Source of James Spader's hats {The Blacklist}

Frunobulax said:

I have a bit of an off question if you don't mind answering it. Since you mentioned it, and I've heard other hatters have done it (cf Mr. Fawcett), how does one order special felt?

What do you ask for that isn't readily available? Better/tighter felting? A different method of finishing? Say I had an interest in having somebody like Winchester make a special run for me, what kinds of things would you ask for? Maybe a blend?

Not that I would ever do this - I'm not a hatter - but the details interest me. We have had discussions on here regarding modern vs vintage felt techniques, and this implies something "better" than what we usually see is available.


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Frunobulax said:

I have a bit of an off question if you don't mind answering it. Since you mentioned it, and I've heard other hatters have done it (cf Mr. Fawcett), how does one order special felt?

What do you ask for that isn't readily available? Better/tighter felting? A different method of finishing? Say I had an interest in having somebody like Winchester make a special run for me, what kinds of things would you ask for? Maybe a blend?

Not that I would ever do this - I'm not a hatter - but the details interest me. We have had discussions on here regarding modern vs vintage felt techniques, and this implies something "better" than what we usually see is available.


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andrew_AU said:

Great question @ Frunobulax. That sort of detail interests me too

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johnnycanuck said:

I think the cost factor comes into play. How much is a person willing to spend vs quality. My opinion.
Johnny

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LuvMyMan said:

It may be the felt body is something like what Art has for his highest price hats? But you sure raise an interesting question. For some of us that have owned Vintage hats that have that "hand" which feels like smooth creamy butter...the awareness of some hats being made "back in the day" do seem to have it over most being made in today's world, for sure!

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deadlyhandsome said:

I’ll be expecting to see photos of you in that!

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Frunobulax said:

But where does Art (or Optimo, or Penman) get this better felt? Winchester? Europe? Some secret source they only let you know about if you know the Secret Handshake?

Inquiring minds, and all that.


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hatsRme said:

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bendingoak said:

Thank you johnnycanuck for the kind words. you are correct and like I stated before I had blocks made to replicate Spaders hat as they sent me a couple to get specs from so I could better replicate the hat Spader wanted.

Here is a short re-cap of what went down......

NBC went looking for more hats as Spader was not happy with the current Borsalino offerings. So The costumer went on a search as Spader is a hat guy and is very particular about what he wants. They said they went to several places and was not happy with what they were looking for. He wanted a certain felt and finish and he was very happy with my finish (pouncing) of a test hat that i did for them. After receiving a couple of his hats that he wore on the show (Borsalino). They had me take photos, measurement, specs to replicate what he wanted. I had a set of blocks made, I had special felt made just for him and the show.

If anyone wants what they see of the first few season exactly with the Borsalino logo and all. You will not find an exact copy, if you could I would not be making hats for the show. I don't know how much more clear I can be then that.

someone brought up a high weave count panama hat he wears and that is a Brent Black hat. I know as they asked and I sent them to him and gave him sizing information. Both Brent and I are friends and I have the up most respect for him as a person and a hatter. I am just starting to watch the show and Im at the very begining of season 2 so I don't know when his hat or mine start trickling in.

I made several hats for the show as they wanted matching pairs for each color.They asked for 4 different colors. If anyone wanted an exact replica of his hat, they can only get what I made as the Borsalinos aren't the same as what was original used for the show. again, if you could I wouldn't be working for the show. I know I'm repeating myself but I feel that some skip past that part.

I hope that helps. I will answer questions as best I can but be respectful if I say no. This is one of the big reasons I don't spend a lot of time on forums anymore. some have asked me to come back and share pics of my hats and just talk hats. I miss it but don't miss some of the stuff that goes with Forums.

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johnnycanuck said:

mattmactimpson have you looked at local hatters? Lock and co. make some nice looking Trilbies and are local to you. Herbert Johnson has got back into the buisness of making hand made hats. I follow them on Instagram and they make some very nice looking hats. Both classic and modern.
Johnny

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johnnycanuck said:

Figures the Panamas came from Mr Blacks shop. I like to look at his web page and drool. His shop is on my "I won the lotto" bucket list. Take the family to the island on vacation and buy one of his hats right off the shelf.
Thank you very much for adding some really good extra information this thread...... or should I say relevant information
As I am still plugging thru season one, I know you are creeping thru it as well. Can you please let us know when you notice your hats making an appearance. I an curious if I will be able to spot the difference when they do.
Wear you hats in good health
Johnny

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johnnycanuck said:

Great question I am interested in hearing about this kind of information but maybe it should be posted in the "ask a question, get an answer" thread instead of here.
Johnny

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mattmactimpson said:

Hi thanks for the info unfortunately lock and co are to far away from me but I will have a look a Johnson
Thanks


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johnnycanuck said:

Figures the Panamas came from Mr Blacks shop. I like to look at his web page and drool. His shop is on my "I won the lotto" bucket list. Take the family to the island on vacation and buy one of his hats right off the shelf.
Thank you very much for adding some really good extra information this thread...... or should I say relevant information
As I am still plugging thru season one, I know you are creeping thru it as well. Can you please let us know when you notice your hats making an appearance. I an curious if I will be able to spot the difference when they do.
Wear you hats in good health
Johnny

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Frunobulax said:

Closer than JJ, I'd presume.


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Frunobulax said:

Yeah, that scene last season where Liz's baby takes out an entire terror cell with nothing but her rattler? Didn't see that one coming.


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hatsRme said:

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