Club Obi Wan

I just wanted to share my Tony Nowak CS jacket.

I tried my best to avoid him at the Queen Mary summit this past November. I knew I would love his jackets and didn't really want to get hooked. I then had a customer drive down from Washington to pick up a hat I made for him and just fell in love with his Nowak CS jacket.

I went back and forth with Tony because Tony wanted to make sure we were on the same page as what I wanted. I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing. He wanted to know if I wanted just the one pocket or if I wanted more. These are the type of things he wanted to make sure we all had nailed down along with measurements and fit.

I was going to start my holiday cruz very near where his shop is. He invited me to visit so I can try on some sample jackets to see how jackets fit me. I wasn't going to go against how he works ( I have a little understanding of that). I tried on a couple of jackets and bang. Found the perfect fit. Asked me what I wanted written on the inside of the jacket. I also had my family with me. My wife, son, sister and her son. He was very nice to everyone and even got a smile out of my 17 year old nephew who is in that stage that never wants to smile.

He was so giving of himself and his time. He didn't have to chat and joke with the kids but he did. he was doing nothing more than being himself.
I had some great time spent on the phone with Tony when I got back from my trip.

When I got the jacket in the mail I was blown away. It came in a great canvas bag with the same zipper and liner as the jacket. Sewn on the outside of the bag in leather was the name Novak. Nice way to package his jacket. very good touch. The jacket fit just perfect and just love the way it feels. I have yet to take the jacket off. The thing that really got me is he is so good at distressing ( look away Michaelson I went over to the dark side) he never ounce touched the stitching. That man is good. Enough of me going off like a Monday morning wash women.



here a pic that my buddy Dusty aka smokeater7 took using my iphone. Im waiting for the pics that squiddkidd. When I get them I will post them here. I will also post a couple of video's I made today. You can really get a great idea of how great these jackets are in these vids.

The jacket looks great John!!! The CS Nowak is the last remaining Indy Gear I want to get.

By the way- is that your ABD perched on your head?

Wow Oak your jacket is amazing! Thank for posting a picture I've been waiting! I hope my jacket looks as good as yours! Anyways thanks for sharing your story with us. One question for you.... Did you make it out of his shop in under 5 hours because I didn't! Wow it was a looong fitting for me! But worth it he is so kind. When I was ready to leave he kept chatting more like he didn't want me to go. Lol! I love that man. Anyways killer jacket worth the wait I'm sure!

Indyzane

Very nice looking jacket, John, and fits you great! Believe me, it will only get better as you wear it.

Although, from a fanboy standpoint, the CS isn't my favorite design, it really is the most "real world" of the Indy jackets. It just wears well "out there".

Thanks everyone. I didn't have the time or i think I might have been there for a week.

I just love the jacket. I put both jackets on my kitchen chairs. CS Novak and Wested Raiders goat. Just to see what I would grab to go out the door with. It was the Novak every time. I then put the Novak in the closet and left out the Wested. I still wore the Novak. I love this thing.

jnicktem wrote:The jacket looks great John!!! The CS Nowak is the last remaining Indy Gear I want to get.

By the way- is that your ABD perched on your head?

I'm sorry buddy. I missed you question. It's my CS ABD by both Marc and Steve.

Your jacket looks great. Can't wait to see your next one. What will it be? ToD maybe?

BendingOak wrote:

jnicktem wrote:The jacket looks great John!!! The CS Nowak is the last remaining Indy Gear I want to get.

By the way- is that your ABD perched on your head?

I'm sorry buddy. I missed you question. It's my CS ABD by both Marc and Steve.

I called it!

Now back to the jacket- I can't wait to see more pictures!

GREAT jacket John! One question, compare the cut of the jacket to your Raiders jacket. Is it a fuller cut, longer, etc? I am scraping nickels to get a Nowak, and from everything I read it seems like the CS's are a little bigger fitting.
Again, awesome jacket. Congrats.


Travis

Nice jacket John, the fit is perfect!!

Tony is always a pleasure to deal with

Great looking jacket!

I can completely relate to your comments about Tony taking all that extra time. Although I didn't have the pleasure of going to his shop and meeting the man in person none of our several phone calls lasted less than 30mins. Each one was half jacket talk and half chatting because that's just how Tony is. I haven't worn any other jacket either and probably won't stop wearing it until it gets too hot in the summer.

Welcome to the Club!

Swiftfoot

No need to turn my head, old friend. TN's turn that way with regular use and in fairly short order.

Yours looks just like mine in your photo, but it took mine a few months of winter wear this winter to reach that stage.

The only problem I've experienced this winter was with the bottom of the zipper. The cloth behind the slider bar (for lack of a better term) didn't have any plastic reinforcement that protects the cloth from the slide when you put the two halves together to zip the jacket up. The cloth frayed to the point it was getting difficult to zip my jacket up, and there was no way to repair it. With LOTS of layering being done this winter by this writer this season, the zipper is getting a LOT of use too. It's back in Tony's hands as we speak getting replaced. The man takes care of his 'people'!

Anyway, I'm rambling again.....

Oak, a VERY nice jacket! Suits you to a tee!!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Hollowpond wrote:GREAT jacket John! One question, compare the cut of the jacket to your Raiders jacket. Is it a fuller cut, longer, etc? I am scraping nickels to get a Nowak, and from everything I read it seems like the CS's are a little bigger fitting.
Again, awesome jacket. Congrats.


Travis

The fit on the Novak is much better. It does slide off my shoulders like my Wested does. The Novak, and it's hard to put into words bet just felt like it was molded to me. Tony makes his jackets to fit. He does the job well.

Swiftfoot wrote:Great looking jacket!

I can completely relate to your comments about Tony taking all that extra time. Although I didn't have the pleasure of going to his shop and meeting the man in person none of our several phone calls lasted less than 30mins. Each one was half jacket talk and half chatting because that's just how Tony is. I haven't worn any other jacket either and probably won't stop wearing it until it gets too hot in the summer.

Welcome to the Club!

Swiftfoot

How did I miss this? If anyone has talked with me on the phone knows how I like to chat. Put the two of us in the room. Tony and I are trying to out talk the other.

VERY nice

_ wrote:I had a feeling you were struggling on the other side of your table over there... (grin) You showed remarkable restraint.

The jacket looks terrific! I felt like a dope for not bringing mine along, but I was "in character" with the WWII garb - and had pressure from a little redhead back home to see said garb in the pics.

Again, great looking jacket and it looks terrific on you. Tony's a gem...

You had no idea how hard it was to have Tony and his jackets just across from me. I did everything possible not to walk the few feet over there but I regret not getting over there. It really was dumb of me. I kept myself from having this wonderful jacket that I'm so happy with.

Check out the video, you can really see how great the jacket is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SctZLVCYYGA

I'm just finalizing my own list of specs that I'll be requesting from Tony on a Raiders Jacket that I'll be ordering from him... but I've been eyeballing that very leather of yours for what I'm sure will be my Jacket #2...
Well, thanks John... because seeing that gorgeous thing in that photo (but especially that VIDEO) has made it a LOCK.
I've GOTTA have one of those!

Mitch, you do know that other than size, and maybe type of leather, you really don't need a list of specs for Tony?
Unless there is some 'change' you just have to have for personal reasons.
He'll guide you through other 'option' items such as extra inside pockets etc.

John, really nice jacket you have there, and the distressing work is an added benefit!

_ wrote:

BendingOak wrote:Check out the video, you can really see how great the jacket is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SctZLVCYYGA

We have the same leather. Give it a few months and a few Portland rains, and it gets even better! She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable. Welcome to the asylum - as a PS? I've owned 50+ Indy jackets over the years. I'd buy and sell them so I could review them for the site and the community. With most of them, there was always the hope that I'd find "the one." My Expedition scratched the itch for several years, but the CS from Tony put it to bed. I've found my jacket and have not felt the need to look any more...

Again - nice jacket...

It's been soaked a couple of times. Portland Rain doesn't need a few months. Just a few days.


Mitch, No need for a hugh list of what you want. Just tell him what the end product you want and he will give you a long list. Somewhere down the road I would love to get a Raiders jacket from him and thats all I'll ask for. I'll let him make the jacket.

Awesome jacket truly awesome The video shows off the jacket great
Graeme

Mitch LaRue wrote:I'm just finalizing my own list of specs that I'll be requesting from Tony on a Raiders Jacket that I'll be ordering from him...

RCSignals wrote:Mitch, you do know that other than size, and maybe type of leather, you really don't need a list of specs for Tony?
Unless there is some 'change' you just have to have for personal reasons.
He'll guide you through other 'option' items such as extra inside pockets etc.

BendingOak wrote:Mitch, No need for a hugh list of what you want. Just tell him what the end product you want and he will give you a long list.

Oooops.
Sorry guys... No, no.. I worded that really poorly - although thank you (both) for what you're saying.
I don't have a long list of personalized specs that are changes to what Mr. Nowak already knows all-too-well how to do...
I was simply referring to finally getting my wife to help me update all my measurements, settling on what I'd like the lining of the pocket to read & deciding on what kind of/how many inside pockets I'll ask for... THAT kind of thing.
I've already been on the phone with Tony and he's been kind enough to send me 3 or 4 samples of the leather I'm most curious about. I should have those in another week or so... once I've seen them I'll know for sure which leather I'd like. THEN I'll be ready to get back on the phone with the man and have answers to his question at the ready (and written down) so we can make short work of it... I know he's probably a pretty busy guy, so I'm not interested in using up TOO much of his time by not being prepared.
But again, no, I'm not looking to tell Tony Nowak to make a jacket for me in any other manner than the way HE sees fit to do so...
I've often read other Members here saying the same thing you two gentlemen have just said:
The man knows what he's doing!
Cheers guys.
Mitch

That jacket fits you perfectly! Just like a CS should. Nice distressing Congrats!

HA! John! --- I knew it. I remember the way you looked at me shaking your head as I found myself being drawn to that rack of samples Tony had at the QM. I was not in the market for a new jacket, but couldn't resist getting that goat! Yup - I had to order. I know how you felt thinking you wouldn't do it --- temptation is too difficult with the Nowak. That jacket looks great! I love mine and the more you wear it the better it gets! Welcome to the wonderful club of Nowak!

nicktheguy wrote:HA! John! --- I knew it. I remember the way you looked at me shaking your head as I found myself being drawn to that rack of samples Tony had at the QM. I was not in the market for a new jacket, but couldn't resist getting that goat! Yup - I had to order. I know how you felt thinking you wouldn't do it --- temptation is too difficult with the Nowak. That jacket looks great! I love mine and the more you wear it the better it gets! Welcome to the wonderful club of Nowak!

You are right sir. I could hold out no more than a month.

BendingOak wrote:I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing.

_ wrote:We have the same leather....She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable.

A quick question for either John (or _, if you can help me out with this):

So, what was requested (in terms of color & distressing only) that we're seeing in that gorgeous leather?
Is that CS leather the "darker color" or the "light color"... the "light distressing" or the "heavy distressing?"


Just wondering because... well... to be frank, one day I intend to ask for that very same thing...

I'd just like to know whether I'll (also) be asking for light or dark & light or heavy... and if you can tell me know what you're wearing, you'll save Tony the trouble of having to mail me more samples down the road!


Many thanks for any answers you can provide,
Mitch

I sent him my measurements using his pattern on his site. He asked to see shots of me wearing my current jacket. When I got to his shop. I tried on about 2-3 jackets. One very special one. We both liked the fit. He asked what I wanted on the pocket. He wanted to add a couple of pockets to the jacket. I said ok. He asked for light or dark color and heavy or light distressing. I went with dark color and light distressing.

I hope this helps Fox

I sent him my measurements using his pattern on his site. He asked to see shots of me wearing my current jacket. When I got to his shop. I tried on about 2-3 jackets. One very special one. We both liked the fit. He asked what I wanted on the pocket. He wanted to add a couple of pockets to the jacket. I said ok. He asked for light or dark color and heavy or light distressing. I went with dark color and light distressing.

I hope this helps Fox

BendingOak wrote:I then had a customer drive down from Washington to pick up a hat I made for him and just fell in love with his Novak CS jacket.

That'd be me. Glad you trying it on helped take you over the edge. I knew that day you'd have one before long.
Mine is the FINEST leather jacket I've worn or tried on. Just love it. Welcome to the club John.

That is an excellent CS jacket, John! You should be very proud!

I have one. Wore it today. I also have a Nowak 747 Raiders. I wore it yesterday. These two jackets seem to be about the only I EVER wear anymore. I agree with _: the Nowak scratches the itch. 'Nuff said. Except I had to have a CS and a Raiders . . . But you know what I mean.

DHW

lantzn wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I then had a customer drive down from Washington to pick up a hat I made for him and just fell in love with his Novak CS jacket.

That'd be me. Glad you trying it on helped take you over the edge. I knew that day you'd have one before long.
Mine is the FINEST leather jacket I've worn or tried on. Just love it. Welcome to the club John.

I blame all this on you. Thanks buddy.

Sweet Jacket John.........

BendingOak wrote:I went with dark color and light distressing.
I hope this helps Fox

Thank you John.
I really appreciate the info.

I wouldn't get too worried about the shade of the leather. Take a look at the extras on the DVD (assuming you have the DVD) and you will see the rack of all the jackets. the varying shades become apparent.

Mitch LaRue wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I went with dark color and light distressing.
I hope this helps Fox

Thank you John.
I really appreciate the info.

That's what I did. When I got mine there weren't any really dark CS with little distressing. A lot of guys saw my pics and fell in love with the jacket. I told Tony I wanted the darkest hide in the batch (like the publicity photos of Ford on his site) and he came through. Chances are in those publicity photos they probably treated the jacket to darken it.

This has no treatment and how it looked right out of the canvas bag.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 430601976/

Simply stunning!! One day I will have a CS Nowak. That is what I'm striving for in my Indy kit. Lovely jacket Oak!!


Sean

Mitch LaRue wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing.

_ wrote:We have the same leather....She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable.

A quick question for either John (or _, if you can help me out with this):

So, what was requested (in terms of color & distressing only) that we're seeing in that gorgeous leather?
Is that CS leather the "darker color" or the "light color"...

Yes, do tell, don't be shy, don't leave us hanging, over and over you're referring to how beautiful this leather is without actually divulging which it is...

bigrex wrote:

Mitch LaRue wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing.

_ wrote:We have the same leather....She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable.

A quick question for either John (or _, if you can help me out with this):

So, what was requested (in terms of color & distressing only) that we're seeing in that gorgeous leather?
Is that CS leather the "darker color" or the "light color"...

Yes, do tell, don't be shy, don't leave us hanging, over and over you're referring to how beautiful this leather is without actually divulging which it is...

I think he did say:

BendingOak wrote:I sent him my measurements using his pattern on his site. He asked to see shots of me wearing my current jacket. When I got to his shop. I tried on about 2-3 jackets. One very special one. We both liked the fit. He asked what I wanted on the pocket. He wanted to add a couple of pockets to the jacket. I said ok. He asked for light or dark color and heavy or light distressing. I went with dark color and light distressing.

I hope this helps Fox

RCSignals wrote:

bigrex wrote:

Mitch LaRue wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing.

_ wrote:We have the same leather....She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable.

A quick question for either John (or _, if you can help me out with this):

So, what was requested (in terms of color & distressing only) that we're seeing in that gorgeous leather?
Is that CS leather the "darker color" or the "light color"...

Yes, do tell, don't be shy, don't leave us hanging, over and over you're referring to how beautiful this leather is without actually divulging which it is...

I think he did say:

BendingOak wrote:I sent him my measurements using his pattern on his site. He asked to see shots of me wearing my current jacket. When I got to his shop. I tried on about 2-3 jackets. One very special one. We both liked the fit. He asked what I wanted on the pocket. He wanted to add a couple of pockets to the jacket. I said ok. He asked for light or dark color and heavy or light distressing. I went with dark color and light distressing.

I hope this helps Fox

Uh, dark color what? I don't care about distressing.

bigrex wrote:

RCSignals wrote:

bigrex wrote:

Mitch LaRue wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I simple said I wanted a CS jacket and silly me, it's just not that simple for Tony. He wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He wanted to know if I wanted the darker color or the light color. light distressing or the heavy distressing.

_ wrote:We have the same leather....She's a beaut - the YouTube really helps see the drape and movement, which for a heavy cowhide is remarkable.

A quick question for either John (or _, if you can help me out with this):

So, what was requested (in terms of color & distressing only) that we're seeing in that gorgeous leather?
Is that CS leather the "darker color" or the "light color"...

Yes, do tell, don't be shy, don't leave us hanging, over and over you're referring to how beautiful this leather is without actually divulging which it is...

I think he did say:

BendingOak wrote:I sent him my measurements using his pattern on his site. He asked to see shots of me wearing my current jacket. When I got to his shop. I tried on about 2-3 jackets. One very special one. We both liked the fit. He asked what I wanted on the pocket. He wanted to add a couple of pockets to the jacket. I said ok. He asked for light or dark color and heavy or light distressing. I went with dark color and light distressing.

I hope this helps Fox

Uh, dark color what? I don't care about distressing.

Dark CS cowhide.....

RCSignals wrote:[Dark CS cowhide.....

That's correct, you just ask Tony to use the darkest CS hide he can find. Distressing will matter because he'll ask. The hide looks lighter where he distresses which is why I asked for little distressing. I wanted it to look nice enough to wear out with the wife.

This is the jacket John tried on while visiting and I told him what I ordered and he did the same.

I love your jacket. Thats the guy that sold me and I feel like I got 100% of what I wanted.

It's my understanding that TN can make a cowhide jacket in lighter weight cowhide, according to Tundy?

BendingOak wrote:I love your jacket. Thats the guy that sold me and I feel like I got 100% of what I wanted.

His jackets are built TOUGH. A couple days ago I was getting out of my 4-door cherokee and I leaned way out before stepping out and my pocket got caught on the door latch post on the frame. When I push myself up and out the jacket PULLED me right back into my seat. Heck, I'm 210 lbs. and any other pocket would have ripped right open. I didn't even hear a thread break, now that's built tough.

lantzn wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I love your jacket. Thats the guy that sold me and I feel like I got 100% of what I wanted.

His jackets are built TOUGH. A couple days ago I was getting out of my 4-door cherokee and I leaned way out before stepping out and my pocket got caught on the door latch post on the frame. When I push myself up and out the jacket PULLED me right back into my seat. Heck, I'm 210 lbs. and any other pocket would have ripped right open. I didn't even hear a thread break, now that's built tough.

WORD.

DHW

Just had to share this with everyone.

I had a gift card from my wife from Banana Republic and decided that it's been sitting in my wallet for to any months. I walked in the card and asked the young women if she could tell me how much was on the card. She came back in a couple of minutes and told me and then asked if I wanted some help looking at their leather jacket because mine looked sooooooo old.
I told her that it was made by Tony Nowak the jacket maker for the last Indy movie and that it was distressed just like the movie. She then said " why would you distress clothing like that????????????? I pointed right behind her and said " do you think your jeans are made with holes in them, faded and worn?" She just said "oh." As I walked away from I said maybe you should know your product.
This is why I hate going shopping.

It's good to know that Tony's distressing looks natural.

Perfect comeback, John!

binkmeisterRick wrote: Perfect comeback, John!

Good story John.

So did you buy a pair of worn out jeans?