Pros and cons of reblocking with leather band still attached

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:01 pm

Ok, I've found a hat shop that will reblock my Fed Delux "while you wait" Approximate time about 10 minutes. I'm assuming (yes I know, it's more dangerous than asps) that they'll reblock the hat with the band still in the hat. Besides short wait time, are there any other benefits of reblocking a hat that way? What about downside?

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:18 pm

How in the world are they going to correctly re-block it without taking it apart?

You got me, roomie!

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:06 pm

Michaelson wrote:How in the world are they going to correctly re-block it without taking it apart?

Guess I'm gonna find out.

Dr.Seuss · Post by **Dr.Seuss** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:10 pm

My assumption is, no "re-blocking" will take place. Rather, you will receive a "re-shaping." Essentially the same procedure you do with your own personal (but one size smaller) hat block; pull it on the block, steam, pull it down further, steam, wet, and then dry.

After, a reshaped hat is then yours for the rebashing. I can only assume the "10 Minute Special," is intended to give the hat a fresh appearance; clearly a complete tear down and re-assembly cannot be done in that amount of time. Re-shaping a hat with the leather band does not harm the band. At least, not my hats.

Sincerely,

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:17 pm

Well that makes sense. Which is why I never considered that. 8-[

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:19 pm

Maybe they'll fold it out? It sounds iffy to me... but I'm by no means a seasoned hatter.

Maybe they'll just slip you a new Akubra.

Just make sure to show us pictures!

In Christ,
Shane

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:21 pm

In order to do that, they'd have to use a block smaller than your hat size so they don't stretch the sweatband out. If that's the case, I think the possibility of taper is very much a concern here.....

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:58 pm

Unless they are using a 'balloon block'...

...but that's just silly.

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:11 pm

Well if it doesn't fix the taper, I guess I could just turn the hat sideways to match the slope of my forhead.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:16 pm

To obvious a fix....

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:17 pm

Thanks old friend. I knew I could count on you.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:19 pm

ANY time, old friend.....ANY time....

Regard! Michaelson

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:28 pm

At least he finally gave up the idea of having it rebashed while wearing it. (Of course, now I have to get the sporting goods store to take back the six baseball bats I bought for the occasion...)

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:31 pm

Don't be hasty Jerry. Shane's gonna need his hat reblocked eventually.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:39 pm

Righty-o, putting them in the boiler room for now...right next to the chocolate idol.

Seriously, though, Jess (I'm TRYING

)...let us know how the hat looks, I'm interested. And if they REALLY did to a balloon-o-blocky...

...you know, we ought to go patent that idea before someone puts it on a forum or someth-...oh, nevermind.

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:44 pm

Indiana Jerry wrote:Seriously, though, Jess (I'm TRYING )...let us know how the hat looks, I'm interested. And if they REALLY did to a balloon-o-blocky...

...you know, we ought to go patent that idea before someone puts it on a forum or someth-...oh, nevermind.

Brilliant, Jerry. Just Brilliant.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:28 pm

Remember that Fedora suggested a block size smaller for those who wanted to ocasionally "reblock" their hats whitout removing the sweat. I thought the idea was that it would help keep taper at bay. Besides, if it's a $10 special, it might provide a nice "quick fix" for keeping your hat in shape between full reblocks. Also, keep in mind that the block they put your Akubra on may not be identical to the block shape your hat was created on, so results may vary.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:52 pm

Have you had this done yet, Jess? I'm very curious as to how this will turn out.

Dr.Seuss · Post by **Dr.Seuss** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:11 am

binkmeisterRick wrote:Remember that Fedora suggested a block size smaller for those who wanted to ocasionally "reblock" their hats whitout removing the sweat. I thought the idea was that it would help keep taper at bay. Besides, if it's a $10 special, it might provide a nice "quick fix" for keeping your hat in shape between full reblocks. Also, keep in mind that the block they put your Akubra on may not be identical to the block shape your hat was created on, so results may vary.

Second this. The "one sized smaller block," is what Fedora set up for those who wished to maintain a pristine block shape but with a naturally distressed look. Using it, you can keep the taper away.

The block, "they" use at the shop may not be the shape you want. The Fedora/Raider's block was created after many hours of design and tweaking. The "quickie" might not be to your liking.

Sincerely,

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:12 pm

Strider wrote:Have you had this done yet, Jess? I'm very curious as to how this will turn out.

Not yet Strider. The weather has been too nice not to ride the motorcycle into work. I'll try to get the hat into the shop next week.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:47 pm

Bungee cords will keep your fedora from flying off the top of your helmet. Trust me.

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:15 pm

Indiana Jerry wrote:Bungee cords will keep your fedora from flying off the top of your helmet. Trust me.

I do trust you Jerry. I trust you to behave scoundrelly.

Kilgour Trout · Post by **Kilgour Trout** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:45 am

Hey Jess: It's been a long time my friend!

Just a quick note "From work"

If they do a steam reblock with the band still in
you will likely see "some", if not "half" shrinkage in the sweat.

I tried this on a old Lee with a nice leather sweat and found that though the block turned out OK, 2 things 1. you couldn't get a really good stretch due to the tackiness of the sweat band and 2. height might and I say "just might" be affected.

I used to wonder if this technique could have been responsible for the Old "Cut the sweat in half" debate. I think they may have done a quick and dirty reblock on site and shrunk the sweat in half.

The sweat works fine it's just shrinks up eh!

Hope all is well. I'll pm you soon to touch base.

Cheers
Kilgour Trout

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:07 pm

Hey Kilgour! It has been a long time. Thanks for the info. I'm actually on my way out of the office to take the hat in. I'll keep you posted as to the outcome and get a shot or two after the reshaping. Talk to you later, my friend. Best Regards.

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:27 pm

Well I just returned from the hat shop and unfortunately, except that the hat is cleaner, there's no noticable difference in the taper or overall look.

It's a good thing it was free. Oh well, you do indeed get what you pay for. Guess I need to find a place to do an actual reblock.

Pros and cons of reblocking with leather band still attached

Pros and cons of reblocking with leather band still attached

Hey Jess!