Club Obi Wan

I have worked the brim to wear it will at least stay down now, but the crown is so soft it just doesn't seem to be working.



I want to get the tight pinch in the front also but don't want to do it until I get everything right. Also the more I do the pinch in the front, the more it appears lower than the back.
Any advice?

What hat is that?

The way I bash a raiders fedora is to first place the hat on my head and turn the hat until the brim looks like it should. Then I crease the center dent to where it's about the right height front and back. Ounce I get that where I want it then I put in the side creases.

Its a regular federation. I didn't mess with any turning since its long ovaled.

Indycop wrote:Its a regular federation. I didn't mess with any turning since its long ovaled.

What exactly are you having trouble with? It's always more difficult to make things out with a black hat than colours, but the shape is seems to be giving from the front looks alright - do you have any pictures with your head a little higher so we can see what shape the crown presents from the front? Do you get the humps each side? It took me a couple of goes to get that right, but yours is clearly well ahead of my first attempt.

Looks to me like it just needs a few tweaks, which will happen anyway as you wear it and it settles in.

One thing I have learned so far: do things one at a time. If you change the brim, leave the crown alone until you're used to the brim. If you change the depth of a centre dent, don't alter the front pinch at the same time. This way, if you change something and you like the result less, you know what you need to do to get back to where you liked it more. If you do something and you like the result more, then keep it, and move on to the next thing you want to adjust.

And do everything slowly, and in moderation.

And don't put a crease down the middle of the centre dent like I did!

Personally, I think this hat looks just dandy as it is. Have you posted it over on FL? Being a black hat, it's not really Indy anyway, which could be a good thing, since this hat is naturally less constrained by Indy bashes.

Here's a current thread where a guy with a black 4-inch-brim Resistol is discussing the bash possibilities. I suggested a Raiders bash because of the lovely straight-sided crown, but there have been a lot of really interesting suggestions which take into account the fact that black hats often benefit from different bashes due to the shapes being less clear. Have a look, it's a good thread.

the only problem I see (from these pics) is that the center dent is to low in the fron compared to the back. Might be hard to fix without some small amount of cold water.

Fatwoul I took a frontal pic but it just got lost in the black. I will take one in the sun outside today and see if that comes out better. Its just a little weird I guess cause the crown is so soft when I push it around there is no resistance. The only other hat I have to judge with is my PB. Its soft and smooth but stiff. This felt feels more coarse, if that's a way to describe it but much more pliable.
When I first put it on yesterday I was a little worried that if it shrank any it would be too small. After putting it on and off numerous times to work with it, it seems pretty loose to where it could shrink just a hare ( rabbit humor!) And it will be perfect.

P.S. Your discussion about different lighting was spot on! I took one picture and it was so black you couldn't make out anything on it, I sat it on the couch and took an over head pic and it was gray. I took another one and it appeared brown!

BendingOak wrote:the only problem I see (from these pics) is that the center dent is to low in the fron compared to the back. Might be hard to fix without some small amount of cold water.

Oak would you try to redo the front higher or take the easier route and lower the back?

what the height front and back?

BendingOak wrote:what the height front and back?

5 in. Above bow. 4 1/2 in front, just over 4 1/4 in rear.
Since I was I measuring I compared it to my PB.
6 in above bow, 5 in front , and 4 1/2 rear.
Also deeper center dent in pb by just a little. Looking at the center dent in that akubra, I'm thinking if I try to make it much taller then I will lose the dent.
Fatwoul I did finally get the humps in the front, just have to look at it from the right angle, if that makes any sense.

Indycop wrote:...Fatwoul I did finally get the humps in the front, just have to look at it from the right angle, if that makes any sense.

It makes absolute sense. That's how they work. Tilt your head back, and you get a kind of point, and as you bring your head down the point turns into a curve, then a dent, and then becomes exaggerated with the humps either side. That's actually on one of the tutorial things somewhere - maybe 3thoubucks'?

As for the lighting needed for a black hat, if your camera has a manual setting, overexpose the hat by a stop or two. Alternatively, if it has has some kind if exposure compensation, try using that.

Oh, and glad to see you've finally got around to posting on FL.

fatwoul wrote:

Indycop wrote:...Fatwoul I did finally get the humps in the front, just have to look at it from the right angle, if that makes any sense.

It makes absolute sense. That's how they work. Tilt your head back, and you get a kind of point, and as you bring your head down the point turns into a curve, then a dent, and then becomes exaggerated with the humps either side. That's actually on one of the tutorial things somewhere - maybe 3thoubucks'?

As for the lighting needed for a black hat, if your camera has a manual setting, overexpose the hat by a stop or two. Alternatively, if it has has some kind if exposure compensation, try using that.

Oh, and glad to see you've finally got around to posting on FL.

It actually doesn't seem that bad now. Its not as tall as my other one but, its really not an indy anyway. I stopped babying it and just kinda made it go where I wanted it. It is pretty tough despite being so thin (at least to me).

Indycop wrote:...It actually doesn't seem that bad now. Its not as tall as my other one but, its really not an indy anyway. I stopped babying it and just kinda made it go where I wanted it. It is pretty tough despite being so thin (at least to me).

Good. Now you need to start wearing it. Maybe with t-shirts to start with, to dissipate the religious comments.

it must be the photo's because these shots the back looks like it heigher than the front. The humps should only show up when you tilt the hat back on your head and look down. Example in raiders when Indy is about to grab the idol his hat is tilted back on his head grabs the idol , then grabs the brim and pulls it down to where he always wears it.
I hope that clear enough.

Hat bashing is a constant work in progress, and I've only ever become happy when I've let it all go and said to myself, 'Screw it, I'm just going to wear it in.' Don't baby it, be as rough as you like, it can always be reblocked and will likely become more cooperative with wear.

I know that wasn't of any specific help with the hat bashing, but hopefully it'll do something for you.

BendingOak wrote:it must be the photo's because these shots the back looks like it heigher than the front. The humps should only show up when you tilt the hat back on your head and look down. Example in raiders when Indy is about to grab the idol his hat is tilted back on his head grabs the idol , then grabs the brim and pulls it down to where he always wears it.

That differs somewhat to the stuff I read, wherever it was. The humps on mine are not visible with my head tilted back. In fact, they aren't visible to me at all when I am wearing it, because when my head is in the right position to see them, the brim is in the way.

What I'm not really clear on, Bendy, is how the humps can be clear with your head tilted back, unless the back of the hat is higher than the front.

When I took those pics the back was a little higher than the front. I've got it down lower than the front now.
I'm thinkin I'm gonna get the al capone comments more than the religious comments.

Indycop wrote:When I took those pics the back was a little higher than the front. I've got it down lower than the front now.
I'm thinkin I'm gonna get the al capone comments more than the religious comments.

I'm also liking what looks to be some reverse taper on (your) left side.

As for Mr. Capone, if anybody gives you comments like that, tell them to go to FL, and look for Douglas. There's a guy who knows how to wear a hat like Capone.

(Doug if you're reading this that isn't an insult - your hats are fantastic.)

fatwoul wrote:

Indycop wrote:When I took those pics the back was a little higher than the front. I've got it down lower than the front now.
I'm thinkin I'm gonna get the al capone comments more than the religious comments.

I'm also liking what looks to be some reverse taper on (your) left side.

As for Mr. Capone, if anybody gives you comments like that, tell them to go to FL, and look for Douglas. There's a guy who knows how to wear a hat like Capone.

(Doug if you're reading this that isn't an insult - your hats are fantastic.)

Well I do wear a gun!
I wore it to the cigar shop this morning. The owner asked to hold it. He asked all kind of questions about it, so at least to the general public it must look ok.
I am having the same thing with the sides you did. Its comfortable but has a little space on the sides.

Indycop wrote:...I wore it to the cigar shop this morning. The owner asked to hold it. He asked all kind of questions about it, so at least to the general public it must look ok...

Yeah it's nice when people do that, isn't it?

Indycop wrote:...I am having the same thing with the sides you did. Its comfortable but has a little space on the sides.

Give it time, it will settle in. I'm a lot happier with mine now, although now the band is visible under the brim, when you see it from the sides, which it wasn't when I first got it. I don't care. It's just another thing that's only noticeable to me, and the hat is very comfortable now.

fatwoul wrote:

BendingOak wrote:it must be the photo's because these shots the back looks like it heigher than the front. The humps should only show up when you tilt the hat back on your head and look down. Example in raiders when Indy is about to grab the idol his hat is tilted back on his head grabs the idol , then grabs the brim and pulls it down to where he always wears it.

That differs somewhat to the stuff I read, wherever it was. The humps on mine are not visible with my head tilted back. In fact, they aren't visible to me at all when I am wearing it, because when my head is in the right position to see them, the brim is in the way.

What I'm not really clear on, Bendy, is how the humps can be clear with your head tilted back, unless the back of the hat is higher than the front.

Go take a look at the idol gra sceene in raiders to see what I mean.

fatwoul wrote:What I'm not really clear on, Bendy, is how the humps can be clear with your head tilted back, unless the back of the hat is higher than the front.

I think what he means is that if you push the hat to the back of your head, when you tilt your face down the brim won't be covering your eyes and you can see the correct silhouette.

Yes thank you WMH thats it.

Ok! Is this any better?



You can see the sweatband since its a little loose but I think it will shrink.

It looks black. The bash looks perfect ! It suits you well !

Yes, that's better. I agree with Ripper - it looks great.

Forgive me if this has already been posted somewhere, but what size is this one?

Good job, anyway.

fatwoul wrote:Yes, that's better. I agree with Ripper - it looks great.

Forgive me if this has already been posted somewhere, but what size is this one?

Good job, anyway.

You had to ask! Its a whopping 61!

.....just my size ! Nothing wrong with a big head my friend !

Ripper wrote:It looks black. The bash looks perfect ! It suits you well !

Its definitely black , which by the way is the color of indys travel hat before the sun faded it to a grayish color! JUST kidding!

I thought so........I have one I bought from Ken aka Jersey Jones on the way. I love a black hat !

Ripper wrote:.....just my size ! Nothing wrong with a big head my friend !

means we have more room for our big brains right?
Is ken making the noir now?

It is actually a black Akubra he had for sale in the Cairo Bazaar section. I'm not sure of the status of the Noir. Yup, big brains ! Or orange on a tooth pick syndrome....your pick .

Ripper wrote:It is actually a black Akubra he had for sale in the Cairo Bazaar section. I'm not sure of the status of the Noir. Yup, big brains ! Or orange on a tooth pick syndrome....your pick .

Great bash, Indycop! You're a natural!

Indycop wrote:Ok! Is this any better?



You can see the sweatband since its a little loose but I think it will shrink.

if it was a 60 I would say it is terrible and you should send it to me for proper disposal, since it is too big for me it looks fantastic

oh but what if it shrinks down to a 60!

Chewbacca Jones wrote:Great bash, Indycop! You're a natural!

Second, that!

Sincerely,

fatwoul wrote: Here's a current thread where a guy with a black 4-inch-brim Resistol is discussing the bash possibilities. I suggested a Raiders bash because of the lovely straight-sided crown, but there have been a lot of really interesting suggestions which take into account the fact that black hats often benefit from different bashes due to the shapes being less clear. Have a look, it's a good thread.

Yep, that's me!! I am working on an Indyish bash for it, thanks to fatwoul.
Indycop, that is what I am wanting mine to looklike when I am finished. I think it looks great!!!!!!!1

[/quote]
Yep, that's me!! I am working on an Indyish bash for it, thanks to fatwoul.
Indycop, that is what I am wanting mine to looklike when I am finished. I think it looks great!!!!!!!1[/quote]

Everybody was right! Its easier once you stop babying it and just do it how you want it! If ya don't like it one way just take it out. Once you got it how you think you want it then set it in hard.
Thanks for compliments fellas! It makes you want to do another one. Maybe I should have ordered my camptown open crown!

Duck wrote:Yep, that's me!! I am working on an Indyish bash for it, thanks to fatwoul...

Cool - look forward to seeing it.

can we see a side shot with you wearing itoutside.

I will take more today

ok, its not very good but its a side shot. It was bright out so i'm all squinty.

it could be just me but, it looks like the front is slightly lower than the back????

BendingOak wrote:it could be just me but, it looks like the front is slightly lower than the back????

It's not just you: it does look like the front is slightly lower than the back. Granted, the hat still looks very nice.

that is a great tight pinch indycop....or if richard swales was here, he'd say it was a very 'cruel' front pinch

BendingOak wrote:it could be just me but, it looks like the front is slightly lower than the back????

I remeasured and the back had rolled its way back up at least a half inch. I brought it down considerably and used distilled water on it and the front pinch. So now its drying with a little clip on the back to hold it.