Club Obi Wan

Hi everyone my first post on the jacket forum. I've been lingering around COW for some time now, and it feels pretty good to be up and running (Thanks Michaelson!). But sheeesh! I clean forgot what it was I wanted to ask...... Only kidding.

I just ordered my 2nd Wested from Peter - Raiders, authentic lambskin with a few COW influenced mods (extra 1.5" at front, hidden press stud at bottom of storm flap, SMALLER collar).

But really, my question was this - I asked Peter to taper the arms down a little more than usual, resulting (hopefully) in a slightly smaller cuff circumference by around 1". Has anyone else requested this, and if so how did it work out for you?

I have the SAME problem with Westeds! The sleeves are too wide top and bottom! The two times I requested it, it seemed they only slightly taper the sleeves, its not very noticeable. I think (for them) its hard to say just how much to taper.... But Wested does try!

Good luck
James

I specified 11 1/2" circumference and the sleeves are perfect : )

Hmmm...well I hope mine works out as well, I'll put out a post when it arrives.
By the way, this is probably ancient history to some of you, but as someone who has only ever owned the authentic lamb, how does it compare durability-wise to the old lamb? I have heard talk that the old lamb is not a durable material, but opinions contrast and vary; I can only speak for myself, and I find my new Lamb pretty rough and tumble. No problems in the rain either, I wonder how much thicker the hide is on this jacket? :

I had a slight change of heart!
Called Wested today and discussed my order - no problem with tapering the wrists and the other specs I requested, Peter & Wested are true gents and always very happy to discuss things.

Anyway, I have changed my mind and ordered the new jacket in authentic goat (as I already have the authentic lamb). I firgure the goat will serve me well through the British winter, which feels like it's just on the horizon right now.

Where can I get rubbing alcohol in the UK? and what exactly is it - I usually just drink stuff with alcohol on the label..............hic! want to tone down the shine once it arrives. (should this be in another forum?)

ob1al wrote:Where can I get rubbing alcohol in the UK? and what exactly is it

Not too sure where you can get it there, as I'm on the other side of the pond, but "rubbing" alcohol is Isopropyl alcohol. Basically, it's the alcohol used to sterylize your arm before you get a shot.

Mike

Hi Mike - you know, I think that's not available for sale over the counter in the UK. If memory serves me well, people were drinking the stuff from brown paper bags or something - you can't even buy it to clean your VHS heads with.........
Of course, I could be mistaken and deluded, it's always a possibility.

ob1al wrote:I think that's not available for sale over the counter in the UK

You might try methylated spirits (available in hardware stores in the US where it is known as denatured alcohol).

Andy Inna (ha ha cool switch on the name!), do you mean to say I can use meths? same stuff gets gloss paint off your best rug?
If so, then of course it's in bountiful supply - doesn't it make your prized jacket smell though?

Meths - you sure?

Be careful with "Meths" on your jacket!

It really depends on what outcome you want. If you just want to take the shine off, try and stick to the rubbing alcohol. If you're wanting to actually remove pigment to get a worn in look then you can go up to the higher grade removers.

Acetone, and paint removers will remove the color from your jacket. Use caution. If you are wanting this look to your jacket, follow MK's tutorial.

Mike

Sounds like sound advice.
So to recap, Isopropyl alcohol and meths won't do the same job - the meths will remove the colour (and maybe shorten the life of the jacket I think).
Does, then, anyone in the UK know where to get the rubbing 'Isopropyl alcohol'? can you get such an item in 'Boots' chemists? I thought you couldn't buy it here.

I have tried meths and it didnt do anything. I went to many pharmicists and couldnt get isopropyl alcohol. All I could think of is car anti freeze as it uses the stuff. But i dont think it would work very well and would make your jacket smell.

Acetone works well for removing pigment and I can give you a supplier for UK if you want it. As for 'rubbing alcohol' i am still looking into it (I have a friend who is a pharamcist). Will keep ya posted if i find out anything.

Ken

ob1al wrote:...my wife and I are expecting baby number 3, and she has had a bit of a thing for D.I.Y. smells this time around

Just a word of caution here. You should be careful about breathing in any volatile chemical, especially if children are involved (born or unborn). I don't know of the effects of alcohol on the body (other than the drinking kind which I know all too well), but I have heard that acetone can do damage to kidneys. If that's true, that can't be good at all for children. Hence everyone warning about using only in a well ventilated area.

Best to all,

plynck