More compliments...

[binkmeisterRick]

I was in a cool vintage clothing store over the weekend where I picked up (via barter) yet another vintage fedora. Of course, I was wearing my AdventureBilt (I couldn't let agent5 down, you know) and while in the shop, I got numerous compliments from the owners and a couple customers. They were all amazed at the feel, look, and craftsmanship of the hat. The owner even said she hadn't seen a hat that nice in years! She lamented over the sad state of fedoras today and how the modern ones are poor imitations of what fedoras once were. She practically drooled over the hat.

One of the customers was so taken with the AdventureBilt that he asked where he could get one. I passed along your web info, Steve, so you may be getting an inquiry from another old codger in the DC area. It seems there are more people than we know who understand the value of a good hat! It was pretty funny, because for a good fifteen minutes or more, everyone's focus was on the AdventureBilt!

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[agent5]

Thanks for not letting me down, Bink.

I'm not at all surprised by the compliments if you think about it. What Steve and a small, small handful of people do is just a dying art. Bottom line.
Once Dave Morgan compared himself to a Japanese Samuri sword maker because he said there were really only a handful of people in the world who made them anymore using the same techniques passed down for generation after generation. People who took their work more than seriously.
I think that most of the hats worn by members here are way up and above what you'd find on most peoples heads nowadays, in every aspect. That and the fact that when you step out of the house in a fedora, you already look a littel different than 99.9% of the people on the street. You usually only see older men wearing them so when you see younger guys wearing them these days, its a sign of style and confidence to be sure.

[binkmeisterRick]

Me, let you down? Never. The shop owner was encouraged to see that a hat of such calibre was still being made by hand today, even if it was by one of a few of a dying breed. I am hopeful that there will always be hatters like this, even if they are few and far between.

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[whiskyman]

I like the David Morgan comparison - he deserves a knighthood for what he's done for whipmaking!

I too get a lot of attention with my AB. My father in law has worn hats for years and he's never seen such quality!

[Antone]

Thanks for not letting me down, Bink.

I'm not at all surprised by the compliments if you think about it. What Steve and a small, small handful of people do is just a dying art. Bottom line.
Once Dave Morgan compared himself to a Japanese Samuri sword maker because he said there were really only a handful of people in the world who made them anymore using the same techniques passed down for generation after generation. People who took their work more than seriously.

I agree it's rare, but honestly I think we may see a rise in the popularity of custom hand made items in general, hats being only one example. I teach traditional fencing, and in the last few years I've seen a number of people start taking up custom swordmaking as fencers realized that you just won't get the same level of service and craftmanship from a big company that really doesn't care if you're happy with their product so long as they're the only game in town. Also, it seems more people are leaving their soul-killing jobs to pursue hobbies that they care about; if you're going to be just barely scraping by either way, you might as well do something that is personally meaningful and gives some satisfaction.

I think the internet has been helping with this, in that it connects people with similar interests who in turn support businesses which they might otherwise have never heard of. From what I hear there never would have been AB without COW, nor the current type of federations, or the Optimo Indy hats, or several other Indy hats which have become available over the last few years.

I think this trend will continue; I know I've been sending far more of my money to custom craftsman lately, and I refer everyone I know to the good ones. I can't see this trend reversing any time soon.

Antone

[Hemingway Jones]

bink, I am always surprised when anyone compliments you.

Actually, I had a similar experience at my vintage shop whilst wearing my gray Adventurebilt. The woman asked, "Was that one of mine?" I explained to her what is was and she was quite impressed.

Honestly though, bink; you wear your hats well and I am sure it inspires the positive feedback.

-Now tell me about this vintage hat you picked up...

[binkmeisterRick]

bink, I am always surprised when anyone compliments you.

Me too. It usually means they want money or something. As for the hat, it looks like it came from a local hatter years ago. I don't remember the name off hand, but it's got a crown that appears to be as tall as my mercury AB and a 3 inch brim. (I need to measure yet.) The felt is as soft, thin, and floppy as the vintage AB, too. It's got a black ribbon that is absolutely huge. Kind of reminds me of the young Indy ribbon in width. It's got a double bow, to boot.

Oh, the color! It's a rich and beautiful blue gray. The kind of color which reminds me of a clear nightfall before everything goes completly dark. I was drawn to it because of the color. The price was good (50 bucks) though being on a tight budget, I grabbed an old hat I had but didn't wear anymore, as well as some vintage ladies hats I aquired a while ago. Got a straight trade for it, which really, I made out better since I only paid 5 bucks for the men's hat and got the ladies' hats for free. And I know, you want to see pics. Well, unfortunately I still don't have a difital camera and plans to get one are likely pushed back to mid Spring...

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