Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
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- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
No Bantu Wind here, but since y'all are posting photos of your BK Relic Hunters, here's mine several years later...
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Sweet jacket, seems to have aged very nicely.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
That looks great, Forest.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Really nice aging on that one. The leather looks gorgeous, and it appears to be 100% honest wear.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Love it Forrest, looks terrific
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Thanks all! I've been wearing this most fall, winters, and spring when it isn't raining or too cold for the past six years. I treated it with some leather conditioner to darken it up a touch when I first got it. That's it. It was brand new when I got it from a member here who is exactly my size. Definitely my favorite article of clothing (with my Alden boots not far behind). As much as I might want a Steele and Jones truck jacket, I can't imagine replacing this Kelso.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
And you'd be mad to!Forrest For the Trees wrote:...I can't imagine replacing this Kelso.
Seriously beautiful and the fit looks absolutely bang on to boot.
I just remembered I promised to take some snaps of my Raiders jacket for you and post them Forrest. Sorry about that, it completely slipped my mind. I'll try and take a few over the weekend and start a thread here.
- Canyon
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Glad to hear you were able to track it.Caber wrote:Well it looks like its been Stuck in Greece since the 9th of this month
Cabe
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I thought I would post a 4-year update on my Relic Hunter. This jacket has been used every season since Fall 2016, and really has aged well. There is no distressing or Pecards treatments, just wearing everyday. And the occasional run in with the very abrasive NYC subway walls. I think it's slowly showing more brown in the faded areas, and I didn't realize how much it's aged until I took these photos. Hope you enjoy the update.
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Nice! Talk about honest wear and natural distressing! Looks like it has seen many an urban adventure. Cheers.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
That's beautiful Sharkboy, the wear and patina it's acquiring is just superbsharkboy wrote:I thought I would post a 4-year update on my Relic Hunter. This jacket has been used every season since Fall 2016, and really has aged well. There is no distressing or Pecards treatments, just wearing everyday. And the occasional run in with the very abrasive NYC subway walls. I think it's slowly showing more brown in the faded areas, and I didn't realize how much it's aged until I took these photos. Hope you enjoy the update.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Forrest For the Trees wrote:No Bantu Wind here, but since y'all are posting photos of your BK Relic Hunters, here's mine several years later...
https://u.cubeupload.com/ForrestWatson/IMG4187.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://u.cubeupload.com/ForrestWatson/IMG4250.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Looking great! Noticed you're wearing a hoodie, is there room to layer in the Relic Hunter or did you size up?
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
No, this is my normal size. Manages to look and fit well with both a t-shirt, or a hoodie/sweater. It is loose enough to layer a bit, no problem, but not too loose by any means.xmasters wrote:Looking great! Noticed you're wearing a hoodie, is there room to layer in the Relic Hunter or did you size up?
For reference, it is a size 38, with 21 inch pit-to-pit measurement.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Impressive. I'll stick with my normal sizing for a Relic Hunter then.
- marker2037
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Some great looking jackets here fellas! Incredible wear.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I’ve been really impressed with my Relic Hunter ever since I got it back at the end of June. Even though it’s goatskin, it is wearing in quite well. It hasn’t seen too much use (thanks Texas), but I throw it on any opportunity I get. Pictures at the following link, I don’t know why I can’t embed them here... I blame my phone haha: https://imgur.com/a/VkoP7oc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Whoa, that goatskin is breaking in beautifully. Honestly, I haven't seen goatskin break in and crease this well before. Well done!
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I agree, that has got to be the best indy jacket made out of goatskin I have seen.Forrest For the Trees wrote:Whoa, that goatskin is breaking in beautifully. Honestly, I haven't seen goatskin break in and crease this well before. Well done!
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Just went back to check out your previous post when you shared photos of your jacket when new. Wow, that has come a long way. This makes me want to pick up one of these goatskin jackets. Again, the way that leather is breaking-in is phenomenal.drewgarcia618 wrote:Finally got my BK in, and my god it’s gorgeous. I’m a bit heavier at the moment than I should be, so it’s a bit tight in the gut (thanks surgery), but I’m ecstatic. It’s light, but still feels strong and tough as all get out. Fall can’t come quick enough! (It’s a South America version in Goat)
In case the image add doesn’t work, here’s the link to the pics: https://imgur.com/a/M5wTNEA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Thee wrote:I agree, that has got to be the best indy jacket made out of goatskin I have seen.
Thank y’all! It’s really been a fun jacket to own and wear, my only complaint would be that it’s not acceptable to wear it 24/7/365! I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking at BK jackets: lightweight, rainproof (in the limited bit that it’s seen), and practically wind proof. This goat feels more like lamb to the touch, almost like Wested’s washed lamb in my opinion. But it feels just as durable as the goatskin that US Wings uses. The perfect blend of both!Forrest For the Trees wrote:Just went back to check out your previous post when you shared photos of your jacket when new. Wow, that has come a long way. This makes me want to pick up one of these goatskin jackets. Again, the way that leather is breaking-in is phenomenal.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I am looking to pull the trigger on the RH in goatskin and would love some advice from current or past Kelso owners on the following:
-South America or Cairo and why
-Sizing advice
I have had an Expo that I loved, but it is now too big (I am 6'-2) since I was 260 lbs when I ordered it 15 years ago. It now looks like a tent on me. I am purchasing for actual wear/functionality. I ordered the US Wings L-T but it so long it looks like a car coat so I am fire selling it.
Currently, i am at 200 lb and fit. I typically wear "Athletic" in suit coats and am trying to avoid a fit in the shoulders and a tent in the body.
Any special advice is appreciated and I welcome DM's so as to not muddy up this thread.
-South America or Cairo and why
-Sizing advice
I have had an Expo that I loved, but it is now too big (I am 6'-2) since I was 260 lbs when I ordered it 15 years ago. It now looks like a tent on me. I am purchasing for actual wear/functionality. I ordered the US Wings L-T but it so long it looks like a car coat so I am fire selling it.
Currently, i am at 200 lb and fit. I typically wear "Athletic" in suit coats and am trying to avoid a fit in the shoulders and a tent in the body.
Any special advice is appreciated and I welcome DM's so as to not muddy up this thread.
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I'd consult with Andy at Bill Kelso Mfg for sizing concerns. I would say order your chest size (suit jacket size), but you might want a Tall. As to South America vs. Cairo, that's just personal taste. I'd go with South America, as it is based on the Nowak Raiders. BK exaggerates the pocket scalloping a bit, so maybe a hybrid with South America collar and Cairo pockets? I don't think their Cairo collar looks quite right, but that's just my opinion, man.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
USW isn't the best barometer for length -- their current selection is too long no matter the size. A USW tall would look like a car coat unless you're an NBA center.
For BK you might actually want to go with the tall. At 6'2" a regular is almost certainly too short for you; BK's long is only like 1 inch longer than regular, and really torso length isn't too different for humans no matter their height.
But put the USW on and see how much shorter than that would be where you want it to be. Then communicate with BK. Just remember that the RH and any other reasonably accurate Raiders jacket will hang differently from any other jacket you've got. Just communicate with them and give them an idea of the length you want.
For BK you might actually want to go with the tall. At 6'2" a regular is almost certainly too short for you; BK's long is only like 1 inch longer than regular, and really torso length isn't too different for humans no matter their height.
But put the USW on and see how much shorter than that would be where you want it to be. Then communicate with BK. Just remember that the RH and any other reasonably accurate Raiders jacket will hang differently from any other jacket you've got. Just communicate with them and give them an idea of the length you want.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Cowboy,
The BK I have is a South America version. I am also 6’2” with an athletic build. I was afraid I’d have to order a custom sized one, but when I messaged Andy he told me that the 44L would work well, and I am glad I took his advice. The fit is perfect, and I absolutely love it! I actually wore it recently for family pictures with my younger sisters.
The BK I have is a South America version. I am also 6’2” with an athletic build. I was afraid I’d have to order a custom sized one, but when I messaged Andy he told me that the 44L would work well, and I am glad I took his advice. The fit is perfect, and I absolutely love it! I actually wore it recently for family pictures with my younger sisters.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Thank you Drew, Illinois and Forrest for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.drewgarcia618 wrote:Cowboy,
The BK I have is a South America version. I am also 6’2” with an athletic build. I was afraid I’d have to order a custom sized one, but when I messaged Andy he told me that the 44L would work well, and I am glad I took his advice. The fit is perfect, and I absolutely love it! I actually wore it recently for family pictures with my younger sisters.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Wow - stunning jacket you have there! Which skin is this?Forrest For the Trees wrote:No Bantu Wind here, but since y'all are posting photos of your BK Relic Hunters, here's mine several years later...
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Striated Lambskin. It is awesome. I'm not sure how screen accurate it is, but it is the best lambskin leather I have ever handled. Just gets better the more you wear it. I would say avoid getting it wet, though.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Have you gotten yours wet? What happens?Forrest For the Trees wrote:Striated Lambskin. It is awesome. I'm not sure how screen accurate it is, but it is the best lambskin leather I have ever handled. Just gets better the more you wear it. I would say avoid getting it wet, though.
- Indiana Jeff
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
It reproduced.
Don't even ask what happened when he fed it after midnight!
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
Don't even ask what happened when he fed it after midnight!
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Ha! The examples I've seen that have gotten soaked have crazy grain pop out. This leather soaks up water like a sponge and it seems to distort a bit as it dries.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I think you are right, check out this one after a wash.Forrest For the Trees wrote:Ha! The examples I've seen that have gotten soaked have crazy grain pop out. This leather soaks up water like a sponge and it seems to distort a bit as it dries.
- Kt Templar
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Love a bit of striated lamb, it's just so different and "unmassproduced" looking. Gives you jackets so much character,
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
This went through the washing machine? I had contemplated going out in a light rain but I was under the impression that the color would alter. I love mine already so wasn't going to risk it. So this is not the case? I love some of the texture but it's a bit too much overall for my preference.Thee wrote:I think you are right, check out this one after a wash.Forrest For the Trees wrote:Ha! The examples I've seen that have gotten soaked have crazy grain pop out. This leather soaks up water like a sponge and it seems to distort a bit as it dries.
Most I've been in is a light sprinkle. Seriously thinking of ordering another as a backup. I'm the kind that buys multiple pairs of shoes if I like them in case they stop making them.
- Forrest For the Trees
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Light rain would be fine, but not for an extended period. If you are going to buy a backup, I would think their goatskin would be a great option to wear in wetter weather.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
That isn't my jacket but pictures of someone else's which I got from the fortune and glory forum. All he said was "My SL BK after a wash" so I don't exactly know what the "wash" consisted of but I reckon it was more than just getting rained on. I have one in the striated lamb myself and I wouldn't hesitate to wear mine in some rain as long as it isn't pouring. But that's probably because I bought mine second hand. So IMO you don't need to buy another but if you did I would go for a wested hero in goat rather than the relic hunter as it is much cheaper, shorter wait time, and the cut is pretty much the same. I will post some before and after pictures later on if my relic hunter gets rained on to show how much of a difference it makes.This went through the washing machine? I had contemplated going out in a light rain but I was under the impression that the color would alter. I love mine already so wasn't going to risk it. So this is not the case? I love some of the texture but it's a bit too much overall for my preference
Most I've been in is a light sprinkle. Seriously thinking of ordering another as a backup. I'm the kind that buys multiple pairs of shoes if I like them in case they stop making them.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Thee wrote:That isn't my jacket but pictures of someone else's which I got from the fortune and glory forum. All he said was "My SL BK after a wash" so I don't exactly know what the "wash" consisted of but I reckon it was more than just getting rained on. I have one in the striated lamb myself and I wouldn't hesitate to wear mine in some rain as long as it isn't pouring. But that's probably because I bought mine second hand. So IMO you don't need to buy another but if you did I would go for a wested hero in goat rather than the relic hunter as it is much cheaper, shorter wait time, and the cut is pretty much the same. I will post some before and after pictures later on if my relic hunter gets rained on to show how much of a difference it makes.This went through the washing machine? I had contemplated going out in a light rain but I was under the impression that the color would alter. I love mine already so wasn't going to risk it. So this is not the case? I love some of the texture but it's a bit too much overall for my preference
Most I've been in is a light sprinkle. Seriously thinking of ordering another as a backup. I'm the kind that buys multiple pairs of shoes if I like them in case they stop making them.
I already have a Wested goat from years ago which is still nowhere near as comfortable as my BK by a long shot. It's too warm in CA for anything heavier than lamb for me. Plus, as of this moment I am done with Wested. Will gladly give BK more business though as it went super smooth for my current jacket with a spot on fit.
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I’ve put my BK Holy Grail on eBay now, will see if I can list it in the classifieds here too
- TheExit148
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Anybody heard updates from BK regarding their updates based on the Truck jacket information? I believe Andy was looking at updating their Relic Hunter or creating a new model of it. Just wondering if there is anything new.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
I have a Relic Hunter that I purchased second hand on eBay about a year ago and I swear it looks identical to this jacket. Same grain pop and everything. I had to do some rehab on it when I got it because it had a nasty film on it, but now that it has been cleaned up it has a lot of character. I'll have to post some pictures.Thee wrote:I think you are right, check out this one after a wash.Forrest For the Trees wrote:Ha! The examples I've seen that have gotten soaked have crazy grain pop out. This leather soaks up water like a sponge and it seems to distort a bit as it dries.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
A friend of mine invited me to a Sunday-evening Halloween party on the roof of her apartment. Naturally, I figured it’s a great time to bust out the Relic Hunter for the first time this fall. It’s a little over a year old and I’m ready to start wearing it again!
Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
The image seems to be broken.drewgarcia618 wrote:
A friend of mine invited me to a Sunday-evening Halloween party on the roof of her apartment. Naturally, I figured it’s a great time to bust out the Relic Hunter for the first time this fall. It’s a little over a year old and I’m ready to start wearing it again!
- Thunderspy
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Here it is:
Looks great!
I never stopped wearing mine this year: summer in the UK was a bit disappointing
Looks great!
I never stopped wearing mine this year: summer in the UK was a bit disappointing
- Thunderspy
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Did anyone see the documentary about the origins of the SAS called Rogue Warriors presented and written by Ben MacIntyre? It's been repeated on BBC Four a few times and is terrific stuff; they're even dramatising it at the moment to be called Rogue Heroes, written by the guy who made Peaky Blinders and starring Jack O'Connell.
Anyway, for the whole of Rogue Warriors MacIntyre wore a Bill Kelso Relic Hunter (confirmed by the guy from BK); and seeing its lovely buttery but grainy texture onscreen really sold it to me and was the main factor in making sure I bought one!
You can watch the first part here:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x69xxug
It's a brilliant story regardless: I think most Indy fans would enjoy it.
Anyway, for the whole of Rogue Warriors MacIntyre wore a Bill Kelso Relic Hunter (confirmed by the guy from BK); and seeing its lovely buttery but grainy texture onscreen really sold it to me and was the main factor in making sure I bought one!
You can watch the first part here:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x69xxug
It's a brilliant story regardless: I think most Indy fans would enjoy it.
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Yep, we were aware.
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... e+Warriors" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Regard! Michaelson
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... e+Warriors" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Regard! Michaelson
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Cool, well now you have some photos!
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Is that goatskin?Thunderspy wrote:Here it is:
Looks great!
I never stopped wearing mine this year: summer in the UK was a bit disappointing
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Thanks Thunderspy for fixing that picture for me! Thee, yes it’s the goatskin. I love it: it’s light, tough, patinas well in the places it’s starting to wear, and it looks pretty Raiders to me. I couldn’t be happier with it!
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Re: Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter
Interesting! Mine is Striated Lamb and apart from the striations it doesn't really look much different.