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Here's a thought (if you haven't thought of it already)

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:04 am
by indy89
Why exactly does a hat have to consist of animal fur? Why can't it just be felt? I have nothing against furflet blends, but I'm just curious.

Re: Here's a thought (if you haven't thought of it already)

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:07 am
by Jaredraptor
indy89 wrote:Why exactly does a hat have to consist of animal fur? Why can't it just be felt? I have nothing against furflet blends, but I'm just curious.
probably because animal fur generally holds up better. (just guessing, mind you.)

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:09 am
by indy89
Maybe.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:17 am
by Jaredraptor
Someone who actually knows the answer is bound to swing by.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:21 am
by indy89
I hope so.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:51 am
by Dostacos
.

felt is some type of fiber that has been processed. The felt I use in prosthetics and orthotics would not work well as it packs down too much.

I suspect the main reason would be costs. it is cheaper to use beaver or rabbit or wool than other fibers to create light, thin hats, that keep their shape.

besides, would you want a hat made out of corn silk? too many critters would be chewing on the lid! :shock:

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:04 am
by indy89
Interesting. Thanks, Dostacos. That makes sense!

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 3:07 am
by Dostacos
indy89 wrote:Interesting. Thanks, Dostacos. That makes sense!
as my dear departed pappy used to say " I may not always be right but I am NEVER in doubt!"

Dan

Re: Here's a thought (if you haven't thought of it already)

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:48 pm
by Lord_Clarence
indy89 wrote:Why exactly does a hat have to consist of animal fur? Why can't it just be felt? I have nothing against furflet blends, but I'm just curious.
Every serious gearhead knows that absolutely the best fedoras are made from the fur of the elusive furflet. This rare creature can only be found if you wait very silently at midnight at select locations in Kaua'i, Tunisia, Sri Lanka or Utah. Some have reported sitings in Venice, Italy and abandoned London aircraft hangers.

Furflets are most prized for their ability to change color, from brown to gray, depending on the setting.

LC

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 5:12 pm
by rick5150
Why exactly does a hat have to consist of animal fur? Why can't it just be felt?


I think 'felt' describes the process more than the material. In the paper industry we use a synthetic felt. The problem is that it would never be able to be pulled over a block.

Animal furs - most notably beaver - has barbs that help create a tight felt. Even wool felt is from sheep or goats, so technically it is animal fur - well, sort of. Wool has scales and it is kinky. That is, that it has many bends in a short distance, not kinky the other way. But the scales, barbs, etc. are what holds the fibers together.

I am amazed that sheep do not get tiny after a rainstorm after seeing how wool reacts when wet and dried.