Just picked up my new horse hide A2 from US Authentic today from the Post Office!! Couldn't believe how small a box they packed it in! Actually though for a moment, that they sent me a kids jacket or a vest! Jacket is one bad ass piece of hide!! I wanted a thick jacket, and think I wouldn't want it to be any thicker. Not 100% sure on the fit, but it's been at least 10 years since I wore a leather jacket. Sleeve length is good, am able to cross my arms across my chest, with very little riding up my arms. It does get a bit tight across my back, but that might be because it is new, and still very stiff. Will it stretch out any with wear? My only gripe is lack of pockets! Will have to look into getting a pocket or two sewn inside for my wallet and phone. I read a thread here about a gent who had one, and broke his in by getting it wet (damp), and flexing/stretching his arms, crumpling it up, etc. Will try that, and see how it works. Was thinking of treating it with some Obenauf' Heavy Duty LP. Has anyone tried this? The stuff is bee's wax/propolis mix, that works excellent on all leather, even put it on my new tattoo, and it kept it from drying out! Will keep posting as the jacket breaks in!! Thanks!!
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My US Authentic A2 arrives!!
- Thread starter sinawalli
- Start date
GWD
One Too Many
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- 1,642
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- Evergreen, Co
worthlesswithoutpics
captaincaveman1
A-List Customer
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How's the sleeve length? You getting tunnelling? I just ordered one in goat and this is a concern of mine as I don't want the knitted cuffs to pull into the leather sleeve like a turtle head. lol
i.e.
To their credit, US A will shorten sleeves and ship back at no extra charge.
i.e.
To their credit, US A will shorten sleeves and ship back at no extra charge.
OneEyeMan
Practically Family
- Messages
- 536
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- United States
Congrats on the A2.
Can't wait to see pix.
Wetting the jacket and wearing till dry will definitely help breaking it in.
It probably won't stretch much, though, if at all.
It will, however, conform to your body with prolonged wear, and be more comfortable.
As for the Obenauf's, don't do it.
Everything I've read indicates that new horsehide doesn't need anything.
Maybe 10 years down the road it'll need a touchup, though.
Post pix ASAP and again, congrats on the jacket.
Lenny
Can't wait to see pix.
Wetting the jacket and wearing till dry will definitely help breaking it in.
It probably won't stretch much, though, if at all.
It will, however, conform to your body with prolonged wear, and be more comfortable.
As for the Obenauf's, don't do it.
Everything I've read indicates that new horsehide doesn't need anything.
Maybe 10 years down the road it'll need a touchup, though.
Post pix ASAP and again, congrats on the jacket.
Lenny
- Messages
- 6,449
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- South of Nashville
OneEyedMan is on the money. Don't put anything on it until it starts to get a little dry. Probably will take about 10 years, as he said, depending on conditions and how much you wear it.
HoosierDaddy gets good results by misting with a spray bottle and wearing the jacket. I have done the same. Takes a while but it will loosen up a little faster this way.
HoosierDaddy gets good results by misting with a spray bottle and wearing the jacket. I have done the same. Takes a while but it will loosen up a little faster this way.
I got the jacket a bit damp, and sat on the couch, and rung, twisted, bunched it up for a couple of hours, (good exercise for grip strength), and can't believe the results! Almost looks like a aged one! Leather isn't near as stiff as it was earlier!! A good pass time while watching Olympic hockey!! Will do it again for the Gold metal game while we crush you Yanks!! Sorry, don't mean to offend lol lol !! Will post some pics as soon as I get some time!!
- Messages
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- Location
- South of Nashville
rgraham said:Yeah, like you did the last time we played you.
Careful there Graham. If I remember correctly the Canadians played the US for the Gold in 2002. The US brought home the Silver. Those boys to the North know how to skate!
Geez, how soon we forget. This is what I'm talking about. These two exact teams met on the 21st, at these very Olympics, and the US beat Canada.
USA Beats Canada In Olympic Hockey, 5-3
02/21/10 11:53 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/21/usa-beats-canada-in-olymp_n_470942.html
Ok, no more hijacking by me....fftopic:
USA Beats Canada In Olympic Hockey, 5-3
02/21/10 11:53 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/21/usa-beats-canada-in-olymp_n_470942.html
Ok, no more hijacking by me....
fftopic:
Speedbird
A-List Customer
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- 359
- Location
- London, UK
ageing horsehide artificially ...
It's a bit late but I wanted to scream "DON'T DO IT!" .... with regard to the wetting/wringing routine...
Now you have had a go, don't over do it .... the hide just needs time and natural wear to break in.
I am a bit confused as to why, if you wanted an antiqued aged, supple look right out of the box in an A-2 with convenient pockets, why you clearly made an effort to source an authentic horsehide A-2 in the first place? I am not being negative - or having a pop as we say in the UK - but wouldn't an aged or antiqued goatskin modern replica with the modern conveniences of non-authentic pockets, lining and longer sleeves and a shape better suited to modern bodies and wearing worked better for your immediate needs?
That said, you now have an authentic looking horsehide A-2 and there is plenty of evidence of the originals being customised to personal need/desires, so go for it! But try not to overdo the aggressive ageing - you will just end up ruining its normal lifespan.
It's a bit late but I wanted to scream "DON'T DO IT!" .... with regard to the wetting/wringing routine...
Now you have had a go, don't over do it .... the hide just needs time and natural wear to break in.
I am a bit confused as to why, if you wanted an antiqued aged, supple look right out of the box in an A-2 with convenient pockets, why you clearly made an effort to source an authentic horsehide A-2 in the first place? I am not being negative - or having a pop as we say in the UK - but wouldn't an aged or antiqued goatskin modern replica with the modern conveniences of non-authentic pockets, lining and longer sleeves and a shape better suited to modern bodies and wearing worked better for your immediate needs?
That said, you now have an authentic looking horsehide A-2 and there is plenty of evidence of the originals being customised to personal need/desires, so go for it! But try not to overdo the aggressive ageing - you will just end up ruining its normal lifespan.
Speedbird
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 359
- Location
- London, UK
A2 choice
Having reread what I wrote above, it does sound like I am 'having a pop' - sorry about that!
What I really meant was what was your decision making process in choosing a more authentic cut and design in a heavier hide rather than a repro made more convenient for everyday wear in the first place?
The end result sounds great - a horsehide A2, slightly aged with added convenience - almost the perfect jacket!
But was it deliberate choices or an evolutionary process?
Having reread what I wrote above, it does sound like I am 'having a pop' - sorry about that!
What I really meant was what was your decision making process in choosing a more authentic cut and design in a heavier hide rather than a repro made more convenient for everyday wear in the first place?
The end result sounds great - a horsehide A2, slightly aged with added convenience - almost the perfect jacket!
But was it deliberate choices or an evolutionary process?
Speedbird said:
No worries, no offence taken!! I didn't get the jacket soaking wet, I only wiped it with a damp cloth. That will be the extent of my "aging" process. The reason I didn't buy a jacket already aged, with more pockets, is because I was really unsure about the ones at US Wings. Didn't want to get it all the way here, and not like it. My number one thing was a thick jacket. I can certainly live with a few less pockets. I didn't get a US Authentic one custom made simply because it was too much $$! I think they wanted somewhere around $100 for a inside pocket!! I know a seamstress here that will probably do it for $20!! The more I wear it, the more I like it, it is one bad ass jacket!! Thanks and cheers!!
SamReu
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 192
- Location
- Red Clay USA
Sizing
As US Authentic owners will attest, these jackets run long and lean. I was all set to buy a 42, but Shaul (owner) talked me into a 40. I agreed, with reservations, but he was right.
It fits about the same as an old Cooper 44 I owned, but gave to a friend.
As US Authentic owners will attest, these jackets run long and lean. I was all set to buy a 42, but Shaul (owner) talked me into a 40. I agreed, with reservations, but he was right.
It fits about the same as an old Cooper 44 I owned, but gave to a friend.
Whithead said:
I took accurate measurements of my chest, arm length, shoulder to shoulder, height and weight, and emailed them to Shaul, and he recommended a 48R. I was thinking along the lines of a 48Tall, as I have a Carhartt in 48 Tall, and it fits well. the 48R fits me very well! Sleeves are a tad long, but I prefer it that way. I hate raising my arms up, and having my cuffs come up my arm!!
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Spoonbelly
One of the Regulars
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US Authentic A2
I just bought one of these A2s in goatskin in size 48L (or tall). I got the "updated" new version w/ the two sets of pockets, etc. Very nice jacket. My only concern was I thought that the zipper should have been beefier. I had a Navy Bomber before this one which was not official issue, but was one very excellent quality version. The zipper on that one was nice, fat and smooth.
I just bought one of these A2s in goatskin in size 48L (or tall). I got the "updated" new version w/ the two sets of pockets, etc. Very nice jacket. My only concern was I thought that the zipper should have been beefier. I had a Navy Bomber before this one which was not official issue, but was one very excellent quality version. The zipper on that one was nice, fat and smooth.
