Never realized just how early I was into the "proper" shape for a hat till I made this comparison! Yep, same hat may be a year later Obviously I've had a passion for cowboy hats for a while now Started early and just got worse. Got my first decent felt Resistol in the 3rd Grade, early '60s. Reshaped and re-blocked that hat many times before it was stolen my last year in high school. The Resistol that replaced it, I gave away last year! And it was still a darn fine and very usable hat. This photo also told me why, 50 years on, I still prefer a sand colored hat. When a decent 100% beaver hat is selling any where from $450 to well over a grand for beaver I kinda choke. That and the felt being sold by some of the bigger brand names hardly making the "definition" of felt these days, I decided to make a few hats, first for myself, then my wife and eventually a friend or two. No desire to become a full time hatter (or even a part time hatter) but I do enjoy making a decent hat knowing just how long a good one will last. Good guns and a good hat with some care will outlast good men and a good horse every time. Anyone else doing something similar as a hobby?
What a nice lifestyle you must have! I have been wearing western since childhood. When I was seven years old, living in southern California, my dad announced that we would be moving to Texas. To appease my objections, he said when we get there I will buy you some new boots, hat, and talk to uncle Jack about a horse. That's all it took. He kept his word, bought me some Acme Golden Angus boots, a real hat, and took me to my uncle's farm to talk horses. When I started school you could open a savings account at school, through the local bank. By second grade I had saved $62.00, 73.00 with interest. This was my horse money. My uncle agreed to sell me a pinto pony, saddle, and bridle, for the 73.00 I had. What great times I had at his farm. When we had to move, my uncle gave me my 73.00. Got an Appaloosa right out of high school and did a lot of riding and some team roping, while managing a western wear and tack store. I still love horses and would like to own another. Still can't give up hats and boots. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Life is good. No one listens when I complain anyway I never had a chance with horses. Got bit bad early on. Guess that is obvious. When I was around 14, a DL, a new motorcycle i bought with paper route money and girls got in the way. Too many decades to get back. Regret not doing it sooner. But damn lucky I could. Hats and boots are a blood thing I suspect Got too many of both. As I've aged my feet have taken a beating. Can't tell ya how many pairs of custom boots I have stuck in the closet that will likely never get worn by me again. Dang it!
I'm joining the conversation kinda late, but I like to refurbish hats. Keep some....sell some. Here's a Resistol I did.
Great job Cornshucker! That looks really good. The wide ribbon gives it a completely different look. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
I do a little leather work. Mostly holsters and knife sheaths. I know there are other folks on here who do leather. Would love to see some of their work. DD I know you do leather work. Would love to see more. I made the holster and knife sheath in this photo, but not the cartridge belt.
Great looking work Cornshucker! It's nice to see another leather worker here! Here is a holster I made about 35 years ago. Been doing mostly belts and small gifts lately. I would like to see more of your work, also anyone else's work. I will try to post some more. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk