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I patronize Himel jackets because of the following factors, details and attributes (in no particular order):
1. Shinki HH: I do NOT believe that Shinki is “the best” leather. Rather, it is my personal favorite. I like the weight, feel and drape of Shinki HH -- much more than any other HH. Shinki HH achieves a balance of weight, thickness, durability and drape that works perfectly for me. I have yet to come across a HH that better satisfies my personal preferences. Vicenza is the closest, but I much prefer Shinki HH. Very few manufacturers offer Shinki HH.
2. Stitch count: Himel jackets employ a higher stitch count than certain other manufacturers. I do NOT believe that higher stitch counts are “better” or “necessary” for a robust, durable jacket. Rather, I simply prefer the look of the tighter stitching. It is merely an aesthetic preference.
3. Stitch precision: In my experience, Himel jackets have very precise stitching. Not all manufacturers have equally precise stitching. As with the stitch count, this is purely an aesthetic issue, unrelated to the durability of the jacket.
4. Top stitching: Himel jackets employ interesting top stitching that I really like. Certain other manufacturers do not use similar top stitching.
5. Seams: Himel jackets employ a method of seam construction (I forgot what it is called) that results in a flat joint, as opposed to an overlap (not all seams – only some). Certain other manufacturers implement this same style seam, but in my experience, Himel often executes the seam more effectively, and he appears to use this seam more often than certain others. Again, this is purely an aesthetic issue unrelated to the durability of the jacket.
6. Details/precision/symmetry: For example, on café racers from certain manufacturers, the collar snaps are not precisely located equal distances from adjacent seams. Rather, many collar snaps overlap one seam, or are much closer to one seam than another. In my experience, Himel pays great attention to details such as this, and his construction is very precise and symmetric. Not all jacket manufacturers implement equally precise construction.
7. Design/cut: I like the design and cut of Himel’s jackets.
8. Customization: Himel will fully customize all aspects of his jackets.
9. Old-world, artisan methods and equipment: Himel’s production methods and equipment are similar to that implemented by leather craftsmen of years past. I respect Himel’s approach and its legacy. It adds an element of character and backstory to the jacket. I am not suggesting that these old-world methods are superior.
Himel certainly has not cornered the market on any of the foregoing details. Other jacket manufacturers offer elements of the foregoing, in different combinations. That said, Himel he has successfully integrated these various details, and others, in a combination and manner that I personally find appealing and prefer.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that any of the foregoing details should be perceived as important or meaningful by anyone else, or result in a better jacket, or are worth the incremental price difference. Rather, I am merely stating my personal preference, and the basis for my preference. These details are worth the additional price TO ME. I certainly understand why these details are not worth the additional price to other people.
In the end, it is entirely a matter of personal preference and perceived value. Would I pay $5,000 for a Himel jacket. Absolutely not. Thus, while I value the attributes of Himel jackets, there is a limit to what I will pay for these attributes. Everyone’s limit is different. Likewise, everyone’s perception of the attributes, and whether they are meaningful or beneficial, is different.
As jacket enthusiasts, we inevitably focus on details that elude the average consumer, and that the average consumer could care less about. IMHO, this is entirely normal, and part of the enjoyment of being an enthusiast of a particular product. Enthusiasts enjoy learning about obscure details that distinguish products from one another – details that 99.9% of the population have no knowledge of, and don't care about. Whether it be accuracy of reproduction, zipper design, or leather tanning, the overwhelming majority of the discussion on this forum centers on obscure details. Our collective interest in these details – with different focuses, and to varying degrees – is what defines us as enthusiasts and differentiates us from the average consumer.
All of the jackets we discuss here are outstanding and will last a lifetime. We are fortunate to have so many stellar options.
1. Shinki HH: I do NOT believe that Shinki is “the best” leather. Rather, it is my personal favorite. I like the weight, feel and drape of Shinki HH -- much more than any other HH. Shinki HH achieves a balance of weight, thickness, durability and drape that works perfectly for me. I have yet to come across a HH that better satisfies my personal preferences. Vicenza is the closest, but I much prefer Shinki HH. Very few manufacturers offer Shinki HH.
2. Stitch count: Himel jackets employ a higher stitch count than certain other manufacturers. I do NOT believe that higher stitch counts are “better” or “necessary” for a robust, durable jacket. Rather, I simply prefer the look of the tighter stitching. It is merely an aesthetic preference.
3. Stitch precision: In my experience, Himel jackets have very precise stitching. Not all manufacturers have equally precise stitching. As with the stitch count, this is purely an aesthetic issue, unrelated to the durability of the jacket.
4. Top stitching: Himel jackets employ interesting top stitching that I really like. Certain other manufacturers do not use similar top stitching.
5. Seams: Himel jackets employ a method of seam construction (I forgot what it is called) that results in a flat joint, as opposed to an overlap (not all seams – only some). Certain other manufacturers implement this same style seam, but in my experience, Himel often executes the seam more effectively, and he appears to use this seam more often than certain others. Again, this is purely an aesthetic issue unrelated to the durability of the jacket.
6. Details/precision/symmetry: For example, on café racers from certain manufacturers, the collar snaps are not precisely located equal distances from adjacent seams. Rather, many collar snaps overlap one seam, or are much closer to one seam than another. In my experience, Himel pays great attention to details such as this, and his construction is very precise and symmetric. Not all jacket manufacturers implement equally precise construction.
7. Design/cut: I like the design and cut of Himel’s jackets.
8. Customization: Himel will fully customize all aspects of his jackets.
9. Old-world, artisan methods and equipment: Himel’s production methods and equipment are similar to that implemented by leather craftsmen of years past. I respect Himel’s approach and its legacy. It adds an element of character and backstory to the jacket. I am not suggesting that these old-world methods are superior.
Himel certainly has not cornered the market on any of the foregoing details. Other jacket manufacturers offer elements of the foregoing, in different combinations. That said, Himel he has successfully integrated these various details, and others, in a combination and manner that I personally find appealing and prefer.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that any of the foregoing details should be perceived as important or meaningful by anyone else, or result in a better jacket, or are worth the incremental price difference. Rather, I am merely stating my personal preference, and the basis for my preference. These details are worth the additional price TO ME. I certainly understand why these details are not worth the additional price to other people.
In the end, it is entirely a matter of personal preference and perceived value. Would I pay $5,000 for a Himel jacket. Absolutely not. Thus, while I value the attributes of Himel jackets, there is a limit to what I will pay for these attributes. Everyone’s limit is different. Likewise, everyone’s perception of the attributes, and whether they are meaningful or beneficial, is different.
As jacket enthusiasts, we inevitably focus on details that elude the average consumer, and that the average consumer could care less about. IMHO, this is entirely normal, and part of the enjoyment of being an enthusiast of a particular product. Enthusiasts enjoy learning about obscure details that distinguish products from one another – details that 99.9% of the population have no knowledge of, and don't care about. Whether it be accuracy of reproduction, zipper design, or leather tanning, the overwhelming majority of the discussion on this forum centers on obscure details. Our collective interest in these details – with different focuses, and to varying degrees – is what defines us as enthusiasts and differentiates us from the average consumer.
All of the jackets we discuss here are outstanding and will last a lifetime. We are fortunate to have so many stellar options.
