Question(s) I would trust only to you trusted people...

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:54 pm

Hey folks,
I need your guidance and advice.
Right now I'm in the first stage of a sorta 3 Stage Fedora Quest... my intention to own - and wear the heck outta - 3 specific (or NOT SO specific, YET) kinds of hats...
Namely:
(1) The Magnoli Herbert Johnson with the SOC (or "Streets of Cairo" - for anyone who joined COW within the last week) blocking.
This first step has been taken, the hat has been ordered and is being awaited with baited breath. So, mission - almost - accomplished for part 1.
(2) An Adventurebilt. I'm already laying aside - bit by bit - the money to get this hat.
(3) A grey Travel Fedora similar to the one from Raiders.

As part 1 is underway, my questions are in reference to parts 2 & 3.
If you've got some answers to my questions, please take a moment to send me a response. Feel free to make a push - or plug - for your favorite hatmaker... be shameless in your endorsement if you want... I welcome it.
And if anyone could add some PHOTOS to prove their points... well... that would be GREAT.

Here's my questions:
(2) An Adventurebilt
Like a lot of folks, I've always loved the SOC look on Indy's hat in Raiders and ordered the Mag HJ with that in mind. While I DO love the look of the CS fedora Adventurebilt made, I was still thinking I'd ask Steve to give it a Raiders look...
So then I asked myself SOC? Idol Grab? Raven Bar?
Now, I know a TON of AB photos are scattered all over this forum, but can anyone recommend one look over another (SPECIFICALLY on the AB) or does it not translate that well to that hat, given that it was intended to sport the CS look? (I refuse to believe that, though)...
Can anyone post photos of all 3 looks - SOC, IG & RB - on an AB? Because that would be perfect!

(3) The Grey Travel Fedora
This is the real wild card for me. I see some people providing a nice grey travelling fedora in the style of the one Indy wore to travel to Nepal... I understand there's one from JPDesigns, there's a Carbon Grey Fed, The Keppler Train Traveller, The Penman Hat Co will make a grey fedora and I'm sure the list goes on...
Can anyone recommend one over the other that's REALLY SA (screen accurate - again, for the new kids) to the one from Raiders in terms of both color and dimensions?
Also, HAS Adventurebilt ever indicated their intention to make a grey fedora or is it simply a matter of asking? I'm well aware that people have said that their customer service is outstanding.

So, those are my questions, folks...
I rely on the advice of you many wise fedora sages... any help from you would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
(Or how about...)
Cristal Skol!
Mitch

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:12 pm

With regard to the Adventurebilt...

Yes, it does translate very nicely to a Raiders bash - that's what it was first created for after all. The one issue you could make is that the felt isn't quite as thin and floppy as the original stuff, but that's partly due to the fact that it's a higher quality hat. In terms of what style I'd recommend, I'm going to suggest something completely different - how about his hat during the truck chase. I was just watching that last night and noticed how nice it looks. Kind of similar to the Streets of Cairo (which you're getting as an HJ), but not completely. That would be my advice.

With regard to the travelling fedora...

Adventurebilt is your best bet on either the train fedora from CS or the Raiders traveling fedora. If I recall, a while ago Steve managed to find a felt that was almost perfect for it - gray with some brown undertones. Not sure if he still can do it, but I don't think I've seen any other felt that comes close. I'd ask him. :junior: -M

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:33 pm

My Raiders AB (which is the discontinued rabbit felt) is "Well of the Souls" styled (at least that's what I wanted), which has more curl in the brim than some of the other styled hats (particularly SOC, which I think from the front has probably the least curl).

Here's a picture of it:

Shane

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:45 pm

I hate to sound too one-note, but AB is the answer to all your questions in the end.

on (2) The AB block for CS is the Raiders block. The bash is just different. Now that I own one of those, I can honestly say that it is a perfect Raiders hat in terms of shape. I like most of the bashes from Raiders, but to me nothing beats a good Idol Grab. Now my Idol Grab is an older block shape, and a slightly gentler pich, but it's still very close to what you'd get. The compliments I get from other gearheads on that hat are too many to count.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb36 ... t/af47.jpg

The AB with the current block (that you would get) is a modified Well of Souls. It has yet to make it's debut (too hot for felt).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27810273@N ... 564349939/

On (3) The Grey Travel Fedora - There are many good offerings available. Based on photos I've seen, JPD makes ones of the nicest. But in terms of the most accurate, AB is still probably your best option, especially (in my humble opinion) if you can convince Steve to use his older block). Also, color is a major issue. You want a granite gray, which has brown undertones, not blue. AB has this, but I have not seen the others in person. Except the Federation, which is much too blue for a proper sea plane color.

AB is my go-to for a screen accurate hat, and they have always had a sea plane gray option. It is not unusual at all. However, an AB might take a year to receive after payment, and is not a good option for those with short patience.

Also, while I prefer AB, I can also say without reservation that JPD and Keppler make great hats that are just shy of screen accurate in my eyes. Keppler has recently taken great pains to offer a good Travel Gray, and I think it's a success. I have no personal experience with Penman, but my initial impressions are good.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:03 pm

On the off chance I haven't made myself clear... let me make myself clear:
You guys (and in general, everybody here at COW) are the BEST!

Although, please don't mistake that sentiment for me saying that I wouldn't STILL love for OTHERS to chime in on this subject as well... (especially if there's someone out there who has ordered and recieved granite gray AB sea plane hat with the brown undertones that Chewie describes... it sounds gorgeous.)

Thanks again (and in advance) folks...

(And yeah, CJ... for a prize like that - or THOSE - I can be the most patient man in the world)

...Although, it'd be great if I can pull this plan together before I turn 42 in October of next year...

Mitch

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:22 pm

Just a quick side note ... the AB was originally meant to be a Raiders hat and ended up becoming the CS hat through a process of (easy) elimination. So the AB is not made specifically to sport any kind of look, but over the years, Steve has put many different bashes into these fine lids for many different people.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:23 pm

Yeah, I think a lot of the newer member tend to forget that. :junior: -M

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:52 pm

Fair enough...

And you're right, for newer members like myself, that's something worth reminding us of...

MLR

Johnny Fedora · Post by **Johnny Fedora** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 7:32 pm

Mitch,
1st, Congrats on the Magnoli Herbert Johnson. With all due respect to AB, the Mags HJ really is THE replica of the hat in Raider's. You'll love the thing! I do.

2nd, As for an opinion on styling an AB...Steve has said in the past that the idol bash is the look most customers request even if their not aware of it. People have built up in their minds what the perfect Raiders hat looks like. For instance, they want a brim to look just so, the crown to look like this, the back of the hat like that, and on and on. What this is however is a composit look for the Raiders hat. It's like looking at a human face, our eyes are constantly moving, we take in an eye here, the lips there, an eyebrow, and our brain assembles the image of a face. We've done the same thing to the hat in Raiders. The idol hat for good or for ill seems to bring togeather most of what we like about the hat throughout the film. That's why there are so many of that bash out there. Some request it specificly, some ask for simply the best looking Raiders hat, and some

have just asked the master to make what he likes best. It's up to you, but the Idol Bash would be it for me. Plus, if I may be so bold, with your face, stick to Raiders, plenty of time for CS when your 65.

3rd. As for a travel hat, if your budget allows, get an AB. However, if you like, may I recomend The Penman? John's hats are the closest to an AB one can get without actually coming from Steve or Marc. His blocks are second only to AB and he uses only pure beaver fur felt like the AB. Sooo basicly...a modestly priced AB with a fraction the wait time?

Johnny

okayletsrock · Post by **okayletsrock** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 7:49 pm

ill recommend JPD, I love my indy fedora he made , and since you just spent so much on your indy fedora, the traveler he sells would work wonders.

but that of course is if you care about price

^_^

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:41 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:On the off chance I haven't made myself clear... let me make myself clear:
You guys (and in general, everybody here at COW) are the BEST!

Although, please don't mistake that sentiment for me saying that I wouldn't STILL love for OTHERS to chime in on this subject as well... (especially if there's someone out there who has ordered and recieved granite gray AB sea plane hat with the brown undertones that Chewie describes... it sounds gorgeous.)

Thanks again (and in advance) folks...

(And yeah, CJ... for a prize like that - or THOSE - I can be the most patient man in the world)

...Although, it'd be great if I can pull this plan together before I turn 42 in October of next year...

Mitch

I have one of those grey sea plane from Steve (AB). It just fantastic.

Let me add that Steve and Marc (AB & ABD) can make you any look from Raiders or any other movie. They have the best block and felts.

If you want a CS grey, hands down Steve will win because he made them for the movie. You can't get any closer than that.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:57 pm

Yikes...
ben...(can I CALL you ben?) I KNOW you're a busy guy so believe me when I say, that I know this is a lot to ask:
But if you EVER find just a minute to take - and post - a quick snapshot or two of that "grey sea plane"...

Well...
I'd really appreciate it, is all...

But either way, all the Best with everything you're doing right now.
I'm definitely a fan.

Mitch

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:58 pm

Mitch, it's not the best shot of the hat, but it's one of the few I have handy. This is the sea plane grey AB. In outside natural light:

It's a great hat and the color responds differently in different kinds of light. It's a browner shade of grey as opposed to a bluer shade of grey.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:01 pm

binkmeisterRick,
You sir, are the MAN!
And that is one great hat you're wearing.
Thank you,
Mitch

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:05 pm

Thanks!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:05 pm

Hey Johnny,
You wrote:
"Plus, if I may be so bold, with your face, stick to Raiders, plenty of time for CS when your 65."

2 things come to mind:
#1: Thanks for saying that (after 40, every compliment is a welcome one!)

#2: Even though some days 65 feels right around the corner, it IS still a while away... Ssssooo have we all decided how we're going to convince Steve & Marc to still be making our hats in 25 years?

Just a troubling thought...
Now to try and sleep.

M

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:31 pm

I have to admit that I love my seaplane grey hat too. It is a bit brownier than the CS grey hat --- but a great hat all the same.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:20 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:Yikes...
ben...(can I CALL you ben?) I KNOW you're a busy guy so believe me when I say, that I know this is a lot to ask:
But if you EVER find just a minute to take - and post - a quick snapshot or two of that "grey sea plane"...

Well...
I'd really appreciate it, is all...

But either way, all the Best with everything you're doing right now.
I'm definitely a fan.

Mitch

You can go to www.Adventurebilthats.com and see my hat there. It's on his home page and testimonials.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:22 pm

nicktheguy wrote:I have to admit that I love my seaplane grey hat too. It is a bit brownier than the CS grey hat --- but a great hat all the same.

I think they are the same color. I think the lighting and what you wear it with.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:48 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Mitch, it's not the best shot of the hat, but it's one of the few I have handy. This is the sea plane grey AB. In outside natural light:

It's a great hat and the color responds differently in different kinds of light. It's a browner shade of grey as opposed to a bluer shade of grey.

This is a great example of how the right gray can work with something it "shouldn't"!

I find the current felt is slightly darker. I just received my brand new gray AB, and will try to get pictures tomorrow, including comparisons to a different gray.

Johnny Fedora · Post by **Johnny Fedora** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:06 pm

It works because it's brown.

Johnny

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:46 am

Oh boy...here comes trouble...

[ducks under the table] :junior: -M

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:49 am

Johnny Fedora wrote:It works because it's brown.

Johnny

No, everything else is grey.

Thanks for the compliment, Chewie. This sea plane color is great because, in my book, it does work with grey or brown. In fact, I have a suit jacket this hat was made for, because it is a grey with a subtle brown in the weave. My hat is a touch darker than the picture shows. Here's a color comparison of all my AB's for reference. It's late afternoon sunlight coming through the window.

Top left: Original production AB; top right: vintage mercury felt AB (made from an unused hat body circa 1920, only a few were ever made); lower left: current production CS AB; lower right: sea plane grey AB.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:15 am

Wow!
Now THAT is not only REALLY helpful, but also a thing of beauty to see...

binkmeisterRick that is a gorgeous collection of lids!

(And laying them out like that for the sake of comparison and contrast is EXACTLY the kind of thing I was looking for.)

Thanks yet again to you AND your lucky noggin!
And any time you feel the urge to just snap away some shots of ANY ONE of those hats (on your head or off, from any angle and in any lighting that occurs to you) please feel free to go right ahead.
Just Post a New Topic called "Photos of My Hats Just Because They're GORGEOUS" and probably 30 or 40 of your Views will just be fom me alone.

All the Best,
Mitch

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:30 am

And about 80 will be mine.....

Bink, great hat collection

I wish I had the recources to build me a similar collection

. But one day I'm sure I will own both the AB and the ABD, because they look absolutely stunning!

Regards, Geert

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:33 am

Just as a wildcard, the new Akubra Fed Deluxe Moonstone is a dead ringer in color for the grey traveler too, if you're on a budget.

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:39 am

Thanks guys. What can I say, I'm a fortunate man.

I can tell you that my original AB has gotten even smoother as the years have gone on. I own an insane amount of hats (only a few which are Indy hats) and I rotate them from time to time. I recently put my original AB into rotation again and was amazed at how smooth that hat is! I felt like had never seen the hat before!

I think I can safely say that this specific AB is the smoothest felt of any of my current hats, newer or vintage.

It's also worth saying that the color can vary somewhat from one hat body lot to another. And though hats can fade over time if in the sun and weather a lot, the original AB wasn't originally as dark as the CS AB. I'd be glad to share pics of these hats if I can ever get around to it.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:44 pm

Johnny Fedora wrote:It works because it's brown.

Johnny

Call a Plymouth!

OK, as promised, here are some comparison pics of grays, including my new AB.

First, a shot of three hats. The AB is in the middle, with a blue-gray in front, and an identical granite gray (different hatmaker, same source I think) behind.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/277 ... 2618_o.jpg

Next, the blue gray right up against the AB, then the AB up against the Granite.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/277 ... 6bdb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/277 ... 79c0_o.jpg

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:47 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote: Call a Plymouth!

I'll be waiting at the curb, Chewy!

Regards! Michaelson

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:59 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:
Johnny Fedora wrote:It works because it's brown.

Johnny
Call a Plymouth!

OK, as promised, here are some comparison pics of grays, including my new AB.

First, a shot of three hats. The AB is in the middle, with a blue-gray in front, and an identical granite gray (different hatmaker, same source I think) behind.

Who's the other hat maker? every hat maker pounces a hat differently. Pouncing a hat lightens the felt up a bit. Could be same felt but different pouncing job makes it look different.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/277 ... 2618_o.jpg

Next, the blue gray right up against the AB, then the AB up against the Granite.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/277 ... 6bdb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/277 ... 79c0_o.jpg

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:29 pm

Chewie THANK YOU so much!

Those are great photos (and REALLY make clear the whole "blue grey VS the grey with brownish undertones" that everyone had been speaking about)...

I can REALLY see it now, I really get it. I mean, please don't think I'm stupid, I understood that they were different tones of grey... but seeing the hats seperately I'd always imagined the differences as being far more subtle. Having them next to each other like that REALLY makes the difference! And makes my decision-making process a lot easier.
Man! You guys sure know how to answer a question and give a fella all the resources he needs to make the decision that's right for him.

Have I said thank you yet?

And on that note:
I know a lot of you guys who've been here a while have heard pretty much every kind of question (from every wide-eyed newcomer who thinks they're asking a new question) again and again... I'm pretty sure the temptation to just say things like:
"Do a Search"
or
"Go through all the past forums, the infos on there"
or
"There are pictures like the ones you want ALL OVER the COW posts - just LOOK"
...pretty tempting. So, thanks for NOT doing that.
And I just wanted to express how appreciative - and impressed - and mostly thankful I am for how well so many of you tried to help me out with this.
I DID look through a LOT of past posts... but I never saw some of this info laid out as quickly and as clearly as you guys just did for me. And I'm sure a lot of others enjoyed - and learned from - what you guys just explained for me.

All the Best!
Mitch

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:55 pm

I DID look through a LOT of past posts... but I never saw some of this info laid out as quickly and as clearly as you guys just did for me.

We've heard that one too.

Regards! Michaelson

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:09 pm

Hmmmm...

Maybe I'll change my Username to "Youvehearditallbefore Jones" or "Nothingnew Jones"

(You couldn't say I wasn't being honest and upfront about it...)

Mitch

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:11 pm

Nah! Keep those questions coming, new OR old!

What's old to many of us now is brand new to others, and it's always a pleasure to help others find their way through the old information.

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:19 pm

I appreciate that Michaelson (I'm sure others will like reading that as well)...

But between you and me, please know that each time I lift my hat in respect and salutation I'm also saying "There's my 'under-informed in the ways of the fedora' noggin... feel free to fill 'er up with info!"

A tip of the hat,
Mitch

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:40 pm

While you're at it, Mitch, do a search.

Always glad to help! The search function is a great first "go to" when looking for specific information, but that doesn't always pull up the results you're after. Sometimes there's no other option but to ask.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:10 pm

Any time, Mitch!

Hey Oak. Any reason you quoted me, or did you just want to make sure nobody missed it?

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:29 pm

Yeah, I was going to ask the same thing but then I just assumed that he thought your photos were so darn purdy that he didn't want anyone who'd accidentally scrolled 7 or 8 inches to far to miss out on them...

But in all seriousness...

Please Oak, if there was something you wanted to add - but forgot to - let us know. I know I'm not alone in having open ears when you want to add to the conversation.

MLR

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:21 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Thanks guys. What can I say, I'm a fortunate man. I can tell you that my original AB has gotten even smoother as the years have gone on. I own an insane amount of hats (only a few which are Indy hats) and I rotate them from time to time. I recently put my original AB into rotation again and was amazed at how smooth that hat is! I felt like had never seen the hat before! I think I can safely say that this specific AB is the smoothest felt of any of my current hats, newer or vintage.

Very interesting observation, Bink. I too noticed when I got my second AB that it was a lot more rough compared to my first...maybe that's just it - it's gotten better over time. :junior: -M

ichnob · Post by **ichnob** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:19 pm

Wow...I don't think I've ever seen the seaplane gray AB before. It really does have a good brown undertone. Haha. For my own preference, I'm going to be looking into the more bluish-gray fed (I like matching blue with gray, so this works out better). I'm torn between Camptown, Lee Keppler, and Penman.

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:01 am

And for the record, Lee Keppler makes both the China Clipper and the Train Traveler. I have a CC on the way.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:33 am

You won't be let down by Lee. I've had my Keppler for about three months now and it keeps looking ebtter and better. Check out the train traveller thread on Lee's newest grey fedora.

Dave

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:06 pm

ichnob wrote:Wow...I don't think I've ever seen the seaplane gray AB before. It really does have a good brown undertone. Haha. For my own preference, I'm going to be looking into the more bluish-gray fed (I like matching blue with gray, so this works out better). I'm torn between Camptown, Lee Keppler, and Penman.

I don't know if those guys carry a bluer gray. In the event that they don't, I know the carbon gray Federation is a dark charcoal with blue undertones. The lighter blue gray (called Blue Smoke) in my pictures was made by Art Fawcett. He doesn't do Indy hats, but it looks darn close to me. He also has a beautiful dark Steel color. Search the Scrapbook section for this year's Finger Lakes Summit pics. I know my Steel lid shows up in there somewhere.

Happy hunting.

darthbish · Post by **darthbish** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:51 am

Easy...
Fed IV for everyday knockaround...
Fed IV Deluxe for special occasions...
Fed IV Moonstone for grey.

Easy

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:15 pm

darthbish wrote:Easy...
Fed IV for everyday knockaround...
Fed IV Deluxe for special occasions...
Fed IV Moonstone for grey.

Easy

I think he wants a custom hat this time around, but the Fed's are an option. Carbon Gray is much less Indy, and very dark... but also very blue.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:20 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:Any time, Mitch!

Hey Oak. Any reason you quoted me, or did you just want to make sure nobody missed it?

You know I didn't mean to do that. Sometimes I'm posting from my iphone.

What I wanted to state is that the Raiders grey of AB is the same as the CS grey. What changes the look is the lighting and what you are wearing.

Piker · Post by **Piker** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 1:43 pm

.....but the Fed's are an option. Carbon Gray is much less Indy, and very dark... but also very

VERY dark.

Question(s) I would trust only to you trusted people...

Question(s) I would trust only to you trusted people...

Re: Question(s) I would trust only to you trusted people...