Just adding a bit to the Christys mystery. Google maps says the Christopher place store is only “temporarily closed “ but I walked past it today and it’s completely gone. Another business has taken its place. If they do come back, I’m wondering if it’ll be in some kind of online only capacity.
Wow! With all the stuff that’s happened with my order, and what I have seen online, I was having difficulty believing the “temporarily closed” bit, but that’s still a surprise.
It seems a really strange way for them to go out. I visited that store early on though when I first moved to London and left without buying anything cause the vibe was really off.
I've had one (rabbit) for two years and it's held up just fine. Definitely a well-made hat, but their prices seem to have gone up by an additional $300 since I bought mine.
I was actually considering one until I saw the price of them. I’d need a sizable windfall to even consider it but they do look the business.
What grit are you using?
600 -> 1000 -> 1200
If you sand against the nap with a paper coarser than 600 grit you risk ripping the felt rather than pouncing it. I use a circular motion so on half the circles I am against the grain. while using 800-1000-1200.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
Thanks! Have been looking at the seaplane, not just for the Indiana Jones heritage but the vintage look in general but I’m really unsure of the price/quality value of the current ones. I need to just make a visit to the shop one of these days and have a real look
If it’s bonded leather sweatband then I’d definitely pass on it, even if the price was quite a bit lower.Ahh, yes I see the price has gone up a bit.
Well, on the "Pro" side, they're using FEPSA felts made to their specs, so I don't think there's too much to worry about long term. I also really think they have *the* block. There are some folks who want a "Streets of Cairo" hat and they have some nitpicks, but it looks like the block to me. They're also semi customizable, in that you can get your initials imprinted and choose a lining.
On the "Con" side, the sweat band is not as nice as I would like. I think it's bonded leather? It hasn't shrunk up on me ala Akubra, it's just at that price it's a little like putting bargain tires on your Rolls Royce. I'm not sure if they are currently shipping with boxes, but mine sure did not come with one, which is another "at that price..." thing.
You're definitely paying a premium for the brand name and heritage, but the build quality on mine is pretty good. I'm sure they only could have improved in the six years since. They're not just skating by on the association, you will get a very nice hat for your money.
If the sweat band is crumbling then it will need to be replaced now. If you have a hat maker/shop in your area you can get it replaced for $50 - $75. Do you like the hat enough to invest $75 more? If you have to mail the hat for repair you are faced with another $50 for postage there and back.
That looks like a chrome tanned calfskin to me ( I do a lot of leatherwork). "Bonded leather, or "Pleather" is basically leather dust bonded with a glue binder. With age and use they often shrink, get hard and can become brittle. My thought is.. if you like the hat... wear it regardless of the sweatband material. If it becomes an issue later, just replace it with a nicer and properly fit sweatbandI dunno man, whatever this is. It's not roan leather. Genuine leather maybe.
