Buzz Rickson's B-2...a pictorial review of an endangered species!

[Fletch]

The B-2 is not rocket science.

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

 

[Edward]

The unique nature is a plus to me. It's like riding a Triumph instead of a Honda

Pfft. Comparing a Triumph to a Honda is like comparing the Buzz B2 to a mall jacket.

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

I've yet to see a picture of a B1 - only ever seen verbal descriptions - but I imagine it to look something not dissimilar to the recently launched Aero Thunder Bay, albeit that the latter is based on a civilian jacket. If Aero had access to the correct lining material, that would suggest they have the capability in-house to manufacture a B2. I vaguely remember reading some years back that Ken(? Or was it Will Lauder?) wasn't keen, but I don't know if that was based on what they had the machinery for at the time, or a perception that there wasn't the market for it.

 

[John Lever]

The Few did make a B-1 a couple of years ago but discontinued production because it was too difficult to produce.

 

[saucerfiend]

Materials aside, it's not so much hard to build, it's time-consuming and requires extra-heavy machinery. No other leather garment I know of needs such a heavy lining to be actually sewn in. Others are all sheepskin, including the Irvin. The B-1, I believe, was actually horsehide lined with sheep.

Anyway, I talked to 3 makers about doing a one-off. Two refused flat out. The other I don't really trust.

Fletch,
Try "The Few". I'm sure they would do it.

Brian

 

[John Lever]

You didn't read my post Brian !!

 

[saucerfiend]

You didn't read my post Brian !!

No, I read it, John. But, I think they WOULD make one if asked.

Brian

 

[Fletch]

But I'd have to sell my car to pay for it. Call me undiscriminating, but that's what I was hoping to avoid doing.

 

[John Lever]

No, I read it, John. But, I think they WOULD make one if asked.

Brian

I tried it and was refused.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

 

[Blackadder]

View attachment 293803 Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

Nice. I have the older version with buckled throat latch in stead of buttons.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Nice. I have the older version with buckled throat latch in stead of buttons.
View attachment 293865

That’s the version I was looking for but the search for a 44 took years & I had almost given up.

 

[Carlos840]

I hadread so much negative about the B2s buttons both here and on VLJ but i have to say the ones on my LW B2 aer prettu usable, i don't find them a problem.
The snap throat latch is useless though.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I can use the button pocket easily but don’t as the pocket is only for decoration since it’s pretty small,(I love the pleated pocket though)the throat latch works well but I have heard others say it’s difficult to fasten.

 

[Peter Mackin]

View attachment 293803 Resurrected this old thread,,because of jansolo I just had to find one of these jackets,it’s a fantastic addition to my collection.

Update, ended up selling this jacket. Looks great but found it not practical, comfortable or warm enough for Scottish winters. Plus the ****py horsehide that has a sprayed on finish that looks and feels like pvc. the finish rubs off very easily leaving a grey hide showing, that's not patina as I see it. Haven't missed it and glad I didn't lose any money for the 1st time lol.