Akubra Campdraft

PAZ28 · Aug 4, 2013

Akubra Campdraft, which size?

Hi!

I'm new here and that's my first thread. I hope you can help me...

I wanna buy an Akubra Campdraft and my question is, shall i buy it in the right size or a size taller?
I'm asking because some kinda felt hats shrink when they get wet and dry again...
I never had an Akubra before so i dunno if it would happen to the Campdraft.

And what would be the rigth size? My head circumference is approx. 58cm...

Thanks!

Alex

Blackthorn · Aug 4, 2013

Get it in your regular size, in my opinion.

ManofKent · Aug 4, 2013

I'd stick with your regular size - I'm a bit over 60cm and went with a 60 finding it plenty roomy enough

W4ASZ · Aug 4, 2013

Blackthorn said:
Get it in your regular size, in my opinion.

I have at least ten Akubras, and I agree completely.

Rogera · Aug 4, 2013

Your size. They usually fit a tad big at first then contract to a perfect fit after creasing and a little wear.

Grizzly Adams · Aug 4, 2013

When we were ordering the FL edition of the Bluegrass Campdraft, I was advised to buy the next size up. I normally wear a 57. I ordered the 58, and it was big. Padded the sweat for a month or so, and finally was able to take it all out. Hat fits fine now. FWIW...[huh]

PS: I live in a dry climate (NM) and I noted that when I was visiting in OR this summer that the hat seems to "grow" a half size again!:eusa_doh:

PAZ28 · Aug 11, 2013

Thanks! So i think i will stick to my size. At least i can put something behind the sweatband if it's a bit to big.

thanks for helping me!
Now i have to order and wait for it, quite a long time...

See ya!

Alex

enrique · Aug 15, 2013

Its been almost 2 weeks since I ordered my Campdraft, in between checking the front porch for the UPS carrier I have been reading up on how to put a cattleman's crease in it myself -- is it really as simple as shown in this video? Are there any drawbacks to using steam (I am thinking potential shrinkage). I have also read a lot of postings suggesting just get it wet and bash it the way I want it. Anyone have a prefered method for bashing this hat western style?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-pGgrXI3uI

Landman · Aug 15, 2013

Enrique,

Steam certainly won't hurt a Campdraft. Just make sure you don't get it too close to the heat source. You don't want to heat the felt but just let the felt absorb the moisture from the steam. Don't apply any steam to the sweatband because that could cause shrinkage to the leather.

My experience with the Campdraft has been that since it is a heavier felt it doesn't hold a dry bash well until it gets a little moisture. Instead of steam, I prefer to mist it lightly with distilled water and then shape it. That method gives me more time to work with the crease and holds it better. The felt will look a little blotchy when it is wet but don't panic. When the felt dries it will look just like it did before you applied the moisture. You also might want to give it a light brushing after the felt dries. A good quality natural bristle paint brush works well for a hat brush.

You can certainly try dry bashing it first though. I've just had better luck getting the crease to hold with a little moisture.

gtdean48 · Aug 15, 2013

enrique said:
... Anyone have a prefered method for bashing this hat western style?
...

I use a sprayer with distilled water like Mike suggested earlier. I wet down the crown then put it on my head looking in a mirror.
Using a paper clip in the ribbon band, I center it with my nose so I can line up the center dent. Regardless of the crease, getting the center lined up with how the hat will actually be on your head is a key first step IMHO... I use steam to "set" the crease once I have it like I want it. HTH

Orangegrad · Aug 15, 2013

New bash for my BGCD

I was tired of the center dent. All my fedoras have center dents. So I tried something a bit different.

I have to say this took over two hours to get the way I wanted it. And it might get a bit of touching up here and there. Not sure if you can see - but I put in very shallow back dents as well. They just seemed to fit the style.

Blackthorn · Aug 15, 2013

Andy, I take my hat off to you, that's a great job of bashing!

Orangegrad · Aug 15, 2013

Blackthorn said:
Andy, I take my hat off to you, that's a great job of bashing!

Thanks, Blackthorn. It was quite an undertaking. I have to believe that a custom hatmaker must have a block to do this type of work that I did with my fingers.

Duper · Aug 15, 2013

Orangegrad, fun bash. You always look so happy wearing you CDs. I share that sentiment.

,,,Mike

Orangegrad · Aug 15, 2013

Duper said:
Orangegrad, fun bash. You always look so happy wearing you CDs. I share that sentiment.

,,,Mike

Thanks, Mike. I think I'm finding that I prefer thin ribbons to all others. I have to Camp Drafts and two Alessandrias and an early 50s 3X beaver OR. I suspect I'll have more thin ribbons as the years go on.

viclip · Aug 15, 2013

gtdean48 said:
I use a sprayer with distilled water like Mike suggested earlier. I wet down the crown then put it on my head looking in a mirror.
Using a paper clip in the ribbon band, I center it with my nose so I can line up the center dent. Regardless of the crease, getting the center lined up with how the hat will actually be on your head is a key first step IMHO... I use steam to "set" the crease once I have it like I want it. HTH

Thx for the great paperclip tip. I've had a dickens of a time properly centering dents/bashes, this should greatly assist

Banky · Aug 15, 2013

Orangegrad said:
Thanks, Blackthorn. It was quite an undertaking. I have to believe that a custom hatmaker must have a block to do this type of work that I did with my fingers.

Yup, we do.

Chepstow · Aug 15, 2013

Andy, my congrats, to that nice new bash. Nicely done. The back dents are a secret tip too. Never seen that and looks cool!

Orangegrad · Aug 15, 2013

Chepstow said:
Andy, my congrats, to that nice new bash. Nicely done. The back dents are a secret tip too. Never seen that and looks cool!

Thanks, Manfred. At first the back dents were accidental. Then once I saw them, I decided I like them. Not very noticeable - but for those who look for details, they're there.

ManofKent · Aug 15, 2013

Nice bash Andy - and yes I like the subtle back dents

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