My Todd's Raven Bar Styled Herbert Johnson Poet Arrives....

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:59 pm

Hello everyone,

I am brand new to COW....

I was very nervous to open the box this evening, since I have read a lot of critical and negative comments on the Todd's HJ....I purchased it before I found this website.....

Behold, the Todd's Raven Bar Styled Herbert Johnson Poet!

[

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p48/ ... hat023.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p48/ ... hat007.jpg

Let me know what you think....but I like it. I do agree that the ribbon and bow is the worst part of it, but the color, feel, and style look great....

This is what I had before....I use it to cut the grass and do outside chores..

The Fur Felt Dorfman Pacific:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p48/ ... hat014.jpg

The worst part on this hat is again the ribbon.

MOD NOTE: viewtopic.php?t=21315 ;-)

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:19 pm

I agree with you the bow is pretty badly done. It's not terrible but it's definitely tapered and the block is not right for Raiders. I'm not trying to press the negative comments issue and I'm sure you've read this but I'm just giving you some feedback.

In the end, it's all about YOU being happy. If you like the hat, then keep it! But have you considered a Magnoli HJ put together by Steve Delk? It's got the correct block shape and the felt is pounced and stabilized. The ribbon is also correct. This is pretty much the MOST screen accurate Raiders hat you can hope for. I should know, I own one!

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:34 pm

You mean this hat?:

http://magnolic.ipower.com/catalog/prod ... 4c6faea9a6

Yeah...I don't have $340+ shipping to buy another hat....The Todd's Costumes hat was $318 + shipping and I received it in exactly 2 weeks from date of order.

When I look at the hat on the Magnoli website and then hold my hat up to it, I only see the ribbon as the big difference...I know there is always the talk of taper, but I don't think its that bad, at least not enough to invest more money into a completely different hat.

Do you mind posting pics of your hat on here for comparison?

I guess I am still new at being a Raiders hat purist....I feel good about how much the HJ is compared to my Dorfman Pacific and that hasn't worn off yet....remember, I am brand new.

When it does...where can I get a screen accurate ribbon and am I capable of changing it myself without damaging it?

Also, are signatures disabled?

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:46 pm

Does Todd accept refunds? As far as taper, it's not the only issue here. It's the overall block shape that you want to look for. I would say if you can return the hat, a Magnoli might be worth it if you don't mind waiting 2-3 months. I'm sure you're a big step up from the Dorfman, but again, I am a big believer in going for what you like personally. Although I also believe there are some stark differences between Todd's block shape and the Magnoli. Here are some pics of mine:

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89 ... G_4846.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89 ... G_4847.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89 ... G_0156.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89 ... G_4844.jpg

I've tweaked the bash a bit since I received it, as these pics were taken on the first day, but you'll get the idea. Notice the shape and then look at some screen shots. theraider.net is a great site for this.

As far as changing the ribbon, I would try to get a professional to do this. Steve of AB and John Penman of Penman hats have sourced the correct vintage ribbon and I bet either one would be willing to work with you. John is probably a bit easier to get ahold of, although his hat sales are going up and thus his free time is diminishing! Hope this helps!

IndyFalco · Post by **IndyFalco** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:57 pm

Well, I started out with a dorfman as well... A fur Felt to be exact. So I'd say getting a HJ is a big step up. Although, you may want to consider re-bashing that hat yourself.

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:58 pm

Thanks for the personal opinion an pics Indyrocks,

Your hat looks great. I am just not interested in sending mine back for a refund, nor am I interested in waiting two to three months to get another one that has(IMO) a little more detail. I like it and I am satisfied at this time. If I get that meticulous in the future, I will just buy the Magnolia so I can enjoy what I have now.

How do I get a hold of Penman or AB to get just the ribbon? I would just have someone reputable locally install it and provide some printed pictures and instructions of the Raiders bow design instead of sending it out and not getting to enjoy it for at least a couple of weeks.....I want to have fun at halloween!

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:59 pm

What is wrong with the bash Indyfalco?

indyrocks · Post by **indyrocks** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:01 pm

No prob! I just wanted to offer you a different view on the HJ. I'm glad to hear you like it, wear it in good health!

As far as AB, you can always email steve, his info is on the website. adventurebilthats.com He is a very hard man to get in touch with due to his high volume of orders. penmanhats.com is john's site. I would try him first, and see what he says.

As far as Halloween goes, just wait until after! You can always have the ribbon changed.

Cheers,
Aviv

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:37 pm

I agree with indyrocks. They HJ by Steve is well worth the wait. You will thank indyrocks for the suggestion in a couple of months. The difference between the two is night and day.

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:13 pm

Bending Oak, Would you please post pics of your hat up on here?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:34 pm

here's a couple of shots for you but you can see a bunch at my site www.penmanhats.com

Raiders

Raiders grey

Non Indy sahara color with brown ribbon.

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:13 am

How much for just a replacement ribbon bending oak? I seen the price for the ribbon, sweatband, and liner is $20.

I also found out that I can move the ribbon down over the sewing threads to hide them and it made the whole look a lot better.

Here is a picture of it:

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:46 am

Check out my site. Prices for all services are there. 20 for parts and 20 for sewing it on. Not including shipping. I assume I can re-use the box the hat would be sent in.

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:14 pm

jaq, try to fix the bash.

From what a see in the pics, the front dent is too high.
Move it to 4 3/4''.
And the back is low (possibly a reason why is that taper), pull it to 4''.

Don't use water on the hat.
Maybe this way improves the look.
Good luck.
(*) sorry for my english

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:23 pm

I agree with Dj, fixing the height of the center dent will improve the oval look. Pull down the ribbon so you don't see the stitches will help as well.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:25 pm

I agree. Also, if you're going to be sending it to Oak, you should probably get it reblocked as well - the block on the Todds just really isn't good. Penman has a much better one. -M

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 1:51 pm

Looks good,... and its a real HJ

can't get anymore vintage indy than this;)

wear it with pride and please don't regret the price you paid you wanted this hat, and it looks fine to me.

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:02 pm

The Librarian rocks gently in his rocker on the front porch, idly sucking on a toothpick, and waxing nostalgic for the days when he could pick up a $40 wool felt fedora with taper, badly sewn ribbon, and an Indiana Jones pin and be happy wearing it everywhere. *SIGH*

Johnny Fedora · Post by **Johnny Fedora** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:30 pm

Actually...that hat can't be safely reblocked. See the regular machine stitching under the ribbon? According to Steve, that creates a perferation along which the brim will tear right off durring a reblock (he's had it happen, and it's why he won't reblock a stock, factory made HJ) and one of the reasons why I always recomend against anyone getting the Todd's HJ, the SAB HJ, and the Christies hats. Because once they taper up, or reach the stage where they would need a reblock, you basicly have a disposable hat.

jaq78,
I recomend two courses of action for the hat above.
1: Send it to John. You can't get it reblocked, but he might be able to reshape it into a true Raven bar look, at the same time that he replaces the ribbon with the actual vintage HJ ribbon (giving it his dead on bow in the process). I'd also have John apply the rain repellant that he and Steve use. What you'll get back will be a hybrid of sorts. A Todd's HJ that'll have a better look, and a screen accurate ribbon and bow.

2: Upon getting it back from John either wear it in good health (but only on days without a cloud and give it a retreatment of rain repellant now and then),
or put it up on ebay as a screen accurate Herbert Johnson Indiana Jones Fedora with vintage accurate ribbon and bow. Start the bidding at $340.00 and when it sells for over $400.00, order a Magnoli Herbert Johnson and pocket sixty bucks. Sixty bucks that could go to another piece of gear!

That's what I'd do! ;-)

Jaq,
I truly hope that these humble ideas are of use to you. I hope I've not been too much of a downer, and I truly hope you stick around our little community of insane gear heads, where we all came for the gear but stayed for the people! A couple of standard notes: check your wallet at the door (or with Bink

) this hobby can get expensive! Don't flood Fedora's p.m. box (an email works way better). There's a rather stout Plymouth

to dive under when people start shooting. And if you stray into other areas (like The Jacket for instance) keep an eye out for The Hulk (he knows what he's talking about!). ;-)

Johnny

Johnny Fedora · Post by **Johnny Fedora** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:34 pm

The Librarian wrote: The Librarian rocks gently in his rocker on the front porch, idly sucking on a toothpick, and waxing nostalgic for the days when he could pick up a $40 wool felt fedora with taper, badly sewn ribbon, and an Indiana Jones pin and be happy wearing it everywhere. *SIGH*

You know? Mine was a 1996 fur felt Indy DP that sat on my head while lurking back in the "X-Marks the Spot", "Indyfan", and "Indy's Diggs" days.

Johnny

...yeah I've been around that long...getting old...

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:25 pm

Johnny Fedora wrote:
The Librarian wrote: The Librarian rocks gently in his rocker on the front porch, idly sucking on a toothpick, and waxing nostalgic for the days when he could pick up a $40 wool felt fedora with taper, badly sewn ribbon, and an Indiana Jones pin and be happy wearing it everywhere. *SIGH*
You know? Mine was a 1996 fur felt Indy DP that sat on my head while lurking back in the "X-Marks the Spot", "Indyfan", and "Indy's Diggs" days.

Johnny

...yeah I've been around that long...getting old...

The Librarian pulls up a rocker.
I bought one at a mens store in 81 or 82. Didn't really fit my big head but it was an Official Indiana Jones hat so I wore it. Mostly pulled over my eyes, fit better that way. Till it blew off while driving up the parkway and was driven over by several cars. Wasn't worth saving.

Johnny Fedora · Post by **Johnny Fedora** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:10 pm

Johnny starts rocking and enjoying his Mint Julep.
Yeah, similar story. My first Indy hat, was a Pepsi mail away dark brown canvas hat.

but while I was waiting for that I saw and got a dark brown wool Stetson Indy hat. I wore that thing into the ground. Really. I was walking around my campus (this is 15 years ago or so) when a gust of wind blew that thing off my head and into a construction site where before I could even figure out how to climb over the really tall fence, a load of concrete was dumped on it making it part of a new building.

Oh well. It was replaced with a cheep wool fedora from Pennys that eventualy looked incredibly like Indy's after some tweeking. I loved that hat untill I gave it to a little girl who admired it.

About '96, I was in New Orleans with some friends when I found a Fur Felt Dorfman DP Indy hat at Shustans,that I wore untill last year when it was replaced by my Mags HJ. I still have it though, it's on a stand in my office looking over me as I haunt COW. ;-)

Johnny

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:13 pm

Johnny Fedora is correct. I would not want to risk ripping that hat. I think it is a very high risk of ripping.

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:23 pm

What do you all mean by block exactly? I mean, what is wrong with the one I have compared to the one I should have? You all seem very specific and highly detailed, please share with me exactly how mine is different from the correct one.

This hat is very soft and shapeable, Dewijones, the info you gave me is very helpful, I can use a tape measure and tweak it.

The rest of you, please give me detailed comparative measurements, etc. I will post up another pic and we will go from there.

If I am going to get another Herbert Johnson Poet styled by someone else, I will just by it. I really like this one and have started to grow attached to it. I think with some tweaking it will do me just fine.

I appreciate the large welcoming from all of you..didn't know so many others were interested like me.

I will go through the rest of the points and advice you have given and post up an improved picture....

Thanks again,

Josh

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:03 pm

dewijones, if I measure at the bottom of the ribbon at the back, it goes up to 4.75" if run the tape measure up. I moved it down to exactly 4".

I already pulled the ribbon down.

The front is a little more difficult to shape. I am assuming you mean the top of the dents should be at 4.75? I am currently measuring 5 3/8"

If I move it that far down, it looks like big camel humps from the front view and the "ditch" is much deeper on top.

Is this right?

I am noticing this hat shape changes very easily and I have to be careful how I handle it..

Thanks,

Josh

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:30 am

Josh,
here is a couple of pics with some instructions:

the next link is a really nice tutorial for bashing:
http://kennydrew.com/indy/Raiders_fedor ... lounge.htm
regards.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:38 am

DJ< Are you saying that the pics you posted ( side shot ) is how the hat should look or shouldn't. The side shot you posted is way off. One more thing I found with most hat ( made with a decent block) measure out 4 3/4 in the front and 4 1/14 in the back.

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:46 am

BendingOak wrote:DJ< Are you saying that the pics you posted ( side shot ) is how the hat should look or shouldn't. The side shot you posted is way off. One more thing I found with most hat ( made with a decent block) measure out 4 3/4 in the front and 4 1/14 in the back.

This are pics previously posted by Josh, in the first post, and I add some instructions to improve that look.
This is how shouldn't look like.
Yes I agree with you about the 4 3/4 front and 4 1/4 back, that work too.
Regards.

mrkaboom · Post by **mrkaboom** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:10 am

Jaq78 i bought a Riaders dress style from Todds and am over the moon with it. No complaints whatsoever. The style, quality and finsih are all top draw and stand up to all the magnolis, akubras and whatever else is out there. As long as you are happy with it thats all that matters. Everyone has there thing and thats what makes this site so great. We all want the best and the most SA but ultimately if you like it and it makes you feel like Indy then its done the job. I just wish i could post pictures of mine on here as i think its the bomb! enjoy!

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:32 am

mrkaboom wrote:Jaq78 i bought a Riaders dress style from Todds and am over the moon with it. No complaints whatsoever. The style, quality and finsih are all top draw and stand up to all the magnolis, akubras and whatever else is out there. As long as you are happy with it thats all that matters. Everyone has there thing and thats what makes this site so great. We all want the best and the most SA but ultimately if you like it and it makes you feel like Indy then its done the job. I just wish i could post pictures of mine on here as i think its the bomb! enjoy!

Wait a minute. If your happy with your hat that is great. But a stock HJ from Todds will NOT stand up to an Magnoli (which is a handmade HJ), any Akubra, and definately not "whatever else is out there." One thing is to be happy with your hat and another is to make believe it is God. The hat is nice, I like it. But lets not make this out to be somethng its not. It is what it is, an HJ. In my opinion you did the smart thing by not buying it from SAB. This probably won't be your last hat and there will be others to fulfill what this one does not and vice-versa. Enjoy the hat and wear it well, just not in bad weather. ;-)

Dave

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:30 pm

I appreciate all of the help, debate, comments, and compliments everyone.

I pulled this off of the Indygear website:

The specifications for the actual hat Ford wore are reportedly as follows:
Size: 7 ¼ (size 58 European)
Crown: 5 ½ (5.5) inches
Brim (front & back): 2 ¾ (2.75) inches
Brim (sides): 2 5/8 (2.625) inches
Ribbon: 1 ½ (1.5) inches (39mm)

Why do I need to set the front at 4.75"? I easily styled the back down to 4", but it is difficult to lower the front that far and it looks funny when i try to put the bash in it and it won't hold. It is currently at the 5.25"-5.5" mark in the front which seems to meet the measurements of the original above....
I fixed the valley in the top..this hat is very soft as I said and shapes very easily...it may have moved in shipping..I don't blame Todd from my experience handling it...

What are the dimensions on the bashes for the Raven Bar style hat(front to back, top to bottom)?

A lot of you really plug the Magnoli and that is fine. It is a great hat, no question, debate, or argument. But I don't have a Magnoli; I have a Todd's. I was too impatient to wait and also on a lower budget to get my full costume. That is my fault and I can accept that(I didn't find this website in time)...I don't even want to think how much I've spent on my costume to only wear it rarely(roughly 300 jacket, 300 hat, 75 pants, 50 shirt, 75 gun, 200 on the rest, definately over $1000 yikes!) My previous experiences with Todd's products were also good. I don't have money right now to buy a Magnoli hat and patient enough to wait that long just to have the best. I know there is a lot of criticism of the ribbon also, but from the pics and after hiding the sewing under it by a simple slide down, it looks dark enough and SA enough for me.

From what I have read fedoras weren't originally designed for "adventures", they were for the upper class originally and then moved on to the masses as being stylish and for dress use. I don't plan on wearing it out in the rain, to cut the grass, or work outside, that's what my DP is for. This one is for halloween, to wear on rare occasions, and to look good on my desk. What I have now comes a long way from what I scrounged up around the house when I was 10 years old. To me the hat looks great.

If I can improve what I have now with the help of those of you who are experienced with these hats, I would greatly appreciate it.

Josh

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:19 am

Dude, it's OK that you got the Todd. I did the same thing many moons ago. No big thing. I just think everyone here wants to help you get the best out of your hat.

The side shot looks ugly my friend. The front of the center crease is way to high. The back is a tad to low. Look at your pic of you hat from the side and then look at the raiders hat, same shot.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:25 am

From what I have read fedoras weren't originally designed for "adventures",

Adventurebilt fedoras are.

Look, jaq. Eventually you are going to want a screen accurate Raiders fedora. Trust me. Wanting a SA Raiders (or any other Indy hat) hat is inevitable to any Indy gear head.

These members are just trying to help you improve your HJ. Your fedora will be more than a Halloween costume piece in the future, so save up and get a tough and SA hat. But in the meantime, enjoy your HJ

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:13 am

Poor Jaq78. So much pressure. It's like walking into a Radio Shack to buy batteries for a walkman and being told he really needs a 160GB iPod. While I'm wear my Fed 3 Dlx with pride, and I'm giddy to be awaiting my first custom made beaver hat from Penman I can sympatize with him. Not all of us who love the look and style of the Indiana Jones character need to have such a high end product. Most onlookers won't know the difference as evidenced by all the posts from members who were called Indy while wearing hats that were not only not SA but were not even the right color. So let Jaq78 develop his hat obsession at his own pace and enjoy strutting around town with his crappy cheap hat tilted at a jaunty angle exuding confidence. Not self conscious of ribbon, hat height or taper.

This concludes the sermon. The ushers will now pass the collection plate. Please be generous.

Marty

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:21 am

I didn't tithe last week, so it looks like 20% this week brother Librarian. ;-)

Oh...and your right!

Dave

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:01 pm

The Librarian wrote:Poor Jaq78. So much pressure. It's like walking into a Radio Shack to buy batteries for a walkman and being told he really needs a 160GB iPod.

(Mitch pulls HIS rocker over next to The Librarian and Johnny Fedora and starts-a-rockin'...)
So, Marty... what exactly is this "iPod" you're talkin' about?
Wait, don't answer yet...
Johnny, I'm gettin' something made with pineapple juice in it that comes with an umbrella... you want another Mint Julep while I'm up?
(Bones creak as Mitch pulls himself back up out of rocker...)

Mitch

kiltie · Post by **kiltie** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:17 pm

Actually...that hat can't be safely reblocked. See the regular machine stitching under the ribbon? According to Steve, that creates a perferation along which the brim will tear right off durring a reblock (he's had it happen, and it's why he won't reblock a stock, factory made HJ) and one of the reasons why I always recomend against anyone getting the Todd's HJ, the SAB HJ, and the Christies hats. Because once they taper up, or reach the stage where they would need a reblock, you basicly have a disposable hat.

WHAT IN THE UNHOLIEST!?!?!
This is patently UNTRUE! I"ve had at least three hats ( including the Christys' Adventurer, which I just got back rom the hatter yesterday ) reblocked; all with machine stitched sweat. This may come as a total shock, or maybe I'm simply the luckiest person on Earth, but - let me check - YUP! The brims are still on all my hats!
I'm certainly not saying it couldn't happen, but, well, whatever. You have to take into account the trend driven responses, etc... There's not a doubt in my mind that at the end of the day, the Mag/HJ is a better hat ( esp. that nasty bow ), but in my often refuted opinion, the Todd's makes a better scene specific Raven, and I think you've got a darn nice hat that you shouldn't regret the purchase of.

Come apart? Indeed... Why would anyone offer a reblock service? Again - possible, but to state it definatively? COM'ON!

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:34 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:So, Marty... what exactly is this "iPod" you're talkin' about?

Just somethin` I hear the kids say. Gotta stay hip. Speaking of hip, I can feel a storm brewin`. Better close the windows.
And no sissy umbrella drink on my porch!!

Marty

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:36 pm

kiltie, the problem with some hats is based on how it's stitched and with how many stitches. Steve literally has had this happen on a couple of never HJ's he's reblocked in the past, which is why he no longer offers to do reblocks on hats other than his own. It's not to say that every hat will do this, but it gets pretty costly when you have to keep replacing people's hats.

Still, hats like this CAN be reblocked, you just need to take extra care in doing so since a lot of stress is put on the brim when used to help pull the hat over the block.

kiltie · Post by **kiltie** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:59 pm

Bink -
I'm hip, and I wasn't simply trying to be argumentative. I should clarify the main thrust of my post. For lotsa folks, this site is the primary source of "all things hat", and like many, MANY other internet nooks, it's rife with people stating opinions as fact and/or a single ( singular ) experience as scientific proof. I just want the guy with the HJ to know that when his hat tapers ( and it will ), it's not a "disposable hat". Everyone's got their fave, and through many, many posted opinions, it is clear that the AB, Mag/AB, and all things with various combinations of the letters "A" and "B" in the name are quality products. However, there's also a considerable investment in time, money, and time in all things AB - luxuries and virtues many don't possess.
I just hate to see a door opened where a guy can get poo-poo'd on ( even if he could have made out better in some way ) with, again, possibilities, opinions, etc... stated as fact.
'Kay - no ranting - Yay AB, Nice hat ( again ), man. See, I'm on topic. Nothing to see here folks...

serrecuir · Post by **serrecuir** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:23 pm

Josh,

You've got a great hat here! IMO, it's a fantastic purchase, so congratulations! And welcome to the madness that is Indygear and the COW! While the Herbert Johnson hat is not the hat it used to be (far from it), it's still THE brand of hat that sat atop Indiana Jones' head (at least throughout "Raiders"). Sure, the Magnoli HJ is a superior hat, but as you said, you didn't buy the M-HJ, so let's get passed that now. Let's get to the talking points of YOUR hat. IMO, the Todd's HJ has the proper floppy feel of the Raiders hat. Watch the scene where Indy goes after the Ark on the Arabian horse. As he gallops atop the ridge above the caravan, you'll see the wind hit his hat and distort the brim - proof of how floppy his hat was (at least in that scene).

As some members above point out, there are some small tweaks you can do to make this hat look even better, starting with a rebash. As Dewijones said, don't use water on the hat. Just "cold bash" it by reshaping it with your hands. The crown measurement of 5 1/2" you pulled from the main Fedora section refers to the open crown measurement - that is, before you put the center dent in it and bash it. So after you bash it, the height at the front should be approximately 4 3/4" and the back should be approx. 4 1/4". There are many reference pics of the Raven Bar fedora here in the Fedora section of COW, and I'm sure many members here can give you pointers on how to bash it to ressemble that hat.

The ribbon would be the next fix, in my opinion. When I bought my Todd's HJ, the ribbon looked just like yours'. It was flat, lifeless, and horribly tacked on. I replaced it with Todd's ribbon (not the best ribbon, but the most readily available ribbon that looks decent). To me, HOW you apply the ribbon is just as important, if not more important than the actual ribbon you use. Most people notice the bow first anyway, not the finished/unfinished edges of the ribbon. There is a great tutorial on replacing the ribbon here - http://www.dalexs.whitvani.net/hat/hatpage.html

I've used it several times, each one with great success. Here's a pic of my Todd's HJ, after I replaced the ribbon -

Your hat is a fantastic hat and certainly a far cry from the DP, and you will certainly enjoy it for many years and many adventures.

Kind regards,
Craig

mrkaboom · Post by **mrkaboom** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:32 pm

great post serrecuir, i have a todds HJ dress style one and am really happy with it. I can only take the word of the guys on here about the superior hats but your post was balanced, fair and informative. its a crazy community to be part of but thats why i love COW.

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:44 pm

Great hat jaq!

serrecuir · Post by **serrecuir** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:06 pm

mrkaboom wrote:great post serrecuir, i have a todds HJ dress style one and am really happy with it. I can only take the word of the guys on here about the superior hats but your post was balanced, fair and informative. its a crazy community to be part of but thats why i love COW.

Thanks, mrkaboom. My goal was to reassure Jaq that he's made a great purchase despite some of the other (superior) hats out there. Let's face it, HJs from ANY vendor aren't the same HJs of old, no matter how many times you reblock or rebash them. And every hat looks different on every head. Some hats respond better on my head than others, due to the thickness of the sweatband, the felt used, etc. I get a nice reverse taper with my HJ that I love and haven't been able to get with any other hat.

Any way you cut it, I believe every member here purchases an IndyGear item for a specific reason(s), and I'm not one to question those reasons. It sounds like the wait time was a major factor for Jaq, and I can definitely understand that! I'm 7 months into my wait for my AB.

I definitely think Jaq's HJ needs some TLC, but it certainly wasn't a mistake to purchase. Just my 2 1/2 cents.

Kind regards,
Craig

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:25 pm

Handling the hat regularly and simply wearing it will really give the hat a "broken-in" look.

Dave

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:31 pm

Ok, so I popped the dents out and started over....

Here we go...

The back is at 4.25" , the front I keep wrestling with, but have brought it down to 5.25"...when I pinch it, the top creeps back up, even when I try to hold it in place.....

Let me know what else I need to do to make the best out of this hat. I appreciate all the help everyone...I hope to enjoy it soon.

Josh

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:48 am

I think your crease is set in. To bad i think it would look a lot better at the 4 3/4 front.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:07 am

I think it looks a little better. Keep working with it. Realize, however, that you have a real tight pinch there and you don't want to over work it and make a hole in the hat. If you are daring, you can spray some distilled water on the spots that need shaping to help make the aht more maleable. HJs are prone to taper and shrinking, though, so its a gamble.

Dave

jaq78 · Post by **jaq78** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 7:56 am

I noticed it is starting to wear on the center crease....I should have just left it alone......

jasonalun · Post by **jasonalun** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:23 am

jaq78, your new crease job looks great. I don't think it needs anymore tweaking. Enjoy!

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