Post New Hats Here!

Just A Hat Rack said:

Well, at long last, I finally got my Indy hat. I, like many others, have been inspired by the Indy fedora to get into hats, and what I initially thought would have been a pleasant experience in landing the mothership, it was actually quite the opposite. After doing some research and some brain racking, I decided to go with Penman due to his reputation as a hatter, namely with Indy hats. I placed my order last January for a custom Raiders without the turn. John informed me that without the turn, it would look like the gray travel hat, and not the "hero" hat. I told him my concerns with the turn, and he told me to let him know what I decided. My hat was to be ready around July.

Thinking that I had time to ponder a final decision, I let it sit for a couple of weeks. I then sent an email with questions, and never received a reply. I figured, by mistake, that I would hear back when it came time to build my hat. Fast forward to July. Still no word. I sent another email with more questions, and stated that I changed my mind and wanted the turn. I figured I would regret not getting it. Still no response. About two weeks later I receive an email (in a new thread) with pics of my finished hat, without the turn. He apparently never got any of my emails, but he'd see what he could do about moving the crease, but there may be old crease lines. I told him if that were the case then to not re-crease it, but he'd see what he would do.

I received the hat in August, exactly as it was shown in the pic I was sent when the hat was finished. I started going back and forth with him on what it would take to get the turn. He told me that if he were to add the turn, he would have to tear the hat apart and reblock it to remove the old crease lines, put the breakline back in, flange it and then put the hat back together. I don't know why none of this was mentioned before shipping the hat. He then wanted to charge me for the repair and shipping, plus wait in line again. I found this to be completely unacceptable, and he eventually agreed to do the work for free.

I finally received the hat today, and the first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was the old crease line. Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. And to think all of this could have been avoided with simple communication. I just don't get it. I'm pretty speechless about it, and at this point, I'm pretty exhausted just thinking about this whole scenario. I suppose this Indy hat is better than no Indy hat. I'll try hitting it with some steam and see what happens. View attachment 312662
View attachment 312664

Click to expand...

Just A Hat Rack said:

Well, at long last, I finally got my Indy hat. I, like many others, have been inspired by the Indy fedora to get into hats, and what I initially thought would have been a pleasant experience in landing the mothership, it was actually quite the opposite. After doing some research and some brain racking, I decided to go with Penman due to his reputation as a hatter, namely with Indy hats. I placed my order last January for a custom Raiders without the turn. John informed me that without the turn, it would look like the gray travel hat, and not the "hero" hat. I told him my concerns with the turn, and he told me to let him know what I decided. My hat was to be ready around July.

Thinking that I had time to ponder a final decision, I let it sit for a couple of weeks. I then sent an email with questions, and never received a reply. I figured, by mistake, that I would hear back when it came time to build my hat. Fast forward to July. Still no word. I sent another email with more questions, and stated that I changed my mind and wanted the turn. I figured I would regret not getting it. Still no response. About two weeks later I receive an email (in a new thread) with pics of my finished hat, without the turn. He apparently never got any of my emails, but he'd see what he could do about moving the crease, but there may be old crease lines. I told him if that were the case then to not re-crease it, but he'd see what he would do.

I received the hat in August, exactly as it was shown in the pic I was sent when the hat was finished. I started going back and forth with him on what it would take to get the turn. He told me that if he were to add the turn, he would have to tear the hat apart and reblock it to remove the old crease lines, put the breakline back in, flange it and then put the hat back together. I don't know why none of this was mentioned before shipping the hat. He then wanted to charge me for the repair and shipping, plus wait in line again. I found this to be completely unacceptable, and he eventually agreed to do the work for free.

I finally received the hat today, and the first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was the old crease line. Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe how I felt. And to think all of this could have been avoided with simple communication. I just don't get it. I'm pretty speechless about it, and at this point, I'm pretty exhausted just thinking about this whole scenario. I suppose this Indy hat is better than no Indy hat. I'll try hitting it with some steam and see what happens. View attachment 312662
View attachment 312664

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

It doesn’t look bad to me as I think Indy hats should be a bit beat up. The problem is it’s not what you payed for. What matters is if it was made the way you asked. It is not a cheap hat and it should be perfect. I’m a pretty easygoing guy and I’m willing to overlook a lot of the small stuff, but when you buy from a top tier hatter you shouldn’t have to compromise or accept poor customer service.

Art Fawcett once confused my orders and made me a hat using a prior hat’s specs. Art immediately acknowledged his error, paid for the shipping, and within two weeks had the correct hat delivered to me. Everyone can make mistakes, but if the hatter won’t make it right, or asks you to pay for the fix, then you need to find another hatter.

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did was top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out.


View attachment 312873 View attachment 312874 View attachment 312875 View attachment 312876 View attachment 312877 View attachment 312878 View attachment 312879 View attachment 312883 View attachment 312888

Click to expand...

Jesse John said:

If it makes you feel any better, the old crease lines actually give it some adventure-wear. Adds some character to it. I think you rock it but still, I feel your frustration through the post. I wish it had turned out better for you. Again, I think you look great in it.

Click to expand...

Zombie_61 said:

I agree with Jesse John. It shouldn't have been so difficult for you to get the hat you wanted, but that extra hint of a crease does give it more character and makes that hat uniquely yours. And it looks good on you too!

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

It doesn’t look bad to me as I think Indy hats should be a bit beat up. The problem is it’s not what you payed for. What matters is if it was made the way you asked. It is not a cheap hat and it should be perfect. I’m a pretty easygoing guy and I’m willing to overlook a lot of the small stuff, but when you buy from a top tier hatter you shouldn’t have to compromise or accept poor customer service.

Art Fawcett once confused my orders and made me a hat using a prior hat’s specs. Art immediately acknowledged his error, paid for the shipping, and within two weeks had the correct hat delivered to me. Everyone can make mistakes, but if the hatter won’t make it right, or asks you to pay for the fix, then you need to find another hatter.

Click to expand...

Blare said:

Dobbs Challenger - Fuzzy finish

View attachment 312889

Dobbs Challenger - Schuss Loden
Velour like finish
4 7/8 crown
5/8 green woven band
1 7/8 raw edge brim
Made in West Germany

A velour like finish on this Dobbs Challenger made in West Germany. The tag indicates the model is Schuss and the color is labeled Loden which is supposed to be a darker olive drab. The felt appears much more brown with greenish undertones tied in with a light green woven band.

View attachment 312893 View attachment 312894 View attachment 312895 View attachment 312896 View attachment 312897 View attachment 312898 View attachment 312899 View attachment 312900 View attachment 312901

Click to expand...

Steve1857 said:

Bummer experience. I can feel your disappointment.

As everyone else has said, it still looks a cool Indy.

Steam is your best friend. Open it up and steam away. Looking forward to seeing the result.

Click to expand...

Just A Hat Rack said:

Thanks Steve. I may try steam at first, but I'm thinking I may have to soak it some with some water to get the best results. Its a pretty hard crease. We'll see I guess!

Click to expand...

Just A Hat Rack said:

I'm not a fan of stingy's, at all. But you make them look good, and you look good in them Joe.

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did is top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out.


View attachment 312873 View attachment 312874 View attachment 312875 View attachment 312876 View attachment 312877 View attachment 312878 View attachment 312879 View attachment 312883 View attachment 312888

Click to expand...

Rmccamey said:

That is a great look and an interesting color for a western, Brent. Very nice.

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

Burns Saddlery: I bought this hat used a few months back. I really liked the felt color (dirt), but the crown was too low for me. I had Wolfbrae @belfastboy reblock it and steal some crown height from the brim width. It turned out great! I really love this hat and the work Wolfbrae did is top notch! The 3.5” brim is a favorite width and the couldn’t be happier on how it turned out...

Click to expand...

Zombie_61 said:

That's a damn fine hat Brent! I really like the subtle heathered felt and the color combinations, and that crown height is just right for you.

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

Another great Wolfbrae! @belfastboy has been doing some great work for me and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. This hat is from a Millinery Warehouse western rabbit fur felt body that I’d consider to be moderately stiff for a western. The color is bottle green. It’s a nice weight and has a nice hand in my opinion. It’s approximately 3X6 and took both water and a generous amount to steam to shape. It’s also one of the most comfortable wearing westerns I’ve ever had on my head.

Click to expand...

Zombie_61 said:

I'm not sure "bottle green" was a traditional color for hats in the old west, but I don't care 'cause I like it! Looks great on you too Brent!

Click to expand...

deadlyhandsome said:

Another great Wolfbrae! @belfastboy has been doing some great work for me and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. This hat is from a Millinery Warehouse western rabbit fur felt body that I’d consider to be moderately stiff for a western. The color is bottle green. It’s a nice weight and has a nice hand in my opinion. It’s approximately 3X6 and took both water and a generous amount to steam to shape. It’s also one of the most comfortable wearing westerns I’ve ever had on my head.

View attachment 313432 View attachment 313433 View attachment 313434 View attachment 313435 View attachment 313436 View attachment 313437 View attachment 313438 View attachment 313439 View attachment 313440

Click to expand...