Welting

[Simon82]

Forgive the ignorance of this newbie, but I was wondering exactly what welting is and how it's done. It looks like the felt is folded over on top of itself, but is it?

Also, when is it better to have a welted hat -- either for a specific look, or for some other reason (for instance, does it make the brim more stable)?

Thanks very much,

Simon

 

[riccardo]

Hi Simon,
I've received this answer here on the lounge:

"Soft or stiff is a preference call. Soft is usually more comfortable, but having a three inch brim flapping over your eyes in a brisk wind can get annoying. Not as annoying as having a stiff hat fly off in the wind though."

Read also this thread :
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=4650

Regards.
Riccardo.

 

[besdor]

Welting is the process of basicaly folding the edge of the hat around the brim .Most hats will have an underwelt(looks better) but some companies such as Biltmore will do an overwelt . It will help the hat to last longer especially today's hats!
In Italy Riccardo , they used to call it a "bordo doppio"or double edge . Years ago ,it was called a Cavanaugh Edge thanks to John Cavanaugh.

 

[Simon82]

Thanks, guys --

Riccardo, I'm looking for something in between stiff and floppy, so I'll think on whether I'll get a hat with a welt.

Besdor, I appreciate the info. Now I finally know what a Cavanaugh edge is!

As far as under or over, I kinda like the rough-hewn, tough-guy look of the overwelt.

Simon

 

[riccardo]

Thanks, guys --

Riccardo, I'm looking for something in between stiff and floppy, so I'll think on whether I'll get a hat with a welt.

Besdor, I appreciate the info. Now I finally know what a Cavanaugh edge is!

As far as under or over, I kinda like the rough-hewn, tough-guy look of the overwelt.

Simon

..ok ok guys...
I have misunderstand... ithink that welting means stiffed...sorry!!
Thanks to all for the information. :cheers1:
Riccardo

 

[feltfan]

Cav Edge

Besdor, I appreciate the info. Now I finally know what a Cavanaugh edge is!
Simon

The Cavanagh edge isn't simply an over-welt.
There is an additional process (seemingly lost?)
that hides the stitches (which may or may not be
removed- I'm not sure, but others claim they are)
and smooths the edge of the felt to the brim, for a
rounded look. Seems to be a way to adhere extra
felt to the area.

Other hat companies did it, too. I have seen Borsalinos
with a similar edge and own a Stevens with such an edge.
I seem to recall seeing a Knox with that sort of edge on eBay.
Of course they don't call it a Cavanagh Edge. And of course
not all Cavanagh hats came with a "Cavanagh Edge".

BTW, here's a Stetson with a similar edge:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8343485808

 

[besdor]

Cav Edges

Cav edges are a lost art . I don't think one has been made for many years . It was too much work and wasn't appriciated .

 

[Snrbfshn]

Here's Knox's version of Cavanagh edge...

Here a look at my Knox 100 with their version, the "Custom Edge."

 

[besdor]

Knox 100

Where did you find one .I would love to get one . What did you pay for it ?

 

[Snrbfshn]

My Knox 100...

besdor - It was an ebay find, and you're gonna go slack-jawed when I tell you I paid $28.50 for it (plus shipping). And it might as well be brand-damn-new. Here's the link to my original post.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=3954&highlight=knox+100