Rmccamey
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,657
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- Central Texas
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Phoenix Hat Company
- Thread starter deadlyhandsome
- Start date
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
The latest member of the Phoenix Hat Company family. A Willcox & Gibbs straw braid sewing machine designed specifically for making Milan straw and hemp straw hats. This little American made beauty rolled of the production line circa 1880 and, after 139 years or so of what was likely a very busy life, it still works perfectly. I feel certain that the manufacturers of those days would have scoffed at the notion of planned obsolescence. I like to believe they would have been indignant and even angry that any craftsman or company would knowingly make a product that is designed to fail. I know I am.
Rmccamey
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,657
- Location
- Central Texas
Cool Rick. Are you making or going to make hemp hats? Sign me up!
- Messages
- 18,932
- Location
- Central California
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
Hemp and Milan straws are definitely on the "to do" list Randy. Existing felt hat and hat tool orders permitting, it's my hope (it does spring eternal) to turn out a dozen or so demo hats this summer and I'd be happy to put you on the list. If you'd like, shoot me an email and let me know what you're looking for.
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
You're first on the list Brent. It's not in my nature to rush through one project just so I can get to another, but I really want to in this case.
- Messages
- 18,932
- Location
- Central California
I can understand that.
I’m actually alright letting someone else go before me. I found a very lightly used VS Milan for a steal (wore it today, actually) so I’m more inclined to be patient.
P.S. If Jonesy offers to provide the hemp for his hat don’t go there.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Tukwila
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,382
- Location
- SW of Antifa Central (PDX)
LOL, the Maui Wow-y Hemp Strat-O-Liner, man....
I'd be interested in a hemp rough duty fedora. Sounds great!
I'd be interested in a hemp rough duty fedora. Sounds great!
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
Hah! The ultimate survival hat. It won't help you survive, but you won't be nearly as stressed.
tropicalbob
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,954
- Location
- miami, fl
# 3.
A straw version of DH's "Arizona" would be killer. I'll definitely stand in line for one.
A straw version of DH's "Arizona" would be killer. I'll definitely stand in line for one.
Dude!
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
I spent a few much needed hours doing Milan straw therapy and fine tuning the new straw braid machine this weekend. Just enough to make me realize that my straw/hemp hats are not quite ready for market. For now, I don't have the skill to insure a consistent, quality product, but, to paraphrase the great Chief Dan George in The Outlaw Jose Wales, I shall endeavor to persevere. (Please pardon all the big a** photos. I thought some of you folks might be interested in seeing the process) I'm calling this one "The Planter".
Just A Hat Rack
Practically Family
- Messages
- 619
- Location
- Buckeye Nation
I'm a bit late in getting to this, but I received my hat from Rick about a month ago. I've had a lot going on recently with work schedules, health issues and family deaths, so I haven't gotten around to trying to take some decent shots of this magnificent hat and share it. I've certainly enjoyed seeing everyone's hats in the meantime, especially the work that Rick continues to do.
The hat is a 100% dress weight beaver in granite. It has a 6 inch open crown and a 2 3/4 inch brim. There is no official name for the ribbon color, but Rick describes it as a deep scarlet.
First thing out of the box, I was struck by how beautiful the hat was. Rick was very upfront about the quality of finish he achieves because all of his work is done by hand, but his hands did a fine job nonetheless. The finish may not be as fine as some of the other big boys and their machines, but the difference is minute. The hand is something like I've never handled before. The felt is very soft. The brim is very pliable, while the crown is a little more firm. I love handling this hat.
As for the age old color discussions, the granite is most certainly gray. I know others have had granite bodies that appeared with strong brown hues. With this hat it is not the case. It may have some brownish hues to it under dark and yellower lighting, but the color is generally gray in most conditions. The ribbon I had a tough time making a decision on. I wanted this hat to have an Ohio State theme to it, with the colors of scarlet and gray. Rick had a scarlet ribbon, but it was unsurprisingly bright and gaudy. I almost went with a light burgundy, but after seeing it under different lighting conditions, I decided it wasn't what I was looking for. We were kind of at an impass until Rick found some unlabeled ribbon that wound up working quite well. It looks to me like a dark red with purple hues to it, and a brighter red under sunlight.
At the end of the day I couldn't be happier with my hat, and the experience of working with Rick. He did a magnificent job, and I appreciate the work he put into making this hat. I thank him for his patience with me, as I'm sure I bombarded him with emails, and my pickiness. He always made sure that I was getting the hat that I wanted. I recommend the Phoenix Hat Company to anyone looking for a quality, handmade hat, and at a good price point. I am proud to be the owner of one of Rick's creations.
The hat is a 100% dress weight beaver in granite. It has a 6 inch open crown and a 2 3/4 inch brim. There is no official name for the ribbon color, but Rick describes it as a deep scarlet.
First thing out of the box, I was struck by how beautiful the hat was. Rick was very upfront about the quality of finish he achieves because all of his work is done by hand, but his hands did a fine job nonetheless. The finish may not be as fine as some of the other big boys and their machines, but the difference is minute. The hand is something like I've never handled before. The felt is very soft. The brim is very pliable, while the crown is a little more firm. I love handling this hat.
As for the age old color discussions, the granite is most certainly gray. I know others have had granite bodies that appeared with strong brown hues. With this hat it is not the case. It may have some brownish hues to it under dark and yellower lighting, but the color is generally gray in most conditions. The ribbon I had a tough time making a decision on. I wanted this hat to have an Ohio State theme to it, with the colors of scarlet and gray. Rick had a scarlet ribbon, but it was unsurprisingly bright and gaudy. I almost went with a light burgundy, but after seeing it under different lighting conditions, I decided it wasn't what I was looking for. We were kind of at an impass until Rick found some unlabeled ribbon that wound up working quite well. It looks to me like a dark red with purple hues to it, and a brighter red under sunlight.
At the end of the day I couldn't be happier with my hat, and the experience of working with Rick. He did a magnificent job, and I appreciate the work he put into making this hat. I thank him for his patience with me, as I'm sure I bombarded him with emails, and my pickiness. He always made sure that I was getting the hat that I wanted. I recommend the Phoenix Hat Company to anyone looking for a quality, handmade hat, and at a good price point. I am proud to be the owner of one of Rick's creations.
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
Thanks for the kind words Ryan. The hat looks great on you! I especially like what you've done with the brim. Go Buckeyes!
Woodtroll
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,215
- Location
- Mtns. of SW Virginia
I'm a bit late in getting to this, but I received my hat from Rick about a month ago. I've had a lot going on recently with work schedules, health issues and family deaths, so I haven't gotten around to trying to take some decent shots of this magnificent hat and share it. I've certainly enjoyed seeing everyone's hats in the meantime, especially the work that Rick continues to do.
The hat is a 100% dress weight beaver in granite. It has a 6 inch open crown and a 2 3/4 inch brim. There is no official name for the ribbon color, but Rick describes it as a deep scarlet.
First thing out of the box, I was struck by how beautiful the hat was. Rick was very upfront about the quality of finish he achieves because all of his work is done by hand, but his hands did a fine job nonetheless. The finish may not be as fine as some of the other big boys and their machines, but the difference is minute. The hand is something like I've never handled before. The felt is very soft. The brim is very pliable, while the crown is a little more firm. I love handling this hat.
As for the age old color discussions, the granite is most certainly gray. I know others have had granite bodies that appeared with strong brown hues. With this hat it is not the case. It may have some brownish hues to it under dark and yellower lighting, but the color is generally gray in most conditions. The ribbon I had a tough time making a decision on. I wanted this hat to have an Ohio State theme to it, with the colors of scarlet and gray. Rick had a scarlet ribbon, but it was unsurprisingly bright and gaudy. I almost went with a light burgundy, but after seeing it under different lighting conditions, I decided it wasn't what I was looking for. We were kind of at an impass until Rick found some unlabeled ribbon that wound up working quite well. It looks to me like a dark red with purple hues to it, and a brighter red under sunlight.
At the end of the day I couldn't be happier with my hat, and the experience of working with Rick. He did a magnificent job, and I appreciate the work he put into making this hat. I thank him for his patience with me, as I'm sure I bombarded him with emails, and my pickiness. He always made sure that I was getting the hat that I wanted. I recommend the Phoenix Hat Company to anyone looking for a quality, handmade hat, and at a good price point. I am proud to be the owner of one of Rick's creations.
Thanks for taking the time to share, Ryan, especially with all of the challenges you have faced lately; very sorry to hear about those.
That is one sharp hat! I really like the brim shape. The outdoor pictures make it look almost charcoal-colored; would you say they are more accurate or the last one where it looks light gray?
Thanks again!
Regan
Thanks for sharing, Rick. I think it looks very good already actually, but anything that warrants a quote from chief Dan George is going to get my vote.
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
Thanks Stefan. I've always been a fan of the chief's. He was a wise man in his own right. Here's another quote from him that I've tried to take to heart. "Of all the teachings we receive, this one is most important: Nothing belongs to you. Of what there is, of what you take, you must share."
Just A Hat Rack
Practically Family
- Messages
- 619
- Location
- Buckeye Nation
I attached a photo that is a better depiction of the general color of the hat. I would describe it as a medium toned gray. It may appear darker or lighter depending on the lighting conditions. Thank you for the compliments!
humanshoes
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,428
- Location
- Tennessee
I've have to tell you Ryan, I'm liking that color combination more and more. Most likely will have to be a copy of it hanging on my personal hat rack.I attached a photo that is a better depiction of the general color of the hat. I would describe it as a medium toned gray. It may appear darker or lighter depending on the lighting conditions. Thank you for the compliments!
