Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:25 pm

Does anyone know if BK sends out samples?
I have contacted them, but no reply.

THX
C

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:14 pm

Gailen, it IS.
Believe it or not I hadn’t even checked to find it until you asked, but it looks like mine is #8

Holt, it DOES, doesn’t it?

Yeah, the dimensions certainly look –AND feel- unmistakable… but as I mentioned for me this jacket wins out by a nose and I think that’s largely because of the hide. My Nowak was in 747 Cowhide. Tough as nails, mind you… but just missing something that a softer leather brings with it.
At the 2011 Finger Lakes Summit, MIKE was kind enough to let me try on his Nowak (which was in the lambskin, if I’m not mistaken – and MIKE, please let me know if I am) …anyway, Mike’s Nowak Jacket sure was nice and as much as I loved my Nowak I couldn’t help but really envy the guys with the more pliable hides… the drape and “give” that it had really made for some fine jackets.
Thanks for the compliment on the fit, my friend!

Jack, thanks for your kind words. I’ve got the straps pulled back an inch or so (I think) but nothing too tight as far as a remember. Anyway, yeah, I’ll be sure to post a few more (better) shots at some point in the not TOO distant future (once they’ve been taken) and then I’ll get rid of those “swing” shots and post the new ones here. Hope you like ‘em once I do. Cheers!

Canasta, I really don’t know the answer to that one, sorry. Hope you have some luck with that.
If it helps to know, I was a little bit nervous about the color when I first saw it on their website (frankly, I was worried that it’d be too… uh… “milk chocolaty” I guess, would be the term.
But once I saw photos of Gorak’s jacket I figured I’d take the gamble and MAN, I’m glad I did! The folks at Bill Kelso have got one VERY satisfied customer over here in MY corner of the world.

Thanks for the comments, fellas!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:18 pm

Mitch,
Thanks.
I really want a jacket that looks good, but has the durability of my GB goat.
I was wanting to get a goat sample from them. We'll see.
That jacket looks fantastic on ya btw.
I'm jealous.

C

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:43 pm

Mitch, you are seriously tempting me to buy a Bill Kelso. That's just not fair man. I just bought a Nowak raiders. My wife will divorce me if I buy a Kelso now.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:44 pm

That's a nice new Indy jacket this company is selling. $800 for a jacket though is a bit steep. Any shots of the "grainy lambskin" version? My "threshold" for spending cash on leather jackets tops out at $500.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:17 am

Mitch....that looks great! Even looks custom fitted to me. I was curious about the sizing originally as it seemed too simple to just order my size and yet, it ended up being perfect. This marriage of leather and Nowak pattern is the creme de la creme of Raiders jackets. The few Nowaks I have had and/or held, while all having great pattern and look, just didn`t "come alive" as Raiders jacket due to slight changes.....heavier leathers and that special type lining...and while I`m sure that fits the niche for some people that want a "real world" jacket, for motorcycling or cold weather, it just never really breathes that second skin explorer Raiders jacket like this Kelso does. You don`t even have all your gear on and already you look the part perfectly.....right away I was thinking of Imams house as I saw your pics! Great!

I personally feel that Kelso nailed the Raiders jacket in every aspect where as everyone else just fell sightly short due to their modifications and slight adaptations. AWESOME JACKET!!!!!!
$\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$
As for the price, it is up there but the Nowak started out the same...even more with the few I came into and, looking back, I feel that the Kelso is definitely worth the financial commitment more than any Nowak I had......especially if I wanted "the jacket". Of course, thats my opinion and there are enough jacket vendors out there there to fill every bizzare fetish we have!

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:21 am

With every post I read on the jacket I get more excited about receiving mine. Still waiting for notification that it has been shipped.

Gailen

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:17 am

I don't think you'll get a message that it shipped. (I didn't). It will arrive with a signature required. If you aren't home, the postman should leave a slip with when and where to pick it up. Comes in a white box with bunches of Greek stamps - very cool.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:06 pm

Have to agree with the above posters, it's a GREAT Indy jacket. My US Wings one is as good as in the bin. I wore my BK 009 over a weekend away, got caught in a sudden shower, running for cover. The leather has started it's own personality and coming out with it's own striations and more and more character. Never seen a jacket do that so quickly, and those that know me know I have a few ! Will post some decent photos of it soon - promise!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:19 pm

Gorak wrote:Mitch....that looks great! Even looks custom fitted to me... You don`t even have all your gear on and already you look the part perfectly.....right away I was thinking of Imams house as I saw your pics! Great!

Gorak, THANK YOU for that, my friend!

And I have to agree with everything you had to say about the jacket. I feel the exact same way!

CRB wrote:Have to agree with the above posters, it's a GREAT Indy jacket....Will post some decent photos of it soon - promise!

I hope so, CRB... we're gonna have to hold you to that promise, because I can't wait to see your photos added to the others here on these pages!

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 7:11 pm

How long after ordering did you guys in the states get delievery??

Gailen

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:25 pm

...well, just the other day I got ta' thinkin', kinda like you did, Mitch LaRueski, when you were justa' swingin'.....hmmm.... .....that's usually how it works....hmmm.... .....and I know nuttin's written in stone mind you....but I betcha' Indy was a baseball fan back in the day! You know, a good all 'rounder....?

Indy in the wind-up

....ready for that HEATER!

...Indy lays down a Mickey Mantle drag bunt instead!

...hopin' for a GOLD GLOVE but this'll do!

Oooopppsss!

THAT'S the ticket!!!

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:06 pm

Hey TS, that's the best Indy jacket I've ever seen on you...awesome!

Alex

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:16 pm

Thank you, Alex! All kidding aside, I'll post a serious review soon, so stay tuned.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:55 pm

Nice lookin' jacket you've got there, Tex

Do my eyes deceive me, or is there a snap on the inside of the right collar?

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 10:54 pm

trdaggers wrote:How long after ordering did you guys in the states get delievery??

Gailen

About 3 weeks...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 11:42 pm

Sometimes with new offerings, euphoria can color the overall impression of an item of gear, so here is a sober review of this new Raiders jacket offering from Bill Kelso, known as the Relic Hunter. For members who are considering this purchase or are on the fence, due to financial or many other reasons, if you are considering the possibility of biting the bullet due to budget limitations, or may have to charge this potential purchase, I'm writing this review for you.

Previously, Gorak and others have done a very good job with highlighting the specs and features of this jacket, so I have decided to take this commentary in another direction, with comparison photos of other vendor’s jackets, etc. A company that states as its goal, to make the most accurate reproduction Raiders jackets available today, and then prices them in the “high end” of the retail market deserves rigorous scrutiny, and such will be undertaken. Here is my experience with this new jacket maker.

The Order Process
Intrigued by this new offering and the photos that followed, I decided to place my own order, and immediately began dealing with Andy. I found him to be helpful and also knowledgeable with the Raiders jacket. He answered most all my questions within hours, during the business day. As Christian Jones, Gorak and others began receiving the very first orders of the “Relic Hunter”, I noticed that the sleeves appeared to be too long (for me) and began adjusting measurements on the fly. Once most of my general questions were answered, I made the purchase via Paypal. The negotiations did not end there, though, because there were certain features and specs that I wanted to add, change and tweak slightly. Mainly, my jacket was ordered with the following: the collar would be modified to become the main “Hero”collar that we see in the Raven Bar and Flying Wing sequences, that is to say, that the modified collar is slightly shorter in width and the points are rounded (to me, there was no sense in making a jacket with striations on the upper right panel, and not following through with the appropriate collar per film); I’d also asked BK to modify the back panel so there was not such severe taper, similar to the USW “Legend” series of jackets, for example; finally, they added hidden snaps to the storm flap, top and bottom, for practical reasons. I ordered a size 44, and made no other changes, except for the sleeve length, 24 ¼”. From the start of the order to the time it arrived at my home, it was roughly three weeks. Unfortunately, the box arrived in this shape at my door:

http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4013.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4015.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fortunately though, there was no damage to the contents, and since outstanding issues had already been addressed, there were no extras included with the jacket's contents.

It’s Here!
Once the shipment arrived, I was eager to open it and examine this reproduction in order to determine exactly what this jacket was? What was their vision for the jacket and had the specs had been correct? How did they cut the pockets, etc.? What type of lining was used? How wide was the storm flap? You get the idea….the devil is in the details…and other factors as well.

There are certain movie stills that I have used as references over the years, just for such a time as this, and here they are. Who can forget this memorable still from the opening sequence, and I have used this still mainly for details:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm556972800/tt0082971" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Notice how wide the storm flap is, the unusual shape of the pocket flaps & position of the collar ending.

Also this one came to mind, mainly the leather characteristics & color, with attention to the collar:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm892517120/tt0082971" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The inevitable yoke and back panel reference:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2995883264/tt0082971" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To be candid about it, with the time I have spent in the forum, I have learned to try to see this jacket as it was, and not to transpose my own ideas or preconceived notions about the jacket onto reality. Therein lies the challenge, if you want a faithful reproduction.

I think it should be noted that the Raiders film jacket is much like the film itself. It was a perfect storm of details, fit, color and texture of leather that produced that iconic look, which has been so elusive. Firstly, the texture and color of the leather, appear to be as close to the actual film jacket, as most thus far. As I began to inspect the Relic Hunter, mainly looking at the front, I noticed that they accurately reproduced the width of the storm flap and pockets/pocket flaps, a very elusive detail that only TN has copied faithfully in the past. Stitching was top notched, and they use cotton thread, if I am not mistaken. However, to me, the pockets were placed a bit too far from the storm flap edges on either side. The hand warmers go into the lining of the jacket. The collar modifications were faithful, but the collar did not end toward the middle of the storm flap, but just over its inside edge. Sleeves were just slightly too wide, but that is a personal preference, and something that I had also observed from the preceding jackets that were posted in this thread. Gussets were present, and that was a good thing. The jacket liner material is similar to the type of black material (cotton twill, I believe) that G&B uses to line their map pockets, so it is somewhat warmer than most of the other vendor offerings, and the fabric is colored much like the leather, itself. A silver colored, No. 5 YKK zipper and 3 Star n****e snaps round out the metal hardware. On its back, the yoke is sufficiently narrow (though it could be just slightly on the wide side), as is the action pleats, no real negative remarks for these specs, but you might keep that in mind if it is a sticking point for you? The yoke seams and sleeve seams did not line up, by a margin of 1 ¼ inches. K stitching at the strap anchors, and sturdy, black oxide buckles round out the back panels. The Relic Hunter does not contain elastic straps inside the pack panel’s lining, keeping the pleats closed, as does the G&B. On the torso of the jacket itself, the front of the jacket is longer than the back by roughly 1 inch. Generally speaking, attention to the minute details of the Raiders film jacket had been adhered to. However, if you order one of these jackets, you may want to hone in on the features and specs that matter most to you. I had to split hairs at times to find inconsistencies, some may consider it minor, and some may not, but consider these comments if you decide to place an order in the near future? After all, you will be placing $800 on the table.

In Closing
What Bill Kelso has hoped to achieve is to virtually bring the film jacket to you, by attempting to bridge the remaining 10% to 15% of the “SA” gap, where other vendors have previously failed to traverse successfully. Yet, one glaring question remains, and this is where we must be honest with the forum. Is this jacket worth the extra $600 more than the current Todd’s Standard, or an extra $500 more than a Wested Custom, for instance? With the following photos as a guide, I hope you will have a clearer perspective of if this flavor of the month is the jacket for you? That really is the question.

The BK Relic Hunter
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4016.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BK and the current Todd's Standard
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4017.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BK and a Todd's Standard of the 2nd or 3rd generatiobn
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4021.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BK and a Wested RoLA pattern
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4023.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BK and a Wested Hero in dark brown goat
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4020.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BK and Gibson & Barnes Expedition goat
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp13 ... 0_4019.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 3:12 am

Great review Texan.
My only sticking point on not ordering one myself is the price. I keep trying to convince myself that this could be the one, the end of the search, the grail if you will

and would therefore save me money in the long run

, but it won't. It's the search that drives us, the thrill of the chase..........

Enough cliche's time to start saving!

ZOLTAR

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:10 am

TS, great pictures! Refreshing change up

from the standard 'new jacket' poses. I especially like the batter up, it's like a screen shot where Indy is about to clobber some thug.

I really appreciate your well thought out and written review. I found it very objective and should prove to be be valuable to those considering placing an order.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:14 am

I gotta agree with Jeff and Zoltar here Tex, that was a great review.

-The Dude

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:48 am

"The hand warmers go into the lining of the jacket"
That's an odd choice by Kelso. I'm pretty sure my TN Raiders didn't have pockets like that.

My early Todd's standard did though, If I remember correctly.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:06 pm

Kevin, my TN Raiders' pockets do exactly that. It's one of the only things I dislike about the jacket.

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:11 pm

Kevin Anderson wrote:"The hand warmers go into the lining of the jacket"
That's an odd choice by Kelso. I'm pretty sure my TN Raiders didn't have pockets like that.
My early Todd's standard did though, If I remember correctly.

The hand warmers should go into the lining of the jacket. I mean, through a cut on the leather.
I've inspected a TN Raiders and comes like that.
It's the only correct way, otherwise the hand warmers ends inside the patch pocket.

Early Todd's standard (2008, I have one) first batch came with hand warmers inserted on the patch pockets, wich was corrected on the next batches.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:19 pm

Heh, I guess I was just guessing after all! I haven't owned an Indy jacket for a bit, but I just didn't think the hand warmers went into the lining. In hindsight,
they probably did; it makes more sense that way.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:24 pm

...a change-up on an 0-2 count gets 'em ever time, Jeff!

I hope others will get something out of these posts that will help in the decision making process. I tried to stay as neutral as possible under the circumstances.

Thanks guys, and fire away if you have any more questions.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 2:36 am

The hand warmers into the lining issue has always been a 'screen accurate vs. real world practical' debate. Not that the hand warmers can actually be seen on screen, but Wested jackets come that way (at least my c2000 jacket is) and apparently if Tony copied a screen used hero jacket stitch for stitch he made the pockets that way.

Seeing that the Kelso jacket is a copy of a TNO, I'm not surprised the hand warmers are constructed that way.

The problem with this configuration is it essentially leaves a 'hole' in the leather shell of the jacket to allow the elements through the hand warmer and into the lining. If memory servers, there was one jacket maker that made the hand warmers behind the patch pockets (perhaps the Todd's mentioned above), but not through the outer shell and into the lining. That may make the hand warmers slightly less practical from a size perspective, but would improve the integrity of the outer shell of the jacket.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

CM · Post by CM » Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:12 am

It's the G&B, I think, that does the patch pockets differently. But I don't have mine nearby to check.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:50 am

My Wings Legend also does the hand warmers just behind the patch pockets.

I dislike it on my TNO because the pocket lining tends to bunch up at the bottom under the patch pockets and makes the leather on the jacket right above the bottom bunch out. I'm thinking about having someone redo the lining for the hand warmers to make it smaller and perhaps alleviate this issue.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:10 am

Few pis of my BK 009:

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:36 am

that is 1 sweet chewey morsel of a jacket! I was going to say how much I liked the zipped up look but every picture looks fantastic.
Bravo! a great marriage of a member and a jacket......congrats!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 1:24 pm

A very, VERY well thought out review by Tex... THANK YOU sir! (I would never have expected less)

The jacket looks pretty GREAT onya, CRB!

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 1:38 pm

Thanks for the very kind comments. I don't have the whole Indy outfit, just a AB Fedora. But I wanted to try show off what is happening with the grain on the jacket which is getting better and better day by day. I've got a weeks holiday in Spain in a month and plan on wearing it then. Will post some more pics after as I'm sure it will look even more full of character. And yes I will obey the photo limit !

ltfoley · Post by **ltfoley** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 1:43 pm

Nice jacket CRB!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 2:06 pm

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sun Sep 02, 2012 10:43 am

ShanghaiJack wrote:My Wings Legend also does the hand warmers just behind the patch pockets.

Yep, that's the one. I just checked my Wings Legend (Bison hide, US made) and the hand warmers are under the patch pockets. Been a while since I've worn it so I forgot my own jacket was the one to which I was referring.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 2:22 am

well since I can hardly tell any difference in any jacket from the next out side of a few small things like a collar might be larger, OR the wind flap might be larger, OR the yolk or whatever the straps are called might be different sizes, OR the leather might be thicker OR have a different texture..AND honestly I dont see those differences unless they are all side by side and its pointed out..lol...I wouldnt pay over 500$ for any jacket even if I was bill gates rich. AND since most of the jackets are not made by the original people or actual movie prop jackets who cares?IF you can buy a TODDS for 200$ that looks as much the part as a 500$ US WINGS, why not go with the TODDS? Unless you getting them made to fit they all are going to fit close to the same if ordered properly..Just saying..a penny saved is a penny earned.

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:40 am

Honestly..While I agree with a lot of what you said, in things like leather jackets (and hats as well..Clothing, especially, as a general rule), you gain a LOT by paying the higher price..It's not just the cash..But what the cash is paying for...Which, as a rule, is more hand made work, more attention to production, higher base quality of the materials used, and more care put into the whole process right down the line...From inception to sending out to you...

You pay more because you appreciate that it's WORTH more..Worth being the REAL use of the word....What it COST, in terms of the entire process...

In clothing, all that comes back to you three fold...You'll get a jacket that lasts a lot longer, is better made, more resistant to damage and wear, and looks a lot closer to what you'd asked for...

Basically...I'd swear I've had this conversation with you before..LOL

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:56 am

very similar draping here

and here

One quick note..

...the collar did not end toward the middle of the storm flap, but just over its inside edge.

It is the presence of the hidden snap in the storm flap which prevented the collar to end at the middle of the storm flap.
The sewing machine can't go any closer because of the snap. It's the cost of having a snap there.
All other jackets made without a snap have the collar ending where it should.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:17 am

youngjedi71 wrote:well since I can hardly tell any difference in any jacket from the next out side of a few small things like a collar might be larger, OR the wind flap might be larger, OR the yolk or whatever the straps are called might be different sizes, OR the leather might be thicker OR have a different texture..AND honestly I dont see those differences unless they are all side by side and its pointed out..lol...I wouldnt pay over 500$ for any jacket even if I was bill gates rich. AND since most of the jackets are not made by the original people or actual movie prop jackets who cares?IF you can buy a TODDS for 200$ that looks as much the part as a 500$ US WINGS, why not go with the TODDS? Unless you getting them made to fit they all are going to fit close to the same if ordered properly..Just saying..a penny saved is a penny earned.

You are as much entitled to your opinion as anyone else here, and it was as much for you and others that may think similiarly, that I wrote the review. There are basically two schools of thought here. Some will say, the differences don't mean that much to me, so I'll just get a less expensive one. Then there are members who are seriously considering this purchase, and either the review will disuade them or they will hone in on things that were written and refine their own purchase. Hopefully the review will help members to solidify their decisions, either way. My goal was simply to look at the jacket objectively and demystify.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:25 am

CRB wrote:Few pis of my BK 009:

With all due respect, thus far, the end of the collar has been placed/cut just past the inside edge of the storm flap, snaps or not, as CRB's jacket illustrates. I'm not going to throw out the baby with the bath water, but simply to say that this is one of the specs that members have consistenly looked at over the years. It matters to some.

Forrest For the Trees · Mon Sep 03, 2012 12:24 pm

These Kelso's really do look great. The pattern and leather look terrific, but it's the color that's got me hooked. I haven't seen any other vendor offer a warm reddish brown like that. Whether or not it is accurate (who knows?) that's probably my favorite color I've seen on any brown leather yet.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:10 pm

As BK has illustrated, the skin/hide makes a difference. This lamb/sheepskin ranges in color depending on the lighting. If inside and under a skylight, the leather will have a milk chocolate brown outer appearance with purplish undertones to almost black, outside. There were vertually no folds or creases once it was received, and it quckly retained its shape soon out of the box. I guess it just needed a little breathing room.

BK says that these skins come from animals that are only located 2 places on earth, and that they are vegetable tanned, as he puts it, a process that can take up to 6 months. I have also seen some TN's that nail the look quite nicely as well, such as S. Jack's jacket. That one looks almost like it was taken from the set.

...you're getting sleepy, S. Jack! You're getting VERY sleepy....

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:36 pm

The guys who have received their jacket seem thrilled. That's enough for me. Can't wait for mine to arrived.

Gailen David

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:50 pm

fifthchamber wrote:Honestly..While I agree with a lot of what you said, in things like leather jackets (and hats as well..Clothing, especially, as a general rule), you gain a LOT by paying the higher price..It's not just the cash..But what the cash is paying for...Which, as a rule, is more hand made work, more attention to production, higher base quality of the materials used, and more care put into the whole process right down the line...From inception to sending out to you...

You pay more because you appreciate that it's WORTH more..Worth being the REAL use of the word....What it COST, in terms of the entire process...

In clothing, all that comes back to you three fold...You'll get a jacket that lasts a lot longer, is better made, more resistant to damage and wear, and looks a lot closer to what you'd asked for...

Basically...I'd swear I've had this conversation with you before..LOL

not sure if we have talked about this or not before unless you my lil buddy on facebook?.

IF SO...then I really never agreed, I just accepted your opinion..

....In my mind, if something lasts, ..it lasts..simple as that. Rather its handmade or machine/factory. AND I think I said something like...I like my FedIV and my AB..but I think the FedIV might be better made and worth MORE than the AB? I dont remember all of the conversation. But I know it had something to do with clothes and such..

And this is just me..im sure...AS these forums are made more for guys who want to spend the money on tailor made clothes and look down on cheaper off the rack things..Especially if its anything to do with Indy gear.

I will say again, I think my Salvation Army/goodwill 3$ pants are better than the 100$ Indy pants I bought..lol..AND my 1st indy "disney" hat 65$ would outlast the AB 320$ in harsh climates. So I ask you, which is better? Rather it takes 100 years of practice to make something or not what does it matter if it dont stand the test of time? Just because someone has a skill to make something doesnt really make it better or have more "worth".

And like I said im sure im alone on this here..but its all good. we all have opinions right??

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 2:10 pm

Just to chime in on the price of jackets. The thing to consider more is the value for money. The Todds jacket for example is fantastic value for money. But make no mistake the BK jacket is far better quality. People may feel free to argue this, but I've been collecting jackets for years and know good quality when I see it.

I personally dont mind spending money on a jacket if the quality matches it, hence my Belstaff collection. Manufacturers like US WIngs and Wested, while their leather isn't bad at all (and that soft touch Wested hide was just gorgeous), I don't feel they got the pattern right at all. At least not for my frame, hence I don't rank them as high.

Forrest For the Trees · Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:01 pm

Something is only worth what you are willing to pay. If you aren't willing to pay the price, than it isn't worth it to you. Is $800 dollars a ridiculous amount of money for a jacket? Of course. But so is paying $200 to $400 each for several jackets. To each his own. No one needs any of this stuff. Our money would be better off in savings or going to charity. But, if you want to indulge once in a while, there are certainly worse ways...

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:52 pm

Texan Scott wrote: I have also seen some TN's that nail the look quite nicely as well, such as S. Jack's jacket. That one looks almost like it was taken from the set.

...you're getting sleepy, S. Jack! You're getting VERY sleepy....

*Huge yawn*
Somebody say my name?

Thanks, Tex.

I've gotta say those BK's have a lovely color.

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:14 pm

Texan Scott wrote:
CRB wrote:Few pis of my BK 009:

With all due respect, thus far, the end of the collar has been placed/cut just past the inside edge of the storm flap, snaps or not, as CRB's jacket illustrates. I'm not going to throw out the baby with the bath water, but simply to say that this is one of the specs that members have consistenly looked at over the years. It matters to some.

hum..i just looked at some of my raiders screengrabs and see what you are talking about..man, will anyone ever get the jacket 100%? lol..Seems if the fans can notice this stuff and point it out that the jacket makers could?

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:20 pm

Seems this one is right with where the collar attaches?? maybe??

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 5:28 pm

CRB wrote:Few pis of my BK 009:

CRB, very nice jacket and fit!

Let me ask you, back/stormflap lenght? Is a 42 size?
Thanks in advance!

Regards.-