The Federation IV Display Page

Kladdagh · Post by **Kladdagh** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 2:59 am

@DOOR ... I really like the shape you have done to your FEDIV ... Looking good ...

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 12:34 pm

The idea when I purchased this Fed IV Deluxe a couple of years ago was to let it "distress" naturally. But despite my wearing it while doing stuff like tearing down old garden sheds and cutting firewood, it's holding up extremely well! Too well, some might say if the "distressed" look is what they're after. These Akubra Feds are built tough, that's for sure! Brush off the dust and it looks as good as new!

Wojtek · Post by **Wojtek** » Sat May 30, 2020 11:17 am

Fine rain protection - Fed IV nad goatskin

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Sun Jul 26, 2020 9:15 am

Is the Fed IV dark brown close to the color seen in the Movies? Any of the 3 (ok..4!)

Illinois_Jones · Post by **Illinois_Jones** » Sun Jul 26, 2020 11:12 pm

Not really. I mean it's okay but it has a grey tone to it where the Indy hats has a more reddish orange tone to the brown. But most Akubras seem to have that problem no matter the color -- IMO it probably comes from them trying to save on the dye, since the hoods naturally have a blue-grey color before dying it seems to stay with it. Akubra's colors can often seem muted and almost sickly I guess you could call it.

But the dark brown is ok if you're not picky. In certain light it can look greyer or browner or even have kind of a purple thing going on. But the consensus is that it's generally too dark, especially for a Raiders style (plus brim dimensions are small). But IMO it makes an okay LC hat; the LC *seemed* darker in some scenes. And the other thing in my experience is that the Imperial and Heritage color will behave slightly differently. The Heritage seems like a flatter color, almost matte like, while the Imperial seems to have a marbled thing going on if you look at it closely and the rougher texture probably scatters light differently. They're good knockaround beater hats, though, and the color will distress and fade fairly nicely.

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 12:41 am

How do you lighten the color? Will it eventually fade to a lighter brown?
Anyone try any methods to lighten the color ?

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Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:11 am

Here’s a Fed IV Deluxe I had back in 2014 (sold it a while back though)
It has a good color but also could be the lighting

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Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:11 am

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Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:11 am

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Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 7:46 am

Heyjude7 wrote:Is the Fed IV dark brown close to the color seen in the Movies? Any of the 3 (ok..4!)

Heyjude7 -- One way to change how the color of the Fed IV looks to the eye is to change the ribbon to a darker, more screen-accurate color. The standard ribbon doesn't offer quite enough contrast to the color of the felt.

When I had a couple of dark brown Fed IVs before moving up a notch to AdVintage Harrison hats, swapping the ribbons gave the look of the hat a little more "pop". Otherwise, the Fed IV is a great hat at a nice price.

Should you want to go that route, there may be some members of the gang here who can help you find some screen accurate darker-brown ribbon.

Illinois_Jones · Post by **Illinois_Jones** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:08 pm

Howard Weinstein wrote:
Heyjude7 wrote:Is the Fed IV dark brown close to the color seen in the Movies? Any of the 3 (ok..4!)
Heyjude7 -- One way to change how the color of the Fed IV looks to the eye is to change the ribbon to a darker, more screen-accurate color. The standard ribbon doesn't offer quite enough contrast to the color of the felt.

When I had a couple of dark brown Fed IVs before moving up a notch to AdVintage Harrison hats, swapping the ribbons gave the look of the hat a little more "pop". Otherwise, the Fed IV is a great hat at a nice price.

Should you want to go that route, there may be some members of the gang here who can help you find some screen accurate darker-brown ribbon.

Yeah that's the other major thing is getting a slightly darker ribbon for more contrast. The stock ribbon on the Fed pretty much matches the brown tone of the felt and the main contrast between them is the texture. The felt will lighten up with sunlight in a different way from the ribbon, plus if you're going for the distressed look that always helps, especially if you throw a little fullers earth on it.

I know Thomas at Advintage used to sell meters of the generally correct ribbon he uses, and there are some others. Etsy is a good place to look for ribbon as well.

And another thing I've seen as well is the Tawny Fed makes a pretty good SOC hat with some work. The ribbon contrast is already there and with some darker and lighter additions to the felt it looks pretty good -- I know someone who used ground up pencil lead I think. Again, the brim dimensions of the Fed aren't exactly big enough for Raiders but they're ok (especially if you have a smaller head) and it will work fine, especially for the price.

Arch Stanton · Post by **Arch Stanton** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 7:24 pm

https://ibb.co/Nn337c3

shade88 · Post by **shade88** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:52 pm

Looks good Arch. Due to the lighting, I can't tell if the hat is brown or gray...

Arch Stanton · Post by **Arch Stanton** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 9:42 pm

Woah... yeah, I didn't notice that until you pointed it out. It's brown. Crazy.

shade88 · Post by **shade88** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 10:10 pm

Nice, I was thinking it was brown due to the color of your jacket.

agary7046 · Post by **agary7046** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 9:45 am

Got my Akubra Federation Deluxe a few weeks ago. I’m very pleased with it so far. Slowly getting it to a Raider’s Bash that I’m happy with. This hat has already gone on some adventures and travels with me and I know it will be around for years to come!

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 9:46 am

The Fed IV is always a solid choice. Looks great on you.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 1:21 am

Hi everyone, new to the forum! Got a Fed IV Deluxe a little over a month ago which I quickly gave a Last Crusade shape to. Hopefully I can get better photos soon but I wanted to share something with everyone since I’ve been scouring the various topics here.

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 9:48 am

Looking good!

Sheffield Jones · Post by **Sheffield Jones** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:46 am

Looks Great!!!!!!

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davidd · Post by **davidd** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 1:55 pm

Hi, Hobbit Fedora! Welcome to the forum! Great way to introduce yourself! That Fed looks fantastic!

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:10 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! The Fed is really awesome, been wearing it nearly every day, brings a little fortune and glory on the walk into work

mr_alex · Post by **mr_alex** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 4:03 pm

I've had this Federation IV Deluxe for a long time and finally got around to giving it shape. Happy with the Raider's turn and shaping overall, but would love pointers on how to get closer to the "Idol Switch" look.

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Wed Dec 09, 2020 9:06 am

I think you’ve pretty much nailed it. The only thing I can think of is making the dents more crisp. In the film, if you look at a profile shot, they’re very pronounced and triangular. However the way yours is now that may be on verge of nitpicking.

Illinois_Jones · Post by **Illinois_Jones** » Wed Dec 09, 2020 12:15 pm

Well just make sure the front is slightly higher than the back. The Fed's felt is different from most fedora felts -- it's generally thicker and heavier, sort of between a dress and western felt. The Heritage felt in the deluxe is lighter and more pliable, but Akubra felt nonetheless. That quality makes bashing an Akubra a bit different. A lot of first-time open crown wearers tend to overdo the center crease for an Indy because they focus so much on the "camel humps" and the stiff and thick Akubra felt can pull the sides with it when the dent is too deep. It's best to start shallow with the center dent, and don't go dead straight with it on the Raiders. Make it subtle and slightly "off" with the turn.

And don't go crazy with the pinch. Wet it, get it pinched adequately, then leave it. It'll work in with time and use and develop character.

Metallicuda · Post by **Metallicuda** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 12:09 pm

Little bit late but here’s a picture of my Fed IV from Halloween. Starting to break in and take on some more character

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Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:48 pm

Your gear looks great!

drftfan · Post by **drftfan** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:29 pm

I wanted to mention Hats Direct customer service.
I bought a Fed IV brown deluxe a few months ago. Great hat. I did sell it off because the color just seems too dark for me personally. But with that said I may buy another one and make it more Crusade style.
I did however order a carbon grey a few days ago for not only my whenever hat but of course it looks closest to the clipper color that they sell. I dropped down a size to a 55 on my order. They took the time to write me to say that last time I ordered a 56 and am I sure I want a 55. I replied yes I did so they moved forward. But they took it a step further and measured two 55's and they came out closer to 54.5 whereas the 56 was much closer to an actual 56 and of course will shrink a bit. Then they wrote me again to tell me what they found and left it up to me. I ordered the 56. I guess it is better to pad down vs not being able to even wear the hat at all.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Mon Jan 18, 2021 6:44 pm

Well I pulled the trigger on one, I've been posting in the other thread that Holt started, but since this is IV display thread I figured I'd post the pictures here. With maybe one or two on the other thread.

So to start, felt is a little thicker and stiffer, but that's to be expected. This isn't a Penman or AdVintage beaver felt.
But I like it, it'll do fine for what I wanted it for and that's a hat to wear while working in the woods, just about what ever. I'll remove the plastic inner liner this spring.

So my first attempt at dry bashing, wasn't to bad, put a little steam on the brim as it would pop back up annoyingly.
One this the site makes it look much lighter tan, it lends itself to the ol is it brown or grey.

The box came with no damage. $\:D/$

This is next to my Adventurebilt KotCS made by Steve

This is next to my Penmen KotCS travel hat

So, how'd I do
Croft

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Mon Jan 18, 2021 8:13 pm

That's a real neat color! Very nice!

drftfan · Post by **drftfan** » Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:10 pm

Which color is that?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:38 pm

Fits you well, Croft. Well done with the bash.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Sheffield Jones · Post by **Sheffield Jones** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:32 am

My daughter,son-in-law,and son went in together and got me a Carbon Grey for Christmas.

Side by side with my “Cairo” Fed IV

Side by side with my Fed IV Deluxe

Under different lighting.

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Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 7:31 pm

Thanks for the compliments.
The finish is Heritage Fawn.

And really has a tendency towards the grey. But sometimes tarnish.
Site really looks more Tan.

But I like it and it was fun bashing it my self.

And that’s a nice lookin Carbon grey Sheffield Jones, though that last one looks very bluish.
You have started a new debate. Is it grey or blue

But I like it.

Croft

Sheffield Jones · Post by **Sheffield Jones** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:41 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:And that’s a nice lookin Carbon grey Sheffield Jones, though that last one looks very bluish.
You have started a new debate. Is it grey or blue

But I like it.

Croft

Thanks. Lol. Those last two pictures are actually under a fluorescent light.

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Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Fri Jan 29, 2021 12:40 am

All those Fed IV’s are looking great! Making me really itch to jump the saving-up gun and get another one in Moonstone for a “Maltese Falcon” look.

jgino · Post by **jgino** » Tue Feb 23, 2021 12:34 pm

Those are some fine looking hats, I'm getting the itch to order one. Must resist must resist

IndyJedi · Post by **IndyJedi** » Tue Feb 23, 2021 7:46 pm

I've had a carbon grey Fed for about 5 years and nearly wore it out. I wore it several times every week. It went on many vacations and trips and letting it get very wet many times was the hardest on it. I've sweated in it so much the ribbon has salt stains. The leather band has lost all of its lettering and the leather finish is nearly 100% gone. The lining is very discolored and stained. Overall it has shrunk at least 1/2 a size. I now consider it my beater hat to be worn when I'll be outdoors and sweating a lot or when it may rain. I thought about asking a local hat shop to replace the band and may end up doing that at some point.
About a year ago I bought a moonstone Fed absolutely love it. I was a little concerned the lighter color would get dirty easy but that hasn't been the case. I didn't realize how worn my carbon Fed was until I opened the box and got a look at the new moonstone. Now the moonstone is my 'fancy' hat.

I do enjoy wearing the carbon Fed as it has a great well worn look to it and is not overly nice in any manner. I know there are other hats out there but I think I'll be a Fed customer for a long time.

thecoolmiester · Post by **thecoolmiester** » Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:42 pm

Don’t mind the goofy face lol these are screen shots from a video I took as I concentrated on getting all the angles LOL

They shorted me 2 while cm on the sides and 1cm on the front and back on brim but still looks amazing

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agary7046 · Post by **agary7046** » Sun Mar 28, 2021 9:57 am

I got around to replacing the hat band with a black one. Nice little Sunday morning project that really makes a difference.

Illinois_Jones · Post by **Illinois_Jones** » Sun Mar 28, 2021 1:13 pm

Yeah, the contrast does make a difference. I actually know somebody who took the ribbon off their Fed and put the hat in a tanning booth for awhile to try to sun bleach it. Came out okay, maybe a little greyish (Akubra is stingy with the dye), but the contrast is definitely there.

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:13 pm

My lovely wife bought me an Akubra Fed IV (and an Akubra Territory) in fawn. It arrived Friday!

I haven't steamed it yet or decided on a final bash or pinch, but here it is.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:02 pm

Love it the fawn Fed IV, thats the same as mine a few post’s up.
It looks like a cross between tan and grey all at the same time.
I did just a dry bash, but this will be my work hat, so we’ll see what comes of it.

I did remove the plastic cap liner, very carefully.

Your wife done good, wear it in good health.

Croft

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:09 pm

its funny, you can look at a fed and the felt looks super thick, then you look at another and it doesn't look that thick. sorta like an optical illusion, as scientists used to say about the curve ball...but just try hitting that 'optical illusion'...

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:58 pm

A Territory? With the wide brim? Niiiice!

Lookin' sharp in the Fed, there! I much prefer the fawn color to the dark chocolate brown of the one I have.

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Sat May 01, 2021 10:00 am

Just wanted to show off my Last Crusade Fed IV up in Colorado! I keep worrying that the brim is too wide for me but boy it came in handy with all that sun.

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Thu May 20, 2021 2:52 pm

I actually got to stay at the Indiana Jones Bed and Breakfast a couple weeks ago...also known as the house at the start of “Last Crusade”! The Fed really completed the picture!!!

IJJTM · Post by **IJJTM** » Thu May 20, 2021 3:50 pm

Dang, seems like a ton of fun. Also, great job shaping the hat.

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Thu May 20, 2021 4:58 pm

It was really cool. We obviously watched “Last Crusade” that night...well I did, my wife was asleep

What was even more interesting is that little town in Colorado is where my family’s from so we had that connection too.

Hobbit Fedora · Post by **Hobbit Fedora** » Tue May 25, 2021 7:38 pm

Wanted to share my new Moonstone Deluxe. I was going to go with a “Clipper” style but this feels more elegantly nonchalant to me. I also think it may have turned out better than my brown Last Crusade one