AB..rabbit or beaver?

Toldog07 · Post by **Toldog07** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:08 pm

just wondering which AB felt is more screen accurate in terms of color...the rabbit or the beaver..or does it not matter at all?

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:32 am

My felter told me, that beaver doesn't bleach out as easily as rabbit fur felt, so at least over time, you'll be better off with a beaver felt in terms of color (and all over you'll anyway be better off with a beaver felt).

Regards,

Marc

VP · Post by VP » Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:43 am

There is no AB rabbit anymore AFAIK.

Toldog07 · Post by **Toldog07** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:46 am

alright i already ordered an AB beaver but i was just curious..thanks for the help!

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 12:24 pm

VP wrote:There is no AB rabbit anymore AFAIK.

I believe the 100% rabbit is still there, but NOT the rabbit beaver blend.

In Christ,
Shane

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 12:56 pm

Hmm...

I was under the same impression as VP. I thought Fedora was only using the beaver raw bodies now and sold the last of his rabbit felt a long time ago.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:17 pm

I did discontinue offering the rabbit hats. I figure the Akubra was the only way to go if you wanted a rabbit hat. It is tough, and will stand many reblocks. I must confess that I have actually made a couple of rabbit hats since I made the initial announcement to get rid of some extra rabbit bodies I had in stock. Sometimes when a guy wants an AB and can't afford the beaver, I relent just to help them out. I still have 10 rabbit bodies left in the brown that I bought last year that were too stiff for Indy fedoras. Once I found out how to take out the excess stiffener, these are good bodies now. Wish I would have known that BEFORE I discontinued offering them publically. If anyone wants one of these, and is willing to wait on them being made, I would let these go at 100 bucks each just to get my money back out of them. Fedora

Indiana Kev · Post by **Indiana Kev** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:43 pm

Sign me up for a rabbit AB

GCR · Post by **GCR** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:49 pm

Sign me up for a rabbit AB

I'll second that...pm sent.

-GCR

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:19 pm

Yes please!

..pm sent.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:24 pm

Awww.....dagnabit! That's an awsome deal on a rabbit AB. I'd tell you to put me down for one but I don't have a $100.

Serial Hero · Post by **Serial Hero** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:59 pm

Pitfall Harry wrote:Awww.....dagnabit! That's an awsome deal on a rabbit AB. I'd tell you to put me down for one but I don't have a $100.

You should talk to Fedora, I think he does layaway or has a payment plan, or used to, but don't quote me on that.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:07 pm

Thanks. I just sent him a PM about that.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:09 pm

Fedora, thats a great deal. I wish I could jump on that but, I just got a grey from you and now one of Marc's hats on the way. I think my wife my just shoot be if I bought a third hat this close together.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:21 pm

Couldn't resist, PM sent.
Actually it was my daughter who convinced me to go for it, since she has a gazillion purses and I've only have 3 hats (1) is only for display (my Keppler) and a AB beaver and a HJ taht I wear.
Sweet, Thanks Fedora.

Croft.

GoneSolo · Post by **GoneSolo** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:22 pm

BendingOak wrote:Fedora, thats a great deal. I wish I could jump on that but, I just got a grey from you and now one of Marc's hats on the way. I think my wife my just shoot be if I bought a third hat this close together.

Just confuse her. Tell her you've always had it and she just didn't notice.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:35 pm

Just confuse her. Tell her you've always had it and she just didn't notice.

I think she will notice the credit card bill.

Serial Hero · Post by **Serial Hero** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:44 pm

BendingOak wrote:
Just confuse her. Tell her you've always had it and she just didn't notice.
I think she will notice the credit card bill.

One word solves that little dilemma… cash.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:49 pm

Trust me. They even know when the cash is missing.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:50 pm

Oh!! My Akubra's ready to kick the bucket. PM sent! - are they good quality? Better than the Akubras? Maybe even just a little? Is it a good idea? Here we go!

Omgs!

In Christ,
Shane

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:54 pm

Well, I'm sure Fedora has like a 1000 new PM's in his mailbox on top of all of his regular ones.

Those 10 raw rabbit bodies have got to be all accounted for by now.

If anyone owns a rabbit AB I'd love to see pics of it or just direct me to the thread where their at.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:26 am

Jweaver has one and it's great looking hat.

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 5:01 am

Pitfall Harry wrote: If anyone owns a rabbit AB I'd love to see pics of it or just direct me to the thread where their at.

Harry : Here ya go

viewtopic.php?t=19300

dont mind the cell phone cam pics ...

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 6:11 am

Wow. I so hope I didn't miss the boat... PM sent!

Toldog07 · Post by **Toldog07** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 6:32 am

fedora, Im sorry for any head aches i might be giving you for starting this thread lol

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:23 am

Sort of reminds me of an old Western saloon scene. You know the one....one cowpoke is standing at the bar, and tells a few folks standing around him he'll stand for a round of drinks. A guy standing down the bar overhears the conversation, and yells to the entire saloon..."HEY, THIS GUY IS BUYING DRINKS FOR THE HOUSE!!!!!" The stampede is on!!.

I don't think you've caused to much of a ruckus, as once he's sold the 10, they're gone. Of course it won't stop all the PM's or emails that will jam his mailbox from folks asking for a hat after they're sold .....

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to have owned one of the first rabbit AB's, and it's a FINE hat....and as much as I love Akubra's, those who are lucky enough to get hold of one of the 10 will be absolutely stunned at what you're about to get. I guarantee!! With the improvements in materials and technique since I got mine, even I can only imagine how nice they've become in a final product!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:24 am

Dutch_jones wrote:
Pitfall Harry wrote: If anyone owns a rabbit AB I'd love to see pics of it or just direct me to the thread where their at.

Harry : Here ya go

viewtopic.php?t=19300

dont mind the cell phone cam pics ...

Thanks for the pics, Dutch. Looks really good.

I think if I do end up getting one I'm going to either order it open crowned and bash it myself or have Fedora give it the SoC bash.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:31 pm

Gosh, I had no idea folks would want this rabbit hat!!! I know the price is good but I was surprised!! I want to thank all you guys who are helping me out here. I will be able to get my money back now while offering a real deal on a rabbit hat. But rest assured these will be the last rabbit hats coming out of my shop. There were 13 of you guys who wanted one, but only 10 bodies. So, I will order the 3 needed to fill these orders and let them go at the 100 bill mark. And then, no more rabbits from AB.

I have had several enquire as to the durability of rabbit, and all I can say is, I don't know. I have made so few of these hats, and have gotten non back in for reblocks, so I cannot honestly say how durable they are. I would assume they are just as durable as the Akubras, and have a much better finish on them as I hand pounce all of the AB hats. But, from what I see when I make them, they are worth what I am asking for this last batch.

For the guys who pm'ed me, I hope I answered all of those, but if not, the price will be 100 for the hat, 10 to box and ship in States and 20 to box and ship overseas. When you place your order, I will need a head measurement(unless you are already and AB customer) which film hat you want, which scene, or if you want it open crown. Initials if you want them, and your facial shape, thin, regular, or wide. Preferred payment is paypal, but checks are ok. The info is on my web site. If you use paypal, go straight to paypal and plug in the info, using sdelk@cableone.net as the one you are paying. The turnaround time will be around 4 months(perhaps sooner as I am working overtime on getting the beaver hats out the door) Sorry to for the turnaround times, but as I have said before, the AB hat is is very high demand on the internet. I am number 1 on Google now and that is part of the problem.

Most of my orders are from non COW members, believe it or not.

Again thanks for helping me out here. I was tired of looking at these rabbit bodies, and I sell so few normally with the beaver price being what it is. Regards, Fedora

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:37 pm

fedora, Im sorry for any head aches i might be giving you for starting this thread lol
_________________
I said dont call me junior!

Oh, I should be thanking you.

Having money tied up in rabbit bodies that were once too stiff to use is a headache!! The factory has a no return policy and those who buy from winchester will validate this. They have a 4 step quality control system, but the stiffener is not part of quality control. These bodies were just as stiff as cowboy hats before I learned how to leech out much of the shellac. They are now soft, just like they should be. Fedora

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:36 pm

Sounds good.

Thank you for offering this deal to all of us. I just sent you all of my info through the PM, Fedora.

From what I've heard from other members the rabbit AB's sound like they have held up fine, which is no suprise, I'm sure I will get years of enjoyment from this hat.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:07 pm

woohoo! i made the cut! i just sent your $ fedora via paypal. also, i pm'd you a bunch of questions in regards to the raiders SOC bash that i want....guess we can discuss that in more detail in february when my felt gets on the block. thanks so much for the great deal!

bending oak, i feel your pain....i got the 'ol "another hat?!?!?" speech from my wife last night but i managed to get her to see things my way....over a nice steak dinner....hey....if i include all of that in the price, i think i've paid regular price!

oh well, couldn't miss out on this one.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:38 pm

....guess we can discuss that in more detail in february when my felt gets on the block. thanks so much for the great deal!

It will be before that, due to the fact that I am doing hats 16 hours a day now. So, two aday instead of just one. I am looking to get all beaver orders done and in hands before Xmas(even those taken in Sept.). I will be sending out 14 hats this coming week on orders taken in the summer.

Then another 14 the next week. And will keep this schedule up until the lead times get good again. I figure if I can hold up, the lead time on my hats will be back to 6 to 8 weeks here before you know it. That is much more comfortable for me personally. I figure when I increase the prices in January to cover my price increases, this will slow down the orders and that will help also.

In case anyone is wondering on the new ageing process both Marc and I have incorporated, while it adds 2 days to the process, the hat only takes 2 hours more manual labor as far as hands on time is involved.(thanks Marc, you just made more work for me!!!!

) Quite a bit in the grand scheme, but trust me, it is worth the extra time involved and extra chemicals.(nothing that would hurt ya) I would use this old process even if the taper issue was not affected, due to what I end up with in looks and feel. That is, it does more than just lend taper resistance. I am still simply amazed at what I see and feel as I work on these bodies. While I did not believe some of the claims Marc had made on the phone, I saw exactly what he was talking about with the first hat I made. It is almost magic, and this isn't hyperbole here. I am still stunned, and have to pinch myself. It solved an old problem that no other hatter had an answer to. I won't go into it, and I hate having my mouth sewn shut!! Fedora

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:53 pm

Yes! Pinched the last bunny AB!

Thanks, Steve - PayPal sent!

GoneSolo · Post by **GoneSolo** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 4:16 pm

Sweet deal fedora. Expect funds soon! Thank you!

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 4:19 pm

Fedora,

Is that new aging process you've now incorporated into the hats only used for the beaver raw bodies or is it being used on the rabbit as well? Just curious.

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 7:32 pm

DANGIT! A day late and a dollar short!! Finally a price I can afford, and I missed the AB boat!!
@#$%
'Blues

EDIT: Thanks Fedora, for holding the boat at the dock a few seconds longer!!! You are the man!

'Blues

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 11:42 am

Is that new aging process you've now incorporated into the hats only used for the beaver raw bodies or is it being used on the rabbit as well? Just curious.

I use it on the rabbit too. Could not do otherwise in good conscience. Fedora

Arok · Post by **Arok** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:29 pm

Ah, I am sorry to hear there won't be any more rabbit felt AB fedoras. I was planning to order one. Guess I will have to wait awhile and try to save up enough money for the beaver felt.

Oh, and hey guys. I've been roaming these boards for a few years off and on, but I finally registered and decided to post.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:47 pm

Well then, officially, welcome aboard, and don't be a stranger TO posting!!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

ArtooMetoo · Post by **ArtooMetoo** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:55 pm

Any word on when we might expect these to ship?

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:50 pm

Last I heard he was going to begin working on the AB Rabbits this week and depending on where you are on the list is how soon you'll get the hat. It shouldn't be much longer.

darthjones · Post by **darthjones** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:19 am

I want to see a hat made out of chicken. No particular reason.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:34 am

darthjones wrote:I want to see a hat made out of chicken. No particular reason.

http://www.chickenhats.com/

IndianaWill · Post by **IndianaWill** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:30 pm

:D Hi everyone! I know it's been awhile. I have been so busy, that I havn't been much available. Sorry!
You have to take a good look at what you really want. I personally have both rabbit and beaver. My beaver is a much smoother to touch, campaired to the rabbit.,a rougher texture. I prefer the beaver. Evern though I had to spend a little more money. It was well worth it! Back in the old days, Beaver was the cream, dela cream of the fedoras. Through all kinds of everday wear and punishment, it held up better and longer than rabbit. The beaver is a much more tighter felt. The rabbit is good also! But remember you pay for what you get.... Steve,..."FEDORA"..can tell you just about everything about the differences. He has been in the hat making business for many years. You have to make that decision for yourself. I have been happy with all my fedoras.... All that I own came from Steve,... Adventurebuilt! No.#1...... That is my personal opinion. Like I said you have to make the decision.. Have a great and Blessed Day!

8) IndianaWill 8)

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:24 am

Just a note to say my AB rabbit arrived this morning-TOD style..Steve,thank you for making a fantastic hat, it was well worth waiting for and it will definately get some wear this summer!

(will try and post pics when I can grab a camera).

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:54 am

Congrats Mark! Can't wait to see your TOD Rabbit.

Is it just me or does it seem rather odd that the AB Rabbits are starting to show up around Easter time??

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 7:50 am

Thanks PH,the rabbit AB is a beautiful hat,I'm just blown away by the quality.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:08 am

mark seven wrote: Thanks PH,the rabbit AB is a beautiful hat,I'm just blown away by the quality.

Yes, I totally agree with you. It's such a shame a fantastic rabbit hat like this is no longer on the market. I understand from a business stand point why Fedora isn't offering them anymore but what a loss. I sure would buy another one in an instant.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu May 03, 2007 2:19 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm kinda gone sloooowly stir crazy in waiting for my AB Wabbit.

I'm being patient belive me, and this is in no way to look like a complaint of any sort. I thought I'b bump this thread is all.

So far I've counted 5 who have received theres, is this still true, I know there a total of 13 who got on board, me being one of course, so just for the heck of it chime in and lets see who've hasem and whos staill waiting.

Croft

ArtooMetoo · Post by **ArtooMetoo** » Thu May 03, 2007 3:56 pm

I feel your pain, Croft. I, too, am exercising my patience to its fullest.

I am also not complaining, but am still waiting for mine.

I'd like to hear an updated delivery estimate.