Club Obi Wan

From socials it looks like there is an upcoming re-launch for Penman’s…




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Odd, based on the updated prices from a few months back, I assumed that he already came back?

I’d say it’s only people like us who noticed that, this is marketing for a return with a bang.

Or maybe he’s the Indy 5 hatter, who knows…

Gerry


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From the looks of the last announcement it’s a relaunch, which is great news!

Gerry


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Gave a look again. Looks like he is back in full swing.


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Was able to confirm the following for anyone interested…

The entire Adventurebilt line is currently available with a 4-6 week turnaround after payment is complete and order details are confirmed. Rabbit felt is currently unavailable. Hats are only being offered in American beaver ($700) and Portuguese beaver ($950).

There Everyman line is still unavailable.

No confirmation of an intention to offer rabbit felt in the future.

So, for example, if anyone is in the market for an ABL CS Hero and has $700 (plus shipping) to spend, order away and you should have a hat in 6 weeks or less.

My main daily hat is an old Adventurebilt that was made in 2008. This thing has been through A LOT. It’s been in the high humidity of jungles and dry desert nights, and even the extreme cold of the Arctic! It’s been through more than a few monsoons and been soaked to the core. It’s flown with the wind and been trampled by deer. So it was no surprise when it eventually lost its shape a bit and the color became quite faded and a little blotchy.

I asked John if he could bring new life into it. Of course he could! He Reblocked it into a Raiders shape, gave it a new liner and sweatband, and to bring back the color he actually flipped it inside out! Didn’t know that was a thing he could do. But it worked! Here is a before and after:

It’s beautiful!

jnicktem wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 10:53 pm My main daily hat is an old Adventurebilt that was made in 2008. This thing has been through A LOT. It’s been in the high humidity of jungles and dry desert nights, and even the extreme cold of the Arctic! It’s been through more than a few monsoons and been soaked to the core. It’s flown with the wind and been trampled by deer. So it was no surprise when it eventually lost its shape a bit and the color became quite faded and a little blotchy.

I asked John if he could bring new life into it. Of course he could! He Reblocked it into a Raiders shape, gave it a new liner and sweatband, and to bring back the color he actually flipped it inside out! Didn’t know that was a thing he could do. But it worked! Here is a before and after:

You put that hat through the wringer, they way it is supposed to be used! Nice to see it brought back to life!

Cheers,
Bear

jnicktem wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 10:53 pm My main daily hat is an old Adventurebilt that was made in 2008. This thing has been through A LOT. It’s been in the high humidity of jungles and dry desert nights, and even the extreme cold of the Arctic! It’s been through more than a few monsoons and been soaked to the core. It’s flown with the wind and been trampled by deer. So it was no surprise when it eventually lost its shape a bit and the color became quite faded and a little blotchy.

I asked John if he could bring new life into it. Of course he could! He Reblocked it into a Raiders shape, gave it a new liner and sweatband, and to bring back the color he actually flipped it inside out! Didn’t know that was a thing he could do. But it worked! Here is a before and after:

Good for you. That’s great John can do that! It looks awesome and it gives me hope. I’m always worried about color fade so this is comforting. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys! I’m super happy with how it turned out. However, once that color fades, that’ll be it! Lol. But hey, it’s lasted 15 years so another 15 years is a pretty good run for one hat!

''Flipped it inside out'? Now this is truly a new one for me -- never heard of this before -- but, since this is yet another example of John's work, then I am not that surprised! He is amazing! , , ! W>

I know, right? Never heard about it being done before. And if I didn’t look on the underside of the hat, I would have thought John just sent me a brand new hat! But you can easily tell that the bottom is much more faded…

That’s amazing. Looks like a new hat.

It definitely feels like a new hat! Especially with the new liner and sweatband.

I haven‘t been active for a couple of years but I thought it would be fun to show my beloved Penman Raiders fedora I got in 2011. It is number 350 from March 2011.

I wore it a lot during my time as an archaeologist in Europe, Africa and the Near East, on vacations and of course whenever I was in the mood for it. In the last years it was also used as a toy by my daughter.
The colour faded into a lovely caramel brown, which definitely looks greatt! Although, I also loved the original dark chocolate brown it had in the beginning.

It was soaked a couple of times in the rain and of course with sweat but overall it didn’t change or tapered that much. The felt got softer, almost to the level of a new rabbit felt hat. The stitching it still looking perfect. The fit was great to start with and only improved over time, no other hat in my collection is feeling that good on my head. Overall I feel this hat was or better is truly what I hoped it was back then.

That's nice! The fade really looks good -- shows usage! Proof that a hat is truly a tool to be utilized! Good Show! W>

Looks great. Is that beaver?

Beautiful history behind the hat, Tremolo. I love the pics as well! The hat looks amazing after so many adventures!

Cheers,
Bear

Very nice! It faded into a very nice color. Always great seeing people that really wear these hats like they are made to be!

Thanks a lot guys!
jgino, yes, this one is beaver. If I remember correctly, then rabbit Penmans weren´t a thing back then. I would have chosen beaver anyway as I was so impressed by all those stories describing its durability.
And I already had a couple of hats with rabbit felt.

tubasthebest wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:24 pm Well, it actually happened. I am so fortunate that I was able to receive this hat. John is an artist and I'm so humbled by this beautiful hat. I just unboxed it 20 minutes ago, so I will add my thoughts and review later. But first impressions, its incredible in every way.

Penman Crusader in Portuguese Beaver







A few more pictures: HERE

How is the Portuguese Beaver holding up? I have the exact same Crusader in Portuguese Beaver on order and can't wait to get my hands on it. Thanks.

Tremolo wrote: ↑Tue Jul 18, 2023 2:11 pm I haven‘t been active for a couple of years but I thought it would be fun to show my beloved Penman Raiders fedora I got in 2011. It is number 350 from March 2011.

I wore it a lot during my time as an archaeologist in Europe, Africa and the Near East, on vacations and of course whenever I was in the mood for it. In the last years it was also used as a toy by my daughter.
The colour faded into a lovely caramel brown, which definitely looks greatt! Although, I also loved the original dark chocolate brown it had in the beginning.

It was soaked a couple of times in the rain and of course with sweat but overall it didn’t change or tapered that much. The felt got softer, almost to the level of a new rabbit felt hat. The stitching it still looking perfect. The fit was great to start with and only improved over time, no other hat in my collection is feeling that good on my head. Overall I feel this hat was or better is truly what I hoped it was back then.

That's a great hat. Please forgive me if I missed it Tremolo but you ever get it re blocked? It got such a great shape!
Also for anyone: is Penman back to taking orders. The website has always been difficult for me to navigate. Is there a better place to go to check on getting a new fedora by Penman? Thanks!

IndianaJustin wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:55 am

Tremolo wrote: ↑Tue Jul 18, 2023 2:11 pm I haven‘t been active for a couple of years but I thought it would be fun to show my beloved Penman Raiders fedora I got in 2011. It is number 350 from March 2011.

I wore it a lot during my time as an archaeologist in Europe, Africa and the Near East, on vacations and of course whenever I was in the mood for it. In the last years it was also used as a toy by my daughter.
The colour faded into a lovely caramel brown, which definitely looks greatt! Although, I also loved the original dark chocolate brown it had in the beginning.

It was soaked a couple of times in the rain and of course with sweat but overall it didn’t change or tapered that much. The felt got softer, almost to the level of a new rabbit felt hat. The stitching it still looking perfect. The fit was great to start with and only improved over time, no other hat in my collection is feeling that good on my head. Overall I feel this hat was or better is truly what I hoped it was back then.

That's a great hat. Please forgive me if I missed it Tremolo but you ever get it re blocked? It got such a great shape!
Also for anyone: is Penman back to taking orders. The website has always been difficult for me to navigate. Is there a better place to go to check on getting a new fedora by Penman? Thanks!

Yes, Penman is taking orders again. Best contact is info@penmanhats.com usually someone named Anna responds.

Very randomly I have also been considering the Crusade in the Portuguese Beaver so an update would be helpful.

I emailed recently, lead time is 4 months.

Cheers!


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Thanks for the info. Probably good it's words in emails vs tempting pictures of fedoras on a website...

IndianaJustin wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:55 am
That's a great hat. Please forgive me if I missed it Tremolo but you ever get it re blocked? It got such a great shape!
Also for anyone: is Penman back to taking orders. The website has always been difficult for me to navigate. Is there a better place to go to check on getting a new fedora by Penman? Thanks!

No I never had it reblocked. Even though I wasn’t afraid of abusing it I also tried to take good care of it as well. For example when it got soaked in the rain I always popped out the bash and left it alone until it was dry.

Over the years the crown kinda lost a bit of its “fullness”, I think the picture down below shows that to an extend. On top you see the hat when it was 4 months old in 2011 and the bottom shows it today with 12 years. The back seems to have tapered the most, so the profile view isn’t as SA as it used to be.

That still looks amazing for 12 years of use. Thanks for posting the comparison, it is really nice to see.

Cheers,
Bear

jgino wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 7:43 am How is the Portuguese Beaver holding up? I have the exact same Crusader in Portuguese Beaver on order and can't wait to get my hands on it. Thanks.

The Aviator wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:04 am Very randomly I have also been considering the Crusade in the Portuguese Beaver so an update would be helpful.

Thanks for asking! I figure pictures show so much more than words can say.

This is when the hat was very new in 2021

Proof I’ve taken it on real adventures. This is late 2021 in the Superstition Mountains.

Mid 2022

Most recently 2023

This hat is probably my favorite possession. I did get the sizing wrong initially and had to stretch it ever so slight to the right size. Now it fits perfectly. The felt is just incredible, I can’t recommend it enough. I have a Raiders Penmen in his usual beaver felt, and there is no comparison. The Portuguese is much lighter and behaves more like what I see on screen. It’s also just as tough as the standard felt, as it still looks brand new despite the use. It is just feels incredible though, it’s so soft.

Please post pictures of your hat when you get it! I can’t wait to see it.

Looks amazing. I can't wait for my mine.

tubasthebest wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 11:42 am

I really like this shot. You look like a million bucks, great cosplay, man! The whole ensemble and pose works amazing, but on top of that the drape of the trousers is outstanding

Cheers,
Bear

Thank you for the kind words! The drape of the trousers comes entirely from having pants way too large. I’ve lost a good 30 pounds since I got those pants in 2021. I had to really bunch them together and hope the web belt would stay!

I agree! Great pic, and the pants look awesome!

tubasthebest wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 4:57 pm Thank you for the kind words! The drape of the trousers comes entirely from having pants way too large. I’ve lost a good 30 pounds since I got those pants in 2021. I had to really bunch them together and hope the web belt would stay!

Well, the effect is great! My first pair of trousers is also way too large, but just because I got the wrong size. So I know how it is to try an bunch them up beneath the belt.

And congrats on the weight loss (I guess it was with intention)!

Cheers,
Bear

I received my Adventurebilt beaver Crystal Skull from John last week. First Indy hat I’ve bought since my Penman Raiders thirteen years ago. That first one fits me kind of tightly now. I can still wear it, but I feel some pressure on my head. Especially when my hair is at a more medium-long length. After repeated measuring to update my size, I went 1/8” bigger with a size 23 3/8” this time around. As soon as I put it on my head I immediately noticed how comfortable it was. Not only in the size, but also the softness of the sweatband. I have a hat stretcher in case it shrinks a bit over time, but for now the fit is really good.

Straight out of the box the brim was pretty flat, but at least still had the upwards curve around the edges. It took reshaping with some steam to get the shape right with the front pointed down. I also had to adjust the bash/pinch as well. Now I’ve got it pretty much where I want it.

Something I need to bring up though, is that according to the website the AB beaver Crystal Skull supposedly comes with the map hat box, AB brush, and letter from Steve Delk. I didn’t receive the hat brush or letter, and it came in a standard brown AB hat box. I emailed them back and was told it was for the lightweight rabbit special that’s not available now. I mean it’s not a huge deal, but I was looking forward to those. Doesn’t take away from the hat itself but I thought I should point that out for others that are looking to get one as well.

One very pleasant surprise is how fast it came. After I placed my order I was told it would take between 8 - 12 weeks. It only took just over a month from the date I ordered to the day I received it! Four and a half weeks or so. Was hoping I’d have it in time for an upcoming Disney trip so that was awesome.

Here’s some outdoor photos. None of me wearing it, but at some point I’ll get some.

Oh, man, that looks amazing. I love the shot against the sky!

Cheers,
Bear

Thanks Bear! Figured why not get the sky in there too for contrast. The hat was already looking good and well-made out of the box, but once I started shaping the brim and adjusting the pinch, the hat really started coming to life. I’ll post more photos soon! And thanks to John for the great hat and fast delivery

John is very good! Very good -- your hat is wonderful ! Enjoy! W>

He definitely is! Ever since I received it I feel like I can hardly stop looking at it lol. It’s cool seeing both my Penman’s side-by-side. You wouldn’t even be able to tell they were made thirteen years apart. Next time I’ll post a comparison shot of them as well.

Noah wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:32 am Thanks Bear! Figured why not get the sky in there too for contrast. The hat was already looking good and well-made out of the box, but once I started shaping the brim and adjusting the pinch, the hat really started coming to life. I’ll post more photos soon! And thanks to John for the great hat and fast delivery

The sky's deep blue is gorgeous and the contrast is amazing against the nice rich brown of the hat!

Bear

Wow, that looks way better than the hat I received in 2021. Also, like others said, that sky shot is phenomenal. It’s weird that you didn’t get the brush or letter, I got both of those when I ordered mine and I believe that others have as well. It even says on the website that you should have received those.

IJJTM wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 4:35 am Wow, that looks way better than the hat I received in 2021. Also, like others said, that sky shot is phenomenal. It’s weird that you didn’t get the brush or letter, I got both of those when I ordered mine and I believe that others have as well. It even says on the website that you should have received those.

Just curious as to why you thought it looked better than yours? Just for my knowledge. Thanks!

I ordered mine January of 2021, I was told to expect it in November. John went MIA in March of that year and you would only get responses from his friend Anna. In June I was told that it was ready to ship, I thought nothing of the 5 month speed up. It showed up and I was in denial about liking it. I have a feeling that it was actually an in stock hat that they were shipping out to speed up the process. Part of time thinks it may have been a young Indy Chronicles hat actually. But Noah’s hat looks phenomenal, I just think that John was going through stuff in 2021, and I ended up receiving a subpar hat. One of my friends and I even ordered some in stock hats in October of 2021 I think, and both were ABLs with defects on all. It seems like John has cleaned up his act though.

IJJTM wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 2:28 pm I ordered mine January of 2021, I was told to expect it in November. John went MIA in March of that year and you would only get responses from his friend Anna. In June I was told that it was ready to ship, I thought nothing of the 5 month speed up. It showed up and I was in denial about liking it. I have a feeling that it was actually an in stock hat that they were shipping out to speed up the process. Part of time thinks it may have been a young Indy Chronicles hat actually. But Noah’s hat looks phenomenal, I just think that John was going through stuff in 2021, and I ended up receiving a subpar hat. One of my friends and I even ordered some in stock hats in October of 2021 I think, and both were ABLs with defects on all. It seems like John has cleaned up his act though.

Ah, I was wondering that. I’m sorry that happened to you as that would be pretty disappointing.

It was, but I ended up selling it and buying a CS Hero from Advintage which I am beyond pleased with.

bearbeast wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:48 am
The sky's deep blue is gorgeous and the contrast is amazing against the nice rich brown of the hat!

Bear

I thought it made for a cool shot! Appreciate the feedback Bear!

IJJTM wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 4:35 am Wow, that looks way better than the hat I received in 2021. Also, like others said, that sky shot is phenomenal. It’s weird that you didn’t get the brush or letter, I got both of those when I ordered mine and I believe that others have as well. It even says on the website that you should have received those.

Thanks for the kind feedback on that photo! But yeah, I was disappointed in the lack of hat brush and letter. Even the map box design would’ve been nice to have. Thankfully I have a brush, but they should definitely update the website to reflect the current situation about those offerings. And I’m sorry to hear about your experience a couple years ago. I would’ve been disappointed as well.

Noah wrote: ↑Mon Jul 24, 2023 1:17 am One very pleasant surprise is how fast it came. After I placed my order I was told it would take between 8 - 12 weeks. It only took just over a month from the date I ordered to the day I received it! Four and a half weeks or so. Was hoping I’d have it in time for an upcoming Disney trip so that was awesome.

Looks amazing, can't believe it arrived so quick. I hope I get mine that fast.

jgino wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:10 am
Looks amazing, can't believe it arrived so quick. I hope I get mine that fast.

Sure was a nice surprise indeed. Hopefully you can get yours that quickly too. Keep us posted and feel free to post some pics when you receive it.