Club Obi Wan

Hey guys,

DONT WORRY! I'm not starting a debate over brown vs gray. That dead horse has been kicked enough.

However, MY take is that I find the light grey, moonstone, or whatever it may be called by other hatters has always been a bit too light for my eye based
on all the screenshot/stills from the movie during and off set. It's definitely that light of a grey in Crystal skull no doubt about it, but I always have felt
the Clipper/Washington fedora was a bit darker gray. Again, I could be totally wrong and it's just a matter of film vs digital and lighting ect.

Since this is a 3rd Indy hat for me now (well, technically 2nd but I have a LC Steele & Jones on it's way soon) and thats not including the many I've ordered
in the past years, I didn't want to blow the bank this time to get a hat that would simply be fun to swap out from time to time and maybe wear more formally.

So, I decided to go back to my old tried and true friend, the Akubra Federation IV. However, this time instead of ordering moonstone (which I've owned two
in the past and sold both eventually) I wanted to try their carbon grey model. It may be a bit too dark, but to me, I feel like it might pull off the Raiders look
better. We shall see!

It shipped immediately and is on it's way from Australia to California and I hope to get it today or tomorrow, or possibly Monday. I definitely think it needs a very black ribbon to have the correct contrast, but based on this behind the scenes shot I just have never seen my old moonstone hats look quite that shade even in darker conditions.

Again, I may be totally wrong and my memory is not what it once was, but since the Akubra is an absolute steal of a price at like $120 US, it's worth it even just to add another Fedora in the rotation. If it is too dark, I'll probably end up ordering and lighter grey (moonstone) again in the Federation IV Deluxe just because of the price. Or maybe by then splurge on a Penman or something. The carbon grey color only comes in the regular version though, not deluxe.

Anyway, I thought you folks might be interested to see how this little experiment turns out for me. I will post with pics when she arrives.

The waiting is the hardest part...

Cheers,

Clipper (formerly 1bat4u)


You've probably all seen this photo before but it's been part of my basis for this decision.





Also what added to my decision were these:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=67071&p=892893&hili ... ra#p892893" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a Moonstone Fed IV standard -- love the hat and color. No idea how closely it matches the screen colors, so I kind of did mine in a compromise bash between the first and last films.

I agree that whereas the moonstone is a fine looking hat, the grey is too light for the Clipper hat. I think the carbon is a better option.

A few years ago I was fortunate to find a western styled hat in a great shade of grey that replicates the grey-brown debate variation. David Garrison reblocked it for me and I have a wonderful Clipper hat now.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Can't wait to see it once it comes in! My next hat is going to be another Fed IV and can't decide whether to go with Moonstone or the Carbon, so this will really help with that! Happy hatting!

Indiana Jeff wrote:I agree that whereas the moonstone is a fine looking hat, the grey is too light for the Clipper hat. I think the carbon is a better option.

A few years ago I was fortunate to find a western styled hat in a great shade of grey that replicates the grey-brown debate variation. David Garrison reblocked it for me and I have a wonderful Clipper hat now.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

I'm glad you agree!

IndySmith-007 wrote:Can't wait to see it once it comes in! My next hat is going to be another Fed IV and can't decide whether to go with Moonstone or the Carbon, so this will really help with that! Happy hatting!

You and me both! I'm glad I'll be able to help you make your decision. I can't tell you how long I googled both moonstone and carbon grey photos of Federations. The carbon may be a bit dark, but I'm sure the moonstone is too light. I'd rather go darker than lighter. Maybe the felt will also lighten in the sun over time. I guess I will know for sure soon.

-Clipper (formerly 1Bat4u)

The carbon gray Fed is a nice color. A little too dark for the Clipper probably but nice. I still don't know why they don't offer it in the better felt but I'm sure they have their reasons.

The moonstone does seem too light for a proper clipper color, too.

Gray is one of those colors. When you look at those Raiders pictures of the Washington suit, the hat looks pretty dark. But the suit looks almost looks black, too. I think it's blue, right?

Gray is just one of those colors. You can light it different ways and get very light and very dark results. I think maybe Steele&Jones took some photos that represent how different their gray hat can appear based on lighting. I've seen other examples. You'd swear you're looking at pictures of more than 1, or sometimes 2 or 3, hats.

To my eye, the gray Adventurebilt Henry always seemed to hit the right shade for a clipper hat.

I want to say the original clipper was referred to as an 'Oxford Grey'. Whatever that means. But if you google it, the color is very much like the Winchester 'granite' felt color. This color is significantly lighter than the gray Henry.

I like the darker gray. It seems dressier to me. The AdVintage looks fantastic!

I've got a carbon gray fed and love it. It's very durable and the color looks kind of dressy, especially with the right clothes.

IndyJedi wrote:I've got a carbon gray fed and love it. It's very durable and the color looks like of dressy, especially with the right clothes.

Do you have any photos you can share? I might possibly get my hat today, but it's looking more likely to be Monday or Tuesday.

Clipper wrote:

IndyJedi wrote:I've got a carbon gray fed and love it. It's very durable and the color looks like of dressy, especially with the right clothes.

Do you have any photos you can share? I might possibly get my hat today, but it's looking more likely to be Monday or Tuesday.

Sure, let me know me an email address and I'll send you a few.

I have the 2-Feds in dark gray and moonstone. Also have the AdVintage but had it bashed to more of a CS look. I think the AdVintage is the closest in my opinion from what I own.

I'm going to get a carbon gray Fed later this Summer.

Charybdis wrote:I'm going to get a carbon gray Fed later this Summer.

Great fedora and goes with almost everything.

I'm hoping so. My wardrobe is definitely geared toward wearing brown, but there are times when a gray hat would be awesome.

I think since gray is a neutral color, it can be worn with brown, blue, and black. I have worn a gray fedora with Indy jackets and other brown jackets.

What throws me off are the Alden cordovan HH boots I own. They are dark inside but a strong reddish brown in sunlight. I finally gave up and pretended they are brown.....

Yeah I agree about grey being a very versatile color. I love my Indy Adventurebilt but I don't always want to do obviously be looking like Indy. That's kind of what attracts me to the clipper fedora. For example, in Raiders we never see Indy wear a fedora while teaching at school like we do in last crusde where he wears his brown hat. We have to assume his every day hat is the clipper grey and the brown is his adventure hat. Or at least I do.

But I'm excited to have a dark grey fedora to see how it looks with different outfits and color schemes.

A charcoal rabbit Adventurebilt with the dark brown Indy ribbon is one of the most versatile hats I own. Goes with nearly everything. A moss Penman is a close second.

I'm very interested to see what Jack has to say about the felt color he's selected for the HJ reboot clipper hat. Unless he' already commented and I've missed it.

For the Indy boots, I've almost pulled the trigger on cordovan Indy's a few times. I had some cordovan wingtips and never wore them much. Maybe thats why I didn't buy them. The cigar, whiskey, and black pretty much cover it for me. The cordovan is a beautiful, rich color, though.

Yay It came this morning!

So my first impressions/review:

First off, wow. Im very impressed that hats direct and Akubra can produce such a nice hat for $120 US. It's an unbelievable bargain.

It is a good block shape. Not quite stove pipe enough for a perfect raiders, but its really close enough to get the right look. They have also updated their liner to a beautiful vintage looking gold. I love it! The old ones I had owned were all white and get stained over time.

I was also worried about the fit, that my 22 1/8" head size would be too small in their size 59 which is 23 3/8th. And I was surprised to see they sent me their size 60! Even though their note to me said they selected a hat that is 23 1/4. A little confusing.. However, somehow it is a perfect fit! Snug in fact. I have a tiny bit of room on the sides so as it shapes to my head I imagine it will conform to a wonderful fit. So I guess I would say they run a tad small. My advice, definitely tell them your head size before ordering.

As for color. First impressions in my dark bedroom is it was dark. However, as soon as I stepped outside the color I wanted emerged. I could be little dark still, but I really really love it. It is a very good looking hat and I'm very happy to have chosen it. A+

As for shaping. It's very stiff out of the box. Which I expected. Yet it didn't take too much time getting the brim more floppy so I could get a lower front brim. I got a pretty nice crown shape just by hand. I only applied a little steam at the end to get the pinch to stay put. Im sure the felt will also soften some in time.

I had one slight issue. The right side of the crown (if you are looking straight on) appears to be more tapered than the left, making it harder to match the straight side look on both sides. As I keep working on it though it seems to become less of a problem and now after steaming it some it looks much more uniform.

Bottom line: BUY ONE! I REALLY prefer the carbon to the moonstone. I think it's a far better representation of the Clipper hat. Especially when you compare it to the washington scene at the end. Also, in the direct sunlight it is very close too and I can see this being a new favorite of mine for sure.

I do actually see a bit of a brown hue in the ribbon. It's definitely not jet black like my other light grey fedora. And since the Clipper hat had such a stark contrast in bow-felt ratio I might at some point consider putting a slightly wider jet black ribbon on but we'll see. It looks beautiful as is and I kind of hate to mess with it at all.

Let me know what you think! I'm one happy customer. Also it took about 7 days I think to arrive all the way from Australia to California so that's pretty good too.

I have a full album you should be able to see, but here are the best highlights: IMAGE HEAVY

Looking good. Gorgeous hat.

Very nice - it matches the screenshots you have from Raiders well.

It looks fantastic! Both in color and your own hand-blocking -- and very, VERY close to the movie shots you posted.
I...may...have...to...get...one (trying to resist!) Just what I need...another hat...
Thanks a LOT!

Howard Weinstein wrote:It looks fantastic! Both in color and your own hand-blocking -- and very, VERY close to the movie shots you posted.
I...may...have...to...get...one (trying to resist!) Just what I need...another hat...
Thanks a LOT!

Hey thanks!

Do it! It seriously is incredible how good it is, and for that price you simply cannot beat it. I'm super happy with it. Can't wait to see it with a navy suit and tie, Clipper style.

Sweet! Now I don't think I can wait until August!

It looks great on you and I really dig the new liner they are using.

Looks great.

Is this hatter in Germany or Australia?

Can you provide a direct link to order any of their hats.

Is this it below?

https://www.replix.de/fedora-hats/advintage-fedoras/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which one has an option of carbon, bespoke?

MAN does that look fantastic!! Now I absolutely will be investing in one. That liner is beautiful as well. I wonder if they're using that liner in just that color? I bought a dark brown one in the Deluxe only two months ago and it has the white liner. I just won one on eBay today. Only $56 with shipping. It's open crowned so we'll see how it is once it comes in. With how cheap it was to win, I figured it was worth the risk. Happy hatting, indeed! Enjoy that hat!!

car96 wrote:Looks great.

Is this hatter in Germany or Australia?

Can you provide a direct link to order any of their hats.

Is this it below?

https://www.replix.de/fedora-hats/advintage-fedoras/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which one has an option of carbon, bespoke?

The hatter is in Australia, they are call hats direct who make the Federation IV which is their Indy model.

https://hatsdirect.com/collections/the- ... 6743819269" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's the link. It's a factory made hat.

IndySmith-007 wrote:MAN does that look fantastic!! Now I absolutely will be investing in one. That liner is beautiful as well. I wonder if they're using that liner in just that color? I bought a dark brown one in the Deluxe only two months ago and it has the white liner. I just won one on eBay today. Only $56 with shipping. It's open crowned so we'll see how it is once it comes in. With how cheap it was to win, I figured it was worth the risk. Happy hatting, indeed! Enjoy that hat!!

Yeah I was very pleasantly surprised by this liner. I absolutely love it. It looks so vintage and classy.

I really love the color. And it's amazing how much it lightens in the sun.

I walked in the house and the sun was pouring in through the skylight hitting the hat. I saw it in the mirror and had to take another pic. I didn't nail the raiders bash, but Im not sure I want to put that tight of a pinch in this one. I'm sure I'll be tweaking the bash for hours over the next few days too.

I agree, that liner is amazing. The bash looks great as is, but it took me literally weeks of changing little things here and there on my Fed IV before I got it exactly how I wanted it. You think it looks great, but then you try more changes to it here and there. It becomes addicting hahaha. The color of that is just gorgeous. You're right, when the light hits it, it looks spot on to the original Clipper. Great purchase man!

One thing to note. I do see that the crown has more taper than if you were to order a Raiders fedora from Penman, AB or Herbert Johnson. It can pull it off pretty well though. And I actually like that is has a slightly slimmer brim too. To get that boxy Raiders look I did need to flatten the top a bit more to push the taper out, but that's not really a big deal. It's a bit hard too to get the profile exactly right to match what's on screen but I'm working my magic still. I think it would make a for a really good Last Crusade block, and probably CS too since that had a very loose pinch.

However, still love it! And highly highly recommend you fork out the pocket change (in comparison to others) of $114 plus shipping. Can't go wrong here. .

If I were to buy another hat, I would be very interested in the Advintage in beaver. For $300 that's also a bargain for a custom made hat, and their take on the color is interesting, though lighter. They do also offer steel grey which is the photo I attached above.

-Clipper

Here's my penman clipper hat in beaver, I've had it for two years and I would totally recommend getting one

alex1152 wrote: Here's my penman clipper hat in beaver, I've had it for two years and I would totally recommend getting one

Wow thats darker than I would have expected. Looks really nice. I didn't realize Penman offered two different colors for the Clipper and the Train.
Steele and Jones use the same light grey for both.

I'd definitely be interested in a rabbit penman, or possibly the beaver Advintage. Both are around the $300 mark.

The carbon grey Fed is a great color and certainly a bargain right now. Very nice hat there, Clipper. Yes, the crown is likely a better LC or CS shape but it pulls off the clipper nicely. And with a larger head size, I'd like a tad more on the brim, all around.

Alex1152, did you go with steel or charcoal? Sorry if you mentioned it and I missed it. That's a beautiful Penman. I went with steel, in beaver, maybe 6 years ago. I'm about ready for a reblock.

I want to get the carbon Akubra reblocked too, but I'm a little worried about the dreaded color bleed. I guess it's been known to happen. Maybe they use a different dye process now. I still really like all my Akubras. Always take one if I go camping to have a hat to sit around the fire and wear while lighting up a stogie. I refuse to stink up one of my beaver hats! Usually it's my oldest brown one in Imperial felt. Took out the liner years ago and removed the brass wire from the reed after it got smashed once and popped out the back. Some spots in the creased areas have lost a little die.

I have 5 Akubras, 3 are dark colors (brown and carbon) and I've yet to get a dark ring on my head! But I've never had one soaked, either! Lol!

I'm a large size, too. 61.

I've always been a fan of the Raiders clipper. So versatile. Plus, no one sees it as a costume piece. Even when worn with a black Indy jacket, I don't think I've ever gotten an 'Indy' comment. Just 'nice hat'!

Illinois James wrote: I've always been a fan of the Raiders clipper. So versatile. Plus, no one sees it as a costume piece. Even when worn with a black Indy jacket, I don't think I've ever gotten an 'Indy' comment. Just 'nice hat'!

Exactly! I don't always enjoy the "hey indy!" comments. Its nice to have an alternative to love just as much... or at least close to

The Akubra looks excellent. Good choice.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Alex1152, did you go with steel or charcoal? Sorry if you mentioned it and I missed it.

I got it in charcoal, its a bit dark but I really like how different it looks inside and outdoors.

So much for patience. That whooshing sound you hear was my wallet forking over cash because I just ordered my carbon gray Akubra!

Charybdis wrote:So much for patience. That whooshing sound you hear was my wallet forking over cash because I just ordered my carbon gray Akubra!

Lol! I guess I'm a bad influence. You made a good choice, I still love staring at this thing. Now is the hardest part... waiting for the mail man. The tracking number is not very accurate. I checked it like 5 times a day, then heard a knock and it was at my door

Post some pics when you get it.

It came today! It's amazing. Very stiff but it will work in .

One thing I also noticed was that your hat has an all gold liner. Mine has gold around the sides with a white Akubra logo at the top!

Charybdis wrote:It came today! It's amazing. Very stiff but it will work in .

One thing I also noticed was that your hat has an all gold liner. Mine has gold around the sides with a white Akubra logo at the top!

Wow really? Post pics when you get a chance. That's interesting that the liner would be different. Enjoy! The first day is the most fun. I'm still tweaking mine a bit each day. Unfortunately my block was a bit lopsided and one side is a bit higher than the other. A bit annoying, but I've figured out how to bash it to look level. Can't expect TOO much from a $120 hat, but Im still very happy. Hope you are too!

OK, here they are in order of unpacking!

In this pic, you can actually see the inside of the liner which is the original white satin with Akubra logo...but has gold around the sides.




Quick bash there. Also notice the color. I have it laying on a dark brown bedspread and the hat sort of looks brown but also looks a bit gray! Very cool, if you ask me...as I said before, it is very stiff but I like it! Can't wait to wear it now!

Charybdis you will have to post some pics once you settle on the bash so we can see it on you!

I have to admit I've had some frustrations with this hat lately. The block is definitely uneven. You can tell in the above photos even. The one side has a very round taper, while the other is straight and very Raiders looking. This has been a royal pain to get the sides to match, and the only option is to lower the tall side which is the side that looks better...

Also... I received a bad burn on my arm a few weeks back and have been having to apply prescribed cream every day. I guess I accidentally got some on the brim and it would NOT come off. I tried brushing, a little water. Some soap and water. And today finally got some rubbing alcohol which did not work. So finally I decided to give the brim a sanding. That was actually a really good idea as it made the felt WAY smoother. HA. It looks like Ive all but got the light colored blotch out. I'll know for sure tomorrow in the sun. If that doesn't work I've read lighter fluid might work? I'll have to pick some up tomorrow if I end up needing it.

I also think for it to better match the screen clipper, it really needs a black ribbon. Does anyone know where to get some? I tried to order from, Advintage but it keeps telling me they will not ship to my address (in california). I haven't been able to find any elsewhere.

Still, I think for $115 for a hat this good is pretty unbeatable. Especially to have all the color options they offer too.

As I have struggled with the bash, I find I'm becoming more and more obsessed with owning the perfect Clipper fedora (hence my screen name change!).
So I think before too long I will either invest in the Advintage beaver clipper in the steel gray, or the penman clipper in the steel gray color. Both are around the $300 mark, however the Penman is Rabbit and the Advintage is 100% beaver so it does make me lean towards them. Their photos also seem to look unmatched in screen accuracy, though I've seen a few photos of beautiful Penmans.

-Clipper

Check with David Garrison (COW member Local Land Surveyor). He has great ribbon and at one time sold it separately.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Waiting for my Fed to come. When I get it and bash it, I'll post pics.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Indy30 wrote:Waiting for my Fed to come. When I get it and bash it, I'll post pics.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Awesome! Can't wait to see how it looks. Let me know if the crown looks even to you or if its a bit lopsided like mine. I guess for the price there isn't quite the same quality control as the more expensive options.

Clipper wrote:

Indy30 wrote:Waiting for my Fed to come. When I get it and bash it, I'll post pics.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Awesome! Can't wait to see how it looks. Let me know if the crown looks even to you or if its a bit lopsided like mine. I guess for the price there isn't quite the same quality control as the more expensive options.

I will take good pics right out of the box

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Couldn't be more thrilled to post this!

So I've been in contact with Thomas at AdVintage and am going to order some black ribbon in 38 and 45mm. I wanted to try replacing the ribbon on this Akubra. But until then I thought I'd practice making a new ribbon since I'm really not in love with they grey/brown ribbon it came with. Nor the fat bow.

So I gave it a try! Using my adventurebilt as a guide and the tutorial on here I started using a big reel of "black" 100% polyester ribbon I bought from Michaels for $3.99. I wish it were really jet black. It's actually a bit more of a dark gray but still quite nice.

I actually only made one stitch here. For the rest of the process I used glue tape which you heat up with the iron. then press with the iron. and then it adheres. (my comma button is broken on my keyboard).

I am thrilled with the results and may not even change the ribbon when I get it! And I am very happy with how the new bow turned out too.

Enjoy


-Clipper






So there is not one stitch yet into the felt. I just have the ribbon pulled tight enough to be snug. I may put a few tacks to secure it but I am going to wait until I get the new black ribbon to see if I want to swap it out or not.


And the before. What a difference eh?

Such a gorgeous hat, Clipper! Looks even better now with that ribbon! I've been contemplating about putting the Raiders ribbon on my Fed IV, but have zero experience with doing that. Any tips for removing the tacks on the hat? I want to put the turn in my AdVintage Christy's Adventurer, but I can't get them out and don't want to ruin it. And also, how do you tack it back once I have it set? Thank you.

Removing the tack stitches isn't that hard.
I find it easiest to use a small X-acto knife with new blade.

The tip of the blade is small and sharp enough to just get under the stitches to cut easily.

IndySmith-007 wrote:Such a gorgeous hat, Clipper! Looks even better now with that ribbon! I've been contemplating about putting the Raiders ribbon on my Fed IV, but have zero experience with doing that. Any tips for removing the tacks on the hat? I want to put the turn in my AdVintage Christy's Adventurer, but I can't get them out and don't want to ruin it. And also, how do you tack it back once I have it set? Thank you.

Oh this was a total leap of faith! I have never done this before. I used my Swiss Army knife scissors because that are small and sharp and just snipped the tacks and pulled out the thread. Somehow I managed to perfectly guesstimate the circumference my head size and the ribbon just slid on and I don't have it tacked at all. I may tack it but I'm waiting for my better quality ribbon to arrive. Don't be scared, just go for it! I did. And it worked! I'm so happy with the results. Everything was done with that iron on glue tape. Not one stitch.

- Clipper