Knox Vagabond new pictures...

[Aureliano]

Dinerman, I saw the link you added about the sweatbands. Great information. Thanks for sharing. I'm even more happy now with my Knox!

 

[DOUGLAS]

would you recommend to spread some powder directly on the hat?

No. Just let the smell be absorbed. It will diminish eventually. Not in one day mind you.

 

[Aureliano]

Thanks Douglas. I'm having problems sewing back the leather band in some parts. Wen I pass the needle it just becomes dust. I am reluctant to change the band as I want to keep the integrity of the hat. Any suggestions? I thought I could use fabric glue in those few spots where the sweat is un- sewed...
I wonder if someony might sell old hat band...

 

[DOUGLAS]

Surgery on old sweats is not easy and out side of my scope of knowlege. Perhaps Art would know or Dinerman. There are many that can give great advice. For my part the hat is more important than the sweat if you want to wear it. Glue would not be my first choice. It may stain the felt and or melt or rub off. Remove the sweat carefully and keep it safe for documentation.
If you add another sweat the hat will become a bit smaller because 1) those older sweats were very thin and it will be hard to find one like it and 2) you may need to have a reeded sweat put in unless you know someone who can attach one for you. You can always opt for a grosgrain ribbon as a sweat.

 

[carter]

Astounding Acquisition!

feltfan is correct. That sweatband is shot. The best thing to do is remove it and store it in a ziplok bag before it deteriorates any further.
A new sweatband can be installed by any reputable hatter and need not affect the fit of the hat if you have the hat cleaned and blocked at the same time. This will also cure the odor problem.
Cedar works wonders regarding odor as well.

 

[Aureliano]

I just removed the sweat band. It is so deteriorated that it turns into dust by just pulling it. I'll save it. I'm sad though 'cause I liked the embossed lettering. Oh well. I'll take it to the hat shop here in NY to have a new one put on.

 

[DOUGLAS]

good luck

 

[Aureliano]

thanks.

 

[feltfan]

I just removed the sweat band. It is so deteriorated that it turns into dust by just pulling it. I'll save it. I'm sad though 'cause I liked the embossed lettering. Oh well. I'll take it to the hat shop here in NY to have a new one put on.

That is a cool sweatband. But we all have to do it
to one hat or another. I have a few cool, deteriorating
sweatbands in bags somewhere. No idea if I'll ever do
anything with them. I think Art Fawcett used to keep
old sweatbands in good condition to match to hats for
restoration purposes, but I'm sure if he did he's given up
on that by now! Too difficult.

As for the smell, I recommend sunlight. If you have a sunny spot
(where it won't get stolen), leave it in the direct sun for a few days
on each side. It does wonders.

 

[Aureliano]

Thank you feltfan. I know Art's hats they look unbelievable! is he a fedora lounger? I'd like to ask him about the sweat band...

 

[feltfan]

PM sent with cannonical rundown on repair options.

 

[Aureliano]

Knox Vagabond update...

So guys,

I ended up sewing the new sweat band myself. I bought it from the hat shop here in New York. Here are some pictures. I cleaned it and hand creased myself. I was going to replace the grossgrain ribbon but decided to keep the old one to maintain the hat's "personality" The smell is almost gone thanks to Douglas' suggestion to use baking soda.
Do you think I did a good job? I love the hat!

 

[carter]

A new sweat, a good brushing, and a hand crease made a world of difference! Nice job.
Now we need to see it on your noggin.

 

[Aureliano]

I'll post a picture wearing it later on today!

 

[DOUGLAS]

Nice work man. You now have a wonderful wearable hat. Leave the baking sode around for a while and do put it in the sun.

 

[Aureliano]

Thanks Douglas!
I will. I actually have the baking soda inside the hat box in a little dish. As for sun, New York hasn't seen much of it in the past few days!

 

[DOUGLAS]

Fresh air never hurt either

 

[Aureliano]

Douglas, I sent you a PM with a couple of questions.