Vintage Vanson Comp Weight - Is This Bad?

[Anduril]

Hello, all!

I just bought this 1995 Vanson Enfield, and I can see why it’s such a hyped jacket, especially in the fabled Old Comp Weight™. I was applying some Lexol and I noticed a cut on the right sleeve along with a little scuff on the top of the right shoulder.

How big of an issue is this? The cut isn’t all the way through the leather, but it’s still fairly deep (I’ve got my finger inside the sleeve, pushing the cut open in the photos). Any solutions you can recommend? I’ve heard conflicting opinions on using superglue to seal cuts, but I’m leaning towards trying it so I can have some peace of mind.

Thanks!

 

[Peter Mackin]

I wouldn't glue it,get a couple of stitches in it and forget about it. Enjoy.

 

[raf]

IMHO, the "proper" way to repair this damage, as well as to prevent future damage, is to have a Black leather patch glued inside the jacket, and also properly stitched in. The sides of the tear can be compressed during gluing so as to be almost invisible afterwards. This will involve removal and re-stitching part(s) of the jacket liner for access. Not a huge issue for an experienced person accustomed to repairing leather jackets. I have NO experience concerning using any glue to join the sides of such a tear. Let's just say I'm "skeptical" about such "topical" gluing until proven differently.

Suggest that you soak the afflicted area with 91% alcohol to remove all traces of leather conditioner prior to sending it off or attempting to glue it yourself. The removal of leather conditioner and oils will promote glue adhesion.

 

[cbez]

3rd could use some stitches. Rest no need to worry. You could do yourself with awl

 

[l0fielectronic]

I bought a shearling jacket with a largish tear in it a while ago, debated stitching over gluing.

In the end I glued it and it worked really well and has held, used a leather glue for it. I figured stitching would be more noticeable and draw attention to the issue, while the glue is pretty much invisible. - https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...eather-jacket-repair-tips.104840/post-3192978

 

[Anduril]

I bought a shearling jacket with a largish tear in it a while ago, debated stitching over gluing.

In the end I glued it and it worked really well and has held, used a leather glue for it. I figured stitching would be more noticeable and draw attention to the issue, while the glue is pretty much invisible. - https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...eather-jacket-repair-tips.104840/post-3192978

Nice! What type of leather glue did you use for your repair?

 

[Chevalier]

You could also reach out to the people at Vanson. You could ask them about repair and even possibly replacing that panel on the sleeve. However, replacement could be pricey and matching the older leather might be really tough.

 

[LeatherHunter]

I have had great success using a fabric/ leather adhesive. When I was debating using a glue I cut a piece of scrap leather all the way through and applied the glue in a very thin line on the cut edges. Maybe the glue got into the fibers and bonded it together but was very difficult to separate once dry.

 

[cbez]

You could also reach out to the people at Vanson. You could ask them about repair and even possibly replacing that panel on the sleeve. However, replacement could be pricey and matching the older leather might be really tough.

Why do a 300$ repair on a $200 jacket for a panel that won't match

 

[AeroFan_07]

A repair like that at Vanson might only be around $30. Try calling them. I have worked with the Vanson folks a few times now and find their repairs reasonable.

 

[Monitor]

It's a sign to get a larger one.

 

[l0fielectronic]

Nice! What type of leather glue did you use for your repair?

It was just a cheap, generic leather glue I used, this one. I'm sure there are better quality glues but it worked fine.

 

[AeroFan_07]

It's a sign to get a larger one.

Not sure I follow your logic here, Monitor? This jacket appears to fit the OP quite well?

What am I missing?

 

[Anduril]

It's a sign to get a larger one.

Where do you think it looks too small? It's quite comfortable and there's room for layering

 

[Monitor]

@Anduril @AeroFan_07 It's not too small at all, it fits well but a larger one would look so much better on you.