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HNC Hatworks (formerly known as Agnoulita Hats)

Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Alright, some hats have broad appeal (classically proportioned 1940s fedoras) and some are more of an acquired taste. This is the latter.

This is a longhair rabbit fur felt and the color is called “Abalone.” The open crown was 5.9” and the raw edge brim is just over 3.25”. I specified just a small amount of stiffener as I envisioned an almost floppy hat. I gave it a simple center dent crease. The felt was super compliant and was easy to shape and holds its shape wonderfully. The fit is perfect and the build quality is great. A super comfortable hat. Not a versatile hat, but the perfect hat for the perfect day. ;)


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Resist the pimp comments if you can, but it’s fine too if you can’t.




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Perry Underwood

One of the Regulars
Messages
100
Location
Taiwan
Brent, thank you for giving us the opportunity to see what Mr. P. can do when making hats. I think Mr. P's hats just keep getting better and better and have reached an excellent consistency. I particularly like the dark brown rabbit fur hat. I think the wide edge trim gives it a special look.

As for my hat, I have ordered hat stiffener off of ebay. I want to use it to flatten the brim, especially in front. I won't be able to wear the hat until the weather gets much cooler, probably sometime around December.
 

RJR

Messages
10,620
Location
Iowa
Alright, some hats have broad appeal (classically proportioned 1940s fedoras) and some are more of an acquired taste. This is the latter.

This is a longhair rabbit fur felt and the color is called “Abalone.” The open crown was 5.9” and the raw edge brim is just over 3.25”. I specified just a small amount of stiffener as I envisioned an almost floppy hat. I gave it a simple center dent crease. The felt was super compliant and was easy to shape and holds its shape wonderfully. The fit is perfect and the build quality is great. A super comfortable hat. Not a versatile hat, but the perfect hat for the perfect day. ;)


fbf602491c1bc09a15564bd72bb80017.jpg


8d17a232c05f724e690e9376e8a6142c.jpg


f067ccbcc260ef6579c1457523fc5de1.jpg


8644206a0fbf9e6dd1b3437390a8d3dd.jpg


379c6464a20515e978cda3c49049f89c.jpg


bc7dcbbe29124612892f04da199fac17.jpg


2fed44e4e86b6f66fc4e2ec40288802d.jpg


8e8dc6adb693d4282fc01a46bcfee9aa.jpg


b67fd0689e9e68e1433a897a989eb978.jpg


12b3dc6228aac298d84bf4a91eb6eda9.jpg


Resist the pimp comments if you can, but it’s fine too if you can’t.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Unique,nice looking.
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
My latest Agnoulita:

The color is “Latte” and it’s the standard weight rabbit fur felt (the suede felts aren’t big enough for the proportions I requested). The brim is just over 3 1/8” and the crown is just under 6.5”. Exactly as ordered.

The hat is nicely finished and of the same high quality of my last few Agnoulitas.

82410803d35fbffffa569836ed866297.jpg








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Just when I think I’ll stop ordering hats from Mr. P and give something else a try he comes up with a hat that is just what I wanted. I’m now looking at ordering two more.
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That extra 1/2" of crown height is substantial, but it works with that wider brim. Lovely color, good choice of ribbon. Very versatile hat Brent.

I just realized I never posted this hat here. It’s a dark brown rabbit fur felt with a slightly longer nap.

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The finish on this one is my favorite of the three. I wonder how it would look in a gray. This may be my first order from this company. How is the hand to this one? It sure looks fondle worthy.

Alright, some hats have broad appeal (classically proportioned 1940s fedoras) and some are more of an acquired taste. This is the latter.

This is a longhair rabbit fur felt and the color is called “Abalone.” The open crown was 5.9” and the raw edge brim is just over 3.25”. I specified just a small amount of stiffener as I envisioned an almost floppy hat. I gave it a simple center dent crease. The felt was super compliant and was easy to shape and holds its shape wonderfully. The fit is perfect and the build quality is great. A super comfortable hat. Not a versatile hat, but the perfect hat for the perfect day. ;)










379c6464a20515e978cda3c49049f89c.jpg










12b3dc6228aac298d84bf4a91eb6eda9.jpg


Resist the pimp comments if you can, but it’s fine too if you can’t.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This finish is a longer fluff version of the Borsalino Angora I have from the early 1950s. I wear mine often in the winter. This one is considerably showy than my Misto Grigio color. I think this will be a perfect winter hat, you will have to go where they have winter though, your weather may not warrant it. I dig pimp hats, my problem was that @mmbarnes did too and snapped it up. If it was his size, he would be all over it. I approve highly of this one. It deserves a name, it has a personality all it's own.
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
That extra 1/2" of crown height is substantial, but it works with that wider brim. Lovely color, good choice of ribbon. Very versatile hat Brent.


The finish on this one is my favorite of the three. I wonder how it would look in a gray. This may be my first order from this company. How is the hand to this one? It sure looks fondle worthy.


This finish is a longer fluff version of the Borsalino Angora I have from the early 1950s. I wear mine often in the winter. This one is considerably showy than my Misto Grigio color. I think this will be a perfect winter hat, you will have to go where they have winter though, your weather may not warrant it. I dig pimp hats, my problem was that @mmbarnes did too and snapped it up. If it was his size, he would be all over it. I approve highly of this one. It deserves a name, it has a personality all it's own.

The hand is quite nice, Mike. As I said, the nap is a bit longer but it’s not like the fuzzy hat that wasn’t pounced as finely; it’s just a longer nap. I like the hat, but I normally opt for narrow brim binding. This hat was a color I had mentioned to Mr. P that I might want to try but I never ordered it. He made it and shipped it to me for free as a surprise. He also stamped my name on the sweat. All very nice and completely unexpected. Im more than satisfied with his hats and he’s planning on adding Winchester Beaver to the menu and I’ll be the first on that list whenever it happens.

Understand that unlike other custom hatters, he’s completing 15-20 hats a day with only one assistant. Even with that volume, he does good work and I have no reservations recommending him. He also has an impressive block collection in different profiles and there isn’t much that he can’t do as far as finishes, brim treatments, etc.


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Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
My navy velour rabbit fur felt arrived today. They offer two shades of navy and this is the lighter of the two:

Six inch open crown, 2 3/4 brim, 12 mm (narrow) navy brim binding and charcoal ribbon.

I only have one vintage velour and it’s from c1960, well after the decline in continental velours. This velour does not in any way compare to even the 1960s velour. It is nowhere as plush or soft; very different. This is not to disparage this modern Tonak velour. No hats made today are the equivalent of those made generations ago.

Now, on its own merits, this hat is quite nice. It is a nice change from more common finishes and the hand is what I was expecting. The build quality is very good, the fit is spot-on, and the sweat is as nice as any hat I’ve owned.

bc89e7bc2b8016d084cc81a9c1215940.jpg

My latest Agnoulita:

The color is “Latte” and it’s the standard weight rabbit fur felt (the suede felts aren’t big enough for the proportions I requested). The brim is just over 3 1/8” and the crown is just under 6.5”. Exactly as ordered.

The hat is nicely finished and of the same high quality of my last few Agnoulitas.

82410803d35fbffffa569836ed866297.jpg

I just realized I never posted this hat here. It’s a dark brown rabbit fur felt with a slightly longer nap.

ba86d0099dc72f73840190a427155b24.jpg

Alright, some hats have broad appeal (classically proportioned 1940s fedoras) and some are more of an acquired taste. This is the latter.

This is a longhair rabbit fur felt and the color is called “Abalone.” The open crown was 5.9” and the raw edge brim is just over 3.25”. I specified just a small amount of stiffener as I envisioned an almost floppy hat. I gave it a simple center dent crease. The felt was super compliant and was easy to shape and holds its shape wonderfully. The fit is perfect and the build quality is great. A super comfortable hat. Not a versatile hat, but the perfect hat for the perfect day. ;)


fbf602491c1bc09a15564bd72bb80017.jpg
Brent has been a long time, since the beginning of his activity, that I have been following Angoulita hats, especially on Etsy. I must say that it is much improved in its production of hats. Probably the challenges that you have placed in the construction of yours have stimulated him to increase his care in the creation of hats. These last four creations are the example and have their own life even in the presence of big-name hats.
I also tell you some of my observations: the gray hat with the medium hair should be combed with a brush for iron hats in the anti-clockwise direction with a continuous movement and even all those that have a fur or velvet finish. This is my favorite, despite the brim is too large and lose, slightly, the elegance of the proportions. The matching color ribbon is very nice. So also the one in dark brown, to which I would change the crown. Not always the diamond shape works. Open it and with the back of your hand break it and then see how it is. The "Latte" hat is the one I like least for its proportions and a thin ribbon that makes it, my opinion, disproportionate. Very nice the Blue navy and the ribbon is excellent as well as the proportions. Some increase to be asked is in the seal of the ribbon, to make it more homogeneous. Last note. I have many doubts about the felt in beaver Winchester. There are better choices around, especially in rabbit-hare and so on.
Anyway congratulations for your willingness and confidence to grow a craftsman who has increased its qualities and you your collection of hats. In Europe there are also other possibilities to have hand-made hats .....
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Brent has been a long time, since the beginning of his activity, that I have been following Angoulita hats, especially on Etsy. I must say that it is much improved in its production of hats. Probably the challenges that you have placed in the construction of yours have stimulated him to increase his care in the creation of hats. These last four creations are the example and have their own life even in the presence of big-name hats.
I also tell you some of my observations: the gray hat with the medium hair should be combed with a brush for iron hats in the anti-clockwise direction with a continuous movement and even all those that have a fur or velvet finish. This is my favorite, despite the brim is too large and lose, slightly, the elegance of the proportions. The matching color ribbon is very nice. So also the one in dark brown, to which I would change the crown. Not always the diamond shape works. Open it and with the back of your hand break it and then see how it is. The "Latte" hat is the one I like least for its proportions and a thin ribbon that makes it, my opinion, disproportionate. Very nice the Blue navy and the ribbon is excellent as well as the proportions. Some increase to be asked is in the seal of the ribbon, to make it more homogeneous. Last note. I have many doubts about the felt in beaver Winchester. There are better choices around, especially in rabbit-hare and so on.
Anyway congratulations for your willingness and confidence to grow a craftsman who has increased its qualities and you your collection of hats. In Europe there are also other possibilities to have hand-made hats .....

Thanks, Daniele. We definitely have a different style (I really like the proportions of the latte), but I appreciate your perspective. I have a FEPSA rabbit and hare blend that I really like; however, those hat bodies are harder to get here in the US and I do still slightly prefer Winchester’s beaver. I also love my vintage European hats, but I usually wish the crowns had less taper and the brims more width: perhaps some of my western hat influences coming through?

Thank you for input. I love seeing the fine hats you always post.

Brent
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
Thanks, Daniele. We definitely have a different style (I really like the proportions of the latte), but I appreciate your perspective
I'm sure we have different tastes, but this does not mean that we can not discuss the made-to-measure hats with passion and healthy comparison. Precisely because bespoken have the opportunity to be seen with variations. I tell you mine without any claim they are final, or you have to accept them, but since I see your great passion I put my knowledge at your disposal

perhaps some of my western hat influences coming through?
:rolleyes:

Thank you for input. I love seeing the fine hats you always post.
Thank you and I will continue to observe with interest your bespoken hats projects, trying to be a stimulus to improve
 
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
I'm sure we have different tastes, but this does not mean that we can not discuss the made-to-measure hats with passion and healthy comparison. Precisely because bespoken have the opportunity to be seen with variations. I tell you mine without any claim they are final, or you have to accept them, but since I see your great passion I put my knowledge at your disposal

[emoji57]


Thank you and I will continue to observe with interest your bespoken hats projects, trying to be a stimulus to improve

I enjoy the continual education. There are lots of varied styles and preferences and I get something from everyone here. The open nature of this forum allows for a wonderful honest exchange of ideas and information. Surely the world needs more of this.

Despite our differences in styles and preferences, I do enjoy the give and take. I also realize that I have a lot to learn and I do try to remain open. Your hats are exceptional and I always enjoy your posts.

Currently, for a non-dress fedoras (something not worn with a suit to work) I’m gravitating to brims over three inches. I like the increased protection from the sun and I like the hats that have a big presence. I might not feel the same way down the road, but I think I’ll always enjoy diversity and lots of choices. Now, despite my just stated preference, I have four hats on order from The Phoenix Hat Company and I didn’t get any of them in brims over 2 3/4 inches. Seems like I don’t even know my own mind. [emoji4]

Please feel free to continue to share your opinions, and please forgive me if I ever come across as unappreciative; that’s not my intention.



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Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Looks like we are getting closer to a "Deadly Handsome" premium collectors edition! Maybe a beaver long hair?

Great work, great posts, and great fun!

I’ll re-approach the topic when Mr. P is back from his vacation. I’m not sure what he’ll call it, but it won’t be Deadlyhandsome. :)

I really like his hats and despite my “this will be my last one” I know I’ll order more. I’ll let you know if the special pricing ever gets worked out.


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Just Daniel

One Too Many
Messages
1,447
Awesome.

I cast my vote for a premium, high quality edition; I put quality and limited availability at a higher priority than a discount.

Good luck, it looks like you are getting great results!

Daniel




I’ll re-approach the topic when Mr. P is back from his vacation. I’m not sure what he’ll call it, but it won’t be Deadlyhandsome. :)

I really like his hats and despite my “this will be my last one” I know I’ll order more. I’ll let you know if the special pricing ever gets worked out.


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Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
Awesome.

I cast my vote for a premium, high quality edition; I put quality and limited availability at a higher priority than a discount.

Good luck, it looks like you are getting great results!

Daniel

I hear you, but his niche is as an affordable custom. With so many outstanding hatters to chose from you need to set yourself apart from the field. If he gets beaver hats that with shipping get close to Gannon, and more than Phoenix I don’t know that many will see the value. I’m more inclined to want a nicely made inexpensive hat that is an option when compared to Stetsons and Akubras.


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Charlie DoNuts

New in Town
Messages
6
Location
Chartres, France

It was so hot this summer I needed a broad-brimmed hat to protect myself from the sun. I bought this Milan Straw from Agnoulita Hats and for what I paid for it I really could not be happier !
 
Messages
12,384
Location
Albany Oregon
Messages
18,915
Location
Central California
I could never get comfortable with my first Agnoulita. It was a lords hat that just didn’t work for me:

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I sorted out the wonky brim and it looked alright, but I never wore it; something was just not me.

20 minutes with an iron and a Jiffy Steamer and this is what I had:

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I should say that the problem I had with it as received was primarily that I ordered the wrong hat. Looking back I never should have went with that style and the fault was mine and not Agnoulita’s. I’ll have it re-flanged as a snap brim at some point, but it’s wearable as it is for now.


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