Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 3:55 am

Illinois James wrote:Is it possible Kelso doesn't mark custom- sized jackets? That is, not their standard sized jackets with their set dimensions and measurements?

My thinking exactly. Quite possible.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 5:54 am

Although, now that I think about it, Tex was the one detailing where to find the size stamp, and I think he had the dimensions tweaked for his RH, right??

So, I dunno!!

Andy did say in an email to me that a jacket made in the standard dimensions was returnable, but if the dimensions were customized that it was not. Which I guess that makes sense.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:33 am

Illinois James wrote:Is it possible Kelso doesn't mark custom- sized jackets? That is, not their standard sized jackets with their set dimensions and measurements?

I've had a couple made with customizations and they both had numbers... As I said, very faint but in the right light...
But anything's possible.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:50 am

Anybody have any thoughts on the grainy lamb? I'm considering the 'South America', since my Steele&Jones scratches the 'Cairo' itch, at least for now. The weathered lamb offering looks rather interesting as well, especially if screen accuracy isn't too important.

My plan is to buy the more economical version of this jacket in basically stock dimensions, then, maybe next year, once I nail the sizing, splurge for a Relic Hunter in Victory horsehide.

I'm leaning toward asking for satin lined sleeves, which Andy said he could do. Wish my Nowak Raiders and Steele&Jones had the satin lined sleeves. I don't like the 'tugging' on the long sleeve shirts. Much more tolerable when I wear short sleeve shirts under them.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from current (and past) Relic Hunter owners!

Thanks!

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Mar 20, 2014 1:43 pm

Illinois James wrote:Anybody have any thoughts on the grainy lamb? I'm considering the 'South America', since my Steele&Jones scratches the 'Cairo' itch, at least for now. The weathered lamb offering looks rather interesting as well, especially if screen accuracy isn't too important.

My plan is to buy the more economical version of this jacket in basically stock dimensions, then, maybe next year, once I nail the sizing, splurge for a Relic Hunter in Victory horsehide.

I'm leaning toward asking for satin lined sleeves, which Andy said he could do. Wish my Nowak Raiders and Steele&Jones had the satin lined sleeves. I don't like the 'tugging' on the long sleeve shirts. Much more tolerable when I wear short sleeve shirts under them.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from current (and past) Relic Hunter owners!

Thanks!

The grainy lamb is superb, too. If you're not one to require striations, this is a great way to go, I think. I love that weathered lamb too, and have only seen pictures of a jacket made out of it. You can't go wrong!

I own two Relic Hunters now! Victory horse, and a grainy lamb, although once had a striated that wasn't quite in my size. I LOVE BILL KELSO JACKETS.

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Thu Mar 20, 2014 2:33 pm

Baldwyn, I share the same feelings concerning Bill Kelso Mfg Co jackets. Have a "Relic Hunter" in their version of the lamb touch cowhide. Beautiful jacket which has fulfilled my personal quest for THE "ROTLA" jacket. Now if they would only produce their versions of the "Temple of Doom" and "Last Crusade" jackets.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:31 pm

Thanks, guys. I haven't pulled the trigger yet. And you guys obviously aren't going to try to STOP me, so.....

I don't need the striations...for now, anyway. I'm thinking grainy for a Hawaii/South America jacket. Next will be horse for the motorcycle. Then maybe a striated in the future.

As for more movie jackets....sheesh, I need to work some overtime!

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Thu Mar 20, 2014 10:08 pm

Hope everyone didn't misconstrue my post as Bill Kelso Mfg Co WAS or IS going to produce versions of "Temple of Doom" and/or "Last Crusade" jackets. Actually meant to say that I WISH Bill Kelso Mfg Co WOULD produce those jackets.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:55 am

Yeah, I think I've read somewhere that Kelso intended to do the other movie jackets, but I don't think Andy's ever stated as much, but I may have missed it. They keep plenty busy with their excellent flight jacket repros. Just gorgeous jackets, those are.

I'd like a TOD jacket. I don't think they're officially offered by Wested right now, and I don't think Peter likes to make them, for his own reasons. Maybe he'd make one on a request, I dunno.

Seems like it would be an easier jacket to replicate than Raiders, since Raiders kinda has 2 main 'heros'. But I'd think the fit and drape would be harder to nail for body types very different from Ford, who, at the time, was in great physical shape.

Probably would be hard to improve on some of the perfectly distressed LC jackets some guys have on this forum! But I have no doubt that Kelso could produce a good one!

Zaremba · Post by **Zaremba** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:17 am

Tibor wrote:
Illinois James wrote:Is it possible Kelso doesn't mark custom- sized jackets? That is, not their standard sized jackets with their set dimensions and measurements?
I've had a couple made with customizations and they both had numbers... As I said, very faint but in the right light...
But anything's possible.

I have got two BK A-2s. Both have size stamps but one has it missing at the main label but has it only at the pocket.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 12:38 pm

We're describing the sequential number of jacket production, not the size numbers. Kelso stamps the jacket production number "10/1981" for example on the inside of the inside pocket lining.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 9:25 pm

I see. Thanks, T!

Sounds like it can be a little hit-and-miss for either stamp, or, tag. Not a big deal, really.

Still haven't gotten around to ordering mine!

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 3:33 am

How long have Kelso orders been taking, it's been four weeks since I placed mine and the anticipation is killing me!

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:31 am

6 weeks seems about average; 4 weeks maybe if they're in a lull. Should be soon!

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Thu May 08, 2014 5:28 am

Still waiting

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Thu May 08, 2014 5:36 am

Ooo just got an update from Andy.
$\:D/$
Just waiting on a new batch of leather to arrive!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu May 08, 2014 5:54 pm

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 5:18 pm

...got my Cole Slaw back today and couldn't be happier about it! $\:D/$

See, you play the country song backwards and you get all your stuff back...the dog comes back, the horse, the job...

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 7:54 am

Still waiting

bobbyd · Post by **bobbyd** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:26 pm

Thinking of pulling the trigger while the current 15% off special is still going. I'm wondering if anybody has gotten a BK with the latest batch of leathers? I think this is the third (maybe the fourth) batch...? Anyway, if there's anybody out there that has a new one, please share your thoughts.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 12:18 pm

You better check with BK about the 15% special, because I believe it is now over. Andy told me that the last batch of leather was the best yet.

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 8:31 am

I can finally turn the

into a

, mines on it's way $\:D/$

Duck9000 · Post by **Duck9000** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 9:50 am

Zoltar wrote:I can finally turn the into a , mines on it's way $\:D/$

Great news! Congrats

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 11:48 am

$\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$
It's here, words fail me, I need a while to take it in!

moses · Post by **moses** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:05 pm

Congrats! $\:D/$

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:26 pm

Zoltar wrote: $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$
It's here, words fail me, I need a while to take it in!

Words, you got. Right now...pictures fail you, lol Can't wait to see it!

moses · Post by **moses** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 5:47 pm

Pics!

bobbyd · Post by **bobbyd** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:48 pm

moses wrote:Pics!

Yes, please! I actually pulled the trigger, myself, a couple of weeks ago (emailed Andy, was able to take advantage of the promotional discount), and I'm dying to see an example of the latest batch of leather!

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:47 am

Pattern wise it's pretty much identical to the Wested Hero's I've had/got which is what you'd expect both being copied from a TNO so I'm not going to comment on it or the fit as I think both are a personal thing based on your own observations. Materials and crafmenship are flawless and I wasn't expecting any less.

First impressions of the hide:
I was expecting smooth with striations but this is pretty grainy and pebbly, very similar to Wested's shrunken lamb but with striations (only in look!)
This is by far the lightest jacket I've had but my current daily wearer is a comp weight Vanson X3 which makes anything feel light so my judgement maybe off a little!
It's also deceptively soft, the texture makes you expect it to feel rough but when you run your hand down it's so soft you can't feel any of the lumps and bumps.

kind of messes with your head and you end up strokeing it like a kittens belly

After the initial excitement of unpacking a new jacket and trying on for size I always end up going through a love/hate rollercoaster with it. Untill I've had a few weeks wear, got used to the feel, broken things in a bit, got it moulded to my shape and made it truly mine can I step back and judge it properly.

I'm pretty lax when it comes to getting photos posted as my work blocks hosting sites and I have to resort to my crappy laptop at home but I'll get some up soon as I can.
Z

moses · Post by **moses** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:39 am

Does it also have a collar as massive as the Wested Hero? I can't help finding that the Hero collar is too tall.

bobbyd · Post by **bobbyd** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:03 am

Dying to see some pics Zoltar, no pressure! haha

With regard to the graininess and pebbliness you mentioned, did you order the "grainy lamb" or the "striated lamb"?

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:55 am

moses wrote:Does it also have a collar as massive as the Wested Hero? I can't help finding that the Hero collar is too tall.

I don't find the hero collar massive?

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:36 am

The collar was the thing I couldn't lie with on the Wested Hero. The BK hits it bang on. I sold my Hero, but from memory, the collar stand was too tall and that caused all the problems.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 2:27 pm

interesting...thats the first Ive heard of that irk on a Wested Hero. Could it have been the leather type?

moses · Post by **moses** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:21 pm

Well, to use Zoltar's own pics, this is the problem I had with my Hero - the collar made it look like I had no neck!

moses · Post by **moses** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:22 pm

Indy's collar doesn't appear as tall

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:27 pm

Well, it takes a little bit of time and wear for leather to relax. From your photo, it looks like a brand new jacket right out of the package that hasn't been worn long enough to get it to limber up.

Regards! Michaelson

moses · Post by **moses** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:32 pm

Maybe..very interested in seeing the collar on this new jacket though (back on topic

)

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:55 am

That Hero in the photo's was a pre-production hero and the collar on my later SL Hero was different, can't remember what was different about it though.

Whether this was an intentional revision to the pattern made before the production run or just the pattern 'wandering' I don't know. Wouldn't be the first inconsistency in Wested's output!

First thing I noticed was the smaller collar on the BK. I still haven't had chance to take a proper good look at it yet. I'm starting a new job in a weeks time so thing's are a bit hectic at the old place as I try and wrap things up and hand things over.

Looks like the pressures on to get the camera out, I'll see what I can do.

Oh and the BK's from the new batch Striated Lamb and Michaelson your right a usual, jacket was pretty new when those pictures where take. That goat's pretty hard to break, if Indy's jacket was made in that hide he'd not have needed the fridge!

moses · Post by **moses** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:44 am

Pretty much all the jackets in the Hero thread have that massive collar - as did mine.

Sounds like the BK doesn't share that feature, so all the more interested in pics!
All the best for the new job too!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:45 am

Zoltar wrote:Oh and the BK's from the new batch Striated Lamb and Michaelson your right a usual, jacket was pretty new when those pictures where take. That goat's pretty hard to break, if Indy's jacket was made in that hide he'd not have needed the fridge!

moses · Post by **moses** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 5:17 pm

Still no pics?

bobbyd · Post by **bobbyd** » Wed Jun 25, 2014 10:05 pm

Amen to that, again, Moses!

Zoltar - no pressure, but we're all looking in your direction

Redinight · Post by **Redinight** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 4:48 pm

I got # 47 recently, will give full review later, will say I put pecards on it right away because the color was just too light for my tastes. It took care of the color, but altered the great feel of the leather! It feels like rubber!

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:00 pm

Oh dear..

bobbyd · Post by **bobbyd** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 11:03 pm

Now that's scary Red!
I've got a BK on the way, ordered back on 6/6; hopefully it arrives in the next couple of weeks.
Has anyone else experienced anything like Red describes after using Pecards?

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:04 am

I would not use Pecards on a Kelso...it really doesn't need it as the leather is exceptional and well "nourished".

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:19 am

I'm not sure the standard beeswax-based Pecard's is the best conditioner for jackets.

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:11 am

FACE PALM

We personally don't recommend any leather conditioning, because it clog the pores in the leather.
Neither the water treatment. The water will remove oils and natural properties of the leather.

Cheers.-

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:49 am

Let's move this discussion over the gear care section and keep this one about the BK jacket, if you don't mind.

....to finish that thought, though, Pecards regular dressing has NEVER been recommended for use on any form of lambskin for the very reason listed above. Products like Lexol or Pecards Motorcycle Leather Lotion has been recommended, and has worked perfectly on my 2001 G&B lambskin with no issues what so ever after 13 years of regular use.

Anyway.....if you want to pursue this, start a thread in the Gear Care section so others can find it. It's just going be disappear in this thread.

Thanks!

Regards! Michaelson