Fedora for a newbie

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 10:58 am

Greetings, all!

Tho I'm a long time gearhead, and have a lot of different hats (my wife wants me to get rid of some! Arghh!), I don't have a good Indy style fedora! I know, I know, what am I waiting for?!

I need some suggestions, tho. Both my wife and I are in school, so I can't afford an AdventureBilt or some of the other really nice ones. What are some good alternatives that won't break my fragile bank account?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:03 am

Steve's rabbit is not that very much at all. I would save up and get one of steve's fedora's.

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:06 am

jpenman wrote:Steve's rabbit is not that very much at all. I would save up and get one of steve's fedora's.

I agree. If you buy something else, you'll only wish you had gotten an Adventurebilt. Then you'll end up putting the money out later anyway. Get an Adventurebilt! Trust us.

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:07 am

pick a couple of hats that you're willing to get rid of, and follow your wife's suggestion...except use ebay. Then use the money to buy yourself an adventurebilt (you may need to use money you already have as well)

High Regards, Daryl.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:22 am

Yup, you can get the rabbit Adventurebilt for about $10 more than the Akubra Federation. The Akubra is a fine hat, but the AB is the hat. By the way thats a rabbit AB I'm wearing in my avatar.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:28 am

The Adventurebilt is worth the money, especially if you can only have a couple of hats. And if that's the case, the hats you do have should be nice ones. The Adventurebilt rabbit is more affordable than the beaver, but it's still an excellent hat from what I've seen. (I own the beaver fedora.) And if you want a real Indy hat, Steve's got the mojo and will get you the best Indy hat available!

bink

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:33 am

Even with a limited budget(we all know what that is like) I suggest not compromising what you want.
jpenman mentioned the AB rabbit is not as costly as the higher blend felts. I believe the AB rabbit and Akubra Deluxe are close in price. Either of those hats will go a long way.

If you are set on a particular hat, save up for it! It will definitely be worth the wait.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:38 am

Feraud wrote:Even with a limited budget(we all know what that is like) I suggest not compromising what you want.
jpenman mentioned the AB rabbit is not as costly as the higher blend felts. I believe the AB rabbit and Akubra Deluxe are close in price. Either of those hats will go a long way.

If you are set on a particular hat, save up for it! It will definitely be worth the wait.

Actually, by the time you pay shipping the rabbit AB is closer in price to the Fed regular. Dad payed about $135 for is Fed reg a few months ago. I payed $145 for my AB.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri May 06, 2005 12:39 pm

at that price how could you not buy one of steve's rabbit ( I have a beaver AB ) but i can't imaging it not being a top notch piece of work.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 06, 2005 12:44 pm

The rabbit is equal to the beaver in quality of workmanship and product. I just got a rabbit AB for my eldest daughter, and it's a beauty. Regards. Michaelson

Ark Hunter · Post by **Ark Hunter** » Fri May 06, 2005 12:53 pm

I've got a Fed Delux, but I got a good deal on it in the Classifieds. Depending on how picky you were you'd still need to do some styling to the Fed Delux. From what I've heard I assume the ABs are "perfect" when you get them?

I think Pagey was selling a AB in the Classifieds but I don't see it now. May have been sold already.

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 12:59 pm

IndyDoc wrote:I think Pagey was selling a AB in the Classifieds but I don't see it now. May have been sold already.

If you are his size, that's okay. Just wait a month or so and he will have another hat for sale.

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 1:33 pm

Wow! I had to leave for a few minutes to relocate a couple of rattlesnakes, and look at all the posts in the meantime! Thanks, everybody!

I visited the AB site, but they are listed at about $175 for the pure rabbit. I've seen a few Federations running about $80. Am I not looking at the right hats or is that about right. The Ab sure is a good looking hat, though.

The Akubra I have (a Flinders) ran about $125, and I'm pretty happy with it. From the posts I've read people seem to be pretty happy with their Federations, yes?

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 06, 2005 1:36 pm

Yes. The Federation series are fine hats. Tough as nails, and you being new, you're probably not aware that Fedora had a hand in helping Akubra create those two hats as well! This was long before he got the desire to make his own line of fedoras. SO, there's an Indygear.com connection there as well! Regards! Michaelson

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:20 pm

What's the difference between the regular Fed and the Deluxe?

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:21 pm

Wow, it look like the price of rabbit has gone up. In that case you could save yourself about 40 or 50 buck by getting an Federation regular.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:23 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:What's the difference between the regular Fed and the Deluxe?

The Deluxe is their highest quality fur felt. Quality is the same in terms of craftsmanship, comfort and durability, but their Deluxe is the top drawer hat. My personal favorite of the two.

I'd double check with Fedora on the rabbit price, as if you identify yourself as a member of Indygear, the price isn't as high as shown on his website. I forget what the reduction is, though.

Regards! Michaelson

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:42 pm

I've seen some posts on the Akubra Squatter, as well. Some say it is not quite right in the taper and the lower crown. I've got a bit of a small pumpkin (57), and when I wear a tall hat I look like Hoss Cartwright, all hat!

Does the lower crown and taper of the Squatter flatter a pinhead like me?

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:42 pm

I can say that I am very happy with the Fed Deluxe. I forget the total including shipping. I think it was around $130. USD. I have been wearing my hat steady for approx. 7 months. It is a tough hat and wearing in very nice. It is becoming more 'aged' and comfortable with use.
Here are a few pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/ ... 010_15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/ ... 06_19A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/ ... re2897.jpg

I will say the AB is the next hat I would invest my money in. I like everything I have read about the hat.

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:46 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:I've got a bit of a small pumpkin (57), and when I wear a tall hat I look like Hoss Cartwright, all hat!

Does the lower crown and taper of the Squatter flatter a pinhead like me?

I am the same hat size. I hope I don't have the 'Hoss' look goin' on!!

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:04 pm

Great pics Feraud! I especially like the horse picture. It's good to see some gear getting some use.

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:08 pm

Feraud wrote:

I am the same hat size. I hope I don't have the 'Hoss' look goin' on!!

Probably I am just too self-conscious or have a bizarre head. I definately have a weak chin, which doesn't help.

Here's a couple photos of me in the hats I have and like, inlcuding my Flinders. In the Mojave, we pretty much have to be hat people (or melanoma people).

http://images.snapfish.com/343863832323 ... 3A94ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/343863832323 ... 3873ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/343863832323 ... 4749ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/343863832323 ... 5362ot1lsi

I'm still figuring these links and stuff out, so let me know if you can't see these pictures. I'm not sure how Snapfish access works. Seeing my preview, obviously I am doing something wrong in the quotes, too. Quick tips?

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:12 pm

That is a sharp hat, Feraud! Did you bash it yourself? I've tried bashing my Australian bush hat, but I can't get the sharp creases. How do you get the right shape? I was using my kettle with the gas turned up full blast.

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:15 pm

Hemingway Jones wrote:Great pics Feraud! I especially like the horse picture. It's good to see some gear getting some use.

Thanks HJ. That was camping in New Mexico last November. The cold at night made me realize how inadequate my sleeping bag is! I was using my hat over my face to keep warm and sleep! It got really cold!

It was a great trip with my dad.

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:16 pm

Great pictures Mojave,
What a beautiful setting! Well done. You make me want to get out of my office.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:18 pm

Nobody ever saved money by buying something cheap and THEN bought the genuine article.

I love my Akubra Deluxe, and they are great generic fedoras. But the Adventurebilt is as authentic as you’re going to get and the quality is next to perfect.

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:22 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:That is a sharp hat, Feraud! Did you bash it yourself? I've tried bashing my Australian bush hat, but I can't get the sharp creases. How do you get the right shape? I was using my kettle with the gas turned up full blast.

Thanks for the compliment and yes I bashed it myself. When I opened the box and saw that open crown, I kind of freaked! I had never bashed a hat before. The secret is: COW message boards. There are a lot of great posts explaining how to bash a hat. I was pleased to find that it was not that hard. I too used a kettle with steam. The felt became pliable and I tried to shape a look that seemed 'Indy-like'. The shape and crease just came together after a while. My wife was amazed at the before and after with the hat!

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:27 pm

btw, nice pictures Mojave Jack! Great locations. I do not think there is a problem with the head size or the chin. Wear that tall crown hat with pride! You might just need to get used to a taller crown.

I recently put on an old hat I have with a small brim and crown and my wife laughed at me!

She could not believe the difference a hat shaped could make. She much preferred the larger brim/crown.

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:37 pm

Thanks for the positive feedback, Feraud and Hemingway Jones! Now I'll need a bigger hat, though!

Hemingway, you're in the only place I'd rather be than the desert. The Mojave is gorgeous and I never tire of the desert, but my focus for my graduate work was colonial New England. If anybody is ever suffering from insomnia, let me know. I'll forward a copy of my thesis on brick and mortar use in New England between 1620 and 1770! Better than any sedative, I guarantee! Someday I'd like to get back to that area, and focus on the material I know best and love.

As for a fedora, if I got the AB I guess I wouldn't have to do any bashing! But then how would I ever learn...?

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:45 pm

Oh, BTW, the rock art panel I am standing next to is in our National Register site, the Foxtrot Petroglyphs, near the middle of our base. It's about 2 miles long and has about 1200 elements. It's nothing compared to the sites in the Coso range at China Lake, but we have a lot of the same styles and elements. We have a little website on it at:

http://www.floridaguard.net/tours/cult_tours.html, or

http://www.floridaguard.net/history/default.asp, then go to Virtual Tours, then Begin Virtual Tours.

In either case click on Twentynine Palms. The navigation is a little strange, but the site has photos, video tape, and 360 views.

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:52 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:http://www.floridaguard.net/tours/cult_tours.html, or

http://www.floridaguard.net/history/default.asp, then go to Virtual Tours, then Begin Virtual Tours.

In either case click on Twentynine Palms. The navigation is a little strange, but the site has photos, video tape, and 360 views.

Thank you for this appropriate(tho' coincidental) link! I am going to Florida at the end of this month. St. Augustine is most definately on my 'to see' list. After browsing the site I am really excited to go!

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 5:38 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:Thanks for the positive feedback, Feraud and Hemingway Jones! Now I'll need a bigger hat, though!

Hemingway, you're in the only place I'd rather be than the desert. The Mojave is gorgeous and I never tire of the desert, but my focus for my graduate work was colonial New England. If anybody is ever suffering from insomnia, let me know. I'll forward a copy of my thesis on brick and mortar use in New England between 1620 and 1770! Better than any sedative, I guarantee! Someday I'd like to get back to that area, and focus on the material I know best and love.

As for a fedora, if I got the AB I guess I wouldn't have to do any bashing! But then how would I ever learn...?

Mojave,
That's nice to hear that you have such a positive view of Boston. It's not so bad. I would like to get out your way, call Minnesota Jones, and convince him to go dinosaur fossil hunting with me.

Anyway, I expect to see more cool gear pics in the desert.

Go for the Adventurebilt. Do whatever you need to to buy one: have a garage sale, sell baked goods, whatever it takes. There is no hat like it. I am still so impressed with mine and I've had it for almost 6 months now.

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 6:44 pm

Hemingway, you've sold me! Now I have to talk my wife into it.

Gotta few other things to get to, too. Actually I guess, it's easier to list what I have, which is: shirt, bag. That, unfortunately, is it. My list goes way beyond my Indy interests, too. I belong to the Pioneertown Posse, a circa 1890 reenactment group where I play (Surprise!) an archaeologist, plus I have been trying to put together a 1930s Army Air Corps uniform. For those reenactments the fedora can do double-duty for after hours stuff, plus other related roles. That's one reason it's high on my list. The amount of research and knowledge available from this board is amazing!

As for your dinosaur hunting, if you're ever in SoCal absolutely look me up! We have a paleontologist, Dr. Hugh Wagner of the San Diego Museum of Nat History, that digs here regularly. He is using a lot of material he has recovered here to do a seriation on woodrats as an indicator species. He is also doing the bone analysis for the dig we are doing now. So far we have Harlan's sloth, ring-tailed cat, proto-horses, camelids, and possibly a mammoth or mastadon (just a metatarsal, I believe).

I am wandering off topic here, but there is a lot of great paleontology goin on here. Let me know if you'd like to continue this discussion in a more appropriate forum. That goes for everyone, of course! We'll talk about my proposed trip toChina to retrace Roy Chapman Andrews route into the Gobi, too!

Richard~Buxton · Post by **Richard~Buxton** » Fri May 06, 2005 7:39 pm

Glad your going with the rabbit Adventurebilt, I've not recieved mine yet
but the reviews speak for them selfs. If you want save that bit more and get the Beaver. The discount should still apply.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Fri May 06, 2005 8:58 pm

I don't know if this is an "unspoken truth" or not, but you know, Fedora's hats are cheaper for us COW members than they are for "average joes"

.

Michaelson wrote:I'd double check with Fedora on the rabbit price, as if you identify yourself as a member of Indygear, the price isn't as high as shown on his website. I forget what the reduction is, though.

I believe the pure beaver hat only cost me 235$ shipped, which is 25$ off the retail price. So if you were to take 25$ off of the rabbit hat's price, you'd only end up having to pay 150$ shipped. That can't be too much more than an Akubra Federation Deluxe. [Edit:]Just checked, Akubra Fed Deluxes run $126.09 (source: Hatsdirect.com), which would put it at just about 25$ cheaper than an all rabbit Adventurebilt[/edit]

If you just can't wait to get your hands on an Indy fed, then the Akubra Federation Regular will be a good choice. As others have said, it's very tough, and can take a beating. Just ask IndyFrench!

If you have patience, I'd advise you to save up and buy an Adventurebilt. I bought one of Fedora's 100% Beaver felt AB's, and it was bar none the finest fedora I have ever owned to date. Welcome to COW

Mojave Jack wrote:if you're ever in SoCal absolutely look me up! We have a paleontologist, Dr. Hugh Wagner of the San Diego Museum of Nat History, that digs here regularly.

I live in San Diego.

Regards,

Ark Hunter · Post by **Ark Hunter** » Fri May 06, 2005 9:14 pm

Fed Delux looks pretty good on you.

Also see Birds

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri May 06, 2005 10:12 pm

Mojave Jack wrote:Hemingway, you've sold me! Now I have to talk my wife into it...

...As for your dinosaur hunting, if you're ever in SoCal absolutely look me up! We have a paleontologist, Dr. Hugh Wagner of the San Diego Museum of Nat History, that digs here regularly. He is using a lot of material he has recovered here to do a seriation on woodrats as an indicator species. He is also doing the bone analysis for the dig we are doing now. So far we have Harlan's sloth, ring-tailed cat, proto-horses, camelids, and possibly a mammoth or mastadon (just a metatarsal, I believe).

I am wandering off topic here, but there is a lot of great paleontology goin on here. Let me know if you'd like to continue this discussion in a more appropriate forum. That goes for everyone, of course! We'll talk about my proposed trip toChina to retrace Roy Chapman Andrews route into the Gobi, too!

Thank you for the gracious invitation. It sounds like you are doing really good and interesting work out there. All the more reason to have a proper hat; you don't want to look like Zari Hawass, now do you?

I would love to hear about the China trip. Outfit yourself in gear and take lots of photos.
Best,
HJ

Mojave Jack · Post by **Mojave Jack** » Fri May 06, 2005 10:20 pm

Thanks, IndyDoc! A great preview! I'll start saving my nickels today!

Strider, you're right next door! Might have to have a little gearhead get-together here in SoCal, eh? I haven't been to San Diego in several months, and haven't been to the Natural History museum to see Hugh's work. Maybe an outing is in order.

Zach R. · Post by **Zach R.** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:17 pm

The AB is right up there on my list, by my calculations I should have enough money, considering I'll spend some of it here and there on other gear, and be able place my order by mid June.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sat May 07, 2005 12:31 am

Mojave Jack wrote:Strider, you're right next door! Might have to have a little gearhead get-together here in SoCal, eh? I haven't been to San Diego in several months, and haven't been to the Natural History museum to see Hugh's work. Maybe an outing is in order.

Sounds fun! Just shoot me a PM whenever you'd like, and I'll be happy to get together with you. Just let me get my Adventurebilt back first

Regards,

VP · Post by VP » Sat May 07, 2005 8:06 am

Mojave Jack wrote:That is a sharp hat, Feraud! Did you bash it yourself? I've tried bashing my Australian bush hat, but I can't get the sharp creases. How do you get the right shape? I was using my kettle with the gas turned up full blast.

http://www.whyaxis.net/indy/hatshaping/hatshaping.html

Fedora for a newbie

Fedora for a newbie

hat

Re: hat

hat

Fed Deluxe?

Re: Fed Deluxe?

Squatter?

Re: Squatter?

Maybe it's just my head!

Pre-bashed?

Re: Pre-bashed?

Thanks!

Rock art

Re: Rock art

Re: Thanks!

Desert gear

Re: Desert gear

Not too bad!

Re: Not too bad!

Re: Pre-bashed?