Another 'Which Hat?' Thread....Sorry.

ksteryous · Post by **ksteryous** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:57 am

Ok, let me explain....I've had a Herbert Johnson for quite some time, but over the years, it began to taper quite a bit and shrink, so I attempted to reblock it myself, and I though things were going well, but after it was all said and done, I couldn't get it back to its original size, and I think it even shrank more during my process.

So, I now need a new hat. I still have an Akubra Fed Deluxe in gray that I love, but I'm hoping for something slightly more floppy for my main Indy hat.

Below are pics of me in my gray Akubra. Do you guys think that a standard crown height is ok....I've always felt that the standard crown height was slightly too tall for my face shape, but what do you guys think? Sorry for the second pic....not really good for judging crown height. Actually, looks ok in the pics, just not the mirror (chuckle).

I can't go for the full blown Adventure built quite yet, but the Henry might be an option...I've somewhat narrowed my choices down to these...other recommendations welcome. I realize there is tons of information about all three of these, but depending on the answer to my crown height question, that will narrow it down even more, as I assume that Penman would be the only option for actually changing the crown height.

Choices so far:
Adventurebuilt Henry
Penman
Magnoli HJ

Thanks in advance.

Kenton

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:30 am

You could go for a different crown height on the Mag/AB HJ becuase Steve custom makes these using HJ materials. It will be more durable than the standard HJ but it is still the same felt, so it has that against it. Steve announced last week that he will no longer be making the HJ hats after his stock is up. He also said that he has more than enough materials to make existing orders, so if you want to go this route, I'd order now.

My vote, however, goes to the Penman. John's work speaks for itself. The advantage that the Penman has is that it is pure beaver, so you are getting a hat that will last a lifetime. Like Steve, John will work with you on all the specs. The Mag/AB HJ will be a much more collectible hat becuase Steve will no longer be making them, but if you are going to wear this fairly often, I'd go with Penman.

Dave

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:43 am

Going by the way the brim is cut i'd say that is a magnoli HJ

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:57 am

DR Ulloa wrote: My vote, however, goes to the Penman. John's work speaks for itself. The advantage that the Penman has is that it is pure beaver, so you are getting a hat that will last a lifetime. Like Steve, John will work with you on all the specs. The Mag/AB HJ will be a much more collectible hat becuase Steve will no longer be making them, but if you are going to wear this fairly often, I'd go with Penman.

Dave

In addition, you're getting a custom, hand-made hat for around the same price as the other factory hats you mentioned. Any of these hats would be a fine choice, however
.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:13 am

The Henry is a factory hat and with the decent exchange rate, it is a great deal; not that it wasn't before, just that it is even better now. I think you can pick up the Henry for around $200 now. Remember, though, crismans, that the Magnoli has the HJs shipped to Steve in pieces, unmade. Steve shrinks the oversized body and repounces it, blocks is on his AB blocks and hand sews the sweat and ribbon. You are in effect receiving a custom HJ. My vote still goes to the Penman though. My suggestion would be to save more and go for the AB since Steve won't be making hats for too much longer. It saddnes me every time I hear it but it is a truth we must accept. Get them while they are available. Penman Hat Co. will be around for some time and I recommend Penman to everyone, as I have you, Kenton.

Dave

ksteryous · Post by **ksteryous** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:31 am

Dutch_jones wrote:Going by the way the brim is cut i'd say that is a magnoli HJ

Sorry, my thread title might have been misleading....I'm not asking you to guess which hat is in the pics (it's an Akubra deluxe btw), but rather help me decide on my new hat....sorry for the confusion.

Kenton

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:06 pm

Dutch_jones wrote:Going by the way the brim is cut i'd say that is a magnoli HJ

If you go that route, you best get on the stick. Fedora has already announced he's ending the magnoli HJ work, and the only thing left for sale is what is on hand.

Read in this thread: viewtopic.php?t=36962

Not sure what Indy Magnoli is going to do after that occurs, so you need to drop him a line.

Regards! Michaelson

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:14 pm

I think the Fed looks right on you, both crown and brim. However, if you are more comfortable with something lower, it's your call.

The up sides of the Penman and Magnoli HJ's is that both can be had on the softer side, and both can be whatever measurements you prefer. The Penman will probably outlast the HJ, and you could get John's direct input about the proper crown height for you. The HJ, though, has it's value for authenticity and the fact that it will soon be extinct.

As for the Henry. I am confident in the quality of that hat, though I've never seen it in person. But it is a factory hat, in the end.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:29 pm

Yeah, I agree, the fed looks perfect. No problem whatsoever with the height. Since you want something floppy, I'd advise the Mag HJ. I'd advise the penman, but beaver doesn't tend to have the same pliability that rabbit does, and the HJ's are famous for that, so my vote is Mag HJ. -M

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:17 pm

DR Ulloa wrote: Remember, though, crismans, that the Magnoli has the HJs shipped to Steve in pieces, unmade. Steve shrinks the oversized body and repounces it, blocks is on his AB blocks and hand sews the sweat and ribbon. You are in effect receiving a custom HJ.
Dave

You're very much correct. I have a Magnoli HJ and love it. But I set the parameters (in my own mind and probably way off the mark ;-) )that ksteryous was looking for a hat that can be a mainstay hat and worn a lot. Again, I love my HJ Magnoli (I personally think it's the closest thing you can get to the Raiders hat) but it's not my mainstay and I wouldn't recommend it as mainstay to others. This is nothing against Magnoli or Steve, it's just that I don't trust HJ's felt even after Steve has worked with it. A little rain wouldn't hurt it, but getting caught in a downpour? I always check the weather before wearing it.

inexpensive_jones · Post by **inexpensive_jones** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:27 pm

From what I've read , I'd go Penman. I've never owned one but they look pretty dang nice! Your crown height looks fine to me, but get what would make you most comfortable in it.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:56 pm

Your right, crismans. I wouldn't recommend the Mag/AB HJ as an every day hat. The Penman is the better hat, hands down. And the Penman breaks in very nicely. My Penman isn't as floppy as my Christy's, but its pretty floppy.

Dave

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:22 pm

Hmm...a good point about the unstable HJ felt. Best not to be used as a mainstay hat. I agree with what's been said: penman is your best bet. -M

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:02 pm

DR Ulloa wrote: My suggestion would be to save more and go for the AB since Steve won't be making hats for too much longer. It saddnes me every time I hear it but it is a truth we must accept. Get them while they are available.

Dave

Steve won't be making hats? What? Does this mean the Magnoli and HJ custom hats or ANY hats, like the Adventurebilt? I ordered my Adventurebilt Indy CS in Oct. 08 and look forward to getting it one day. I'd hate to think he'll stop hat making all together. Can you clarify?

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:32 pm

If you have an order with Steve (AB) then you will get your hat. If you have an HJ/Mag on order, you will get your hat. If you want an AB from Steve , I would highly suggest ordering one now. As for HJ/MAG , that time has gone by.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:40 pm

lantzn wrote: Steve won't be making hats? What? Does this mean the Magnoli and HJ custom hats or ANY hats, like the Adventurebilt? I ordered my Adventurebilt Indy CS in Oct. 08 and look forward to getting it one day. I'd hate to think he'll stop hat making all together. Can you clarify?

He addresses it in this thread:

viewtopic.php?t=36962

ksteryous · Post by **ksteryous** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:41 pm

This is awesome because I've been inclined to Penman anyway, and so all the replies that recommend him just confirm that. Thanks to everyone who has responded. Not that the other two hats aren't greet hats, I've just been intrigued by a truly custom, hand made hat.

Thanks again,
Kenton

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:19 pm

ksteryous wrote: I've just been intrigued by a truly custom, hand made hat.

Thanks again,
Kenton

I'll warn you now - it will spoil you rotten!

(BY THE WAY; is that Fed above a IV in Moonstone?)

ksteryous · Post by **ksteryous** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:26 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote: (BY THE WAY; is that Fed above a IV in Moonstone?)

Sorry, didn't see your question the first time I read your post....yes, it's the Fed IV Deluxe in Moonstone.

Also, after all the help in this thread, I've begun the process of placing an order with Penman hats. I still owe John a few measurements before I actually place the order, and doggonit, I'm out of town, and so it will be Friday before I get those measurements and place my order.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:02 am

crismans wrote: He addresses it in this thread:

viewtopic.php?t=36962

I hope you have more luck than I did, crismans. I already posted that link in my last post above. ;-)

Dutch_jones wrote:
Going by the way the brim is cut i'd say that is a magnoli HJ

michaelson wrote:
If you go that route, you best get on the stick. Fedora has already announced he's ending the magnoli HJ work, and the only thing left for sale is what is on hand.

Read in this thread: viewtopic.php?t=36962

Not sure what Indy Magnoli is going to do after that occurs, so you need to drop him a line.

Regards! Michaelson

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jake · Post by **Indiana Jake** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:02 am

Go for the Penman hat. Just my two cents worth!

Indiana Jake