parbuntal straw hats

[Garrett]

You've done a good job so far Alan.

Agreed

 

[Chepstow]

My Mayser Parabuntal

 

[mikespens]

Manfred, it's stunning!

 

[ManofKent]

Manfred - If I was religious I'd be committing one of the seven deadly sins. Lovely hat and photos.

 

[Chepstow]

Mike and Richard, thanks my friends!

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks for posting these close-ups, Manfred. It's a beauty.

I'm waiting for my recent parabuntal to return from a finishing trip to Optimo. Pictures next week I hope.

 

[Chepstow]

Alan, thank you very much my friend. I have Seen the pictures and I am looking forward to the photos of the finished hat. It's a beauty too and I guess he will get a Lot of Head Time.



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[John Galt]

Did a little work with the block and flange to gauge the possibilities. Very supple and easy to work, though the brim will be substantial and require a rolled edge to be manageable. I think I am over my head (and talent) so will likely send the hat to Optimo to be finished.

Alan, looks good to me. Why not put a string down the middle if your block to create the Optimo crease, as in the hat renovating book? That and a flanging & ribbon sweat would give you a finished hat.

 

[alanfgag]

I did consider doing that, but my rudimentary tools would likely make for a mushy blocking. in the end I decided a professional crease and pencil roll brim might be worth the investment.

Have you worked on yours yet?

 

[John Galt]

Not yet, but you are inspiring me greatly. I have a pretty good rolled Panama body I may try first. I note that the true Optimo blocks & the hats posted here have a more pointed ridge than such a string would provide. I was thinking that running a bead of silicon caulking down the center of the block and then wetting your fingers & creating the ridge by drawing them down the bead might make a good temporary ridge if it was formed carefully enough. Just an idea, and I don't really know if I'm brave enough to try it on my vintage blocks, but maybe. Maybe a length of triangular rubber trim & some spray glue would work better.

 

[John Galt]

I think I will go to the hardware store this weekend and look for something from which to make a pencil roll shackle.

 

[alanfgag]

old Parabuntal

Blocked and finished by Optimo... 4 1/2" crown, 2 3/8" rolled brim.

Weighs 1.9 ounces, just under half of which is sweatband and ribbon.

Everything I had hoped.

 

[TheDane]

WoW, Alan - it came out just gorgeous. And you wear it so well. Fantastic!

 

[alanfgag]

Thank you... I am very happy with the work and how the style wears.

 

[job]

Alan, it turned out really nice.

 

[ManofKent]

Alan - that looks great. Perfect for a cruise.

 

[mikespens]

I'd be happy too Alan, gorgeous!

 

[Worf]

Dayum! That's one fine hat. Remind me not to play poker with you!

Worf

 

[Joshbru3]

WOW!!!! That is seriously one of the most beautiful straws I have ever seen!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap

I personally think the finely woven Parabuntal's are seriously underrated. Everyone talks about ultrafino Monticrisitis and while I have seen VERY high quality weaves at Optimo, I personally think the Buntal weave, gloss, and pattern on the top of the crown is more beautiful than a Monticrisiti. Obviously, not everyone shares my opinion on the lounge, but on my bucket list is a fine buntal like this one. Simply gorgeous block, flange, and brim roll!

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks very much for the comments.

Josh, I agree that the parabuntal weave is beautiful and the ultimate lightness is a treat as well. I think these bodies are hard if not impossibile to get today. I was fortunate to happen on this one and get it for a very reasonable price, making the investment in an Optimo finish an easier choice.