Here are some before pics of my new AB, currently open crown. I actually ordered the hat bashed by Fedora, but I personally wanted it turned a bit more to fit my head. That left me with three options: 1. keep it as is, 2. send it back to Fedora for a re-bash, or, 3. pop it out and go it alone. I hesitantly chose the latter (please, no 'you chose poorly' jokes ). I suppose it is time to be kicked out of Fedora's nest, and step up to the it's-never-finished art of self-bashers. I'm gonna give it a quick dry bash to travel with today, but later will pop it out again for the real bash this weekend. Updates to follow... Excuse the rough images, I'm in a hotel room, and I am new at posting pics. I welcome your comments and advise.
Flyer,
Your hat looks awesome. Put it on your head, turn it, and bash away.
Use a photo of Indy for reference.
What more is there?
Good luck!
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
If that hat came to you bashed, you wouldn't know it from the pictures. It looks like it came open crown, so great job popping it back out. [edit] I can barely see the creases of the first bash as I look at it real hard. Still looks very stovepipe.
Anyway, you shouldn't have any problem with it. What happened to Pagey's little tutorial? I know someone hosted it.
Thank you for the responses my COW friends. I just finished a hard day on the road. Along the way I realized that even a quick dry bash on a hat feels and looks good, because you made it. I know what I like, and it is time to make it. Fedora told me that he can send me a generic bash, but it will not ultimately fit my head or taste (Fedora knowing that I am particular). Follow Prairie and Pagey he said. As Hemingway responded; put the hat on your head, turn it till it fits, then bash away. It is that simple. To those that have not done so, once you put your own hand on your own hat and start to shape it, all you can do is smile. Pics coming up tomorrow.
To put the 'who' into my previous Thank You; Hemingway, Prairie, Oklahoma, IndyJim, Craze, Strider, Dakota; I do appreciate your time, thoughts, and comments.
IndyFlyer wrote: To those that have not done so, once you put your own hand on your own hat and start to shape it, all you can do is smile. Pics coming up tomorrow.
I'll second this. I was a little dubious the first time I ordered an open crown fedora, but once I put my own bash and pinch on it I now prefer open crowns. A hat that is bashed by hand has a whole level of character beyond one that comes pre-formed, which is one of the things that gives the Indy hat, and the good vintage hats as well, their distinctive look. The little imperfections and personal touches of bashing by hand make it YOUR hat, not "A Model 23b" brown fedora.
Flyer, be sure to post pics of the finished product! I wish I had seen this sooner, but I've been kinda out of the loop for the last few days. Its nice to see another gearhead bashing his own hat.
Can't wait to see the pics, IndyFlyer. I'm sure you will do a super job. I may
have to request open crown from Steve, whenever I get around to ordering one.
Yep, you got it, IndyFlyer... don't be scared of the bash, because it's what you want, and what you did - and you'll love it for those very reasons. So many people are scared of the bash, it's incredible. Good to see that you aren't!
OK, I apologize for the delay in updating my thread, I needed (and was expecting from someone) Prairie's push. Business travel to holiday travel to holidays..... Anyway, here are some pics of my 'work in progress'. It is a dry bash, though not by intent. I wanted to use a little steam, but since I have been traveling steam has not been an option. I put the hat on my head, turned it to my design, then put in a pinch just to mark it. From there I started working the felt and the creases. I tweaked it here and there while riding on planes or waiting around, and steam was not really required or even much in my plan any longer. I still need to work on the 'humps' a bit, but I'm pleased so far as a newbie. I'll take any comments before I go to work on it further. Side question: am I posting these pics properly in regards to procedure and etiquette for the forum?
Looks great, Flyer. I've been eagerly awaiting these pics. Looks like you gave it some extra "turn"? Makes the brim look fantastic. Good job. Rewarding, isn't it?
I agree with Oklahoma; you nailed it, Pal! Great... no, Outstanding job!
It is an Indy Fedora all the way, 100% and it has your mark on it as well.
Excellent!
I wouldn't alter it any more. It is perfect!
). I suppose it is time to be kicked out of Fedora's nest, and step up to the it's-never-finished art of self-bashers. I'm gonna give it a quick dry bash to travel with today, but later will pop it out again for the real bash this weekend. Updates to follow... Excuse the rough images, I'm in a hotel room, and I am new at posting pics. I welcome your comments and advise.
Boy it looks real good to me. I'll repeat my previous comment,
