Any good hat blocking shops in LA?

[zeus36]

I'm in Ventura County, just north of LA county. Wanted to take a trip into Los Angeles or the vicinity and get my hat re-blocked. Anyone got some ideas? There has to be some old-time small shops down there with all the equipment. I know I could send it in to one of the folks mentioned on this site, but I'd rather take the drive.

 

[Matt Deckard]

there is Baron hats, though I'm not a big fan when it comes to them reblocking soft felt hats like fedoras. cowboy hats yes, but when it comes to a fedoras...
They cut the brim on one I did not want cut, they have shrunk the crown on a hat I just wanted cleaned, they melted the edge of a bound edge hat I had... looked awful.

I hear they make good indy repros, though when it comes to maintance, I have had really bad luck with them.

I know Barons is closer, though when i need my hats cleaned or blocked i send them out to Optimo... you could try Art faucet at Vintage silhouettes, or Peters Brothers in Ft Worth.

http://www.baronhats.com/
www.optimohats.com
www.vintagesilhouettes.com
www.petersbros.com

 

[zeus36]

Thanks for the links, looks like Baron's is closed for the three day weekend (Labor Day)

 

[Andykev]

Optimo is the way to go

I recommend you ship your hat via USPS to Optimo in Chicago...they have a full tank system for cleaning, spinner, drying room. They can block, brush, change ribbon-sweat-liner.....whatever you need done.

They charge about $35 for a clean and block. It will return you hat to like new. And the shipping isn't bad, usually about $8 from CA to Chicago. At todays gas prices, and parking, etc. It is cheaper to just send the thing out!

 

[Wild Root]

Yes, I am a victom of Barons bad work:cry: Not as bad as Matt's stories, but still not a happy costomer. I had a light gray Stetson (Some of you may remember this) but, it was my favorite hat. I needed to get a small spot off the liner and then get it reblocked. I aksed them for an open crown. It came back with a teardrop block! Plus, they didn't even get the stain out! I will never take a hat over there again!

I know how it is, I love the thought of just driving down the street and getting a hat reblocked, but those days are over unless you live neer Optimo, or Art's shop. Since you live in Ventura, you might like to plan a trip to Art's shop. I haven't been yet my self, but from what others here say it's the best!

Trust us on this score my friend, you wont regret it :cool2:

Root.

 

[zeus36]

Ok, thanks!

Where is Art's shop?

 

[zeus36]

after searching, I can't tell if Art is in Carmel, Rodeo, or Concord...
Looks like Rodeo

 

[Art Fawcett]

Hi Zeus,
I'm in the San Fran east bay in Rodeo. When you are ready just give me a call at 1-800-636-1410. I am in the shop tomorrow and Monday ( even though we are closed Monday) so call & we'll get together on the hat.

Art

 

[zeus36]

Art, thanks ... I just saw your city listed under your Avatar.
That is quite a drive for me! (8 hours) I was thinking you were on Rodeo Drive !

May be taking a trip up to San Fran in the fall( which is coming up fast)

I'll be sure to come in and see you and the store.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Good deal Zeus, just let me know you are coming. I still keep my "day job" so I'm not always in the shop. Sunday's are a must, the only day i am really committed to be there.

Art

 

[Renderking Fisk]

Give Art a whirl. I love what he did to my Akubra Deluxe.