The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues...

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 5:32 am

Yeah I got a super goofy look on my face because all I could do was squint. The wind was howling! Yet my Penman stayed on and kept me warm.

Travis

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:08 pm

Hollowpond, thank you for sharing those GREAT pictures! I love the outdoor pics... and a few candid pics!

It is finally starting to get nice out by me (reached 40 today!!! Bring out the shorts!!!) and I hope I can spend more time outside and get a few pictures taken! Spring Break is at the end of the month... hopefully I can get some pictures taken somewhere neat!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:54 pm

WONDERFUL shots, Travis!

Noah · Post by **Noah** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:29 pm

Those are nice shots Hollowpound!

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:30 pm

To me, that looks more like TOD than LC

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:37 pm

It looks more tapered in these pics than it actually is. it is actually fairly blocky. It bulges a little bit on the non bow side even. The crown is 4.5 inches creased. This seems more LC than TOD to me. But I am not a SA crazy. What do you guys think? Is it more LC or TOD?

This pic gives more insight to the actual block shape

Travis

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:05 pm

I think the bash has changed and starting to have a TOD soft crease and pinch. LC is a very sharp crease to my eyes.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:11 pm

I see LC in that hat but then again I may be the only one that sees a lot of similarities between the ToD and LC hats. I think the hat looks great. One of my favorite LC hats if not my very favorite.

Dave

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am

I see LC and didn't really think about ToD until Garrett pointed it out. I guess like John said, the bash has relaxed to form more of a ToD rather than a LC. There, though, the similarilty ends for me. Just tweak the bash back to LC, or leave as is - cos it looks awesome either way.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:11 am

Yeah, I figured maybe the reference was to the bash. Which I don't care about being SA. I love the bash. I just was concerned it was the blockshape. This place makes you REAL taper anxious...

I always wonder how many of our guys send a hat off for an unneeded reblock just because they think they see taper.

Travis

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:37 am

In the last shot it looks like you have reverse taper, so it's gotta be just the camera angles, plus....it is a Penman.

You ever wear it to work?

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:56 am

Ian wrote:In the last shot it looks like you have reverse taper, so it's gotta be just the camera angles, plus....it is a Penman.

You ever wear it to work?

Yeah it does have reverse taper on the non-bow side. I wear it to work on occasion. I get the worst hat head imaginable and I teach school, so I got to look kinda respectable like. I wear it if its raining or snowing most of the time.

Travis

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:14 am

Just wondering cos I've been wearing mine to work for a few months now and I get loads of comments about it, mostly taking the p*ss......Can't imagine what it'd be like wearing it in front of a load of kids though!

I wouldn't care if it was a Penman's though. I've got a few months before I get mine.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:41 am

Well the kids know I'm different anyways. Yes I get all kinds of comments, most nice though. The best compliments I get are unspoken ones from older gentlemen in the form of a nostalgic glance as I pass by.

Travis

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:44 am

I'm a teacher and I wear my hats to school. I take them off in the classroom, of course but it sits upside down on my desk and goes directly back on my head as soon as I'm out the door. Its usually a Penman, either the Raiders or the charcoal grey one. The students actually like the hats. And my hair is always messy, ita part of the appeal

, so hat head isn't a problem.

Dave

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:07 am

Hollowpond wrote:Well the kids know I'm different anyways. Yes I get all kinds of comments, most nice though. The best compliments I get are unspoken ones from older gentlemen in the form of a nostalgic glance as I pass by.

Travis

I was recently stopped in the supermarket while wearing my Penman
grey CS Train Hat by a gentleman in what looked like his mid to late
70's. He said with my hat I looked like his father back in the 1930's.
It put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. Of course I demanded
a paternity test.

Marty

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:09 am

The Librarian wrote:
Hollowpond wrote:Well the kids know I'm different anyways. Yes I get all kinds of comments, most nice though. The best compliments I get are unspoken ones from older gentlemen in the form of a nostalgic glance as I pass by.

Travis
I was recently stopped in the supermarket while wearing my Penman
grey CS Train Hat by a gentleman in what looked like his mid to late
70's. He said with my hat I looked like his father back in the 1930's.
It put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. Of course I demanded
a paternity test.

Marty

Never can be too careful, huh?

Can't wait to see that on the next Maury Povich!

Travis

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:41 am

Well, I can't wait to receive my first taunt whilst wearing my Penman

Gotta wait a few months though.

Is it right that John has a shop now? Are there any pictures of it anywhere? I'll probably never get to go there unless they invent the teleport pad

(although I would be tempted just to visit that Horse Brass Pub, looks awesome!!, proper boozer!!)

Ian

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:56 am

Yep! John has his own hat shop now! Check out this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=43070

TenuredProfessor · Post by **TenuredProfessor** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 1:42 pm

As nice a setup that John has at his shop, I intend to have my future Penman hats delivered to the Horse Brass personally by John. Delivery fee = A pint and a scotch egg

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 2:28 pm

TenuredProfessor wrote:As nice a setup that John has at his shop, I intend to have my future Penman hats delivered to the Horse Brass personally by John. Delivery fee = A pint and a scotch egg

and well worth it!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 3:50 pm

I had a great time with you guys.

Here's to many more.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 2:41 am

Sounds awesome! I guess, when my Penman arrives, I'll just have to take the laptop to the pub and surf this forum instead.

Incidentally, John - You are one sharp dresser!! Awesome threads! The hat goes without saying!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:07 am

jnicktem wrote:Yep! John has his own hat shop now! Check out this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=43070

Thanks. I knew they'd be somewhere!

Shop looks great, I wish that there were more like that here in the UK. Just as well Penmans aint in here, though, cos I'd just end up spending all my dosh there and harrasing John!

I ordered my Penman in January, and I already feel like I've harrassed him over that with changing my mind about the specs etc. Sorry John.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:32 am

Ian wrote: I ordered my Penman in January, and I already feel like I've harrassed him over that with changing my mind about the specs etc. Sorry John.

Ian, you're not the only one. I finally settled on my specs this week!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:51 am

binkmeisterRick wrote:
Ian wrote: I ordered my Penman in January, and I already feel like I've harrassed him over that with changing my mind about the specs etc. Sorry John.
Ian, you're not the only one. I finally settled on my specs this week!

Blimey!! Imagine the correspondence the guy gets!

hulkamad · Post by **hulkamad** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:19 am

Deputy Jedi wrote:I am now the proud owner of a Penman and wanted to take a minute and thank John for his time and effort in making an order right.

John said he was trying to figure out a better way to do measurements for mail order customers. He asked for some patience. A few days later, he called me. He was sending me some medical tape measures made into crowns, taped at 21 7’8 – 22 – and 22 1’8. He asked me to try them on and get back with him.

The 21 7/8 crown fit too tight. The 22 1/8 left some gaps on the sides. The 22 fit the best. I took photos of the measurements and contacted John. He felt that he had the information he needed and could reblock my hat.

That is a way cool story. Mr Penman is a class act. Someday I plan on owning one of his creations. I'm curious about the medical tape mentioned in your story. It sounds like a good way to calculate head sizes. After reading your post I looked for medical tape at my local Walmart but all I could find was some stretchy guaze or actual medical "tape" meaning that is was sticky on one side (sounds like a good way to rip out one's hair if used for head measurement

). I did end up buying some of what I thought it might be but it turned out to be sticky and I tried it out with mixed results.

Maybe my problem lied with the person doing the measuring and not the roll of med tape.

What kind of medical tape would best lend itself to this kind of use?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:45 am

...heavy on the Mr.'s!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 9:25 am

Medical tape measure Does NOT have any thing sticky on them at all. They are just paper measuring devise that doesn't cost a lot so I can send them to customers taped together like crowns.

If someone measures their heade and gets 23 inches. I send out 4 paper tape measure. 3 are put together like crowns. 22 7/8, 23, and 23 1/8. The customer puts each one on. The that fits the best should be 23. This is to double check the customers measurements.

The 4th is a extra just in case none of the first 3 fits.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 3:52 pm

Well, I finally pulled the trigger on a Penman, CS grey traveling hat. Can't wait.
Sent John a pic of me with a tape wrapped around my head, gave him my hat size and guess what, I got a phone message saying that something didn't add up and that he'd send out those measuring tapes. Man what service.

I'm totaly anxious,

Croft

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 4:24 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:Well, I finally pulled the trigger on a Penman, CS grey traveling hat. Can't wait.
Sent John a pic of me with a tape wrapped around my head, gave him my hat size and guess what, I got a phone message saying that something didn't add up and that he'd send out those measuring tapes. Man what service.

I'm totaly anxious,

Croft

No need to be anxious when you're buying from John. You're in good hands. He won't work on a hat till he's sure of your measurements and won't be happy till you are.
I speak from experience.

Marty

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:56 pm

So here's a story for all of you... it's short and simple... but it was still a nice experience.

So I went out the the grocery store quick to get a few things, and on my way out I put on my Wested Washed Goat (Raiders) and my Penman Last Crusade. I don't typically try to wear both at the same time to avoid the Indiana Jones comments. But I did this time.

Anyways, I gathered what I needed at the store and went to the self-checkout line. I was motioned to a nearby register by friendly cashier. She was probably in her 50's-60's and said when she saw me she had to talk to me. She said that she absolutely LOVED my hat, and said that it reminded her of her fathers. Then she told me about how her father was very picky about the hats he would wear and never bought a hat off the shelf. All of his hats were custom made by hand! And she was very surprised to see a hat that looked sooo similiar to one worn by her father!

So hearing this of course I had to tell her that my hat was also custom made... by hand! She didn't even know that people still do that! I told her all about John and the hats he makes and how he makes them. I even wrote down his website address for her so she can take a look. Then I told her that I was doing my best to bring hats back into popular culture... she wished me the best of luck!

So I just felt like sharing that story... it certainly brightened my night!

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 8:39 am

Now that is a nice story. I always love it when people compliment me on my hat, not a snide remake, but a true hart felt compliment.

No need to be anxious when you're buying from John. You're in good hands. He won't work on a hat till he's sure of your measurements and won't be happy till you are.
I speak from experience.
Marty

Thanks, The Librarian, I'll try not to get anxious, but if it's one thing this hobby has taught me, paitance.

Croft

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 9:21 am

The Librarian wrote:No need to be anxious when you're buying from John. You're in good hands. He won't work on a hat till he's sure of your measurements and won't be happy till you are. I speak from experience. Marty

...except for that thing about the duct tape around the head!

I'm starting to understand it better...medical tape for the preferred customers and duct tape for the problem child.

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 12:36 pm

Texan Scott wrote:
The Librarian wrote:No need to be anxious when you're buying from John. You're in good hands. He won't work on a hat till he's sure of your measurements and won't be happy till you are. I speak from experience. Marty
...except for that thing about the duct tape around the head!

I'm starting to understand it better...medical tape for the preferred customers and duct tape for the problem child.

shhh... Ixnay on the uctday apetay.

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:40 pm

Got another fine compliment on my Penman tonight from an older gentleman in a restaurant where I was dining. He said he'd never seen such a fine hat in all his days. I gave him the last of John's cards I had, then called John to make sure he sent me more cards with my reblocked Fed 4.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:01 pm

Word of mouth is still the best form of ad, it seems. John's hats basically promote themselves, in terms of quality and materials used.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 10:58 pm

So for the past few weeks I have REALLY been lovin' my Penman LC! It has been my go-to hat pretty much everyday. In my mind- it's absolutely perfect! I have been wearing it for about 5 months now... and I am extremely proud of how well it has been holding up through all the snow and rain it has been through. It still looks brand new!

As for my other Penmans... my Grey Raiders Seaplane is reaching that 1 year mark- and it has really taken on a character of it's own! To me, it looks like a much well-loved hat. And my black "Penman" hat has unfortunately not been worn as much. I am keeping that for more dressy occasions. However I have worn it out several times- and I love the reactions I get from people who notice just how sharp and high- quality it really is!

And with all that said- I cannot wait to receive my FOURTH Penman!!! Which is on order by the way....

Oh by the way- I am very pleased to announce that this is my 100th post in this thread!!! $\:D/$

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:03 pm

...you got that right! That COW meter is really smokin'! Frequent poster rewards should be credited to you toward your 4th purchase!

Enjoy!

...Mitch, you seen that oil can anywhere....?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:15 pm

Texan Scott wrote:...you got that right! That COW meter is really smokin'! Frequent poster rewards should be credited to you toward your 4th purchase!

Enjoy!

...Mitch, you seen that oil can anywhere....?

When did you start as my PR person?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:18 pm

BendingOak wrote:
Texan Scott wrote:...you got that right! That COW meter is really smokin'! Frequent poster rewards should be credited to you toward your 4th purchase!

Enjoy!

...Mitch, you seen that oil can anywhere....?

When did you start as my PR person?

I don't know... but I like it!!!

(101 posts and counting.... I wonder what I get when I hit 1000!)

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:29 pm

1000 post.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:38 pm

No free 100% beaver Penman??? I'd settle for a 100% rabbit Penman!

Or even a Henry!

A Lapel pin?

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 1:23 am

Nah, you'll get a hat named after you like me

DanielJones · Post by **DanielJones** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 1:44 am

Well, I finally got my Penman hat ordered! Went with the Raiders style, now I'll have to figure out if I want an Idol Grab, a Raven or a SOC. Maybe a melding of the three? Anyway, the five month wait begins.

If my estimate is correct it might be ready by my Birthday in August.

Cheers!

Dan

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:30 pm

Just got my Fed4 back from reblocking at Penman's and just wanted to say how nice it looks. John replaced the sweatband, liner and ribbon.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:21 am

Post a pic Luke. I'd like to see how it turned out, as I'm sure others are as well.

The Librarian · Post by **The Librarian** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:23 pm

I didn't know John was re-blocking Federations.

I have a Fed Dlx 3 that could use some tender loving care.

Marty

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:30 pm

Texan Scott wrote:Post a pic Luke. I'd like to see how it turned out, as I'm sure others are as well.

Done, it's in the Fed4 display thread: http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... start=1350

KY Jones · Post by **KY Jones** » Fri Mar 19, 2010 12:20 pm

My new Penman is here (my fourth)! Beautiful Moss Green with matching vintage ribbon, three inch brim, ordered open crown so I could put my own touches on it. Bashed it like a 1920s vintage Capone fedora. I call it "the Snorky". Oak's work is excellent work! He outdid himself on this one. My dream fedora. All I've ever wanted in a fedora I'll probably wear daily.

I've gotten compliments every where I go on my Penman hats. The new hat box that came with it is the finest I've ever seen. Sturdy and great appearance. I can't believe Oak is throwing these in free with the hat. Feast your eyes on these pics