Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I think I'll end up going to Optimo's downtown location. It may not be quite as big, but I get the sense it'll be less of a hastle all around. -M
I could be wrong, but based on the context in which he used "softer," I think by softer he meant floppier - in which case, yeah, rabbit felt does tend to be floppier, seeing as it is less dense than beaver.
I'm planning on visiting Optimo at some point, and I'd like to visit their southside location, but I probably won't have a car with me in Chicago. Does anyone know if there are any buses that run close to the Western Ave. location?
Really nice, JLee! Do you have any more photos? I'd love to see some more angles on that hat. Also, what's the crown height on it? Is it tapered, or straight-sided? Sorry to bombard you with questions - I'm thinking I may ask Graham to use that block on my next Optimo. -M
Actually, I think a Homburg would be the way to go for the situation you describe. Something about a bowler or a fedora (not to mention baseball caps) just seems off for the clothing you describe. At least to my eye. -M
If it's style and warmth you want, beaver is the way to go. In person, the difference between rabbit and beaver is noticeable, and since beaver is denser, it's also warmer. -M
Yeah, I can see a little bit of cherry in there, but mostly yeah, black. Then again, that's pretty much how Depp's hat in Public Enemies was, so for those who are a fan of that look (such as myself), it's AWESOME...oh and for people who just like a great color as well. ;) -M
Wow, thanks Rabbit! That was exactly what I was looking for. Honestly, black cherry has always been close to the public enemies hat - now it looks to be a dead ringer! -M
Hmm...kind of hard to see the cherry undertones in these photos. Then again, makes sense - black cherry has always been notoriously difficult to photograph. Guess I'll just have to wait until I can see mine with my own eyes. :) -M
Pretty much my experience as well - although in my case, it's not a hat on order, but a hat scheduled to be reblocked. I sent him the first hat he ever made for me almost a year and a half ago so that it could get a rebock, and haven't heard from him since. I wish he'd send it back, even...
Don't forget your own hats, Tony! I know you don't wanna toot your own horn, but I've seen the beauties you turn out and he couldn't go wrong with you either.
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