The AB Deluxe... great news on page two!!!

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:10 am

As proven several times in the past, my digicam ***** big times, so please bare with me. The color is spot on and the finish is as fine as a babies behind (should be, after THAT time of pouncing...). Ah well, at least you'll get an impression of the shape

click for larger image

click for larger image

Thank you for your patience and support!

Yours,

Marc

Redbeard · Post by **Redbeard** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:11 am

Wow Marc! That look great even with your sucking camera! Does that mean you are ready to take orders?

Regards,
Red

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:24 am

That does look sweet!! Hey, Marc, how thick is that felt? I know it's hard to tell with pics, but that first pic makes it look pretty thick.

have a nice day.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:34 am

Does that mean you are ready to take orders?

-It does my friend.

Hey, Marc, how thick is that felt? I know it's hard to tell with pics, but that first pic makes it look pretty thick.

It's the same thickness as Steve's AB's! We believe this to be a screen accurate thickness (round about 1.7mm to be exact).

Regards,

Marc

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:56 am

How does that compare to an Akubra or Keppler in thickness?

have a nice day.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:29 am

That would be round about 15% thinner than a Fed. Deluxe. Not sure about how thick / thin a Keppler is.

Regards,

Marc

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:21 am

Marc wrote:
Does that mean you are ready to take orders?
It does my friend.

What is the going price?

Altern · Post by **Altern** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:23 am

Mhmmhm, i think i know what i'm gonna buy myself on February...

Mhmhmm, so now if only Marc could launch his website with a registration form... :p

Congratz Marc, this hat looks awesome.

/me wants the AB Deluxe !

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:35 am

That would be round about 15% thinner than a Fed. Deluxe. Not sure about how thick / thin a Keppler is.

That sounds pretty excellent! A Keppler is thinner than a regular Fed. I would assume a Fed. Deluxe is slightly thinner/denser than the regular Fed. too?

Fedora is going to have this felt as well, correct? Just not your sweat and liner?

have a great day!

Post by **Jens** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:02 am

So - finally the day, we all waited for has come (yeah, I'm a bit pathetic, I know

).

Those pictures look great (nobody has doubted that). Now all we need is to see how it fits, how it looks on ... err ... "somebody's" head.

Brother, you made me want a new hat! And now a have to safe all my money. Just not sure, if I can wait THAT long ...

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:21 am

What is the going price?

I was able to hold the price where estimated: 300 Euro plus shipping.

Mhmhmm, so now if only Marc could launch his website with a registration form... :p

That will take some months... depending if this will cause any interest among the high end fanatics

Currently you'd have to bite the bullet and write an e-mail...

Fedora is going to have this felt as well, correct? Just not your sweat and liner?

Not quite. Fedora will add a 75 gramm lightweight from the same manufactor to his line. However these particular rawbodies are exclusively made for the AB-Deluxe line. We do share the original ribbon however, but otherwise, they're two different hats.

Those pictures look great

No, they really don't do the hat any justice at all. You REALLY gotta see this baby in person... Heck, I might just send it to you to see.

Thanks for the positive feedback gents,

Marc

VP · Post by VP » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:28 am

Nice!

I'll order one as soon as I can, which might take a long time.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:00 am

Yeah, I hear what you're saying... I have put quite some money aside for and into this project and STILL I need some orders to enable myself to put down the several thousands Euro for the min. order requirement on the bodies. It was a pain in the behind to get a few "sample runs" made already... But well worth it, in order to find out EXACTLY what I want

Regards,

Marc

Indiana_Tom · Post by **Indiana_Tom** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:19 am

Marc, I'm so happy to see your hat this way. I remember how we talked about the "project AB" on the last summit back in June and 7 months later the dream comes true. Excellent! Can't wait to see it on my head

Best wishes,

Tom

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:26 am

Marc wrote:
I was able to hold the price where estimated: 300 Euro plus shipping.

Which is about $370.00 USD, give or take a couple of dollars.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:38 am

Which is about $370.00 USD, give or take a couple of dollars.

Which would be round about half the price that is taken elsewhere for a hat of this caliber

Regards,

Marc

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:14 am

No doubt, my friend!

Just posting the USD amount for those who can't make the conversion in their heads, or want to bring up a new browser just to google the conversion.

I definetely like the way this hat looks. I also think the great equalizer is going to be how it looks on someone's head. Can you possibly get any shots of yourself wearing it, or is it not your size? Is it available to buyers around the globe, or just the UK?

Sorry for the game of 20 questions.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:32 am

It's about half a size smaller then my size, but I'll probably make one for myself real soon (I've got a couple of reblocks to do first though). Therefore currently unfortunately no pics of me wearing it

Is it available to buyers around the globe, or just the UK?

It is available to fans around the globe.

I definetely like the way this hat looks.

Thanks. But half of this credit is due to Steve, since we BOTH worked on perfecting the block shape. The intention with the AB-Deluxe line is to offer the ultimate in regards of quality, rather then topping Steve's AB's look wise. That would be almost impossible - if possible at all - anyway.

Steve has always offered a Mercedes for the prices of a common Volkswagen Golf. The next logical step was to offer a Rolls Royce for the price of a Mercedes

Regards,

Marc

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:50 am

Wow, Marc, that hat looks incredible! Good luck to a good start!

Post by **Jens** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:30 am

Marc wrote:You REALLY gotta see this baby in person... Heck, I might just send it to you to see.

Well, no problem.

You still know my adress.

VP · Post by VP » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:49 am

Strider wrote:Is it available to buyers around the globe, or just the UK?

Why UK? Marc is from Germany.

Marc wrote:a Rolls Royce

More like a Maybach or Bentley, IMO.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:26 am

WOW that looks great!

The real Henry · Post by **The real Henry** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:19 pm

Bentley? Rolls Royce? Maybach???? This fedora is more like the golden car from 'Goldfinger'!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:51 pm

It is? We're back to a Rolls again then.

Regards! Michaelson

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:02 pm

Ok, ok, ok... you guys are great and I appreciate your positive feedback both here and via e-mail.

I received some questions about discounts etc. etc. and yes I'm very well aware that 300 Euro is a lot of money. But nontheless, the few people who know how much time actually is involved in a hat like this (not to mention the seven months of sourcing materials) and how much these materials actually cost, call me nuts to sell it for that price... (well it's Steve's fault to be honest, he wanted to minimize the price

).

Anyhow, here's the deal. At this time all should be awake both in the U.S. and over here, so I'm offering a one time never again deal for the first ten customers, that are willing to take the plunge and only buy a hat from me based on good will (not too many reviews to brag with currently

). The first 10(!) customers who order a hat at Marc_Kitter@web.de and trust me enough to transfer the money, will get one for 270 Euro (plus shipping)... This is a one timer gents and only for the first ten, so please accept it. (darn, I should have said 330 to start with

).

Regards,

Marc

VP · Post by VP » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:05 pm

Do you do the sweatband initials?

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:08 pm

Nope. Would like to get an embosser one day (to print on the name with golden letters), but that would be another 5000 bucks and CERTAINLY not help to keep the price down there

Regards,

Marc

Last Crusader · Post by **Last Crusader** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:33 pm

What else can I say, that has not been said? It is simply the best Indy fedora and definitely one of the best fedoras you can get for money on this planet.

Well done! I wish you a great start in your new business.

Regards
L.C.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:02 pm

Marc, all that I can say is once a few of your hats reach the hands of true hat afficionados, you will have too much business. It is an Indy fedora, yes, but it can also be a vintage styled hat if you change the creases and use the uniform sized brim like most hats used to be. You and I both know, that the only thing that approaches this hat in terms of quality, from the felt to the leather, are the vintage custom made vintage hats of yesteryear that even back in the day, went for a small fortune. The vintage Stetsons 7x and 10x hats of yesteryear, have nothing on this hat at all!

I have said it before, but I am proud as heck to have the AB name on these fine hats!! And folks, this is Marc's business. The only way I am linked to his hats is a shared love of the Indy fedora, and we worked together on the Raiders block shape over the last few years. And we both shared the desire for a more accurate hat than we could buy from other folks, with materials high enough in quality to approach what Indy would have worn, if he really existed in that era, as opposed to the multitude of disposable fedoras that are prevalent in todays hat world. As far as this Indy fedora fanatic is concerned, there are only 3 true bargains in the world currently on the Indy fedora. The rabbit hats from Ron at Hatsdirect, my own AB beaver line, and now Marc's AB line. Each hat is indeed a steal, and the only question is, how much can you afford to pay. Regardless, the pricing of these hats is an insult to reputable hatters.

But, my heart and Marc's heart are those of a true Indy fan. We want to make and sell a hat that is worthy of the Indiana Jones name. It would have been easier to just use run of the mill felt, modern junk ribbon, hot glue the liners, and use sewing machines to put that perforated line that in a few reblocks would leave the brim in one hand, and the crown in the other. There are few other hats that you can reblock and refurbish for years and years to come, and watch the hat only getting more Raideresque with each reblock or rebuild. While some may see my post as self-serving, I can assure you that is not my intention. My goal, and Marc's goal was simply to provide, at a great price, an Indy fedora that we would not mind spending hard earned money on. Plus, I tend to get attached to hats, and got tired of haveing to throw them away due to the quality issue. My hats become like old friends, and I want them to last for years and years. And we have the materials and the techniques to accomplish this. And, it ain't no secret. Use great felt, and leave the high production techniques to the factories and so called small custom hat shops. Make em like the small hatshops did back in Indy's time and you will always have a hat made for the duration. Fedora

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:47 pm

Oh, man, Marc! I wish I had the extra funds for this deal! Come on, folks, jump on this while you can!

bink

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:31 pm

Well, I am on the first ten list. $\:D/$

Who else is getting on it?

Antone · Post by **Antone** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:43 pm

(looking around desperately for things to sell...)

Anyone interested in a slightly used...um...sibling? Or perhaps an ex-girlfriend?

Seriously though, Marc; will you be offering these open crown to those of us who like doing our own bashes?

Antone

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:29 am

Indiana_Tone wrote:
For those curious about felt thickness comparison, below are examples of the AB, Regular Fed, and the Keppler side-by-sides:

Awesome, Tone, that's exactly what I wanted to see!

Oh my GAWD, dude!! What version of Keppler is that?? I've NEVER seen one that THICK !!

The Akubra looks about right, just like mine, but my Keppler(and others I've seen) aren't NEAR that thick.

Anyone know if he's used different felts on his hats? I know they are Beaver Brand hats, but has he changed felt qualities or thicknesses before?

have a great day!

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:06 am

Seriously though, Marc; will you be offering these open crown to those of us who like doing our own bashes?

It's a custom made hat buddy

You can have it either way you want, as long as it's brown

Just got a message from my block maker, that due to the special wood I requested for my block, they'd be yet ANOTHER 10% more expensive then already. So that's 261 bucks for a single block folks, WITHOUT taxes and PLUS shipping

If my felter also raises his prices, I'll have to go on par, or I'd be making those hats for free...

Ahh well... I have a PAYED job already, right?

Regards,

Marc

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:25 am

If my felter also raises his prices

I just got in a shipment of beaver bodies and paid the same as always for the felt. So.............perhaps yours will remain stable.

Fedora

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 10:41 am

you mean price wise not mentally.

just joking guy's

Mark great job, it looks fantastic.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 10:48 am

You read my mind, jp!

If that's what creates stability...I need to get some more AB's!!

Regards! Michaelson

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:04 am

it's the first time I ever got the jump on you or bink.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:17 am

True, but that's not exactly something to be to proud about.

High regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:49 am

True, that, Michaelson!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:25 pm

why? you are two of my favorite people here.

I wonde what that say's about me.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:43 pm

jpenman, if you don't get help at Charter, please, get help somewhere.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:48 pm

jpenman wrote:why? you are two of my favorite people here.

As you are one of ours, but you must be careful with whom you associate with. I mean, look, I'm STUCK with bink, Jerry, and Jess, so take my example to heart!

High regards! Michaelson

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:27 pm

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:29 pm

Michaelson wrote:I mean, look, I'm STUCK with bink, Jerry, and Jess, so take my example to heart!

High regards! Michaelson

It didn't help that SOMEBODY was playing with super glue!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:31 pm

My hipflask full of acetone has come in handy at times, hasn't it?

Regards! Michaelson

Antone · Post by **Antone** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:51 pm

Marc wrote:
It's a custom made hat buddy You can have it either way you want, as long as it's brown

Are you telling me you don't use the special magic felt that turns into a green pointed cone after the first wetting? Those are sooo cool. Maybe I should get that Dorfman instead...

Marc wrote:
Ahh well... I have a PAYED job already, right?

This seems to be the right forum for people who only work their day job to support their true calling

Speaking of which, I'll see how soon I can scrape together my AB Deluxe fund...

Antone

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 3:00 pm

Are you telling me you don't use the special magic felt that turns into a green pointed cone after the first wetting? Those are sooo cool. Maybe I should get that Dorfman instead...

There you go! It's impossible to make it right for all

This seems to be the right forum for people who only work their day job to support their true calling

Speaking of which, I'll see how soon I can scrape together my AB Deluxe fund...

yes please... I'm getting sick of eating felt all day

Regards,

Marc

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 3:03 pm

Marc,

So you do take time out to eat.

What about sleep?

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 3:14 pm

Well actually I eat the felt that is left over from the pouncing. That's why I like to pounce them so fine

The more I pounce, the more I have to eat

That way I can pounce and eat at once and that again leaves enough time to sleep

Regards,

Marc

The AB Deluxe... great news on page two!!!

The AB Deluxe... great news on page two!!!

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hat

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Re: indy

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Re: indy