Search found 333 matches

by Illinois James
Thu Aug 15, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: My Last Crusade jacket
Replies: 48
Views: 12652

Re: My Last Crusade jacket

Very cool that you can just ‘throw together’ this gear and take shots like this-but it’s a testament to the level of detail and work you put into every piece. It looks like a natural progression of the costume even with little variations of the gear (which only would be noticed here lol). I’ve never...
by Illinois James
Sat Aug 10, 2024 5:43 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?
Replies: 12
Views: 965

Re: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?

Of course there is always the Wested cotton Indy jacket. They currently sell it in dark brown and black. The Wested cotton jackets are nice. I have an older one with cotton lined sleeves, which is fine over a short sleeve shirt. Also have the newer one with satin sleeves. They’re fine but in cooler...
by Illinois James
Fri Aug 09, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?
Replies: 12
Views: 965

Re: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?

R The M-421A does make me long for the old khaki cotton Indy US Wings produced way back. I’d like a cotton Indy in khaki and olive drab with a thin liner! I have a Wings cotton in size medium hanging in my closet. Regards! Michaelson I was pretty sure you did. I’ll admit I was fishing for that! :ro...
by Illinois James
Sun Aug 04, 2024 10:56 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?
Replies: 12
Views: 965

Re: M-421A - the REAL inspiration for Indy Jackets?

Right. Basically an A2 with no knits to allow for the bag underneath, and the gun belt/whip.

The M-421A does make me long for the old khaki cotton Indy US Wings produced way back. I’d like a cotton Indy in khaki and olive drab with a thin liner!

The M-421A is a cool jacket.
by Illinois James
Wed Jul 24, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: New Wested standard goat Raiders
Replies: 13
Views: 792

Re: New Wested standard goat Raiders

Nailed it!
by Illinois James
Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:13 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Replies: 1587
Views: 283356

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

It is a fantastic cowhide.
by Illinois James
Thu Mar 01, 2018 8:59 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Akubra Too Big?
Replies: 17
Views: 924

Re: Akubra Too Big?

Temple_runner, how deep is your center dent? I have a rabbit AB that’s pretty tall for my liking. I put a really deep center dent in there so that it barely touches the top of my head when I have the sweat sitting where I normally wear my hats. This may be obvious to you already, but i thought I’d m...
by Illinois James
Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:40 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Replies: 1587
Views: 283356

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

I believe they’ll do either lining in the sleeves. I like satin. Cotton drags and makes the jacket seem too tight. Just me.
by Illinois James
Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:21 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: No more Legend pattern 'roo jackets by USW's
Replies: 29
Views: 879

Re: No more Legend pattern 'roo jackets by USW's

Yeah, seems it would've made sense to have had the US made Legends in the Signature Series all along, like the A-2's and the others. Unless maybe they were but I didn't notice! I always associated 'Signature Series' with the Indy pattern, but there are other jackets in the line. So, no more Legends ...
by Illinois James
Fri Jun 30, 2017 2:31 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Northwest Hat Company "Cairo"
Replies: 8
Views: 686

Re: Northwest Hat Company "Cairo"

The camel is a beautiful color. As soon as I saw the first camel Indy hat he made, I ordered one. I think that was before he gave it a name!

I already have a moss Penman. I think it's the most versatile hat I own.
by Illinois James
Wed May 10, 2017 2:12 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchase
Replies: 66
Views: 4957

Re: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchas

The carbon grey Fed is a great color and certainly a bargain right now. Very nice hat there, Clipper. Yes, the crown is likely a better LC or CS shape but it pulls off the clipper nicely. And with a larger head size, I'd like a tad more on the brim, all around. Alex1152, did you go with steel or cha...
by Illinois James
Sun May 07, 2017 10:23 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchase
Replies: 66
Views: 4957

Re: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchas

A charcoal rabbit Adventurebilt with the dark brown Indy ribbon is one of the most versatile hats I own. Goes with nearly everything. A moss Penman is a close second. I'm very interested to see what Jack has to say about the felt color he's selected for the HJ reboot clipper hat. Unless he' already ...
by Illinois James
Fri May 05, 2017 2:52 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchase
Replies: 66
Views: 4957

Re: My take on the clipper fedora and choice for new purchas

The carbon gray Fed is a nice color. A little too dark for the Clipper probably but nice. I still don't know why they don't offer it in the better felt but I'm sure they have their reasons. The moonstone does seem too light for a proper clipper color, too. Gray is one of those colors. When you look ...
by Illinois James
Wed Apr 12, 2017 12:57 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues...
Replies: 3747
Views: 339271

Re: The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues.

Crazyc,

Ridgerunner is correct.

The Legacy will be worth it. And you will be happy with the one you have! Lol!
by Illinois James
Sun Apr 09, 2017 10:55 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: wested custom raiders
Replies: 26
Views: 1279

Re: wested custom raiders

A 44 should measure somewhere around 24" pit to pit. That's pretty common for most of our jacket makers, for a normal fit. It does vary a little.

G&B's got very generous at the end there, though. Some Wested Raiders might go 25".

A 21" pit measurement is more like a 38 I'd say.
by Illinois James
Tue Apr 04, 2017 2:41 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Three Questions for All Jacket Owners
Replies: 58
Views: 5839

Re: Three Questions for All Jacket Owners

I have one of the S&J earlier merinos and it's fantastic. But their LC looks amazing. I'm considering one in a more durable hide.
by Illinois James
Mon Apr 03, 2017 10:50 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Three Questions for All Jacket Owners
Replies: 58
Views: 5839

Re: Three Questions for All Jacket Owners

I'm a little embarrassed to say 27 that I can think of without them being nearby, including one on order, which may never come through. Over a third are Westeds. Probably soon to be 28. Anyway, way too many for one man, obviously. Many are not brown. I grew really tired of all brown jackets. There a...
by Illinois James
Wed Mar 15, 2017 2:47 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: What knife does Indy use?
Replies: 18
Views: 827

Re: What knife does Indy use?

Yeah, last I checked Todd's wasn't offering them anymore. I can't remember what I paid for mine. It's well put-together, though.

One Linder seller did offer a little discount on the Hunter with some slightly defective bone handles.
by Illinois James
Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:46 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: What knife does Indy use?
Replies: 18
Views: 827

Re: What knife does Indy use?

I don't think the 'Raiders' knife is made in Solingen any longer, and I believe it probably has not been for some time. Mine did not indicate it was made in Germany. I purchased it about 8 years ago. Linder does still have a 'made in Solingen' line of knives, though. Unfortunately, its a similar sit...
by Illinois James
Sat Feb 18, 2017 10:44 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Penman Raider.... Beaver vs. Rabbit
Replies: 17
Views: 957

Re: Penman Raider.... Beaver vs. Rabbit

A rabbit/hare hat can be made to be very taper/shrink resistant. John and Steve have their way of doing this, (I suppose most hatters have their methods) and after a reblock or two, generally they basically don't taper anymore. But it also depends on the batch of felt, I think, too, meaning you migh...
by Illinois James
Thu Feb 16, 2017 2:57 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Penman Raider.... Beaver vs. Rabbit
Replies: 17
Views: 957

Re: Penman Raider.... Beaver vs. Rabbit

I really think the main difference between vintage and modern hats is in the finishing methods. Many good and bad felters are gone. And many bad hats were made in the past. I like vintage hats. They're beautiful but I don't own any. I'm just not interested in wearing and possibly wrecking one, with ...
by Illinois James
Fri Jan 06, 2017 2:50 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Replies: 1587
Views: 283356

Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Tex, weathered brown in what hide, lamb?

Good to see you!
by Illinois James
Tue Oct 25, 2016 7:55 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: "Close Enough" Boots
Replies: 1
Views: 184

Re: "Close Enough" Boots

You got a bargain there on a what looks like a good US made pair of boots, close enough or not!

I can't make out the brand and I'm not familiar with the logo, but they look like a Goodyear welt.

Congrats!
by Illinois James
Sat Sep 10, 2016 10:13 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Light gray, dark gray, or black for a second fedora?
Replies: 9
Views: 288

Re: Light gray, dark gray, or black for a second fedora?

Sounds like you're mainly sticking with the Federation 4, but the most versatile color I own, outside of wearing with a suit, is dark moss with a slightly lighter green ribbon, with very little contrast. It's perfect for any leather jacket combo, really. After that, probably a carbon gray rabbit sea...
by Illinois James
Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:25 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Wested Temple of Doom Underarm Gussetts
Replies: 34
Views: 1470

Re: Wested Temple of Doom Underarm Gussetts

I always assumed that's what Wested meant by the hidden gusset, that is was incorporated into the panel shapes at the underarm joint to have the effect of the extra material of the visible 'football' shaped gusset.

And, Hi Dan!
by Illinois James
Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:35 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Aldens 405's fit
Replies: 65
Views: 3362

Re: Aldens 405's fit

I'm glad to hear about the members here who are getting dialed-in on sizing. It really isn't easy through the mail if you don't know how the brand runs in size. The Brannock really does get most people close. I was at a Cabela's about 6 months ago and noticed a frustrated mom trying to size up her s...
by Illinois James
Wed Mar 23, 2016 4:20 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Aldens 405's fit
Replies: 65
Views: 3362

Re: Aldens 405's fit

I like the Powerstep 3/4 insert. It's a stiff orthotic-type. And you keep all the room in the toe-box. Lots of support and they last forever.
by Illinois James
Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:44 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Advintage SOC Raiders Fedora
Replies: 52
Views: 5362

Re: Advintage SOC Raiders Fedora

DG, try lining the pinch up with your nose looking in the mirror and see if you get the 'swoop' in the brim to your liking before you change it. If you have a roundish oval head, you may need all of that twist already in the hat to get the effect of the turn. If your head is very round, and not oval...
by Illinois James
Fri Jan 29, 2016 12:46 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners
Replies: 56
Views: 3319

Re: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners

I've seen evidence of too much pressure being applied to the eyelets and hooks during the crimping process on these boots with the result being either the eyelet or the crimping tools cutting the leather, as well as the leather lining. But I've only seen this on the factory seconds. Personally, I ca...
by Illinois James
Sun Dec 27, 2015 2:15 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues...
Replies: 3747
Views: 339271

Re: The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues.

That's a beautiful hat, indeed. I'm struck by the difference in color between John's photos and yours, although they were obviously taken in different lighting conditions. I didn't realize that silverbelly could look so different outdoors vs. a well lit indoor shot. Gorgeous hat in any lighting, obv...
by Illinois James
Sat Oct 24, 2015 2:18 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: THE vintage Raiders boots from Alden...
Replies: 108
Views: 12434

Re: THE vintage Raiders boots from Alden...

Whip, thank goodness I invested in an awesome keyboard protector!!!

Hilarious!!!

I'd really like to see some of these boots from some of our members here from after a year of wear.
by Illinois James
Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:46 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Aldens 405's fit
Replies: 65
Views: 3362

Re: Aldens 405's fit

McQ7 is exactly right about where the ball of the foot rests. Thats one of the most important things regarding fit. Yes, shoe fit is a highly subjective thing. But I can't help but think that the guys who size down a whole size from tennis shoes or whatever for the 405 must want tennis shoes they ne...
by Illinois James
Sun Sep 20, 2015 10:05 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Alden 'Restoration' on my 405's...I am furious!
Replies: 52
Views: 3627

Re: Alden 'Restoration' on my 405's...I am furious!

Looks like the quality is all there on that pair.

Congrats!


Now go wear them out!! :D
by Illinois James
Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:55 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners
Replies: 56
Views: 3319

Re: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners

Also, as far as treating, I use a silicone based paste on the welts and exposed parts of the leather soles. I use Redwing boot oil on the 405's when they get dry or after mild cleaning. I rarely put anything on the chromexels at all. They always seem to clean up so well with water and a brush. But l...
by Illinois James
Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:21 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners
Replies: 56
Views: 3319

Re: Alden Indy Boots Impressions From Owners

I haven't purchased any Aldens from the standard offerings for a few years now, but the special run boots I've received have all been top-notch. Which might be part of the problem. It's possible there are so many dealer exclusive special runs that may be backing up standard production shoes, it may ...
by Illinois James
Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:32 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Aldens 405's fit
Replies: 65
Views: 3362

Re: Aldens 405's fit

It's a roomier shoe. What basically makes it orthopedic is its bigger volume, to allow for orthotics and various inserts. That's basically it. The heel is orthopedic because of the shape, which adds stability to a foot that may be elevated by orthotics. Although I have many variants of the Trubalanc...
by Illinois James
Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:10 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Question on Indy 405 Sizing
Replies: 13
Views: 584

Re: Question on Indy 405 Sizing

You needed some standard 405's anyway! If you wore an 11.5 D in all other shoes, the 11E might be ok, if you're on board with the 'size down' for the Trubalance last. But, if that's the case, you'd really be looking at an 11 D. If LSH is offering a substantial discount at all, then, like Michaelson ...
by Illinois James
Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:47 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Question on Indy 405 Sizing
Replies: 13
Views: 584

Re: Question on Indy 405 Sizing

There isn't much difference in shoe length from one size to another. The size is mostly determined by width and overall volume, determined by the last, or 'buck'. The length has little to do with size, that is, until your toes touch the inside end! If they're too small, they likely will be too small...
by Illinois James
Thu Aug 27, 2015 3:21 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Question on Indy 405 Sizing
Replies: 13
Views: 584

Re: Question on Indy 405 Sizing

I guess that depends whether or not you're one of the guys that likes to 'size down' for the 405 (or, really, the Trubalance last). I buy the size I measure on a Brannock, 12D. I can wear 11.5 E as well. Some guys are in the camp that since the Trubalance last runs a half-size large, they go down to...
by Illinois James
Wed Aug 26, 2015 1:02 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices
Replies: 19
Views: 993

Re: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices

Ridgerunner is right. They are worth it!

I always break in Redwings with the thickest sock I can wear in the boot.

Iron Rangers are awesome looking boots, but many guys find them ill fitting, often in the Achilles area.

Another cool boot I can't justify buying! :lol:
by Illinois James
Tue Aug 25, 2015 1:00 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices
Replies: 19
Views: 993

Re: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices

Yeah, they're basically the same as what's on your Red Wings. But they aren't standard offerings from the factory. I guess I wasn't really clear on that part. I've found these soles on special runs from Leather Sole Hawaii, Shoemart, Leffot, and Alden of Carmel, and I know there are more. The comman...
by Illinois James
Sun Aug 23, 2015 10:25 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices
Replies: 19
Views: 993

Re: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices

The Alden commando sole is a very shallow lug, probably no more than 1/8" deep. Not at all like the deep lug Vibram lug sole on the 404. In fact, the Alden lugs may even be more shallow than the 9029/30. They're no deeper, though. They're stitched right to the leather sole, just like the 9029/3...
by Illinois James
Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:27 am
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices
Replies: 19
Views: 993

Re: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices

I hear ya. But I will say that the 404 leather, and the tobacco chamois leather (Shoemart had them, dunno if they still do) are probably the best variant of the 405 as far as water and weather. They're 'oily' leathers and clean up very well. If you can find a pair of Ultimate Indys from Leather Soul...
by Illinois James
Wed Aug 19, 2015 9:11 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices
Replies: 19
Views: 993

Re: Red Wing 9030 and 9029 - Look At These Prices

I lucked upon two pair of the Redwings (9029 and 9030) a couple years ago from an online discount outlet for $270 a pair. They didn't suit me and at the time I was waiting for some Ultimate Indy's from LSH and some AF64's from Alden of Carmel which were already paid for. Both of those Indy boots had...
by Illinois James
Fri Jun 26, 2015 8:24 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Advintage Grey Clipper Fedora
Replies: 19
Views: 1010

Re: Advintage Grey Clipper Fedora

That's a great color!

The gray Henry hit the spot as far as my impression of screen accuracy, but this felt looks spot on as well!

Wonder where the felt is from? Portugal and Winchester, TN are the only sources I'm even aware of. Maybe some made in Asia?

Very nice. Congrats!
by Illinois James
Sun Apr 05, 2015 10:13 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Indy Boot for everyday use
Replies: 32
Views: 1913

Re: Indy Boot for everyday use

That's what 404's are, sorta. More a deep lug work boot sole, really.
by Illinois James
Fri Apr 03, 2015 10:21 pm
Forum: General Gear (Lee's Place)
Topic: Indy Boot for everyday use
Replies: 32
Views: 1913

Re: Indy Boot for everyday use

Jedigear, you're not really going to directly replace a pair of hikers with an Indy boot, IMO. That said, I find that my Alden 404's with the full Vibram lug sole are as good a boot as any in the woods, as long as it's not too wet. The leather on the 404 is very resilient, as it's heavily oiled and ...
by Illinois James
Tue Mar 10, 2015 8:51 pm
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: My Garrison Raider (Garrison owners unite here!)
Replies: 858
Views: 94390

Re: My Garrison Raider (Garrison owners unite here!)

Nice Garrison. Haven't worn mine in a while. Gotta get it out!

And it's staying on your head even at that incline! :lol:
by Illinois James
Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:53 am
Forum: The Fedora
Topic: Indy Style Straw Summer Hats?
Replies: 23
Views: 912

Re: Indy Style Straw Summer Hats?

sunbody.com should work.

Soaking the hat then shaping it is actually the best way to get it how you want it, IMO.

Now I gotta see if they have any taller crowns available now!
by Illinois James
Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:39 pm
Forum: Leather Jacket
Topic: Mutt's jacket
Replies: 14
Views: 509

Re: Mutt's jacket

I have 4 black Indy jackets of various hides and manufacturers, and wear them just like the brown ones while trying to stick with a black belt and shoes, and sometimes black jeans, too. Other than a little coordination with belt/boots, I see no distinction. And, some say that strict coordination wit...