holy CRANBERRIES! That is one sanguine lid.

Clossonrr, well-posed with Norma as an admirer.

That's CHIANTI, sir! And I want to get Sammy Davis Jr's initials embossed on the sweat....

Thx Manfred, I wish I were so sure....or sanguine.

 

[bowlerman]

Al-

Holy Saturday, indeed!

Congratulations on the beautiful new one-- but ooooh, that Montecristi Homburg always catches my eye!

 

[Blackthorn]

Today I wore my Black Sheep to church, and got this pic with Mrs B:

 

[RBH]

^^Very nice the both of you!!!^^

 

[rlk]

Stetson 4X Beaver 50's

 

[RBH]

Very sharp Manfred, a good hat to hunt hats in!!

 

[hatophile]

Very sharp Manfred, a good hat to hunt hats in!!

I agree, I really like that gray homburg!

 

[Blackthorn]

^^Very nice the both of you!!!^^

Thanks, Rusty!

 

[jbucklin]

Wet block.

Ale, I tried that with the straight sided dome from hatshapers.com. The dome (or block, if you will) is not the right shape for the non-tapered look I'm after. I would need to use the same block---or replica of---the block that Akubra uses. Any suggestions?

 

[Aureliano]

Ale, I tried that with the straight sided dome from hatshapers.com. The dome (or block, if you will) is not the right shape for the non-tapered look I'm after. I would need to use the same block---or replica of---the block that Akubra uses. Any suggestions?

Hmm... You don't have to reblock it if all you want is to remove the crease lines. If the plastic dome fits inside the crown, while wet, you can drape the crown with a cotton cloth and using an iron, mid temperature--and pressing strongly--iron the crease. Or you can send it to one of out hatters. Or fish the bay for a wooden block. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[jbucklin]

I've definitely done the iron/cotton cloth thing. Everytime I do it and try to crease it with a center-dent it looks tapered on the sides. It just doesn't have that full look of the Akubra fresh out of the box, which I can crease with a near-perfect center-dent within about 5 seconds.

I'm trying with the dome one more time right now. :/

 

[Aureliano]

I've definitely done the iron/cotton cloth thing. Everytime I do it and try to crease it with a center-dent it looks tapered on the sides. It just doesn't have that full look of the Akubra fresh out of the box, which I can crease with a near-perfect center-dent within about 5 seconds.

I'm trying with the dome one more time right now. :/

time to send it away or to get a straight sided block. Sorry I couldn't help more.

 

[jbucklin]

I'm always appreciative of your willingness to help. And it looks like what you're saying is true---it isn't something I can do myself with the limited tools I have.

 

[jbucklin]

I figured out what it is. The dome from hatshapers is a longer, more oval shape than the block used for the Fed IV. So, when creasing it with a center-dent, the sides of the crown, which naturally move inward, cause the taper and it just looks funny. So I once again gave it the ol' diamond crease. I did manage to make it a bit taller this time.

 

[Aureliano]

Good!

 

[jbucklin]

And here are the results (boy, am I a hat geek, or what?!!!) Anyway, so as to not get too OT---this is the hat I'm wearing today! Still wet from spraying.

 

[Kirk H.]

Looks good J. I have had good results with the Hatshapers Fedora block as far as a C-crown and a nice pinch. Even used it on my Beaver Brand hat and finaly got it to take the shape.

 

[jbucklin]

Looks good J. I have had good results with the Hatshapers Fedora block as far as a C-crown and a nice pinch. Even used it on my Beaver Brand hat and finaly got it to take the shape.

I have the Fedora block too. It's too short for the Fed, otherwise I'd use it on it. The straight sided dome is great but does not work for a center-dent due to its long, oval shape.

 

[St. Valentine]

Went to town on Friday to a friends watch manufactory. It was cold but sunny and I just came on time to pick up my new handmade watch.
It was Borsalino for me on that occasion BTW....

Frank