Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Kubrik · Post by **Kubrik** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:08 pm

Around 4- 6 weeks.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 8:38 am

Tibor wrote:I'm reasonably well convinced, after these 30 years, that the merino sheep is spot on. It's very difficult to reproduce the combination of a light jacket that drapes and flows with the appearance of a thicker hide when the sleeves are rumpled. I've already seen quite a variation in the amount of striations in Merino sheep hides - some are hardly noticeable. I do think some jackets in Raiders were very grainy, and some were relatively smooth, but I'm pretty sure all were merino sheep.

I don't have any evidence. But for the first time we have jackets being made by manufacturers (Kelso, Steele & Jones, and Todds) that move right, hang right, look substantial, etc. They wrinkle correctly and the cut has been captured. Hat's off to these guys. I started into the hobby for the jacket, really, and I'm entirely happy with the current offerings. Brilliant work.

I might put Wested's Hero in SL in that category as well. It is probably the closest to the type and texture of leather of anything he has ever sourced, striated veg tanned in the rough. As the WoS cobra scene, it looks smooth in parts and in others, the striations are visible.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:50 am

I'd agree on the cut, but not Wested's SL leather. I like them, but they don't move the same. The one I had was stiff, and seemed oddly "pressed", hard to describe. I never went at it with water and conditioner so maybe they can be adapted. There is a soft quality to the folds in the original that seem to require the merino sheep. A soft, reasonably light but thick-appearing hide - perfect stuff really.

We really are lucky to have something for everyone these days. The old days of contacting Disney to track down a jacket and convince them to ship one... now, lots of folks are HAPPY to ship you one, or more

... not, of course, that we'd ever have need to buy more than one leather jacket.

Everybody has their own bias. I'm a Raiders jacket guy, and that's why I have such a high regard for Kelso. It will be interesting to see their LC effort.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Fri Mar 29, 2013 8:58 pm

Just submitted my order for a Relic Hunter, Cairo(Main Hero Version) in striated authentic brown lamb. I'm really excited for it and hope that everything turns out well. I will definitely post pics when I receive it.

indiana745 · Post by **indiana745** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 12:01 am

Is anyone else having trouble looking at the Bill Kelso website? I can't look at the jackets because of some black and white image that pops up every time I go to their page.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:07 am

indiana745 wrote:Is anyone else having trouble looking at the Bill Kelso website? I can't look at the jackets because of some black and white image that pops up every time I go to their page.

You need to click on a flag to choose a language, then a message about the leather pops up, and THEN the page.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:02 am

Now here is a special jacket - it's a project Bill Kelso and I made up - a version of the Relic Hunter, but made from a thin Italian cow hide in black, antique silver hardware and satin sleeves (not the standard cotton). The jacket is a work of art but being a thin cow, it's not ideal for winter, so I am eagerly waiting for some warmer weather to start wearing this in !

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:21 am

WOW, that's beautiful, CRB!
Congrats on a great -and very unique- prize!

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:10 pm

I received my Relic Hunter, Cairo version today. The leather, I think, looks to be the most SA I have ever seen and is super soft too. Excellent quality all the way around! Typically I have problems with Indy jackets fitting too big on me, but this time I have a jacket that fits a little bit too small on me!(that's a first...) The jacket looks better on the hanger than it does on me and sadly I don't know what to do. I really love and want to enjoy this jacket that I've been looking so long for, but it just doesn't fit right.

Here are pics of the jacket itself and I will have photos of me wearing it later tonight.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... C48151.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 090447.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 8E900F.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F6CEF9.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0BD592.jpg

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:14 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:I received my Relic Hunter, Cairo version today. The leather, I think, looks to be the most SA I have ever seen and is super soft too. Excellent quality all the way around! Typically I have problems with Indy jackets fitting too big on me, but this time I have a jacket that fits a little bit too small on me!(that's a first...) The jacket looks better on the hanger than it does on me and sadly I don't know what to do. I really love and want to enjoy this jacket that I've been looking so long for, but it just doesn't fit right.

Here are pics of the jacket itself and I will have photos of me wearing it later tonight.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... C48151.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 090447.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 8E900F.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F6CEF9.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0BD592.jpg

Yeah, man, that's a beauty! So what are the measurements?

Obi Sean Kenobi · Post by **Obi Sean Kenobi** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:45 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:I received my Relic Hunter, Cairo version today. The leather, I think, looks to be the most SA I have ever seen and is super soft too. Excellent quality all the way around! Typically I have problems with Indy jackets fitting too big on me, but this time I have a jacket that fits a little bit too small on me!(that's a first...) The jacket looks better on the hanger than it does on me and sadly I don't know what to do. I really love and want to enjoy this jacket that I've been looking so long for, but it just doesn't fit right.

Here are pics of the jacket itself and I will have photos of me wearing it later tonight.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... C48151.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 090447.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 8E900F.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F6CEF9.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0BD592.jpg

Lets see some pics of it on. Maybe you just think its snug?

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:48 pm

CBR and Kelso! How dare you put up pics of such a freaking awesome jacket! For shame! This is just a campaign against me to make me buy another Relic Hunter isn't it?

Superbly beautiful jacket and the details make it all the more delicious!
Great job, guys!
Rayonline- the jacket looks great in the pics. What makes you feel its to snug? Visually or does it actuslly feel constricting?

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 12:39 am

Gorak wrote:CBR and Kelso! How dare you put up pics of such a freaking awesome jacket! For shame! This is just a campaign against me to make me buy another Relic Hunter isn't it?

Superbly beautiful jacket and the details make it all the more delicious!
Great job, guys!
Rayonline- the jacket looks great in the pics. What makes you feel its to snug? Visually or does it actuslly feel constricting?

Hi, G, I didn't say it. That was Bdgsi11 who says it's too tight.
I'm trying to get the measurements so I can compare it to mine and be ready should he put it on the block.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 1:50 am

Here are a couple of shots so everyone can see what it looks like being worn. To me, it just doesn't have that same shoulder drape as others I have seen here and the sleeves will eventually be too short once it develops some creases. These photos are just so you can see how it fits on me.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 7:41 am

I think it looks pretty good, especially the back. Sure the arms could be a little longer, but all in all it looks good. Body fit looks just about right.

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:06 am

Bdgsi11 wrote:Here are a couple of shots so everyone can see what it looks like being worn. To me, it just doesn't have that same shoulder drape as others I have seen here and the sleeves will eventually be too short once it develops some creases. These photos are just so you can see how it fits on me. I'm not showing it off......yet

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 2caffb.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 558665.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... e05d46.jpg

Looks like it fits to me. I agree that "technically" the sleeves are usually a bit longer, but that's to the eye of someone in-the-know, the sleeves actually fit fine. It also looks right at the waist. Now, if it feels tight when you zip it up, only you will know. I will say that my BK feels ever so slightly snugger than I would prefer when zipped. But, that's compared to my TODDS (recent version) and they are 2 very different leathers.

Obi Sean Kenobi · Post by **Obi Sean Kenobi** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:24 am

Bdgsi11 wrote:Here are a couple of shots so everyone can see what it looks like being worn. To me, it just doesn't have that same shoulder drape as others I have seen here and the sleeves will eventually be too short once it develops some creases. These photos are just so you can see how it fits on me. I'm not showing it off......yet

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 2caffb.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 558665.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... e05d46.jpg

I think it looks great man!

Nice looking jacket!

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:55 am

To me it looks too short in the body, at least at the front. However, some folks like that look.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:19 pm

I agree, short in the body and in the sleeves.

Sadly, I think you already answered your question:

Bdgsi11 wrote:The jacket looks better on the hanger than it does on me.......but it just doesn't fit right.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:29 pm

The back is the right length - but the front should be longer.

CM · Post by CM » Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:33 pm

Bigs, I think it looks fine. It sits well down off your shoulders. There would be some leather jacket fans who would see that and say the jacket was too big for you. But since that's what the film jacket does - fit badly - it's fine that way. Sleeves are fine. You could go with more length in the body but you don't have to.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:18 pm

Here are some better photos. Hopefully Andy can help me out with adjusting the sleeve length and other adjustments I find that are needed.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 2723D7.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 6F822D.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 802D20.jpg

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:27 pm

This photo here, is with the jacket zipped up. Isn't the front bottom end of the jacket supposed to wrap around and meet the back panel? Since there is a gap does that mean that the waist it too small?

ltfoley · Post by **ltfoley** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:45 am

Bdgsi11 wrote:This photo here, is with the jacket zipped up. Isn't the front bottom end of the jacket supposed to wrap around and meet the back panel? Since there is a gap does that mean that the waist it too small?

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 5F3B7B.jpg

Mine does that too. Your jacket fit is fine according to me, but if you don't feel well in it that's an other problem.
Anyway your jacket looks perfect!!!!

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:57 am

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:19 am

afalzon wrote:

2 pictures are worth a=thousand words.

Plus, remember that those pants are worn much higher on the waist meaning the back pockets are higher than many modern fits. That affects the where the back of the jacket lines up view.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:55 am

Man I really want to get a Kelso jacket now. That "Cairo" jacket looks amazing. I'd have to sell my Nowak in Stirated lamb to get this though, which seeing Jnickterm's issues with selling his aren't looking good for me. This is probably one of the best looking Raiders jacket out there.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 11:01 am

remember that those pants are worn much higher on the waist meaning the back pockets are higher than many modern fits. That affects the where the back of the jacket lines up view

That's true. I usually wear my jeans around my hips and more formal looking pants, like Indy's, around my true waist. I will try to post a photo of me wearing my, "close enough," Indy pants and then you will see a difference in the length of the jacket.

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 11:22 am

TheExit148 wrote:Man I really want to get a Kelso jacket now. That "Cairo" jacket looks amazing. I'd have to sell my Nowak in Stirated lamb to get this though, which seeing Jnickterm's issues with selling his aren't looking good for me. This is probably one of the best looking Raiders jacket out there.

I would have loved that one, but for some size doubts. so PM me your jackets measurements if you get serious. I'd like to eventually get a Nowak Striated lamb Raiders.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:06 pm

I couldn`t help it......I love me a Kelso!
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 9a926c.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 9f4d58.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 89e2d5.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... fe13a2.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:17 pm

Look'n good Gorak!

The Kelso is an amazing jacket and the leather is superb! You seem to be enjoying it very much and you wear it so well.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:17 pm

RayROnline wrote:
TheExit148 wrote:Man I really want to get a Kelso jacket now. That "Cairo" jacket looks amazing. I'd have to sell my Nowak in Stirated lamb to get this though, which seeing Jnickterm's issues with selling his aren't looking good for me. This is probably one of the best looking Raiders jacket out there.
I would have loved that one, but for some size doubts. so PM me your jackets measurements if you get serious. I'd like to eventually get a Nowak Striated lamb Raiders.

Will do. Let me think about it. Really very tempted to get this jacket. I'll keep you posted.

micsteam · Post by **micsteam** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 11:04 am

Bdgsi11 what color did you get your jacket in ??

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 11:12 am

Authentic brown, which is the only color that they offer it in. It really is the most perfect color.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:15 pm

Not strictly true, I have it in black

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:32 pm

I guess if otherwise specified, you can get it in another color. But, for the striated lamb, I only see authentic brown as an option.

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:50 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:I guess if otherwise specified, you can get it in another color. But, for the striated lamb, I only see authentic brown as an option.

That's my only regret. I got that 1 and only available brown striated lamb, while what I wanted and asked about was the darker (more like TODDS) color. I was told...sorry, not an option.

micsteam · Post by **micsteam** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:57 pm

Bdgsi11, I'm on the fence with which color to choose, when you go to the Bill Kelso website and bring up the Relic Hunter section your jacket seems to resemble the color of the jacket in the lower portion. The confusion I'm having here with Kelso's site is they don't specify which jacket is what color, I'm more partial to the jacket in the upper half that seems to have a darkbrown/grayish color (which to me seems more Raiders-ish). Also which leather did you get your jacket in Striated Lambskin / Horse hide / Goatskin or Grainy Lambskin ??

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:14 pm

....there are 2 jackets shown in those photos.

The first 11 photos show a jacket made with Dark Brown Striated Lambskin and the remaining 7 show the Authentic Brown version.
So it's the same leather in 2 different colors. But there is one more difference.
The dark brown jacket is made with 'leather for garments' while the authentic brown is made with 'leather for leather goods' i.e. bags etc. They are actually the exact same leathers, from the same animals, tanned in the same way, etc. Their only difference is the color and that the authentic brown is heavier, that is, thicker by 0.2mm - 0.3mm. Sounds little, but makes a difference.

My jacket is the authentic brown, striated lambskin. The dark brown is not offed for this jacket because not enough request were received for the color.

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:26 pm

guess a poll is in order

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=59520" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

micsteam · Post by **micsteam** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 5:54 pm

Help me out here though, which jacket is which color on the website ?? Bdgsi11 when you ordered your jacket, I am assuming you ordered from the website, which jacket was which ?? Am I right that the authentic brown is the bottom color ?? Thanks

afalzon · Post by **afalzon** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:27 pm

It's easy, the one that's darker is the dark brown.
The other is the authentic brown.
The first 11 pics is the dark brown, the remaining is the auth. brown.
The current color is somewhere in-between the two as tanneries can never make two batches of leather to be the exact same color.

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:13 pm

afalzon wrote:It's easy, the one that's darker is the dark brown.
The other is the authentic brown.
The first 11 pics is the dark brown, the remaining is the auth. brown.
The current color is somewhere in-between the two as tanneries can never make two batches of leather to be the exact same color.

I hope you post when the dark brown is available. Like in those photos you mentioned. That's the color for me. When I see that in striated lamb, I will sell my Authentic Brown and order one!

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:17 pm

Here are some shots with some quick gear thrown on. I, personally, think that the authentic brown color is perfect for the Raiders jacket.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:32 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:Here are some shots with some quick gear thrown on. I, personally, think that the authentic brown color is perfect for the Raiders jacket.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0EB4A3.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F7CBC7.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... CEC797.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 97729E.jpg

So I think that jacket looks perfect on you! Bill Kelso's authentic brown convinced me all darker colors are too dark!

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:15 pm

Baldwyn wrote:
Bdgsi11 wrote:Here are some shots with some quick gear thrown on. I, personally, think that the authentic brown color is perfect for the Raiders jacket.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0EB4A3.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F7CBC7.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... CEC797.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 97729E.jpg
So I think that jacket looks perfect on you! Bill Kelso's authentic brown convinced me all darker colors are too dark!

Agreed!

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:32 pm

TheExit148 wrote:
Baldwyn wrote:
Bdgsi11 wrote:Here are some shots with some quick gear thrown on. I, personally, think that the authentic brown color is perfect for the Raiders jacket.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 0EB4A3.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... F7CBC7.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... CEC797.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv18 ... 97729E.jpg
So I think that jacket looks perfect on you! Bill Kelso's authentic brown convinced me all darker colors are too dark!
Agreed!

just a few posts ago the man said this batch is between authentic brown and dark brown. Next batch won't be the same. Authentic brown? Dark brown? What is that really? Just a slogan, a label. Not worth worrying about. Ya pays your money and ya takes your chances

What ever you call the color, it's an awesome jacket!

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 12:09 am

I found a photo that demonstrates that my short sleeves are actually screen accurate....who knew?

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 4:38 am

Bdgsi11 wrote:I found a photo that demonstrates that my short sleeves are actually screen accurate....who knew?

When you pull out a little red saturation and try to adjust for skin color correction, check the color of the clothing. Especially the jacket. Pretty dark...short at the waist, too.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:38 pm

I'm taking my jacket in to a seamstress to let the sleeves out. From looking at my previously posted photos, how much length should I ask to be let out? I would like it to end right at the first thumb knuckle, so I'm estimating about 1/2 an inch. What do you guys think?