Bill Kelso's Relic Hunter

Christian Jones · Post by **Christian Jones** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:58 pm

Here it is !!!! The BK in Authentic Brown striated lambskin.

Front unzipped :

And zipped :

Back unzipped :

The leather on this jacket is one of the best I've seen, it's butter soft and I love the striated lamb, looks like the movie jacket to me :

The pocket :

The jacket is also very well built and the stitchings are nice and strong.

The jacket also came in a nice box (not like the Wested bags).
Some more pix here :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56389277@N07/

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:03 pm

This looks great! Raiders spot on. Nice jacket, I really want to get one of these.

indydude18 · Post by **indydude18** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:10 pm

Wow Christian, that looks marvelous! Is that custom sized or HF sized?

IndyRiv · Post by **IndyRiv** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:20 pm

That is one fine-looking jacket!

When you have it zipped up some, I can DEFINITELY see the Raven Bar in that jacket - something which I honestly haven't totally seen in any other jacket. It looks exactly like the screen stills.

BK did a SUPERB job on this jacket!

Now, if only I have the money available...

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:51 pm

Great looking jacket

I really like the striations!!!

-The Dude

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:56 pm

The Dude wrote:Great looking jacket

I really like the striations!!!

-The Dude

+1

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:58 pm

That's authentic brown? Looks pretty dark compared to westeds.

CM · Post by CM » Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:21 pm

Nice. Love the pockets.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:23 pm

So the Relic Hunter gets an airing. And after seeing that I'm expecting a lot more orders. Myself included. Looks excellent.

May I ask what you actual chest measurement is and what size you bought ?

Obi Sean Kenobi · Post by **Obi Sean Kenobi** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 6:42 pm

Jacket looks amazing!
I love that skin.
Wear it in good health!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:14 pm

It has arrived! Congrats.....very very awesome! Can`t wait for mine...gonna go sit by the mailbox now.....

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:22 pm

Looks pretty good!

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:58 pm

Awesome hide, how is the fit ?

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:17 pm

Lovely hide...

Great looking jacket....I'd be in for one, but they're still out of my price range right now...

Thanks for the show Christian!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 9:27 pm

CJ,

Can you give some measurements, like sleeve length and back length? I did not want to repeat the HERO dilema, but to provide a nice heads up for future orders? Did you order true to your size or did you have to tweak measurements here and there?

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:23 am

Wow! Looks great!

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:26 am

Looks like they did a great job with the pattern and I like the leather. Shows striations without being over the top/caricature looking. With all the debates we've had about striations or no striations, I think they should be very subtle on the jackets.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

IndyBrit · Post by **IndyBrit** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:15 am

Stunning.

For the money the Wested Hero still looks like good value for money. I have one in soft goat and it captures the Raiders look including the Ravens bar scence.

That said this post got the jacket addict shake going. If I had the funds I would be online now. The hide looks great. Really looking forward to more of these turning up and shots of the same after a few months wear.

Forrest For the Trees · Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:22 am

Looks good. Nice color too. I'm curious about size as well. What size are you and what size is the jacket? Did you change any measurements when you ordered, such as back length and sleeve length?

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:58 pm

I just received a text from my mom that I have a box that just now arrived from a "Bill Kelso"!!!!

but I am at home taking care of my sick wife and daughter so as soon as o make it back to work,i will be swinging by and picking it up!
woohoo! $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:26 pm

Looks fantastic! I was wondering if you guys could get some side shots. I don't really like the way my collar sits up on my TN jacket, and I haven't ordered a Relic Hunter because it's based on the TN jacket. If they fixed this issue I would definitely get one!

Christian Jones · Post by **Christian Jones** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:06 pm

Thank you everybody for the kind words.

Yes indeed, this is a very nice jacket. It's the ultimate Indy jacket for me. I still love my Nowak but it's a lot thicker. The Kelso is a thin, soft jacket and the leather realy captures that Raiders look.
The color is very difficult to capture on camera, it also varies a bit depending on the light...

I will try to answer all the questions the best I can. So, the jacket is a size 42 and the fit is just great. I'm 1,78 m, normal built with a 40" chest and the jacket is just right. The sleeves are 25,5" - 26 " and the back is 24,5" but I asked to have one extra inch in the back, so it should be 23,5" normaly.

I will upload some more pictures on my flickr this friday including some pix of the Kelso VS my Nowak and Wested.

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 5:18 pm

You're a 40" chest and bought a 42 - wow that's in complete contrast to what I was led to believe. I'm a 42" chest and was told to order a 40 !

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 6:46 pm

Ok...in my excitement I left the house without my cellphone which takes way better pics than my tablet so...
I thought that I had definitely recieved a Todd`s jacket when I picked up the box. It was VERY lightweight even in the box. Upon opening it I immediately fell in love!
Points of interest:
1. It is extremely lightweight. From my experience, it is as light as my old version Todd`s except that, wierd enough, it does feel more substantial in the hand. Does that make any sense? It feels meaty in the hand but when I put it on, it dissappears. It has been in the high 90`s here in South Texas today and I have worn it without the least bit of uncomfortability.
2. The color in the box looked very brown, literally like a Hershe`s chocolate bar. When I arrived at work, it began to chameleon into dark brown, black, and dusty brown. Hard to explain but this color is amazing and perfectly screen accurate in my opinion.
3. Tomek, it has a small yoke. using a spur-of-the-moment broken ruler, it measures to 4 1/2 inches! Same as that awesome Wested Washed Goat you sold me!
4. I personally asked in an e-mail that my jacket be made with little to no straitions. It was never replied to and I thought they never got it as some of my communications with them had gone into their spam folder, which they found later. Plus it was about two weeks into the order so I thought I may have said something too late......NOPE, it is beautifully grained and very lightly straited in little to no parts of the jacket. I know there was that shoulde grain we see in the plane fight but I just didn`t want that on my jacket. They came thru with flying colors.
5. I usually wear a size 38 but I have a Nowak in a size 40 that fits almost perfect so I went with a 40 and it fits like a glove.
6. The certificate that comes with it is super cool with camels, pyramids and mapwork inlaid into the background. Says almost the same thing that the Wested cert. says but the design is much more appealing. Definitely cool enough to frame.
7. Love the label!
8. And did I mention it was lightweight? My favorite thing about it. It is as accurate as my Nowak and Todd`s but made in the perfect in-between leather. And I love the lining!

I wasn`t expecting it today so I was unprepared clothing wise and I forgot my phone with a timer at home so here are some quick shots on my tablet...much better gear pics very soon.

here is the back:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 165022.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
the pocket close up. I think in this shot (at least on my tablet) you can see the pocket has what is the true color of brown while the leather around it seems darker. It is just an illusion as the whole jacket is the color of the pocket.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 165125.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
front shot:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 164959.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
here is a shot of the lining, inner pocket and collar construction. The collar looks big in person but as I just looked in the photo, I saw how it looked nice and thin like my Todd`s Standard or the Flightsuits I use to have. Also it show some of the cool grain on the shoulder and sleeve.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 165102.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I will get a full review (pics wearing it, measurements, details) very soon. As of now, this jacket is a real winner. I am so glad I put the money into it and already edges out every jacket I have owned or seen as MY own true Raiders of the Lost Ark jacket.

Forrest For the Trees · Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:47 pm

Looks awesome. Enjoy! High 90's, Gorak? I'm jealous. It was 107 yesterday...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:38 pm

I think they make it darn near the best you can do it, attention to the little details and it appears the quality of the leather really set it apart. Great news!

Glad you guys received just the jacket that you wanted. I know you are hard to please, Gorak, because of the dry roasting you get down there in Corpsuckle, but hey, we get some of that ourselves, too!

Just placed my order tonight.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:43 pm

Without a doubt, these jackets look GREAT, gentlemen!
(Yes! MORE photos, please!)

...But I am officially a little worried about the sizing issue...

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 12:10 am

ok pics, tomorrow but the numbers are in...here are all the measurements that we usually inquire about:
jacket zipped up laying flat on the floor:
Pit to pit across the front: 21 inches
Across the chest at its highest point ( arm seam to arm seam): 16 1/2
Front stormflap 23 w/stand
back: 23 1/2 w/stand, 22 1/2 w/o
yoke: center 4 6/8, sides 3 inches
side straps: 6 1/2
pleat depth: 1 1/2
side vents: 5 inches, no stitch
collar: center 3 inches, ends 3 1/2
collarstand: 1 inch
sleeves: 25 1/4
pockets: 6 1/2 across, 6 3/4 at widest point on flap
7 3/4 top to bottom
stormflap: 1 5/8
Size 40 with no alterations or changes

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 1:51 am

Cheers Gorak but what about armpit to armpit ?

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:12 am

Remeasured and edited with chest size...sorry...can`t believe I miseed that one.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:40 am

As another point of comparison, Gorak's measurements are really close to the US Wings Legend jacket in medium (US made) I measured.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

theman · Post by **theman** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:48 am

Looking good fellas...

While Gorak's looks nice in the shapes I must say the biggest draw for me to this offering was the great looking leather, with the nice thin look and wonderful subtle use of the striation areas. Without that it seems like plain looking Wested standard leather...not that that is a bad thing if you are wanting that more dressy finished look. Good on you for getting exactly what you wanted Gorak, that is the key, and I am sure by the description it feels wonderful on.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:01 am

Oh yeah, this leather is super cool. I keep thinking about trying a little light distressing but then when I catch myself in the mirror, it looks pretty broken in except for the collar area and slightly boxy shoulders...but thats just from its newness.
For those interested, I also measured my Nowak and Wested Hero...
the nowak measured almost exactly excpet for these minor points:
on the nowak...
pleat depth: 1 1/4
collar center: 2 3/4, tips 3 1/4
collarstand 3/4
pocket flap was 7 at its widest point
stormflap 1 1/2
on the Wested, the yoke was 6 in the center and 3 1/2 on the sides. Pleat was 1 1/4,
these little differences and type if leather make a big difference as to what appears more screen accurate to my eyes. Also take into account that this is all relative....my measurements may be just slightly off of how you may have easured. Also none have a stitch on the side vents but the Nowak, due to the much heavier leather, I think, tends to keep the sides more closed. I like mine more open as the Wested and the Kelso work.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:04 am

Oh yeah, my Wings Legend in New Zealand Lamb measured close but still seems like it swallows me. Plus the lining in the Wings seems to not fit oo well and thus adds to the floating around inside it feeling. But an awesomely beautifully leather nevertheless. Plus they got the thin yoke right.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:07 am

Strange that Gorak's 40 is essentially a 38, with the 21" chest and all.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:17 am

my Kelso and Nowak are size 40 but my Wested is 38. hmmmmmmm

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:27 am

You guys really trust tags?

I have a G&B marked 50, and it's a perfect fit. I wear a 44 regular.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:40 am

Mitch LaRue wrote:Without a doubt, these jackets look GREAT, gentlemen!
(Yes! MORE photos, please!)

...But I am officially a little worried about the sizing issue...

You should measure your TNO, armpit to armpit, and order the BK corresponding size.
Regards.-

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 12:17 pm

Michealson, I learned long ago thru this site that tags aren't to be depended on.

but at least it gives others who have a similiar size an idea of what where this thing will sit on their body. I have still always just used each vendors suggestions for sizing as they know what works for their stuff....just like hat sizes!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 12:58 pm

Ok....
Here is the Certificate...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 231841.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

me loving it..
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 095057.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

random...for color and leather coolness...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 094354.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

back length ala riverside pose..
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 095403.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and the rest are here....
http://photobucket.com/relichunter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have no words to describe my happiness. I just wrote Kelso and thanks them for such great work and they immediately responded kindly.
Bill Kelso? AMEN!

and in the words of a few others around here on their gear quest,,
I`m done with the jackets!This is IT!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 1:03 pm

Gorak wrote:Michealson, I learned long ago thru this site that tags aren't to be depended on.

but at least it gives others who have a similiar size an idea of what where this thing will sit on their body. I have still always just used each vendors suggestions for sizing as they know what works for their stuff....just like hat sizes!

"Tags....they're more like guidelines, actually....."

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:02 pm

Hector, congratulations. It's the best Raiders jacket I've seen on you. You've got a real winner. Great that it has small yoke, finally you are happy about that feature

I think I am not the only one who thinks that Relic Hunter is the most SA jacket ever created, good job guys at Bill Kelso

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:17 pm

Question: Do you think the extra 250 Euros justifies the extra expense on the striated lamb leather? It is a significant price difference?

Indiego Jones · Post by **Indiego Jones** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:35 pm

Texan Scott wrote:Question: Do you think the extra 250 Euros justifies the extra expense on the striated lamb leather? It is a significant price difference?

Perhaps the striated lamb is a custom order to the tannery. Specific leather, color, texture. That's expensive.
The other skin options are more "normal", so to speak.

Christian Jones · Post by **Christian Jones** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:56 pm

Gorak, did you find the limited edition number ?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:10 pm

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:12 pm

Indiego Jones wrote:
Texan Scott wrote:Question: Do you think the extra 250 Euros justifies the extra expense on the striated lamb leather? It is a significant price difference?
Perhaps the striated lamb is a custom order to the tannery. Specific leather, color, texture. That's expensive.
The other skin options are more "normal", so to speak.

Yeah, I'm curious about that and would like to see two jackets made with the Striated lamb -and- the grainy lamb side by side? I am just wondering if it is that significant of a difference in appearance? Of course, sales says to order up, you won't regret it!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 6:38 pm

thanks for the support and compliments....feels great to share such an aquisition with folks who can appreciate the feeling. my wifes reaction?

I have not found any numbers on it but to be truthful, I havent really looked. I just found the size label under the pocket flap (unless that is the number which would be real coincidence). I've just been enjoying wearing it. I love looking at it in reflections...like our hats. even my sillouhette looks Raiders to me.
Not having seen the other lamb, I may not be in the position to say but being an owner of this lamb, I have to say it is well worth the money. it just seems very.obvious to me that they really put some strong effort in finding this type of lamb. The texture and grain look exactly like my Nowak Goatskin, the color like my Wested Hero in Authentic Lamb, and the weight like my Todd's. The best of all the different options! The write-up they have on their website does not lie. I have no urge or desire or need to water bash, pecard, sleep in, shower in, crumble, or do anything else to this thing. it is perfect right out of the box.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:35 pm

Fantastic Gorak! That may be the best yet! B the way, any story behind why the certificate has "Chicago" at the top? Way cool!

Oildale Jones · Post by **Oildale Jones** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:06 pm

Tibor wrote:Fantastic Gorak! That may be the best yet! B the way, any story behind why the certificate has "Chicago" at the top? Way cool!

Or why "hand cut" is capitalized?