Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Wed Dec 26, 2018 1:32 pm

Yes $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$
O.H.G. Relic Hunter 22 Dec

I haven't received any mail from Andy yet. I hope to have the jacket soon

Where did you see the published list?

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Wed Dec 26, 2018 1:47 pm

Their facebook page.

If their schedule had it finished on December 22nd, it's possible it hasn't shipped yet, especially if they were a day or two behind schedule. I bet it's finished, and they'll send it out when their offices/the post office are open again.

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Wed Dec 26, 2018 2:06 pm

Yes, I just entered your FB and saw it. Probably he sent it in these days

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 3:56 pm

At last $\:D/$ I have The Relic Hunter Jacket in my possession. I received it on Wednesday but until today I haven't had time to take some pics. I have to say that I decided on this one because I was looking for both the model and the more precise skin used on the screen. I was between two craftsman S & J and BK. Finally I chose BK and the only drawback was the delay but the wait was worth it. The jacket is of an extraordinary quality and feels like a glove fitting perfectly. I had owned several Wested before and the smoothness of this one only resembles the first Wested I had about 18 years ago. The size I normally use is a 44 but I decided on this in a size 42 by adding 0.5 inch on the lake. I'm very happy with this jacket and I think I finally found the Raiders jacket. I appreciate your comments

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 3:09 am

Awesome fit and look in that one, well done

Excited to see the Grail when it arrives ...

mister.e.meat78 · Post by **mister.e.meat78** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 6:51 am

That jacket looks fantastic!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 10:04 am

That's a home run right there!

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 1:57 pm

thanks guys, I appreciate your comments! What worried me most was the length of the jacket. We always see it or short or long and no matter how it should be as we see on the screen

CM · Post by CM » Mon Jan 28, 2019 4:03 am

In the film the jacket looks short or long depending on the shot, angle and posture/stance of HF. Like any jacket it sits differently in different contexts. It drove many of us crazy before we realised that that's just how jackets photograph. Additionally, the pattern appears to slide off Ford and sits lower and higher depending on movement

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 10:18 am

true, even so it brings us crazy! I’m quite happy with the length of my jacket. I will have to take some more pics of different positions to compare. Even so, I think I've been successful

CM · Post by CM » Mon Jan 28, 2019 5:32 pm

It looks great. Remember this is not a science.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Jan 30, 2019 2:50 pm

The length is a perfect compromise of the different jackets/scenes in Raiders. Looks great!

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 5:25 pm

Another home run from the folks at BK. It looks like a fantastic jacket - wear it in good health!

Forrest For the Trees · Sat Feb 02, 2019 9:50 pm

Length is exactly right. Front hem about 1 inch past belt buckle, back hem just at top of rear pockets.

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Sun Feb 03, 2019 2:52 pm

thanks guys for your appreciations!

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:28 am

Not a Raiders jacket, but a BK jacket.

When I first got my Relic Hunter, I fell in love with the craftsmanship and the phenomenal leather that they use, and decided I needed to get one of their A-2s. Well after much back-and-forth with Andy about sizing, I decided on a Dubow 1755, size 42R in Badalassi Cowhide (seal). It arrived a few weeks ago, and I've been wearing it ever since:

When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!" Andy very patiently explained to me though that this actually is a good fit. The A-2 is not a Raiders jacket and folks in the first half of the 20th century had very different ideas about what was a good fit (also, their pants had substantially higher waistlines). I've been wearing it ever since, and I see what he means. It takes a little getting used to, but the A-2 is very comfortable. Since I started wearing it, I haven't been wearing the Relic Hunter since it's too light to wear in the depths of winter, but I tried it on a couple times and it actually feels baggy by comparison.

distantpeople · Post by **distantpeople** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:19 am

A period photo for reference:

Take care with an A-2, you can inadvertently begin a new collection...

Forrest For the Trees · Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:23 am

When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!"

That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice.

Kladdagh · Post by **Kladdagh** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:31 am

I agree ... It is the perfect fit for this era with the A2 ... Congrats

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:05 pm

Nice! And my perfect sizing too, 42R!!! It's interesting that you said that you "needed" to get an A2, funny that's exactly what I think as well. I would love to get a BK A2, man those are nice!

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but aside from the bomber crews who had to wear the heavy leather gear for the cold temps, but did fighter pilots actually wear the leather flight jacket in the cockpit on missions? I have never really seen photos of them in the leather jacket in the cockpit, mostly is was their flight suit and mae wests (for Navy fliers)...anyone know for sure?

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:21 pm

Congrats on the Kelso A2! That is a nice looking jacket!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 1:35 pm

Looks great!
The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.
i had a chance to try on, what was at the time, and may still be, the only
Relic Hunter made in that hide.
I have a RH in the Liberty HH and LOVE it.

Nosirrah · Post by **Nosirrah** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 1:46 pm

Canasta wrote: The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.

Can you say that on this forum?

I tried it once and got bleeped.

IndianaJustin · Post by **IndianaJustin** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 2:56 pm

Badalassi
Badalassi
Badalassi...cowhide

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:17 pm

Forrest For the Trees wrote:That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice.

I know, right? It should have been obvious, but my leather jacket of choice for the last decade or so has been a Raiders jacket. I just couldn't get past my assumptions about the way a leather jacket should fit until someone pointed it out to me.

Nosirrah wrote:
Canasta wrote: The Badalassi cowhide is so nice.
Can you say that on this forum?
I tried it once and got bleeped.

IndianaJustin wrote:Badalassi
Badalassi
Badalassi...cowhide

So is Badalassi going to become the new circumlocution, like the kids who just love to say #### mushrooms?

edit: aannnddd it bleeped me...hasn't bleeped Badalassi yet though, so I guess that's still cool.

distantpeople wrote:Take care with an A-2, you can inadvertently begin a new collection...

Oh man, right now I'm just doing my best not to dive into a whole new hobby. Every once in a while I find myself thinking "...what I really need now is a russet A-2 jacket..."

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:18 pm

Forrest For the Trees wrote:
When I first tried it on, I thought "Oh no, Andy's messed up the sizing! I'm going to have to try and exchange it!"
That's funny, because when I first saw your picture, I thought, "That's awesome! He got a perfect fit!" Great choice.

Ditto. Before reading a word, I thought, "Great fitting jacket."

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:02 pm

Update: I was wearing my Dubow out today, plus the clothing I'm wearing in the second picture I posted, and at Brueger's the person at the check out asked me if I have military ID.

I wish I'd had a good response, but I just said no as politely as I could while trying to stifle a giggle.

Orl · Post by **Orl** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 5:00 pm

The looks is very well, as I see the fit is perfect. Enjoy it!

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 8:24 am

Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter

teneas · Post by **teneas** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 10:31 pm

CRB wrote:Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter

Not a grail jacket but I've got a fortune and glory coming soon...I think lol

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Wed Mar 27, 2019 5:47 am

CRB wrote:Has no one received the Grail jacket yet ? Was looking forward to hearing about the leather and fit compared with the Relic Hunter

The leather is very different. Fit, well it fits like a LC jacket, which is a different pattern to the Raiders RH. I could take pictures, but at the moment the jacket looks just like the one you see on the BK website. When it's broken in more I'll take some pictures of it being worn.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Wed Mar 27, 2019 7:51 am

Why not show pictures of you wearing it? That's one thing the website doesn't have.

indymassilia · Post by **indymassilia** » Wed Mar 27, 2019 2:49 pm

I will try to take some pictures of mine,wearing it soon..

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed Mar 27, 2019 3:34 pm

Do you have the Relic and the Grail ? Is it wise to order the same size in each ?

indymassilia · Post by **indymassilia** » Thu Mar 28, 2019 10:42 am

My 2 relics are 44R and grail 42R..42R for a relic should fit me well too for a less "loose fitting"..

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Mar 30, 2019 10:34 am

So would anyone order a 40 in the Last Crusade if they were happy with the 40 Relic ? What about sleeve adjustments or back adjustments - do they work out the same ?

Harold Steele · Post by **Harold Steele** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 12:47 am

Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:30 pm

A general question for anybody who received a new Bk Indy, are they still stamping the production number in the inside chest pocket? If so, what are they up to?

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 9:25 am

As of mine, which arrived in September of '17, they still were - mine was 111 out of 1981. At least they're nowhere near stopping.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 2:12 pm

My Relic is number 22, but I've ordered a Grail today so will most likely be letting the Relic go when the Grail arrives

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Tue Jun 04, 2019 11:46 pm

Does anyone here own a Kelso in grainy lamb? If so, what do you think of it and do you have a photo?

Regards, Dr. J

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 6:47 am

No grainy lamb but have 3 others. One in goat, cow and their in house HH. All are nice leathers. The grainy lamb looked good in the pictures I have seen. Compared to other Indy jackets I have, the Kelso ones are a more form fitted look and can only comfortably wear a long sleeve shirt underneath due to the armholes being on the smaller side.

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:47 pm

Mulceber wrote:I trust Andy's judgment a long way. I think you'll find your jacket fits you perfectly. I'll look forward to seeing pics!

M

What's the best way to get in touch with Andy? Just email customer service? Thanks in advance.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 6:42 pm

Harold Steele wrote:Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The venice grail leather is very smooth, and has a stiffness to it that is needed for the LC jacket. I haven't distressed mine yet, but it will distress just like the movie jacket with orange/red undertones.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:00 pm

xmasters wrote:
Harold Steele wrote:Could someone who has the Holy Grail jacket describe the Lambskin Venice leather (look, feel, durability, quality)? How does it compare to the Relic Hunter’s vegetable-tanned lambskin, which is quite distinctive? Based on the pictures, the Lambskin Venice reminds me a bit of Wested’s authentic brown lambskin. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The venice grail leather is very smooth, and has a stiffness to it that is needed for the LC jacket. I haven't distressed mine yet, but it will distress just like the movie jacket with orange/red undertones.

Dr._J wrote:What's the best way to get in touch with Andy? Just email customer service? Thanks in advance.

Yep - sales@billkelsomfg.com

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:16 am

Gents,

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Kelso Relic Hunter. Is there a discount for COW members?

Regards, Dr. J

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 4:51 pm

I think I murdered this thread.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 5:32 pm

Nah, these threads always go in fits and starts. There’s no discount that I know of, unfortunately. I sort of get the impression that they’re already selling the RH at a lower profit point than their other jackets, since whenever BK does have sales, they specifically exclude Indy jackets from the sale.

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Fri Jun 21, 2019 11:06 am

Last question and hopefully I'll get an answer. How did y'all pay for your jacket from Kelso? I saved JUST enough money to cover the jacket and shipping and then got hit with Paypal conversion rates adding an extra $25. Not stoked and losing faith in this process. Thanks.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:27 am

I guess I’d just say I save for it. Sometimes I’m able to get relatives to contribute money toward it as a Christmas gift. I realize it’s a bit disheartening but you will be pleased with the finished result. I’ve had my RH for a year now and I can say that the hunt for the Raiders jacket is done for me. It’s simply perfect.