Club Obi Wan

BendingOak wrote:no blend. Still 100% beaver but I took what I learned from the light weight rabbit felt from the ABL collection and tried the same with beaver felt and worked great.

HI John

Sounds intriguing. Does that mean it is lighter in weight than your previous beaver hats? If so, is this felt as durable and hard wearing as your old?

Yes and yes

Hat should be here today, 2 days earlier than expected. Check back later for photos.

I will record a video of the unboxing and wearing of the hat; won't be as good as Croft's...but I don't know how to upload the video to the site.

I still am unable to view the video.

Ha. Just tried link one last time today and it worked for me. Might hve something to do with my recent update to IOS 8.1.1


Nice video. Well played!


Onto another matter, I can not help but notice that my beaver fur hat is getting softer and smoother to the touch. Guessing this is due to the stiffner breaking down and the regular brushings I give it?

Ok...having trouble getting good photos of me in the hat (as I try to take the pic myself). I remembered that my computer has a camera and then I found out several other features of the camera-like different backdrops and this might get out of hand with the pics...I'll try and follow to rules of the board. (Also the computer camera makes it seem like the bow of the ribbon is over the incorrect ear, it's not...that is just the computer camera reversing the image.)

So here is the first made with John Penman's new technique, per what he told me over the phone once it was ready to be shipped. You will need him to explain the process.

Raiders Penman in Beaver felt.

This is my first Indy fedora and most likely my last and only Indy lid and it is really soft and light. It seems to be very pliable, moldable and shapeable.

I really do think it fits me well, has an authentic look and is truly Raiders and all it needs is an adventure.

Looking good there!

You look way too happy with it for it to be your "last."

In a few months, maybe a year you'll feel a strange "itch" that will get worse until you cave and get another one. That one may hold you for a few months more. Around 7 or 8 you'll be able to control it a bit but eventually as the first one gets older and fades a bit you'll give in again.

Welcome to the rest of your life

I am not quite sure I understand what the "Raiders Turn" is & how that coincides with how it's worn.

Ridgerunner58 wrote:You look way too happy with it for it to be your "last."

In a few months, maybe a year you'll feel a strange "itch" that will get worse until you cave and get another one. That one may hold you for a few months more. Around 7 or 8 you'll be able to control it a bit but eventually as the first one gets older and fades a bit you'll give in again.

Welcome to the rest of your life

He's right...you know , ! W>

car96 wrote:I am not quite sure I understand what the "Raiders Turn" is & how that coincides with how it's worn.

The "turn" describes the wearer turning the hat slightly clockwise on the head to align the intentionally off-center front pinch with the nose.

When the hat is rotated this way, it causes the brim to have the "warp" characteristic of the Raiders lid. As obvious as it seems, it's often noted that the turn moves the bow closer toward the face or more over the ear (Well, duh ).

Check out this tutorial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asGpe6hGcYg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In addition (or as a result, because the brim is dimensional) the turn places the longest aspect of the brim over the right eye and results in the non-bow side curling up while the bow side of the brim remains relatively flat so the brim has a really asymmetrical "swoop."

It's that feature that, to me, gives the Raiders hat it's cool appearance which is why THAT hat is the one I wear.

Just a couple different pics of the new Penman Raiders Beaver.

Ridgerunner58 wrote:In addition (or as a result, because the brim is dimensional) the turn places the longest aspect of the brim over the right eye and results in the non-bow side curling up while the bow side of the brim remains relatively flat so the brim has a really asymmetrical "swoop."

Warp...swoop...tomato...tomahtah...

Cajunkraut wrote:

Ridgerunner58 wrote:In addition (or as a result, because the brim is dimensional) the turn places the longest aspect of the brim over the right eye and results in the non-bow side curling up while the bow side of the brim remains relatively flat so the brim has a really asymmetrical "swoop."

Warp...swoop...tomato...tomahtah...

,err.....what he said , ! This is the best definition of the 'Raiders Swoop' I've ever heard ! W>

WConly wrote:

Cajunkraut wrote:

Ridgerunner58 wrote:In addition (or as a result, because the brim is dimensional) the turn places the longest aspect of the brim over the right eye and results in the non-bow side curling up while the bow side of the brim remains relatively flat so the brim has a really asymmetrical "swoop."

Warp...swoop...tomato...tomahtah...

,err.....what he said , ! This is the best definition of the 'Raiders Swoop' I've ever heard ! W>

Glad we can finally scratch THAT one off of the list.

Now, to artfully define that warp/swoop/wave/curl/dip of the rear brim...

Now who would have thought that recreating a very sloppy brim from a hat, would all of the sudden become an art?

No seriously though, the sloppiness of the Raiders hat is what defines it.

Indiana Croft wrote:Hello all, well I've received my AB Legacy on Wednesday of last week and with the aid of my wife we video taped me opening it. I only hope it plays better here than it does on photo bucket, we'll see. Looks like I can't get it to work so I posted a link, fingers crossed.
It would have been posted sooner but with COW being down for couple of days, while the powers that be (Dalexs and others) do some repairs on a minor fubar.

First off: this hat is butter soft, felt so smooth in my hands and while I have hats with a turn, not as pronounced as this one, took me while to get used to it, that and some fiddling to get it where I'm happier with the way it looks.
Heck this is the first fedora I've owned that the wind the other day blew the front up (but not off). Johns fit was perfect, my hairs a littlie shorter so I had to put one piece of hat foam to tighten till my hair comes back in.
The stitching is most defiantly different, used to not seeing it, but after awhile you don't even notice it.
Pic's to come in the next post from me. Soon.

Thank you John, if you need a review for your site, just let me know how and when. This hat is beautiful.

http://s193.photobucket.com/user/indian ... sort=3&o=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Croft

Croft, the video was great. I ordered an ABL myself and can't wait to see it. I should probably take a page out of your book and open the box with the appropriate knife as well!

I ordered my first penman 3 months ago and I'm starting to get anxious ,I really can't wait anymore, I see all of you guys pictures and makes me want to wear mine.

I got a raiders seaplane in beaver, hopefully I'll get an email from John soon

Croft, the video was great. I ordered an ABL myself and can't wait to see it. I should probably take a page out of your book and open the box with the appropriate knife as well!

Well zhund, it's only fitting to open it with appropriate tool/knife. Just remember not to cut to deep.

And car96, your hat looks awesome, wear it good health as I've been wearing mine rain or shine. Minus one day when they said we were getting a heavier down pour, still it a little nervous getting soaked.

Croft

Thanks Croft. Your's looks great too. Now remind me, did you get rabbit and the Adeventurebilt from Penman?

What is really the difference in his Penman versions AB / his regular make.

I know he was really excited at how my hat came out as although beaver and not AB it was made with a new technique that gives it the light flexible style like the AB.

car96 wrote:Thanks Croft. Your's looks great too. Now remind me, did you get rabbit and the Adeventurebilt from Penman?

What is really the difference in his Penman versions AB / his regular make.

I know he was really excited at how my hat came out as although beaver and not AB it was made with a new technique that gives it the light flexible style like the AB.

The Penman Adventurebilt only comes in lightweight rabbit felt and, I believe only in brown. The block is different from John's regular block and the stitching used on the ribbon is completely different and designed to replicate the "floating" stitches used on the original hat. Of course the liner and sweatband are different as well.

So other than being completely different they're pretty much the same.

Ya what he said.
Johns Adventurebilt line is called the Adventurebilt Legacy (ABL) And at this time is only offer in the Raider SOC version.
The rabbit felt is incredibly soft, it's un-real. John found away to treat the rabbet felt differently.
Ridgerunner58 is right, the stitching on the ribbon is much different.
Look a few posts up, some one posted awesome pic's of this.
When wearing the hat there not very noticeable, but we no there their. But of course your wearing it so you don't notice them.
But when your holding it and admiring it, there not to noticeable, does that make any sense?

As I've stated this felt is much different than my Penman CS travel hat, both are soft and nice. The beaver tends to hold
and more rigid feel to it, while the ABL light weight rabbit is very pliable but holds it's shape nicely.

Anyone on the fence, do it, it's worth it.
Once again John my hats off to you.

Croft

Ok....I think this helps.

This being my first Penman (& first Indy hat) I am trying to assess what I have here.

My Penman is Raiders Beaver felt, but not the ABL line....but it reacts, wears, feels, moves, shapes, molds, bends, mends, lightweight like the ABL rabbit....but it's neither the ABL or rabbit.

He used some new technique and not being very well versed in all things Indy as I am only 2 years into this hobby, I am trying to get it correct in my head what I have versus other Indy Fedoras.

The reason that you are a little lost is my explanation. If I completely explained it you wouldn't be in the dark but neither will every other hat maker. I'm not here for that.
I will say this, while working on another project ( about 2 years ago) that led me to ask a question. Then it led to a series of questions when it comes to felt. Most people when it comes to the Raiders felt (from the movie) assume that it was some special high end quality felt that made it whist it was. The problem is people were looking in the wrong place. Now that i'm writing this out it sounds like a plot to a indy movie. After a bunch of questions and this is over some time. It didn't just hit me at once. I asked a question , got my answer and didn't think about it for some time. then that question popped back into my head and asked another question. Long story short I learned a little about felt, it took me in a entire different direction and I think I figured out why the " Raiders" felt was the way it was. Had nothing to do with quality, type, thickness or anything we all thought it was. After getting the ABL Raiders felt the way I wanted. I tried the same thing with beaver, and it worked.
This is a collaboration with one of my felters and me. Thats all I am going to say but your more then welcome to ask and I will answer if I can. This one I am keeping close to vest. Haven't even told Steve or Marc.

No...by all means, you SHOULD keep it 'close to the vest'; that is what makes your product better than the rest, I mean, I love the hat.

I feel really lucky to have the first one using this 'new technique'.

I just don't know how to say it or explain it to others ...really doesn't matter because no one I know personally on a day to day basis would really give a rip...only those on this message board would care.

car96 wrote:I am trying to get it correct in my head what I have versus other Indy Fedoras.

My short answer would be - the best available.

John would disagree, but I think his hats are equal to anything else out there. You can tell the difference between a Penman and an Adventurebilt but I don't think either is "better." Within reason I can wear pretty much any hat I want, (I'd probably draw the line well on this side of a $25,000 Brent Black Montecristi) and I wear a Penman almost every day.

I haven't seen his new beaver felt, but if he is satisfied enough with it to switch to it then I'm sure it's first rate.

The only problem is you won't ever be satisfied with anything less ever again.

Ridgerunner58 wrote:

car96 wrote:I am trying to get it correct in my head what I have versus other Indy Fedoras.

My short answer would be - the best available.

John would disagree, but I think his hats are equal to anything else out there. You can tell the difference between a Penman and an Adventurebilt but I don't think either is "better." Within reason I can wear pretty much any hat I want, (I'd probably draw the line well on this side of a $25,000 Brent Black Montecristi) and I wear a Penman almost every day.

I haven't seen his new beaver felt, but if he is satisfied enough with it to switch to it then I'm sure it's first rate.

The only problem is you won't ever be satisfied with anything less ever again.

I agree I couldn't afford a 25,000 hat but until you see it first hand you'll understand why.


When it comes to montecristi, there is no finer then Brent black. Story over, nothing comes close.

I'm not sure it would be a good idea for me to see one of the $25,000 ones. Fortunately you don't have to get anywhere near his top end hats to get something incredible.

Between the two of you I'll probably never be able to take another vacation, ever.

he has hats in all different price range. The range in panama hats are a lot broader then felt.

BendingOak wrote:he has hats in all different price range. The range in panama hats are a lot broader then felt.

been wearing panama hats for a few years now and my future in-laws brought me on from Equador (they are from there) and it's a lot better then the one I got, just wish it was the right size.

can't wait till I get comfortable enough with my current Indy hat that I feel comfortable enough getting a Penman.

I have been meaning to get a video of this on here for a couple of weeks.

This is a Penman Raiders in Beaver made with the same process from his ABL line. To my understanding this Beaver felt responds like rabbit when made with this new technique that John learned & he is really excited the hat turned out to his satisfaction. I am happy about it too; it's my first Indy fedora and it has exceeded my expectations.

It was / is the first hat made by him in Beaver using this process...hope you guys like it, thoughts and opinions welcome.

View My Video

car96 wrote:I have been meaning to get a video of this on here for a couple of weeks.

This is a Penman Raiders in Beaver made with the same process from his ABL line. To my understanding this Beaver felt responds like rabbit when made with this new technique that John learned & he is really excited the hat turned out to his satisfaction. I am happy about it too; it's my first Indy fedora and it has exceeded my expectations.

It was / is the first hat made by him in Beaver using this process...hope you guys like it, thoughts and opinions welcome.

View My Video

That hat looks amazing! . Thanks for the video

Yes I agree, that is an amazing looking beaver felt fedora.
The floppiness looks a lot like my ABL rabbet, just not bullet proof like beaver, wear it in good health, looks awesome.
And yes thanks for the video.

Guess I know who's beaver felt Indy hat I'm going to get when my AB gives up, which could be awhile, but something to start saving for.

Croft

Sometimes I really hate apple products. Can't view.

Indiana Croft wrote:Yes I agree, that is an amazing looking beaver felt fedora.
The floppiness looks a lot like my ABL rabbet, just not bullet proof like beaver, wear it in good health, looks awesome.
And yes thanks for the video.

Guess I know who's beaver felt Indy hat I'm going to get when my AB gives up, which could be awhile, but something to start saving for.

Croft

You are going to be wItibg a long time as that AB won't wear out any time soon.

car96 wrote:I have been meaning to get a video of this on here for a couple of weeks.

This is a Penman Raiders in Beaver made with the same process from his ABL line. To my understanding this Beaver felt responds like rabbit when made with this new technique that John learned & he is really excited the hat turned out to his satisfaction. I am happy about it too; it's my first Indy fedora and it has exceeded my expectations.

It was / is the first hat made by him in Beaver using this process...hope you guys like it, thoughts and opinions welcome.

View My Video

I'm so glad you like it. It was a joy to make. thanks for sharing the video.

Jeremiah wrote:Sometimes I really hate apple products. Can't view.

Ditto.

I don't know what or how else to present the video?

I tried imageshack...but couldn't find where to upload the video, only photos. So I used tinypic.

Just means I needed to get near my home PC. Fortunately I'm a patient guy.

The good part is I guess I know what I'm getting for my birthday next year.

The bad part is my wife will once again want to buy a house with a bigger closet.

I'm an Apple consumer here and I watched it without a problem
By the way, thanks for the video, the hat looks awesome

Maybe it's just mobile devices then. If not why not share your secret. It would be more productive

Apple does not do flash video without a third party app. That's the problem.

Thanks for putting that video together. Shows the hat characteristics very nicely.

car96 wrote: This is a Penman Raiders in Beaver

Is the hat turned? The brim looks symmetrical in the video, but that might just be the angle.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

I assume it's turned?

I really don't understand what that means other than the crease needing to be off center and more over the wearer's right eye. I can't tell when I put the hat on if I have the crease over the right eye unless I put the hat on in front of a mirror.

But then again, I am not sure what the 'turn' is.

The turn is the hat on Harrison Ford's head being taking the brim in his hands, and pulling it slightly to the left(camera's view). thus giving it the messed up, wonky look of the brim.

http://imagesci.com/img/2013/06/raiders ... papers.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you look at the center pinch in the hat, you can see it is slightly off center from the middle of HF's forehead. It also shows that wonky messed up brim shape, the back of the brim on one side is down, while the other is up. This is what seperates the Raider's Fedora from all the other Indy Hats. Hope this helps!

-baddates1

car96 wrote:I assume it's turned?


I am not sure what the 'turn' is.

According to the previous page it has something to do with tomatoes.

car96 wrote:I assume it's turned?

I really don't understand what that means other than the crease needing to be off center and more over the wearer's right eye. I can't tell when I put the hat on if I have the crease over the right eye unless I put the hat on in front of a mirror.

But then again, I am not sure what the 'turn' is.

The turn is having the hat creased off center so you wear the hat 'normally' with the crease centered on your face, but in reality the hat is 'twisted' on your head slightly causing the brim to be distorted/wavy like baddates described.

Depending on the shape of your head and how tight the hat fits will effect the 'turn'. If your head is very symmetrically round (looking from a bird's eye view) you could turn the hat completely perpendicular and not get the desired effect. The more oval your head is the more pronounced the turn will be.

This tread describes the turn in detail. http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10903" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozJKQVCgeZ4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just noted this in the thread Jeff posted: In the close-up pic of Indy about to shoot his gun at the truck with Marion, the hat is turned to the Camera's right, and not to the left of it. I have experienced my Indy hat having a good Indy look from being turned the other way. I guess the turn can be done from the other way. Just thought I'd note this

baddates1 wrote:Just noted this in the thread Jeff posted: In the close-up pic of Indy about to shoot his gun at the truck with Marion, the hat is turned to the Camera's right, and not to the left of it. I have experienced my Indy hat having a good Indy look from being turned the other way. I guess the turn can be done from the other way. Just thought I'd note this

yes you can but it would be wrong in appearance.