How about some pics of these Jackets?
Comparrison shots with Wested ones as well would be cool if thats frowned apon.

Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Mike, Indydawg
What is a long time? How much 10-20-30 years?Raider S wrote:Dutch, we get it, you don't like the Nowak jackets too much. But do you really think the jackets won't be durable? Do you think he uses self-destructing thread or some sort of super entropic leather?
It's not like the Indy jacket was his first try at a jacket; he's been at this a long time and am sure he know how to make things that will last a bit. He even tells people to wear and abuse the jackets, not look at them.
You're right, Dutch.Dutch_jones wrote:What is a long time? How much 10-20-30 years?Raider S wrote:Dutch, we get it, you don't like the Nowak jackets too much. But do you really think the jackets won't be durable? Do you think he uses self-destructing thread or some sort of super entropic leather?
It's not like the Indy jacket was his first try at a jacket; he's been at this a long time and am sure he know how to make things that will last a bit. He even tells people to wear and abuse the jackets, not look at them.
I'm just saying, its a bit silly to praise him so much, since the indy 1 jacket has only been around 2-3 months and there is still no proof. Now that doesn't take away it looks good. But the fact remains we don't know how durable the hide is. Whiskeyman ripped his while doing chores. It could happen to any leather, but lamb is usually considdered more fragile than other leathers.
And please stop trying to FORM my opinions for me. I never said such a thing.
Excellent point, crismans.crismans wrote:This is also a thread as to Nowaks in general. Not the Indy I and shrunken lamb specifically.
Let's get it back on the rails.What's so special about a Tony Nowak coat. Im not trying to imply they're not good It's just Ive never seen one. I tried looking at some online bu never seemed to get many images. Anyone want to enlighten me a little?
Dutch_jones wrote:Whiskeyman ripped his while doing chores
Not a typical "chore," if you ask me. Having cut and carried Christmas trees plenty in the past, a lambskin jacket from any manufacturer wouldn't be my first choice of a jacket to wear anyway. Lots of sharp branches and pointy bits. Maybe I'd wear a goatskin or horsehide jacket, in that situation, but I'd prefer the warmth of a heavy wool jacket. That's just me. But to date, I haven't had any issues with my shrunken lamb Nowak jacket. I certainly haven't babied it.whiskyman wrote:It got torn while carrying a xmas tree. I was going to get it repaired locally, when it got damaged again - rather more seriously. I don't want to discuss it though as Tony is kindly sorting it out and making it good as new.
The only thing i will say about the shrunken lamb is that it is not the hide for me.
Heh, thats it exactly ! Thanks !agent5 wrote:Dutch,
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!"Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
Actually, no. He has a good product due to his expertise in craftsmanship and source materials. It is his moral standing that allows him to treat people the way he does. He can still put out an amazing and expensive product and be a jerk. We're just lucky thats not how it is.Tony has a great product because of how he treats the people who pay a top dollar to get it.
There is nothing over the top about that. You are relating your personal experience to this point. However, there are a few here who will read it and apply the you "are head over heels in love with him" line.Kevin Anderson wrote:I can't speak for the product, having not owned one of Tony's jackets, but I have spoken to him twice recently, both times at length.
All I can say is he knows his stuff, and sells his product well.
It's the high level of customer service that he offers that perhaps many here at COW have simply never received before from other vendors.
He called me in Australia, and we spoke for about fifteen minutes.
That can't be cheap. And the conversation wasn't rushed. He offered alternatives to my jacket choices, spoke about how he came to be making the Indy jackets in the first place, discussed different types of leather.
Maybe my praise is a little over the top too, but I know when it comes time to order, it will be money well spent, and I will have no reservations.
And yes, I'm aware I was a doubter at first too. I did not like the shrunken lamb until I saw Chris King's jacket.
Now I want one!
agent5 wrote:Dutch,
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!"Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
Exactly. That is the experience. Those who have never spoken to Tony do not understand this, yet the same people are for some reason, some of the most outspoken and critical about Tony and his product.Raider S wrote:..............
First time I tried to call Tony I got an answering machine that was too full to leave a message. Tried the next day, got through to Tony and he said let me call you right back then five minutes later talked to me for an hour with all kinds of interesting stories on his dime. After an order he does email but they are short and to the point - Tony works on the phone.
So no, I've nver had any email problems with Tony. He has answered me then followed up with a call if needed. He even asks for emails to confirm things mentioned over the phone.
Bottom line: Tony makes a customer feel like they're the most important customer the guy has. And you know buying one jacket from Tony isn't going to make or break him and he doesn't "need" my business but makes me feel like he does. I don't hero worship the guy and don't even really know him, but appreciate his good nature.
..........
You still don't get it. If I'm having a discussion with other gearheads about a Nowak jacket that doesn't mean I should nor need to run and pick up the phone to discuss it with or ask questions of Tony. It's just...not...necessary. I especially don't think it necessary if I had something negative to say about his choice of leather. That would be downright rude and uncalled for and on top of that I know he has other leathers to choose from so it would be kind of poinless. If I wanted to buy a jacket or DID have a legitimate question I wanted to ask I would not hesitate to call him. It's apparent Tony works best on the phone. His absence on this forum sort of hints at why he does. I personally like the phone coorespondence at a heck of a lot more than going back and forth through e-mails.People wonder why I tell them to call Tony when they whinge on the topic of him, his jackets, leather etc. This is the reason "- Tony works on the phone."
I should have used the word "observation". I couldn't think of it at the time.agent5 wrote:No complaints here, Run. I'm just calling em' as I see em'. Flavor of the month is just a term to describe the hype of any product here, but I know you know that. It's just a general cycle around here that dies down after a while as it did with the AB. It just takes some settling down time to become more the norm than the hot new thing.
agent5 wrote:
You still don't get it. If I'm having a discussion with other gearheads about a Nowak jacket that doesn't mean I should nor need to run and pick up the phone to discuss it with or ask questions of Tony. It's just...not...necessary. I especially don't think it necessary if I had something negative to say about his choice of leather. That would be downright rude and uncalled for and on top of that I know he has other leathers to choose from so it would be kind of poinless. If I wanted to buy a jacket or DID have a legitimate question I wanted to ask I would not hesitate to call him. It's apparent Tony works best on the phone. His absence on this forum sort of hints at why he does. I personally like the phone coorespondence at a heck of a lot more than going back and forth through e-mails.People wonder why I tell them to call Tony when they whinge on the topic of him, his jackets, leather etc. This is the reason "- Tony works on the phone."
you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
I agree. I don't think he'd understand all the talk over a jacket, especially the leather.Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
oh my god.I was just about to post the same thing G,just another proof aout how alike we think huh ;-)Indiana G wrote:you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
.......just kiddin
Indiana Holt wrote:oh my god.I was just about to post the same thing G,just another proof aout how alike we think huh ;-)Indiana G wrote:you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
.......just kiddin
If it continues down the path it keeps turning to, it's going away.What's so special about a Tony Nowak coat. Im not trying to imply they're not good It's just Ive never seen one. I tried looking at some online bu never seemed to get many images. Anyone want to enlighten me a little?
Indiana G wrote:..............they're great because they have top notch construction (like a g&b expo) and have beautiful non-chrome tanned leather with choice of distressing.......built EXACTLY how you want it. that is why they are so great.
what a horrible choice PSB.......are you mad??? that's not SA and you've got no proof that it is. shrunken lamb will tear as soon as a rain droplet hits it.....then it shrinks into oblivion. you'll look like you put on one of them sideshow toys jackets. just a terrible choice imo......you need to get rid of that quickly. i'll bite the bullet too and you can send it to me for disposal......it's garbage, absolute garbage!!!!PSBIndy wrote:Just bit the bullet (more like my wallet) and ordered a Raiders I in the famous (or should it be infamous?) Shrunken lamb. ETA in 10 days!
Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."crismans wrote:Can't wait to see what you think of it, PSB. It's a special jacket.
I'm glad you had a chance to discuss the hide with Tony.PSBIndy wrote:
Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."
Man, I tell you, the guy can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo....how can anyone say no to Tony?![]()
.......
That's definitely a great way of looking at it, PSBI. I would definitely call it Tony's "Signature" hide even though he does offer others. The fact that some people love it and other's hate it for the Indy jacket aside, your new jacket will stand out from all of the rest. It will also, when you look just a little closer, stand out from the other Tony Nowak "Signature" hides out there. In character "this is the one" but in reality there are no two exactly alike. Your Tony Nowak "Signature" Indy I reproduction will truly be uniquely yours.PSBIndy wrote:Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."crismans wrote:Can't wait to see what you think of it, PSB. It's a special jacket.
I was going back and forth between the shrunken lamb and the goat......in the end, I went with the shrunken lamb because I figured this is a "signature" hide you can only get from Tony and I wanted that "look" above all else. .