bashing limit

[soulman]

I have a rather dumb question. I recently just bought a Fed 4 and put an initial bash in it. I did it just cold, with no water or steam. It was okay but I wanted something slightly more "Raiders" So I misted it slightly and put a tighter pinch. Not bad but I wanted a little more raiders flare so once it dried, i remisted and did it again. That's when my O.C.D./anxiety set in. I began to relentlessly question, "how many times can the hat be bashed before it's damaged beyond repair, brfore it tapers and losses it's blocky shape !?" Thoughts?

[Ridgerunner58]

Like everything - it depends.

It depends on the quality of felt - it depends on what you do to it, whether you dampen or saturate. It depends on the climate you live in, how you store the hat and how you handle it.

Most "good" or "decent" hats (and the Federation is a good hat) can handle quite. Bit of actual abuse without suffering. Others will taper sitting in a hatbox.

Obviously excessive hot steam is bad. Like most natural fibers felt isn't fond of moist heat. Likewise repeatedly soaking the felt is not helpful.

But I have hats I've owned for 20+ years that I periodically "adjust" with light steam and water with no ill effects at all.

Moderation is the key.

That said - my advice is get the basic shape and just wear it. Let it become "your" hat naturally. Don't try to sculpt it into what you think it should be.

[Glenville86]

Agree 100% with Ridgerunner58.

On the hats I bash myself, I give them a dry center crease and a slight front pinch. As they wear, I will make slight adjustments (usually after getting caught in the rain).

[soulman]

I appreciate your input. That's exactly what I'm gonna do, get it in the "neighborhood" and leave it until it builds its own character

[jlee562]

"damaged beyond repair" and losing shape are not the same thing. A quality felt can be reblocked.

The Raiders crease has a high potential to damage the felt beyond repair, FYI. The tight pinch in the front is not good for the longevity of the felt.

[Tibor]

"damaged beyond repair" and losing shape are not the same thing. A quality felt can be reblocked.

The Raiders crease has a high potential to damage the felt beyond repair, FYI. The tight pinch in the front is not good for the longevity of the felt.

Agreed, but it just looks so cool!

[Jeremiah]

And even holes in hats still look good.
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