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Northwest Hats, Eugene, Ore.

Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Arrived almost a week ago but only was able to open it today. Whiskey beaver:

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This hat was a long time coming. I was worried that the color was not what I was hoping for. Still, colors can be hard to capture in photos.

I opened the box and immediately noticed that the felt was stiff, very stiff. I have western conversions that aren’t this stiff. The sizing is about right to maybe just a bit tight. The build quality is very good and what I was expecting, but that stiff felt is a head scratcher. I have 20ish customs and this is the stiffest non-western weight hat that I’ve received. I like stiff hats sometimes, but I wanted more of a soft dress hat and that is not what I received. I’m not thinking of returning the hat, but I’m not in a hurry to order another Northwest. I know that my experience is unusual as Mike has the reputation for making great hats of wonderful quality and I’ve never heard of others complaining about them being too stiff.

Brent


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

RJR

Messages
10,620
Location
Iowa
Arrived almost a week ago but only was able to open it today. Whiskey beaver:

0e88177f7a2c3b605296ba894581787b.heic


d39f595424117a01f3e75ecd850beeee.heic


bf045e0ae57bf78004118a2f7260be5f.heic


6308dd37b691617fc8bfd30e7144cf3e.heic


b1499032737009309a99407e2e99d456.heic


4228d2d0b5a0d45e3c5ecd53e5110fd9.heic


2fa78296c3900c3772af20f0a940ec3c.heic


ec5a9c00d9da5e423bae29a4184c71c3.heic


fd8496aed5d4e21adafcda1c49c0fdd6.heic


54801c6ec98e559e743e95cb48f8f3af.heic


914ab0e9ac0b9ba369284dd319fe2711.heic


fcf8aa46f15eab41c9844f28f7b61dbf.heic



This hat was a long time coming. I was worried that the color was not what I was hoping for. Still, colors can be hard to capture in photos.

I opened the box and immediately noticed that the felt was stiff, very stiff. I have western conversions that aren’t this stiff. The sizing is about right to maybe just a bit tight. The build quality is very good and what I was expecting, but that stiff felt is a head scratcher. I have 20ish customs and this is the stiffest non-western weight hat that I’ve received. I like stiff hats sometimes, but I wanted more of a soft dress hat and that is not what I received. I’m not thinking of returning the hat, but I’m not in a hurry to order another Northwest. I know that my experience is unusual as Mike has the reputation for making great hats of wonderful quality and I’ve never heard of others complaining about them being too stiff.

Brent


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice color and proportions,its unfortunate you're not pleased with the hand of it.I think I'd call and talk to Mike.
 

Tukwila

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,382
Location
SW of Antifa Central (PDX)
That hat looks great, Brent. I'm surprised the felt is as stiff as you say. I have a hat Mike made for me and he sent it open crown and while it's not a lightweight Borsalino, it's easily molded to whatever crease I want.

I do have another hat, though, that I asked Mike to crease in an old classic teardrop and it's got a little stiffness to it, which is about how I like it so it holds the crease even when bumped or squashed...
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
That hat looks great, Brent. I'm surprised the felt is as stiff as you say. I have a hat Mike made for me and he sent it open crown and while it's not a lightweight Borsalino, it's easily molded to whatever crease I want.

I do have another hat, though, that I asked Mike to crease in an old classic teardrop and it's got a little stiffness to it, which is about how I like it so it holds the crease even when bumped or squashed...

I’m just accepting it as one of the risks of buying over the internet. It is a fine hat other than the stiffness (excellent pouncing), and I know that some people like them stiffer and some dye colors/lots have different qualities. I was comparing this to my Gannons, VS, and Phoenix hats among others. None of my other customs were anywhere near this stiff. I should have been more clear when I placed my order. I’m thinking of using it as a rain hat to see if the weather might take some of the “starch” out of it. No joke, my recent 3X western conversion is considerably less stiff.

This isn’t a condemnation of the hat but rather an observation. If you don’t ask for a soft dress weight hat specifically it’s hard to complain when that’s not what you get. My lesson learned.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Nathaniel Finley

A-List Customer
Messages
328
Location
World wide
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

19ED2E50-9343-44EB-8043-7345825D36CB.jpeg
D8D38150-B8BC-4EFD-A711-155531634F3E.jpeg
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F7348336-5483-42A8-868A-538A22554773.jpeg
DAE41EA2-480E-4275-800B-D10646016B7C.jpeg
 

drmaxtejeda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,329
Location
Mexico City
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

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Well worth the wait.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk
 

Woodtroll

One Too Many
Messages
1,211
Location
Mtns. of SW Virginia
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

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Very nice hat! I was was wondering how your truck driving was going, then saw your post this morning. Glad to see you back and with such a nice new acquisition.

Take care,
Regan
 

Nathaniel Finley

A-List Customer
Messages
328
Location
World wide
Very nice hat! I was was wondering how your truck driving was going, then saw your post this morning. Glad to see you back and with such a nice new acquisition.

Take care,
Regan
Thank you Regan! The trucking has been challenging - it’s hard work and VERY time consuming. But it’s good pay and I get to do two things that I have loved all of my life: travel and wear hats!

It’s nice to have a bit of downtime to play with fellow enthusiasts. Have a great Sunday!
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

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Absolutely beautiful Nathan! I do love a navy felt. The stiffness will go away quickly, just fondle it a lot. My 1942 Rosebowl hat has come around nicely. I like your use of the thin ribbon and matching navy binding. Those vent holes are a hoot! So perfect for you!
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

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Hey there Nathan,

Good to see you back on the Lounge. My recent Northwest was also incredibly stiff. I thought/think that Mike accidentally used a western weight hat body. None of my other Winchester beaver felt hats are anywhere near this stiff. Honestly, it’s as stiff as a new Stetson 6X western. Everything else is great but that felt? Not what I wanted or expected. I was looking for a dress weight hat so I’m back with other hatters.

Yours is a great hat that should give you years of service. I love the blue.
 

RJR

Messages
10,620
Location
Iowa
Some 8 or 9 months ago I contacted Mike at Northwest Hats about a custom fedora. Due to life’s little intricacies (on my side, Mike was absolutely wonderful dealing with all my delays) I didn’t receive the hat until yesterday. But wow was it worth the wait!

This is navy blue, 5 3/4 crown, dimensional brim with yin-yang design ventilation holes. I LOVE it!

It is very, very stiff felt. I ordered it open crown and the felt barely gave even under copious steaming. I’m thinking it’s going to soften up over time but if it doesn’t that’s okay, too - this hat is dynamite just the way it is!

Cheers,
Nathan

View attachment 128025 View attachment 128026 View attachment 128027 View attachment 128028 View attachment 128029 View attachment 128030 View attachment 128031 View attachment 128032
Great looking lid!
 

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