The Penman post 'em up Pages....The Adventure Continues...

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:16 am

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i201/ ... yTank2.jpg

'Despite forgetting his microphone, Dave carried on with the song, regardless - The crowd, however, decided it was time for Dave to leave the stage'

Ian

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed May 12, 2010 11:51 am

Great idea, Scott. And you gents are hilarious. I think my favorite is the one about the

s Plymouth. I wanna play too!

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i201/ ... yTank2.jpg

"Looks like Dave made one too many changes to his order again!"

"Make sure you speak to Michaelson AFTER he's had that firsat cup of coffee in the morning."

"Geez, these COW bouncers can't take a joke, can they?"

"Don't ever taunt a baby tank...mother tank is never too far away..."

"Mrs. DR Ulloa: You ordered another Penman!"

"I'm so outta shape, I can't out run a rusted 70-year old tank with no motor!"

Dave

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 12, 2010 11:59 am

....those COWMONGERS!

Thanks for being a good sport, Dave!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed May 12, 2010 3:13 pm

Texan Scott wrote: ....those COWMONGERS! Thanks for being a good sport, Dave!

Yeah, Texan Scott made me do it.

Dave; You wear your Penman when you gig? How does it stand up to beer bottles smashing over it when you play Rawhide?

Ian

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Wed May 12, 2010 3:26 pm

Ian wrote:
Texan Scott wrote: ....those COWMONGERS! Thanks for being a good sport, Dave!
Yeah, Texan Scott made me do it.

Dave; You wear your Penman when you gig? How does it stand up to beer bottles smashing over it when you play Rawhide?

Ian

On a side note, been talking to John a lot lo these last few weeks. And I'm super excited because he started my Raiders in Beaver a couple of days ago. As you may know I have two Penmans, and I'm very excited about this third. John has been extremely patient with me as I've have run him ragged over the phone, over skype, and through emails about details. He tells me that I'm now more indecisive than David. (Sorry, Dave! I wasn't trying to beat you, it's just happened) But regardless, the order will remain pretty much as it began (though it did go through permutations before coming full circle).

Can't wait to get it on my head, and post the pics!

Happy Wednesday everyone! And John, "Old Rasputin" is calling my name!

Daren Henry

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 12, 2010 3:27 pm

I bet he has a special steel-plated one for that.

...ouch!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed May 12, 2010 3:28 pm

There's a new David in town.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed May 12, 2010 4:50 pm

You've won the battle, Daren, but you haven't won the war!

Even when I give John complete artistic liberty with my order, I still find a way to tell him what I want...each time I want something else! There's only one David.

Oh, and John...

...boohoo! "My name is John Penman and I have too many indecisive customers that keep throwing money at me!"

Dave

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:57 pm

...forgot the MmmmWahhhHAHAHA!

I've got one more then I'll quit....

Looks like Dave is just coming back from the jacket forum!

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu May 13, 2010 12:53 pm

Ian wrote:Dave; You wear your Penman when you gig? How does it stand up to beer bottles smashing over it when you play Rawhide?

Ian

Sorry, I missed this question, Ian. Yes, I wear hats when I play with my band. I wear my Penmans most as They really get abused on stage. I sweat gallons into those hats up on stage. And those stage lights make everything burn up; its really hot under those lights. I've yet to have one taper on me, though. I wear all my hats so as to not look like I always wear the same one hat all the time, on stage. Never had beer bottles thrown at me, had a few panties thrown though. Either way, none of my Penmans have tapered or shrunk due to being wet.

Dave

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:20 pm

DR Ulloa wrote:
Ian wrote:Dave; You wear your Penman when you gig? How does it stand up to beer bottles smashing over it when you play Rawhide?

Ian
Sorry, I missed this question, Ian. Yes, I wear hats when I play with my band. I wear my Penmans most as They really get abused on stage. I sweat gallons into those hats up on stage. And those stage lights make everything burn up; its really hot under those lights. I've yet to have one taper on me, though. I wear all my hats so as to not look like I always wear the same one hat all the time, on stage. Never had beer bottles thrown at me, had a few panties thrown though. Either way, none of my Penmans have tapered or shrunk due to being wet.

Dave

S'okay Dave.

I gig now and again myself but have yet to subject one of my lids to the vast quantities of sweat that I produce on stage. Might try it though with the my first Penman when I have it.

I'm jealous, I've never had panties thrown at me yet.

Ian

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:22 pm

DR Ulloa wrote: Never had beer bottles thrown at me, had a few panties thrown though.

Nice of you mom to show up at your gigs.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Add me to the "wearing hats at gigs" club. I'll probably do that with my Penman at some point when it arrives.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:25 pm

I had panties thrown at my first show! I was 15! It's happened now and again since then. I get bras more than panties thrown, though. I'm always flattered becuase never have I had granny-panties thrown at me; they've always been the demur, Victoria's Secret kind. Maybe the Penman helps in getting those things off their owners and hurled at the band on stage? I don't know. But It's fun to try to catch them by the brim of the hat!

Dave

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:26 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:
DR Ulloa wrote: Never had beer bottles thrown at me, had a few panties thrown though.
Nice of you mom to show up at your gigs. Sorry, couldn't resist!

Add me to the "wearing hats at gigs" club. I'll probably do that with my Penman at some point when it arrives.

I just laughed out load and I'm surprvising a detention right now! You made my day, Rick!

Dave

p.s. My parents were always supportive of my music. God bless them!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:27 pm

(In my best Bugs Bunny voice) Ain't I a stinker?

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:28 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Nice of you mom to show up at your gigs. Sorry, couldn't resist!

Oooooooo!!!

Ian

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:41 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:(In my best Bugs Bunny voice) Ain't I a stinker?

You certainly are. Remind me not to stand down wind from you any more, will ya?!

Dave

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2010 3:47 pm

Deal.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu May 13, 2010 4:07 pm

Never had panties thrown. Got flashed once, but it was well before wearing my Penman on stage. I'm a drummer, by the way.

Worn my Penman now a couple of times recently at gigs though. It's fun. My singer sometimes wears a fedora. Couple of weeks ago we both wore our hats, which I thought was pretty cool. His is a POS, but it looked good on him. (I think he got a free bowl of soup with it, but I could be mistaken).

Regardless, wearing a Penman to a musical performance, regardless of whether you are the performer or in the audience = happiness.

Daren Henry

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:11 pm

Worked on your hat a little just now.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:16 pm

That's just teasing.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:26 pm

Ian wrote:That's just teasing.

$\:D/$

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:30 pm

DarenHenryW wrote:Never had panties thrown. Got flashed once, but it was well before wearing my Penman on stage.

So your mom comes to your shows, too?

Okay, I'll stop!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:32 pm

Only with the name Penman can we go from hats to panties. Ah, brings back some found memories.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:33 pm

BendingOak wrote:Worked on your hat a little just now.

I hope that was directed to me.

Bricka Bracka Firecracker, Sis-boom-bah! Penman Penman, Ra ra ra!

DHW

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2010 5:34 pm

That's what your hat liners are made from, right?

Okay, I mean it, I've derailed this thread enough. I'm giving myself a vacation. $\:D/$

By the way, John, still a no show.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 13, 2010 10:29 pm

DarenHenryW wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Worked on your hat a little just now.

I hope that was directed to me.

Bricka Bracka Firecracker, Sis-boom-bah! Penman Penman, Ra ra ra!

DHW

Yes I was.

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu May 13, 2010 10:39 pm

BendingOak wrote:
DarenHenryW wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Worked on your hat a little just now.

I hope that was directed to me.

Bricka Bracka Firecracker, Sis-boom-bah! Penman Penman, Ra ra ra!

DHW

Yes I was.

$\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Thu May 13, 2010 10:43 pm

Hey Daren- we have a very similiar taste when it comes to Penmans! You have a grey Raiders Seaplane, I have a grey Raiders Seaplane. You have a Last Crusade, I have a Last Crusade. You have a Raiders Beaver on order (being made right now!), I have a Raiders Beaver on order (probably being made soon!).

What can I say.... great minds think alike!

mcmanm · Post by **mcmanm** » Mon May 17, 2010 9:16 am

FYI,
John is finishing up on my CS Hero reblock. I'm really excited about seeing the result of his more SA block. Ordered it in the Summer of 08 and has been my go to hat (CS is my fav). I will post pics of John's work when I get it back.

Matt

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon May 17, 2010 9:21 am

What Raiders block is John on now and has anyone got one from it?

Ian

mcmanm · Post by **mcmanm** » Mon May 17, 2010 9:29 am

I know he updated the Raiders block in Spring 09. However, I think he is currently updating it again to look more SA.

Matt

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:01 am

mcmanm wrote:I know he updated the Raiders block in Spring 09. However, I think he is currently updating it again to look more SA.

Matt

Cool!!!

Wonder if he'll make mine on that block.

I guess he should be starting mine in the next month or so.

Guess it depends on his workload.

Ian

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:03 am

Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:12 am

BendingOak wrote:Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

WooHoo!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Have you got any finished or do we have to wait to see it?

Ian

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:47 am

Ian wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

WooHoo!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Have you got any finished or do we have to wait to see it?

Ian

I have about three in different stages of production. Nothing to show as of yet. I was waiting to make a big announcement but someone messed that up.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:56 am

BendingOak wrote:
Ian wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

WooHoo!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Have you got any finished or do we have to wait to see it?

Ian

I have about three in different stages of production. Nothing to show as of yet. I was waiting to make a big announcement but someone messed that up.

Sorry, I was just wondering how many blocks you had advanced since the days of Johnny Fedora.

Ian

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Mon May 17, 2010 12:21 pm

BendingOak wrote:
Ian wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

WooHoo!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Have you got any finished or do we have to wait to see it?

Ian

I have about three in different stages of production. Nothing to show as of yet. I was waiting to make a big announcement but someone messed that up.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that I'm that someone?

If so, sorry . . . and please forgive . . .

If it's not me then, . . . Lemme' at 'em!! I'll rip their heart and show it to 'em before lowering them into a hot pit!

Daren

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:15 pm

Mighty nice of you, Dub-ya. Artichokes or french fries?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue May 18, 2010 2:00 am

Ian wrote:
BendingOak wrote:
Ian wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Now that the cats out of the bag. Any order for a raiders hat currently on the block and everyone after will be off the new block.

WooHoo!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Have you got any finished or do we have to wait to see it?

Ian

I have about three in different stages of production. Nothing to show as of yet. I was waiting to make a big announcement but someone messed that up.
I think that's about three or four.

Sorry, I was just wondering how many blocks you had advanced since the days of Johnny Fedora.

Ian

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:32 pm

I can now consider myself a proper member of the Penman Club. Monday afternoon my custom fedora arrived at work. I would have posted this sooner, but I wanted to wait for sunny weather for the sake of taking proper pictures.

First off, I know I am not the first to communicate in great lengths the changing desires and specs of a single hat, yet John provided feedback and advice from the beginning and countless brainstorm sessions were always fruitful. I had an idea of how I wanted this hat to be from the start, but many conversations with John (some about hats, even!) helped to narrow down the details. Most importantly, I did not want another Indy hat. I have enough Indy hats. As great as an Indy fedora is, it is not the end-all-be-all. Sorry, kids, but variety is the spice of life and like the flavor of it. This was to be a pure binkmeister fedora; something special, something unique.

I went through my collection of hats and knew I wanted something along the lines of several of my vintage favorites. After settling on the felt color and rocking back and forth on the brim and crown specs for a while, I proceeded to search for the right ribbon. I was able to score some nice vintage light copper ribbon as well as some trim ribbon which matched the color of the felt. I also Photoshopped a number of mock ups of the ribbon design, as I wanted to design a bow equally classic and unique.

The original plan was that the hat would have a bound brim matching the trim ribbon used as the accent color in the bow, but as John is still waiting on two specialized screws for the brim sewing attachment, we decided it best to proceed without the bound brim at this time. Should bound brims finally become a reality, the hat will return for its final touch.

The final result of countless conversations and brainstorming is a fedora of which John himself is jealous. He wants my hat! If that isn't the biggest compliment, I don't know what is. The ribbon and felt color complement each other superbly. The bow detail is subtle, yet stylish. The only thing which could make this hat better for me is if it had the bound brim, but even at that, this hat is a stunner. I am beyond pleased.

The hat is beautifully made. I compared the pounce job to a number of hats, and right out of the box, it's a nose ahead of my Crystal Skull Adventurebilt. It also feels nicer than a vintage Borsalino in my collection. VERY impressive. Of the modern hats I've handled or owned, both Indy and otherwise, John's pouncing skill is at the top of the list. His touch harkens back to vintage fedoras. (By far, the absolute softest fedora I own is my very first AB, an early production run which has been on countless adventures. I have a feeling that in time this Penman will match the buttery softness of that particular hat.) The sweat is set and stitched perfect in every way, down to the tiny bow. The execution of the ribbon and bow is stunning.

The brim has the right amount of floppiness to it, as if it's already been broken in. There's enough "movement" in the felt to allow me to easily style the brim or the crown. I ordered it with a C-dent crown, which I tweaked slightly to taste. After all, this is a binkmeister hat!

The fedora also came in the beautiful hat box made specifically for John by Sarah's Hatboxes. This is no wimpy box! It is heavy, sturdy, and covered in a nice black leatherette material. The Penman logo is nicely silkscreened on top. I wish all my hat boxes could be this nice. There's no question that it will protect your hat! However, there is only one small issue I have with this box. A number of vintage hat boxes in my collection have an insert with the "ring" part-way down the tube the hat rests within. This allows the brim of the hat to rest over the tube, retaining any curves in the brim. The Penman box has this ring flush to the top of the tube, which means the entire brim rests against the ring, flattening it in storage. I asked John about this (so this doesn't come as a surprise to him) and he said his original hat boxes had the ring placed further down as I prefer them, but that he received complaints about the placement of it. More people apparently wanted it the other way, so he had them made flush to the top of the tube as they are now. Fear not, though, for if you prefer to have the vintage style insert, all you have to do is flip the existing one over and it will work fine. That, or you could just make an additional higher sleeve to fit inside the original. Easy fix. So, in essence, you can have your hat box either way without fuss.

If anyone has been on the fence about ordering a hat from John, you will not be disappointed! What's more, you can get an Indy hat from every vendor here (it is, after all an Indiana Jones site) but how many of them offer something outside that box? Penman is among the few, and he does a fantastic job of creating a classic fedora, regardless of style. This new hat is already among the best in my collection. Thank you for my fedora, John.

On to the pics!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:50 pm

Just OUTSTANDING!

A BEAUTIFUL Hat, if I may say so... and Bink, it suits you so well... you wear it perfectly.
(And what a gorgeous bow! Couldn't be nicer.)

Highest Regards to a Master Hatter!

DarenHenryW · Post by **DarenHenryW** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:51 pm

Well, Bink, let me be the second (I thought I was first, but Mitch beat me to it!): That hat is utterly gorgeous! John's getting my Raiders together now, but next Penman is going to be a custom, non-Indy hat, and I can't wait! And this just seals it even further that John is my man! (actually he's been my (hat) man for sometime, so really, it goes without saying, but you know what I mean!)

Hope you'll be wearing it to the QM!

Congratulations!

And John, well, you know . . . simply breathtaking . . . You are the top of your game, my friend!

Daren "Jack" Henry

Swiftfoot · Post by **Swiftfoot** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:01 pm

Texan Scott wrote: Looks like Dave is just coming back from the jacket forum!

I'm late to this party but for a newcomer who STARTED out in the jacket forum I nearly sprayed my drink all over my desk on reading this one. Awesome Texan Scott... just... just awesome!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:03 pm

Another orphan Penman finds a great home, in the true, classic sense and sensibility.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:08 pm

Swiftfoot wrote:
Texan Scott wrote: Looks like Dave is just coming back from the jacket forum!

I'm late to this party but for a newcomer who STARTED out in the jacket forum I nearly sprayed my drink all over my desk on reading this one. Awesome Texan Scott... just... just awesome!

Aww, shucks fellers!

What's funny is I posted that before all the commotion. I suppose some mysteries need to remain a mystery after some 30 years, so in the meantime, come on in and join us here as we support the bendable oak tree's work....somebody has to pay for the vacations and new toys!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:38 pm

Thanks, Mitch and Daren! Like I said, this is a binkmeister hat so I'm glad it suits me! I really like this felt color. It's got a lot of character to it. And yes, it'll likely be my hat for the QM this November.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu May 20, 2010 10:43 pm

Thanks Rick for the great shots. The hat looks great on you. I like the whole outfit. Looks very dapper.

The way Peter and I solved the incert problem is simply by having it so you can just flip it upside down. You can rest the hat either way depending on how you want it to sit. It's not a problem at all just have to do a little thinking out side of the box

(as I duck for making a pun ).

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Thu May 20, 2010 10:49 pm

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!!!

Congrats on the great hat Bink!!! So much for going unseen while you...

Travis

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Fri May 21, 2010 12:42 am

Rick, that truly is the Binkmeister hat! Suits you perfectly. That bow is amazing, too! Looks like a toned down version of the bow John made on my wedding hat. Those colors go perfectly together. My next Penman, unless John makes this current order a pecan

, will be that same color. Truly beautiful, Rick. Congrats. And John, you keep outdoing yourself. If my next Penman doesn't completely floor me, you...will...pay!

Dave