Unfortunately, I haven't found anything in my area that's very easily accessible, but I have been looking into mailing it for repair! If you have any recommendations (I am located in eastern Kentucky), I'd appreciate it!
Happy to oblige! Here you go:I don’t have any info for you, but would like to see the hat regardless!
B.M. Franklin in Atlanta takes mail-in's for repair.
There are 3 or 4 hat makers in Lex that might be able to help. Google will pull up their names. There is Busted Hats here in the Lounge.
Wool is a great fibre....for knitting sweaters, watch caps, scarves etc.....not so great for hats. Wool will not hold its shape over time. Water will quicken that process. Fur felt, rabbit, beaver, nutria produces a much tighter felt and if made properly will hold shape over a long period of time. Yes, even fur may misshapen if thoroughly wetted and not dried properly but it is easily steamed back into shape even by the novice. Beaver is the best as in most durable, as beaver fur has natural barbs to each fibre and produces somewhat of a natural velcro effect when felted. Wool felt hats are cheaper to buy but they look cheap as well
Rain is one consideration. I definitely choose a different hat based on the use case. For example, on the river where bushwacking, sweat, rain, and the occasional dump in the river occurs, I almost exclusively wear an Akubra. They hold up well and I’m not too upset when one gets lost (or no longer fits due to shrinkage). A nice vintage beaver Stetson would perform and look better than an Akubra but it would be very painful if lost
. A wool hat would not be a good choice here. For this use case, if you like the fit, shape, and look of the hat as is, a wool hat should serve you well imo. You will be limited in how you can reshape a wool hat but as long as you keep it from the elements (e.g., rain, sweat, dirt, etc.) and physical abuse (e.g., dog sat on it
) you should be okay.
It is more accurately called 'scales' rather than barbs, as all protein fibres have to some degree. The keratin in beaver fibres lends itself particularly well to felting, more so than any other protein fibres.
It has been a long while since I purchased an Akubra but I noticed last week the prices have greatly increased in the last few years. They are no longer as approachable a choice for the budget conscious.Rain is one consideration. I definitely choose a different hat based on the use case. For example, on the river where bushwacking, sweat, rain, and the occasional dump in the river occurs, I almost exclusively wear an Akubra. They hold up well and I’m not too upset when one gets lost (or no longer fits due to shrinkage). A nice vintage beaver Stetson would perform and look better than an Akubra but it would be very painful if lost
For this use case, if you like the fit, shape, and look of the hat as is, a wool hat should serve you well imo. You will be limited in how you can reshape a wool hat but as long as you keep it from the elements (e.g., rain, sweat, dirt, etc.) and physical abuse (e.g., dog sat on it
Yes, I noticed that as well. I think the 2nd hand market is the way to go with Akubras. With patience it is possible to find an Akubra (e.g., Snowy River, Bushman, Campdraft) in excellent condition in my size that is cheaper (and much better on the river) than a new Stetson wool hat for example.
Sorry, I forgot to mention the two-ply Akubra in this scenario
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. 
Sorry, I meant tawny fawn. If it worked well in SE Asia then Japan should be fine. Did you keep the liner in or remove it?
I actually kept the liner in and didn't have any issues. I did eventually remove the liner but I can't remember why. Didn't notice a change in comfort level.
