Which Hide Should I Choose?

[bretron]

Ok, my Good Wear number hasn't been called yet, but after 16 months have past it has to be soon (right?!). I have changed my mind on which jacket to order about 3 dozen times, and have bought sold and bought about 20 some-odd jackets while waiting. I think I have it figured out but am not totally sure which hide to select which will in turn decide which jacket I will order.

My two finalists: Monarch A2 in dull russet Shinki, (can't decide on thread color yet) or Dubow 27798 in seal Shinki with the Cabernet knits and light tan thread.

Here are the hides (dull russet on left, seal on right)

Here are all Johns Shinki hides in brown- with the exception of the light russet (not a fan)- left to right: dull russet, seal, hand finished seal, and dark seal

Here are my existing brown jackets- left to right: Langlitz Crescent in light russet steer, GW Ostermann 23383 in dark russet goat, and Norshor d pocket in seal goat

Here are the jackets with swatches (swatches in same order as above)

Here are the jackets with just the dull russet and the seal (which are my two finalists because I think the had applied seal and dark seal are too similar to what I have)

Any thought from the peanut gallery?

I'm leaning towards the monarch mainly because I am thinking the color combo of the dubow will be so similar to my Norshor, but on the other hand it will be starkly different from my 23383. So in short, I can't make up my damn mind!!

 

[Rudie]

It's quite obvious to me. You don't need a another jacket. Just cancel your order and be happy you saved a ton of money.

 

[bretron]

@rudie, you sound like my wife!

 

[schitzo]

Ignore Rudie and his cold unhelpful logic!

As soon as I saw the swatches i was liking the seal (though it looks reddish, more like a russet, no?). Then when I saw them against your jackets I was convinced. I don't expect you'll agree with me.. but I'd definitely have the 'seal' that looks like russet.

EDIT: I read that wrong. Now I expect you should agree with me!

 

[bretron]

Schitz, I agree that the seal is very red. And almost like a dark russet. The dubow in this hide is badass as hell

(This is Andrews jacket, I think)

 

[handymike]

So... between 102 & 103 eh?
Here's my 2 bits: The seal aniline is awesome, but purpleish to my eye. I wish it were more of a true brown as it's a lovely hide and aging quite nicely in my outdoor experiments.
However the 102 is RAD!!!!
and unique if you are open to a lighter tone!!!!

 

[schitzo]

Schitz, I agree that the seal is very red. And almost like a dark russet. The dubow in this hide is badass as hell

(This is Andrews jacket, I think)

Looking at this one which appears to have been taken inside with the flash I'm still getting plenty of red. I imagine this in natural sunlight would be immense. Do it man!

 

[Rudie]

@rudie, you sound like my wife!

Well, maybe - just maybe - she's right and you should consider what she is saying.

 

[bretron]

Haha, Mike; I've been "experimenting" as well you still settled on the Ventura? And to answer your question, yes it's down to the 102 and 103 hides

 

[majormajor]

Seal for me.

 

[handymike]

As you know, I'm not an A2 guy, but the 102 seems like the way to go IMHO... for that style it sure looks great after being beaten up!

As far as mine goes: yes, still steadfast on the style choice...a project jacket that John has agreed to... ;-)

 

[Fanch]

Seal = understated elegance would be my choice.

 

[ButteMT61]

From JC's site:

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[bretron]

Scott, yer killin me. Thought I had sworn off a rw, but that is one hellova jacket... Tempting to say the least amd maybe a good middle ground

 

[ButteMT61]

Scott, yer killin me. Thought I had sworn off a rw, but that is one hellova jacket... Tempting to say the least amd maybe a good middle ground

No, more of a showing of the hide buddy. Not trying to sway you on the model. That's impossible. Me, I like the slimmer models like the early Werber, etc.

 

[Cooperson]

+1 for the seal!

 

[simonc]

"Seal" was my first reaction, not surprised to see the above reprobates agreeing with me.

 

[Grayland]

I thought for sure I was getting seal goatskin for my Ventura (as I love the grain) , but the grain of the seal HH in the above photos is really making me consider it.

 

[Brettafett]

Hey Bretron
What is that Hand Finished Seal? It looks to be a more chocolatey brown colour? Correct?
I received samples myself a while ago (I am 2 months on the waiting list , but no hand finished seal...?
I prefer the Dull Russet, the seal looks good, does seem a bit reddy to me and I am not a huge fan of reddy tones, although that RW looks good.
I am down to a Monarch, Star or possibly a Bronco (a RW1401 still seems to rear its gorgeous head)....? I have a year or more to decide

 

[thor]

Seal brown with mid-brown knits is a classic combination for an A-2. Russet is a bit trickier since cameras don't always photograph it 100% accurately as far as reddish undertones or overall color depth and tonal nuance is concerned.
I think I'd go with the seal. With a GW I don't think you'll be disappointed either way my friend. Good luck.