So, this is a Knox Twenty that I picked up at an antique store in the Fall of 2013. It was originally sold by a men's store here in Walla Walla, a place that went out of business over 20 years ago. It was sitting on a shelf, covered in dust. The brim was a little wider, and had some kind of funky binding, and a strange ribbon. I trimmed the brim and sanded it smooth, and replaced the ugly ribbon with the only viable material I had on hand; some saddle ties.
That's about all I had to do, other than brush off the dust. It was easy to shape dry, no steam needed at all. The gentleman that owned it before me was clearly fond of a cherry flavored blend of pipe tobacco. That scent is gone now (I actually kind of miss it!), and now it smells as you'd expect a wet felt hat to smell; a bit like a wet dog.
The felt is thin, but very dense. I've worn it in all kinds of weather since I first picked it up, from ice forming on it in winter to 100+ temps in the summer. The kids have had their way with it numerous times, and as wadded up as it gets, it always comes back looking good. Doesn't seem to taper whatever happens to it. I don't know what the felt blend is, but it really does its job, and has easily become my favorite fedora. It cost me a whopping ten dollars!
I do need to put a proper ribbon on it one of these days. I'm open to suggestions. I know we often use the internet to find great vintage lids, but it's worth your time to check your local shops once in a while. There are some real beauties out there!
