Just received my first Adventurebilt

[michael]

It took 6 months, but Mr. Delk came through with flying colors and it was absolutely worth the wait and the price. I can't say enough about how gorgeous this hat is. It puts every other hat I see on the street to shame. Also, Mr. Delk just seems like a really nice guy.

I had him make me a rabbit fur Raiders fedora based on stills I sent him from the opening of Raiders and the scene in the market in Cairo.

Now I only have a few questions:

1) Is there any kind of break-in process I should be aware of? Any general maintenance? Basically, how can I ensure that this hat lasts a lifetime?

And, most importantly:

2) What is the safest, most permanent method to get the razor sharp tight front pinch?

I know Mr. Delk uses top quality felt, but given his level of craftsmanship and my investment, I don't want to do anything to this hat that might unnecessarily harm it or shorten its life. That said, I really love the super tight pinch (it seems to work better with my face / head), and would love to know the best method for 'training' the hat. I've been working with it a bit over the last few days, including one short session with steam, and it's definitely gotten tighter. But I'm really going for a very sharp front pinch that will last forever. I'll never reblock this hat, so creases aren't a concern for me.

Anyway, I'm proud to finally have my Adventurebilt, and I'm proud to finally join this storied community. Thanks for your input.

Best,
Michael

[j2m]

Couldn't resist
Congratulations on your AB Michael

Regards
JM

[A.J. Cairo]

Congrats on your First AB! You'll enjoy it for years to come!

[michael]

Couldn't resist
Congratulations on your AB Michael

Regards
JM

Forgive me. ;-)

[jlee562]

Break it in by wearing it. The sweatband will conform to your headshape over time. As far as care, store it in a hat box when not on your head and periodically treat the leather sweatband with some sort of leather conditioner. How often depends on the acidity of your sweat. Most commercial products should be fine (lexol, pecards), I use pure Shea butter (all natural!), and I hear jojoba oil works as well. Obviously do not get any of these products on the liner or felt. Get a good quality hat brush and brush it periodically (unless you want the Cairo look). John Penman has an excellent how to video linked at the top of the forum.

[j2m]

Now that is a stunning AB Michael!!!!
Welcome to the forum by the way

JM

[Bigfoot]

Nice lid!!
Here is a thread on the front crease, viewtopic.php?f=1&t=45139" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[WConly]

For what it's worth, I like the bash you have now. I wouldn't tighten it any further, but that is just me. Beautiful hat! Fits you quite well! Conrgats ! W>

[michael]

It's amazing what happens when someone like Steve takes the time to make something from scratch.

The bash/pinch are definitely growing on me. I think all this hat needs now is time!

(Also, after looking at tons of pictures, I've come to the conclusion that lighting has a tremendous effect on the appearance of the bash/pinch.)

[WConly]

It's amazing what happens when someone like Steve takes the time to make something from scratch.

The bash/pinch are definitely growing on me. I think all this hat needs now is time!

(Also, after looking at tons of pictures, I've come to the conclusion that lighting has a tremendous effect on the appearance of the bash/pinch.)

There ya go! Let it develop 'it's' own personality and trust me, it will! W>

[Michaelson]

Hear hear and amen!

Hats and jackets require time (and regular wear) to take on the personality of the owner, so just enjoy the hat and wear it....in ALL weather. That's how they build character and become good friends.

You got a VERY nice example, my friend!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

[lingarn]

Congratulations on your new hat! You are quite lucky to have had such a short wait.

It looks very good. Wear it well!

[beaverlid]

Looks good. I forgot how dark these are when you first get them. I t will fade a little with time amd take on its own character. That is when they really shine in my opinion. I read over and over when I received my AB 4 years ago to wear it and not baby it because it doesn't need to be babied. Take care of it but don't treat it like delicate china. With daily wear and tear it will start to look like the proverbial old friend. Enjoy!

[ChrisMD]

SWEEEEEET hat

[Charybdis]

Awesome!! Wear it with pride!!

[stones]

Congratulations and welcome to the Adventurbilt club!!

The hat looks perfect and looks a good fit. I wouldn't change the crease either. It has been done by a craftsman! What liner is in the hat by the way?

Once again, Great Hat.

Stones

[michael]

Congratulations and welcome to the Adventurbilt club!!

The hat looks perfect and looks a good fit. I wouldn't change the crease either. It has been done by a craftsman! What liner is in the hat by the way?

Once again, Great Hat.

Stones

Thanks! The hat is so comfortable. The liner is white satin with the Staff of Ra headpiece in gold in the crown.

[Dr. Nebraska S.]

That's an outstanding Raiders fedora--it suits you. I recently order an Adventurebilt Raiders rabbit fedora, too, with some early graduation money. Your photos here and in the other thread demonstrate I made the right choice (even though I already have an Adventurebilt Crystal Skull beaver fedora). Wear yours in good health!

Best wishes,
Nebraska S.

[michael]

Since the original HJ was rabbit, I figured that would be a good place to start for what is admittedly my first hat of this kind. Couldn't be happier with my choice, and I look forward to spreading the Steve Delk (and Marc Kitter and John Penman) gospel far and wide.

When people see this hat, their first reaction is usually to chuckle a bit when they hear the backstory (which I'm proud to share). But their next comment is almost always something along the lines of "that really is a sharp looking hat," or something to that effect. And frankly I think most people wish they could display something about which they're passionate, like an admittedly idosyncratic hat, but as we all know that takes a bit of chutzpah.

Craftsmanship of this caliber is timeless, pure and simple.

[WConly]

Since the original HJ was rabbit, I figured that would be a good place to start for what is admittedly my first hat of this kind. Couldn't be happier with my choice, and I look forward to spreading the Steve Delk (and Marc Kitter and John Penman) gospel far and wide.

When people see this hat, their first reaction is usually to chuckle a bit when they hear the backstory (which I'm proud to share). But their next comment is almost always something along the lines of "that really is a sharp looking hat," or something to that effect. And frankly I think most people wish they could display something about which they're passionate, like an admittedly idosyncratic hat, but as we all know that takes a bit of chutzpah. Craftsmanship of this caliber is timeless, pure and simple.

You must be kidding ! You live in New York City and you have issues -- try it in Kansas ? Seriously! It is who and what you are. If this is you -- then it is you. Wherever you go -- there you are! I am fortunate in the fact, that I grew up wearing hats and that is me! Some of 'us-folk,' just arrive at a later time -- to the hat world. You look great in the hat. Remember it is you who is wearing the 'hat' and not the 'hat' that is 'adding itself' to you! That truly is one beautiful hat! Enjoy! W>

[jlee562]

hat wearing will become second nature soon enough. I feel odd leaving the house without a hat now.

[Indiana Jeff]

Not only do I feel odd, but my kids will say, "Dad, you forgot to grab your hat!"

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Michaelson]

I've told it before, but there have been a few situations (and not that long ago) where I DIDN'T wear my hat and got heck for it by my family, as they couldn't spot me in a crowd without it being on my head.

I haven't made that mistake for quite a while, and even now when I occasionally wear my newsboy style 6 panel cap I get the 'look' from my wife because I'm not wearing one of my fedoras.

Regards! Michaelson

[WConly]

I've told it before, but there have been a few situations (and not that long ago) where I DIDN'T wear my hat and got heck for it by my family, as they couldn't spot me in a crowd without it being on my head.

I haven't made that mistake for quite a while, and even now when I occasionally wear my newsboy style 6 panel cap I get the 'look' from my wife because I'm not wearing one of my fedoras.

Regards! Michaelson

I can truly relate to this. A few years ago, my wife and I were in Texas for a small vacation. One night we were walking to a restaurant and I didn't grab my hat. Two blocks along the way, I stopped to look at something in a window while she continued walking. About thirty seconds later I turned to see her looking all around and acting confused. I walked up to her and asked what was wrong and she said that when she turned she panicked because; "...you weren't there !" So, I would suggest that hat wearing not only becomes 'second nature' to the one wearing it, but also to those around us, who know us, as well! W>

[Canada Jones]

Beautiful hat!

[interbak]

And the addiction begins, my next AB is on the way. Enjoy!

[Michaelson]

I've told it before, but there have been a few situations (and not that long ago) where I DIDN'T wear my hat and got heck for it by my family, as they couldn't spot me in a crowd without it being on my head.

I haven't made that mistake for quite a while, and even now when I occasionally wear my newsboy style 6 panel cap I get the 'look' from my wife because I'm not wearing one of my fedoras.

Regards! Michaelson

I can truly relate to this. A few years ago, my wife and I were in Texas for a small vacation. One night we were walking to a restaurant and I didn't grab my hat. Two blocks along the way, I stopped to look at something in a window while she continued walking. About thirty seconds later I turned to see her looking all around and acting confused. I walked up to her and asked what was wrong and she said that when she turned she panicked because; "...you weren't there !" So, I would suggest that hat wearing not only becomes 'second nature' to the one wearing it, but also to those around us, who know us, as well! W>

[RaiderKid]

Great looking fedora. I am planning on ordering my AB soon. With a little luck I'll have it for my 40th!

[Kustomkid]

That is a very nice lid! Can't wait to see my own from Steve.