Club Obi Wan

It's more than obvious you've already taken the world by storm, Steve. The Indy world, that is. The AB is THE hat and the way I see it, as long as you keep making them, it'll be top dog. I've seen Binks hat and I think it was IJ1936's AB's and I was very impressed with them. I hope you don't take my post as a dig to you as it certainly was not intended to be. In all my years here though, I've not seen such devotion to any of the gear as this. Sometimes the appreciation goes a little overboard is all.

I, for one, hope you keep doing the hats as long as you continue to enjoy doing them. The world of Indy gear is much, much better off with more vendors than less, especially those with low priced, high quality gear, such as yours.

Consider yourself lucky that all 400 folks are not posting. Fedora

"Thank the maker"- C-3PO, ANH.

Before the AB came out, didn't folks post and compare pics of their HJ's, PB's, Optimos, Akubras, etc? Personally, I find it interesting to see pics of hats folks have bashed themselves, since there seems to be several techniques on how to achieve the "look."

If you are pleased with a hat that you buy, why should you not post about it?

I was rethinking my initial position on this and I think what it may be is that so much of my time on the net has been spent here in the past 6 years that I guess the multiple threads have worn their welcome with me. However, in my rethinking I came to the realization that there are some who are relatively new and do enjoy these types of threads and are pretty new to them, so I take back what I said and admit my error in judgement. I do like to see new product, don't get me wrong. But when you see the 30th thread 'Check out my new off the peg Wested', it get's old. Theres just nothing new to see.
I guess I already have the look downpat to my standards, Bink, so that's why any of these rebashing threads or stuff of the like seem completely redundant to me. I would think that by now you'd have it down too. Sure looked like you did. But, going back to my above paragraph, I understand why there would be people interested in the redundant threads. I just jumped the gun like I do from time to time.

Sometimes the appreciation goes a little overboard is all.

Yeah, I know. But, from my standpoint, it is great. Not so for others. No offense taken at all Agent. I understand where you are coming from. One day it will die down, as we both know how things like this run. We have been around long enough for that. regards, Fedora

That's okay Agent5. I understand what you are saying. Sometimes you just have to think back and remember how you felt the first time that you got a piece of Raiders gear by the original maker. It is just someone new, experiencing the same thing.

VP wrote:I can do it, just make me a list.

I'll start a thread when mine comes in the mail. We should do two maps. Where the AB "lives" and a second map for where ab's have traveled. That way we can see the spread of where the hat is in the world and where it has been.

agent5 wrote:
I guess I already have the look downpat to my standards, Bink, so that's why any of these rebashing threads or stuff of the like seem completely redundant to me. I would think that by now you'd have it down too. Sure looked like you did. But, going back to my above paragraph, I understand why there would be people interested in the redundant threads. I just jumped the gun like I do from time to time.

I see where you're coming from, Agent5. I'm perfectly happy with my Wested, which is probably why I don't frequent the Jacket Forum as much anymore. (I'm sure I will again if I ever get another Wested.) I love hats, though, and can never have enough, so I'll probably never leave this forum!)

I am pretty happy with my gear and appreciate the compliment about having the look down. A lot of what I have is "close enough" for me, though I hope to get a few other "official" pieces at some point. There's always some enjoyment in this hobby, though, no matter where you are with your gear. I think you're at a point where you're expanding your gear search, going for the Tanis outfit and such. In time, you'll have every single costume!

bink

Quote.

. I have never seen a hat worth 500 bucks. I have seen plenty of folks, including myself, who were mis-guided enough to spend that sort of money on a piece of fur, leather, rayon/cotton, and satin.

So true folks you can own 3 of Steve's hat compared to only 1 hat of one of these "over priced hat sellers".
So I bought 3 different colors from Steve

Guys, let me change my statements to reflect my opinions better. I said, no hat is worth 500 bucks. What I meant, was no Indy fedora is worth that. We all know that other hats can well be worth that price, although not many can afford them. And, this is my personal opinion, only. Felt hats have always been relatively expensive, good ones that is. Even back in the heyday of hats, they were expensive, and many folks could not afford them, and wore cheaper caps. (my father in law told me that)
My point is, if you do spend hundreds of dollars for a felt hat, it sure needs to be high quality felt so you will get your money's worth, and can have it refurbished, instead of throwing it away. Fedora

Michaelson wrote: ... Steve, your hats have been seen in China, Florence Italy, Mexico...and the list is growing. Like we suggested before....hope you have a wall map and pins to show locations they've been spotted!

Regards! Michaelson

Hopefully I'll be taking my AB to Greece, Jordan and Israel in Feb of '06

Fedora wrote:

Like we suggested before....hope you have a wall map and pins to show locations they've been spotted!

Regards! Michaelson

I did just that!! I am using maps from National Geographic, and little colored pins. Only thing is, the print for the cities and towns are so small, that it takes a magnifying glass, plus my reading glasses in order to read them. Fedora

I bet you had to use a microscope to find Estill Springs, didn't you? Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jess wrote:

Michaelson wrote: ... Steve, your hats have been seen in China, Florence Italy, Mexico...and the list is growing. Like we suggested before....hope you have a wall map and pins to show locations they've been spotted!

Regards! Michaelson

Hopefully I'll be taking my AB to Greece, Jordan and Israel in Feb of '06

I've heard of "Greece," but are Jordan and Isreal musicals as well?

bink

this is good news either way and I for one will keep my fingers crossed.

binkmeisterRick wrote:

Indiana Jess wrote:

Michaelson wrote: ... Steve, your hats have been seen in China, Florence Italy, Mexico...and the list is growing. Like we suggested before....hope you have a wall map and pins to show locations they've been spotted!

Regards! Michaelson

Hopefully I'll be taking my AB to Greece, Jordan and Israel in Feb of '06

I've heard of "Greece," but are Jordan and Isreal musicals as well?

bink

Yes, bink. It was a trilogy starring John Revolting. The last two were not as good as the original though.

This is my first post, although I have been a silent observer for many many months now.
I'm off to London tomorrow to see my wife as it's her birthday and she works just off Picadilli, a matter of only a few hundred metres from the HJ shop. This will also be my first visit to that shop.
Having read all other postings in the past about the unhelpfullness of the staff, I'm interested to see how they behave. Firstly I've noticed that the majority of COW members who have visited have stated quite proudly that they are Indy fans, I will try a different tact and mearly be a Brit looking for any hat to walk his dog in and cover the old balding head to protect it when I Safari next year. I wonder if they will treat me any differently-just a thought? One thing I will do however is find out what they recommend using to help weather and waterproof THE hat, or any hat for that matter!
I'll update you hopefully on Thursday when I have time.

First of all, WELCOME! God go with you in your quest. (grins)

Seriously, there have been several who HAVE used the tact you propose, but none that I'm aware of that were native to the area. Good luck! I'll be VERY interested in hearing how you did!!

High regards! Michaelson

Ok ladies and gents and kids of all ages this is one for the History books. Ive recieved an update From my contact in Herbert Johnson and i have to say the future looks bright......

Good Morning,

Hope this email finds you well.
Since my last email I have continued the good fight, (and believe me it has been a fight) and I have some good news!
As of today an order has been placed and we have reinstated ordering the original felt from our old supplier.
The new hat's will be made to the old specifications (which have been found) so they will not have the modified crown that the current Poet's have, and will come with the White silk lining.
The only difference will be that they will have the new logo inside and not the original red one as we are endeavouring to now build a corporate identity once again and do not wish to rely on past glories.
In a way I feel that giving the new hats the new badge is no bad thing as it dates the hat and gives an extra kudos and mystique to those lucky enough to own an original hats made.
I have recovered the original blocks used which were in storage in Cambridge - One is a metal heated expanding block which is circa 1952 and uses a corkscrew turning wheel. The other was used for very large sizes 62+ and is wooden but the same shape. Both are totally flat sided and are very high to accommodate the crown height with a slightly domed top.
The final part of the blocking process was done by hand and I am going to contact Mr. Swales to have a chat with him about this nearer the time the hats will be ready which is still some months off.
If I learn of anything else or have any other news I will let you know.

Kind regards and once again thanks for your help,

Sorry i havent posted in a while have got out of the habit after the last phone bill But I had to post this .

Fantastic job!!! Its great you have a good relationship with this guy and that he is so willing to help us out.

This info should go on the main site!

Ken

I cant wait , Its a good idea to change the liner would still keep the uniqueness of the 20 year old hats.

incredible.

They found the raiders block?! GREAT! Thanks for sharing!

To me, this is some of the biggest news around here in a loooooong time!!!

Great news. Having only just bought a brand new Poet with white liner and "new" gold corp logo, I can't wait to see the difference. Good job, have a scotch!!

have recovered the original blocks used which were in storage in Cambridge - One is a metal heated expanding block which is circa 1952 and uses a corkscrew turning wheel. The other was used for very large sizes 62+ and is wooden but the same shape. Both are totally flat sided and are very high to accommodate the crown height with a slightly domed top.

That would explain the slightly different shape of the Raiders fedora!! You take the Poet block, with the front and back taper. You put the crown stretcher in, and voila', you have the Raiders block shape. I have one of those stretchers, aluminum. I may have to try that out and see what I end up with. It is plausible, and would explain the mystery of the missing block!! It would also help put that stress line that 3M$ thinks came from a telescope crown. Fedora

This info should go on the main site!

You are absolutely right!

Sorry i've been a little distracted but nonetheless interested... is this the famous original block now used for the new HJ indy fedora line???

Hard to admit but i forgot about this news i've been very distracted I know... so do we have any picture of the new block? How can we be sure it's THE block? I mean... they can say anything they want to us... no one has one of the new HJs?

erri_wan wrote: no one has one of the new HJs?

I ordered one just after christmas. Will be sure to post pics when it arrives.

Fedora wrote:That would explain the slightly different shape of the Raiders fedora!! You take the Poet block, with the front and back taper. You put the crown stretcher in, and voila', you have the Raiders block shape. I have one of those stretchers, aluminum. I may have to try that out and see what I end up with. It is plausible, and would explain the mystery of the missing block!! It would also help put that stress line that 3M$ thinks came from a telescope crown. Fedora

Has anything ever come of this, Fedora?

Always good to redig some old threads isnt it?
I'm as curious as Rick.... and, Dekker, i can't wait to see your HJ!!!

erri_wan wrote:Dekker, i can't wait to see your HJ!!!

Likewise...although I'm a little concerned as to the status of my order. Admittedly they were probably closed when I ordered over the web, but it's been a long two weeks for an item the website claims 'ships today' and the order confirmation email claims '3 business days'.
I emailed them yesterday and have yet to hear...think I might have to make a phone call later...

Michaelson wrote:Steve, your hats have been seen in China, Florence Italy, Mexico...and the list is growing. Like we suggested before....hope you have a wall map and pins to show locations they've been spotted!

Regards! Michaelson

Don't forget Peru!

KC

Has anything ever come of this, Fedora?

I tried it out, but my crown stretcher is a tapered one so the results were not notable. Perhaps one of the stretchers that was mushroomed on top would work? I dunno. But, really, after buying those vintage HJs, they had the right block at one time, and just do not use it, or have it anymore. Fedora

But, really, after buying those vintage HJs, they had the right block at one time, and just do not use it, or have it anymore

My thoughts exactly! Makes no sense to me to use these stretchers that are originally made to upsize a hat on a size that they (HJ) reportately had in stock. Your vintage HJ's support the theory, that the was an actual block - at least once - quite a bit too.

Regards,

Marc

Well, I've just had an interesting email after a few weeks agonising wait.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your email.
The hat you will receive is the original Raiders block using the finer
quality felt used for the originals hats. You will be one of the first
people to receive the new (old) hat.

Kind regards,

With luck I should have it by next tuesday and will post many pictures for you experts to argue over!

This waiting surely attracts all our attention buddy

We are all impatient to see it... as well as you

erri_wan wrote:This waiting surely attracts all our attention buddy

We are all impatient to see it... as well as you

Let's just hope he gets the camera angles right, eh eri

Fedoraman wrote:

erri_wan wrote:This waiting surely attracts all our attention buddy

We are all impatient to see it... as well as you

Let's just hope he gets the camera angles right, eh eri

Darn right Fedoraman

And lets hope people look at the pictures closely enough.

Please take plenty of pictures BEFORE you put in the bash - front, side, back, etc. In my experience, you get the least distorted pictures if you stand as far back from the subject as you can and zoom in to fill the frame. I can't wait to see what they send you.

Puppetboy wrote:Please take plenty of pictures BEFORE you put in the bash - front, side, back, etc. In my experience, you get the least distorted pictures if you stand as far back from the subject as you can and zoom in to fill the frame. I can't wait to see what they send you.

This is pretty much a given. I'm not au fait with all the various dings and dents a screen accurate hat should have or even remotely educated on what's involved in bashing one.

I won't be doing anything to it short of wearing it all day until the shiny newness of it wears off

Puppetboy wrote: In my experience, you get the least distorted pictures if you stand as far back from the subject as you can and zoom in to fill the frame.

Mmh interesting suggestion

Wow, that is some very interesting news! Be sure to take plenty of pics!

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your email.
The hat you will receive is the original Raiders block using the finer
quality felt used for the originals hats. You will be one of the first
people to receive the new (old) hat.

Kind regards,

This could truly be something. I only hope it's not limited to the shop in London and Todd can get it too. I just don't like the mark up at the shop.

Yeah, I had been thinking it was a metal heated expanding block which uses a corkscrew for quite some time now. That was going to be my next theory. Big thanks Aviator!

Now if only they would sew in the sweatbands by hands and use less glue on the liner, that would be awesome.

Regards,

Marc

WOW! I can hardly believe what I´m reading here. HJ is really using the original Raiders block? To be honest I´m a bit sceptical if they really found and now use the Raiders block until I see the new Poet myself

Now if only they would sew in the sweatbands by hands and use less glue on the liner, that would be awesome.

Less glue? How about none and just tacking in the liner? AND...how about a quality logo and not just a sticker?
I'm actually VERY excited about this. This is the very last piece of gear that I don't have that comes from the original vendor. Since I joined there have been too many negatives surrounding the HJ's so I stayed away and just went with Optimo since they gave me what I needed. However, I've always wanted an HJ that looked like Whipwarriors, the only HJ to look like an HJ should, IMHO.
So, I have fingers crossed and my prayers have been said. Please God, let this one be the one I've been waiting for :!: :!: :!:

Interesting. Interesting indeed. Can't wait to see whast comes of this.

Not that I would buy another HJ, because I own an Optimo bashed by Fedora, and if I were to buy another hat, it would be an AB.

Besides, why would you put faith in a company, that seems to care very little about the hat we all know and love. They haven't shown ANY indication of trying to work with us to make THE hat.

People like Graham at Optimo, the fine folks at Hats Direct, Fedora, and many others. THEY are the folks who have heard the call, and responded.

Seems like HJ is a day late, and a dollar short, to me.
They got the horses moving, jumped off,....and now 25 years later, wanna jump on the bandwagon??? No thanks.

'Blues

and Agent5,..your overuse of the emoticon, is disturbing.

Maybe it just took someone who gave a @#$% or finally listened?

...of course "no glue at all" was what why I intended to write, but got a little sarcastic after I found half a bottle of glue under the liner of a modern HJ a couple of weeks ago.

To be honest I´m a bit sceptical if they really found and now use the Raiders block until I see the new Poet myself

Same here. After all Erri-Wan already inquired about a hat from the old catalogue made on the same block and the answer was "no". But we'll see. For 250 or so bucks, one should be able to expect something.

Regards,

Marc

They got the horses moving, jumped off,....and now 25 years later, wanna jump on the bandwagon??? No thanks.

Perhaps their interest is linked to a new Indy film??? Perhaps Lucas and Company actually know of the fanfare regarding the Raiders fedora and want to replicate that hat for the next film? Ah, the conjecture is rampant! Regardless, if HJ is enticed into making a Raiders fedora, it is a win, win for all of us. I hope they pull it off. I have a penchant for the vintage HJs, and if they could approach the workmanship quality, and details of those excellent hats of yesteryear, I would want one. Otherwise, no. I have thrown away enough good money chasing bad hats. Fedora