It was a "bad batch", I got mine replaced.Mine has a topcoat, for lack of a better word that chips off.
It was a "bad batch", I got mine replaced.Mine has a topcoat, for lack of a better word that chips off.
I can say it is 3-3.5oz steer. I made no special request with regard to the hide. I just took what was on the cutting room floor. Sorry to hear of your comms troubles. While I agree it's a bit slower...I always hear back w/in a day.As I have stated earlier in this thread, I feel like I'm nearly done with 5*, at least for a good while. They really need to do two things to improve the customer experience:
1. update their website with recent, good quality pictures of the available hides and other custom items as well as a description of each.
2. have a better approach to communication with customers. Right now, there are numerous ways people can get in touch and it's hit or miss with getting even a partial response (or no response) from any given communication platform.
I have mentioned these things to "Shawn" but there is very little that has changed on the website. Oh well...not my business. They have listened to some things people suggest but not this particular item that I feel would go a long way to cutting down on the (probably numerous) requests they get every day.
Right now, I have an invoice sent from Shawn to me for a jacket. I have had several questions I wanted clarified prior to paying for another jacket but just can't get anyone there to respond beyond one "I'll send you pictures" which never happened. Anyway...I'm glad to see some people are getting good results and especially this nice, recent OTR jacket. Good to hear that the hides continue to improve. (@ton312 did you happen to know what hide thickness your jacket is?)
My main complaint with Five Star is that earlier in the thread, I saw all these beautiful tan leather jackets that were made, and when I went to have one made myself, I was told that the tan steerhide was out of the rotation currently because of customers saying it was too stiff. I said stiff leather wasn't an issue for me, but no go. The conic goat is an approximation I guess, but those tan jackets looked excellent. Also even after talking with Shawn on whatsapp, I still don't have a clear idea of what linings they offer. I don't want to keep bugging the guy, but it would be nice to get a clear answerAs I have stated earlier in this thread, I feel like I'm nearly done with 5*, at least for a good while. They really need to do two things to improve the customer experience:
1. update their website with recent, good quality pictures of the available hides and other custom items as well as a description of each.
2. have a better approach to communication with customers. Right now, there are numerous ways people can get in touch and it's hit or miss with getting even a partial response (or no response) from any given communication platform.
I have mentioned these things to "Shawn" but there is very little that has changed on the website. Oh well...not my business. They have listened to some things people suggest but not this particular item that I feel would go a long way to cutting down on the (probably numerous) requests they get every day.
Right now, I have an invoice sent from Shawn to me for a jacket. I have had several questions I wanted clarified prior to paying for another jacket but just can't get anyone there to respond beyond one "I'll send you pictures" which never happened. Anyway...I'm glad to see some people are getting good results and especially this nice, recent OTR jacket. Good to hear that the hides continue to improve. (@ton312 did you happen to know what hide thickness your jacket is?)
Facebook messanger.@ton312 what platform do you use to communicate with them? Thanks
My main complaint with Five Star is that earlier in the thread, I saw all these beautiful tan leather jackets that were made, and when I went to have one made myself, I was told that the tan steerhide was out of the rotation currently because of customers saying it was too stiff. I said stiff leather wasn't an issue for me, but no go. The conic goat is an approximation I guess, but those tan jackets looked excellent. Also even after talking with Shawn on whatsapp, I still don't have a clear idea of what linings they offer. I don't want to keep bugging the guy, but it would be nice to get a clear answer
Facebook messanger.
I believe you told me what you know about the differences between conic and conic glazed, but I still have no idea what they are. Apparently the glazed is waxed or something?Trust me, you don't want the heavy tan "CHL" leather they were offering. The jacket I had made using that leather (pictures earlier in the thread) still hasn't broken in enough for me to comfortably wear it. That leather is t-o-u-g-h and nothing I've done has made it submit. I'd sell it on but I don't want someone else to unwittingly take on a task they may not be prepared to finish. Shawn said it took two guys a week working solely on that jacket to get it done and it was a learning experience for them (not in a good way). I think the Conic Glazed might be a good choice instead. I'm thinking of redoing the jacket but just having a struggle getting questions answered. Sometimes a week goes by with no reply and then a minimal answer that doesn't address the questions.
I believe you told me what you know about the differences between conic and conic glazed, but I still have no idea what they are. Apparently the glazed is waxed or something?
I'm with you. I'm going to place an order with them in the next week or so, but I'm doing my homework as best I can before I do so.Another example of the 5* communication issues. You know as much as I do about it. **shrug** It took a week for me to get even that little explanation from them and I could not get anything else. I'm happy to spend my money with them but not if I have no idea what I'm gonna get in return.
@Canuck Panda
Thanks for your thoughts.
So, the jacket in question, that I was sent an invoice for, is a remake of my CHL in a different hide. Shawn, et. al. and I have been “discussing” for maybe a month. I’ve simply been trying to get some pics and a couple of clarifying questions answered but he/they keep giving incomplete answers, no answers or just not following up on promised photos or answers.
I totally get that there are various challenges such as language, time zones, pandemic, etc. I have tried to limit my questions and be as succinct as possible to minimize the communication burden on 5*. Maybe it’s just not meant to be right now. After all, winter is more than half over where I live. Maybe things will ease up by summer.
I had VERY SIMILAR scenario!
I first had this custom done. Basically an Aero Teamster with cargo pockets and plain back. I loved the green one he did for me (I sent him the leather), so I sent him some brown horsehide to make a second one. Same pattern but brown leather. This has been months maybe a year ago. So long I cannot remember. My theory is that he got so busy at the shop my original custom pattern was lost. And then I got stuck behind the very long custom order backlog. It is too bad because he has no long half belt stock pattern (surcoat length) right now.
This was my Teamster copy, I called it the Railman. FWIW, Shawn did an excellent job on the jacket. But it was like a one hit wonder. No brown encore for me.
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What I am trying to say is that I believe his shop has misplaced your original pattern. That's my theory. And I am sorry for your experience. It sort of happened to me too. That's why I said the fully bespoke run has come to an end as it seems. And you're right about holding back. Sounds like custom pattern is what you are after and if he can't assure you all the details you need then it's no go.
I am in slightly different boat as I have already sent him some leather, so I am making a few detours and seeing this thing through.
Well, to be fair, he did deliver one out of three, so I’m only waiting for the other two. And I’ve waited longer with other makers that cost a lot more than what Shawn charges. And Shawn hasn’t billed me for this one, yet.wait. You sent him the leather as much as one year ago with no jacket so far? You are more gracious than I would be. I would sever all ties over that and never do business with that company again.
so, my choice is to either pay the invoice and hope for the best (again) or bail. I’m going to sit tight for awhile and see what communication if any, I get.