Bill Kelso aeronaut cadet goat or horse?

Daddyash1 · Oct 9, 2016

Hi
I am looking to order an aeronaut cadet jacket from bill kelso and was wondering if anyone had this jacket in the Maltese seal goat instead of the standard liberty horse?
I ordered the jacket from the top people at American classics in London. (Fantastic service from Ben, top chap, I would highly recommend them) But unfortunately it was slightly too big and they do not stock the smaller size. I liked the horse but wondered whether the goat would fair better as an all rounder in the rain etc?
If not, does anyone have a bill Kelso in Maltese goat that could give their opinion.
Thanks in advance.

Superfluous · Oct 9, 2016

willyto · Oct 9, 2016

Unfortunately you won't find much simpathy for Bill Kelso around here for many different reasons. Let's see if someone can help you with the leather choice.

Ben is a great guy and he really knows all the stuff they manage in the store. He's also a lounger.

Mark · Oct 9, 2016

Hi, never seen or owned a BK goat but have had one of their jackets in the liberty hh and currently own a BK A1 in seal Capeskin which is a lovely hide. I'm afraid BK stirs passions some what here, bit like marmite, love or hate 'em. Be careful with BK sizing, in my experience they can run a bit small. Good luck.

bretron · Oct 9, 2016

I've owned two BK jackets, and have another on order. The first was an early run Monarch A2 in a HH I cannot remember (but I think was just their house stuff at the time- chrome tanned most likely), and the second was an Aeronaut in seal Liberty HH (from the first batchof the new signature "formula"- meaning, the stuff they sell presently). My favorite of the two hides was the one on the Monarch for sure. To me, the Liberty had too soft of a hand and relatively flat finish to it for my liking. It has a market, and there are people who will tell you they like it, but it's not what I'd order again (and havent), which is why I was pleased to know theyre starting to carry Badalassi cowhide in regular supply again. I've never owned a Badalassi jacket before but have handled the hides before as used by other manufacturers and it's amazing stuff. Color depth (more like a stain than a paint job), drape (soft but not wimpy), and grain (think: goatskin meets horsehide).

thor · Oct 10, 2016

I bought a BK M-422a jacket about 4-5 years ago. It was made of what they called "mountain goat" hide. I think they switched to Maltese goat right after their run of mountain goat ran out.
The mountain goat is very heavy and grainy and it's got a unique dark cordovan tone. Nice hide but not truly accurate for a WWII reproduction flight jacket. Great workmanship on the jacket.

Daddyash1 · Oct 10, 2016

Thank for the replies, much appreciated. I have a small sample of the Maltese goat that bill kelso mfg sent me it looks a bit more shiny than the liberty horse and feels more stretchy. The horse seems to mark a lot easier which I gather it is supposed to do i.e. To age quicker? I like the grain on the goat but it's difficult to know what that style of jacket will look like and feel like in it. I think the goat is chrome tanned does that mean it will fair better in the wet weather? And the horse is veg tanned, will it be no good in the rain?
Thanks again.

Cold Cuts · Oct 10, 2016

If Badalassi is an option I'd recommend forgetting all about the goat and liberty. I own both and for me Badalassi is preferable to shinki

bretron · Oct 10, 2016

Daddyash1 said:
Thank for the replies, much appreciated. I have a small sample of the Maltese goat that bill kelso mfg sent me it looks a bit more shiny than the liberty horse and feels more stretchy. The horse seems to mark a lot easier which I gather it is supposed to do i.e. To age quicker? I like the grain on the goat but it's difficult to know what that style of jacket will look like and feel like in it. I think the goat is chrome tanned does that mean it will fair better in the wet weather? And the horse is veg tanned, will it be no good in the rain?
Thanks again.

Forget about the rain altogether. I live in Seattle and wear leather jackets daily- rain or shine. Regardless of the animal

Edward · Oct 10, 2016

I can't claim to have any knowledge of the specific hides BK uses, though in general I find goat to be more durable than medium weight horse. Goat generally, in my experience, doesn't develop the same pronounced wear patterns that medium weight, veg-tanned horse can. For me, thats a bonus; if you prefer a very broken-in look, you might prefer the horse. I wouldn't expect there to be much difference in rain performance.

bretron · Oct 10, 2016

Goatskin is the fountain of youth in that regard for sure

Daddyash1 · Oct 10, 2016

Thanks again. Looks like the badalassi is out of stock. Is it of a similar weight/thickness to the liberty?

tmitchell59 · Oct 10, 2016

I have not idea what BK has in stock. Pictured here are the Badass cowhide and Liberty horsehide. They are not alike in any way I can tell. Your can get a closer look in this album

handymike · Oct 10, 2016

That Aeronaut is the best looking one I've seen, Terry.

ton312 · Oct 11, 2016

handymike said:
That Aeronaut is the best looking one I've seen, Terry.

Agreed! That's a stellar piece of work right there. Even tho the dude draws much deserved negative attention. The jackets are hard not to appreciate/respect.

tmitchell59 · Oct 11, 2016

Daddyash1 said:
Is it of a similar weight/thickness to the liberty?

The Badass is stiff, rough and I'd say pretty tough. I've being wearing mine and it very workman like.

I like the Liberty. I have a Dodger in Liberty also. It does wear and scuff and looks old pretty quickly. I don't know another leather it is like. It has a vintage look from the start.

I like BK stuff. I own 5 of their jackets. Just something about them.

Have you talked to Andy at BK? He can give you all the details.

Daddyash1 · Oct 11, 2016

Hi those jackets look great!
I have emailed Andy and he said roughly the same as you guys with the horse aging quicker. I was 90% decided on goat until I saw your aeronaut! I think the badalassi would be a bit heavy for what I'm wanting, looks great though.
How long have you had the aeronaut?

tmitchell59 · Oct 11, 2016

Daddyash1 said:
Hi those jackets look great!
I have emailed Andy and he said roughly the same as you guys with the horse aging quicker. I was 90% decided on goat until I saw your aeronaut! I think the badalassi would be a bit heavy for what I'm wanting, looks great though.
How long have you had the aeronaut?

I bought the aeronaut second hand here. It was fairly new when I got it. I've worn it for maybe 7 months?

The Goat may be what you are wanting.

I did this Video in March this year. the BK is fairly new to me. It is among the loudest leather jackets. You can easily hear in this video.

This Video has the Liberty, Victory and the "house" brand leather A2. At least I think it is the then House Brand. I did not have the Aeronaut.

Bill Kelso aeronaut cadet goat or horse?

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