Recent content by MagicMan

Thanks for the info. What is an SBCD?

Have you ever tried reshaping it to LO? I'm a very LO and would definitely need have one shaped, but I've avoided ordering an Akubra because I don't know what size to order knowing that it will need shaping. And there are no Akubra dealers within a 6 hr drive from me.

Let's see some Kentucky Rancher pix. I'm really wanting one.

Other than measuring my head with a tape, I have no idea what size Akubra I will wear. In addition, I will definitely need an extra-long oval. So, how can this be accomplished? I am nowhere near any Akubra dealer that I am aware of.

^^^ Isn't that bow on the wrong side for a man's hat?

Thanks, T Jones. In the last picture, the white stitching that I see is part of the band construction itself, not where it is sewn to the hat, correct?

T Jones and Belfastboy, what is this reed and basting stuff y'all are talking about? Do you have some pictures you can post describing these parts and how they are supposed to look, please?

Thank you, sir. I will have to look into those conchos.

Sooo, I'm just getting into hats and picked up my first one - a Bailey Sperling in Lite Felt. While I appreciate the genuine leather band that came with it, I believe I can dress it up a bit. I'm a fairly experienced leatherworker, having done mostly holsters, belts, handbags, and wallets...

I'm digging this one! Never paid attention to curled brims before, but I like 'em now that I have seen them. The Akubra Kentucky Rancher is similar.

Does anyone know where I can purchase a feather like this? This is a picture that was posted here on the forum. I just love that fluorescent blue feather and think it would look great on my gray Bailey hat.

Thank you, sir! Another related question: there's an area of the crown that keeps popping out of place and I believe I need to hit it with some steam to reshape it a bit. Should I steam and reshape before or after I apply the stiffener?

Shellac ratio question: I purchased some shellac flakes in order to make up some stiffener for one of my Lite-Felt hats. How much of those little flakes do I throw in a spray bottle of denatured alcohol?

The Resistol Canuck looks a bit like an Akubra "outback" style and a little less western than the rest of their hats. Unfortunately, I don't see it listed for sale anywhere. Perhaps it's no longer in production.

Does Resistol make any hats other than their Western styles these days?