Akubra Overload

[DaveProc]

RM Williams Campdraft today.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

That’s because if you compare the size guides of the Australian dealers to David Morgan’s Akubras, David Morgan hats are 1/4 inch smaller for the same size. It’s really weird.

But that doesn’t account for the Akubra factory tag size being the same. I can’t see the factory making a special David Morgan only size 61.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Nice looking Down Under.
I've found that if I buy em big enough, then steam the long oval shape into them, then wear them loose until they shrink up, you dont have to fight that long oval fight. I I the struggle well, I'm an long egg oval. Probably extra long.

I’m a long to extra-long oval too. A custom made band block is a godsend. Once you have one you can make your own duplicates cheaply and quickly. I keep the band blocks in some hats and others I slip them in and steam them a few times. I’ve found that a large pot of boiling water works better than my hat steamer. I can steam the entire outside of the crown at once. I let it rest 20 minutes and then repeat. After 3-4 streaming’s most hats hold the shape fairly well. Those that don’t get their own permanent band block.

 

[Gobi]

I’m a long to extra-long oval too. A custom made band block is a godsend. Once you have one you can make your own duplicates cheaply and quickly. I keep the band blocks in some hats and others I slip them in and steam them a few times. I’ve found that a large pot of boiling water works better than my hat steamer. I can steam the entire outside of the crown at once. I let it rest 20 minutes and then repeat. After 3-4 streaming’s most hats hold the shape fairly well. Those that don’t get their own permanent band block.

Years ago I took an angle grinder to a hat stretcher to accommodate the egg part of my egg oval, similar idea but your band block is a much better choice since the stretcher has no side support and a band block looks nice too. I always thought about trying to make one but didn't quite no how. I havent used my stretcher in a few years though, all my hats have held their shape and new hats shape easily with steam and squizing the base of the crown a bit to form to my head shape.

 

[johnnycanuck]

When you ordered custom hats from Art Fawcett a band block was an option. As all my hats shrunk to one extent or another I always chose this option. So I now have four. I think this is my first one. The later ones are a lighter wood with a better hand grip rather then a thumb hole.

I have been tempted to make more but never got around to it. Four has always been plenty.
Johnny

 

[johnnycanuck]

Last day of the garage sale. 9 degrees Celsius with 30-60km/hour winds. Not fun. Didn’t realize summer was over already. But let’s hear it for tight hats that can stay on in the wind. Akubra Coolabah

Stay warm everyone
Johnny

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Last day of the garage sale. 9 degrees Celsius with 30-60km/hour winds. Not fun. Didn’t realize summer was over already. But let’s hear it for tight hats that can stay on in the wind. Akubra Coolabah
View attachment 257384

Stay warm everyone
Johnny

Wait, winter is over?

I don’t think I’ll have any trouble “staying warm.” Love the Coolabah

 

[Gobi]

Can anyone comment on sizes from Strand Hatters? Do they run large/small?
Thanks.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Kevin drives me crazy sometimes, but after watching this I finally pulled the trigger on a Bushman:

 

[new2hats]

I might get one too. What color did you get??

 

[new2hats]

Drat. Actually jjhats are sold out. Moonstone at David Morgan not available till 9/23

 

[Boomerang]

Kevin drives me crazy sometimes, but after watching this I finally pulled the trigger on a Bushman

I know you've expressed concerns in regard to the crown height of the Bushman. I'm curious to see how you will like it.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I know you've expressed concerns in regard to the crown height of the Bushman. I'm curious to see how you will like it.

That was my big sticking point. My crease will have to be very shallow, but I think I can make it work. We’ll see.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I might get one too. What color did you get??

I went with moonstone. Do you already have a Campdraft? Is sort of between the Stratoliner and the Bushman in brim size.

 

[Gobi]

I wish I would've gotten a bushman sooner, the crown height kept me away from one for years. It ended up being fine. Hope it works out!
I love mine.
My only complaint is the sweatband is sewn in flat against the inside of the crown so there isnt the proper bell shape which keeps the stitches off your forehead. Other than that, it's perfect.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I wish I would've gotten a bushman sooner, the crown height kept me away from one for years. It ended up being fine. Hope it works out!
I love mine.
My only complaint is the sweatband is sewn in flat against the inside of the crown so there isnt the proper bell shape which keeps the stitches off your forehead. Other than that, it's perfect.

Thanks. I’ve sold off most of my Akubras, but I think this will fill a niche. I do wish the crown was 1/2” taller, but I think I can make it work.

 

[Zombie_61]

I went with moonstone. Do you already have a Campdraft? Is sort of between the Stratoliner and the Bushman in brim size.

Modern Stratoliner - 2-1/2" brim
Campdraft - 2-7/8" brim
Bushman - 3-1/4" brim

So, yeah, definitely between the Strat and the Bushman in brim size.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Modern Stratoliner - 2-1/2" brim
Campdraft - 2-7/8" brim
Bushman - 3-1/4" brim

So, yeah, definitely between the Strat and the Bushman in brim size.

Have you noticed that David Morgan describes the Bushman brim as both 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 inches? I’m sure it’s 3 1/4, but I’d also be happy with 3 1/2.

 

[Zombie_61]

Have you noticed that David Morgan describes the Bushman brim as both 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 inches? I’m sure it’s 3 1/4, but I’d also be happy with 3 1/2.

No, I hadn't. Village Hat Shop says it's 3-3/8", JJ Hat Center says 3-1/4", hatWRKS says 3-1/4". Strangely, it isn't listed on Akubra's Australian website.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Drat. Actually jjhats are sold out. Moonstone at David Morgan not available till 9/23

DM looks to have almost every size of the Moonstone in stock.