Phoenix Hat Company

[Woodtroll]

Figure I would show some more photos of this in some lighting since the rain has stopped this evening. The chocolate color really comes through outside in ways the camera may not pick up.
Being my first real hat that wasn't a crushable wool one. I’m getting used to handling it. Rick gave it a nice curve to the brim before it’s journey. I’m learning to work the brim myself or trying to with my fingers. The western weight is substantial and sturdy.
The 4inch height with the shallow crease is nice. I never liked how some hats rub the top of your head and he made it just right so it just barely has some clearance. The sweatband is quite comfortable and I’m guessing like a pair of boots the hat will mold more to my head in time.

I went to visit my folks and my dad already wants one of his own.

Wow, Alfred, the hat turned out great and I am pleased you're happy with it. I like that chocolate color. Rick has done a great job on all the hats he's made me, but the Trekker gets the most wear because it is my nicest (by far) outdoor hat. It has aged very well, through rain and snow and beating around in the brush. I literally just hung mine up this morning after a three-day camping trip with the grandkids.

You're right, this hat will literally mold to fit your head perfectly in time, especially after some wet-weather time. That's also a good time to tweak anything about the crown or brim that you don't like, when the felt is wet and pliable. Just make sure and let it air dry at room temperature, and put a little leather dressing on the sweatband occasionally after it's been wet, and even less frequently a little on the leather hatband, depending on how you want it to look. Otherwise, just wear it! I hope you get many happy years out of it.

Please do make sure and post photos of your adventures either here or maybe in the "Fedoras Afield" thread. We like to see hats doing their job!

Congratulations!
Regan

 

[Woodtroll]

Most likely in 2022 jonesy. Keep the island safe in the meantime.

Okay, Rick, I'm keeping an eye out for your straw hat announcements! A good straw hat is the only remaining hat I really "need", and I'd be very pleased to have one of yours. Will they all be Milan construction, or what are you thinking?

Thanks,
Regan

 

[Courier Six]

Wow, Alfred, the hat turned out great and I am pleased you're happy with it. I like that chocolate color. Rick has done a great job on all the hats he's made me, but the Trekker gets the most wear because it is my nicest (by far) outdoor hat. It has aged very well, through rain and snow and beating around in the brush. I literally just hung mine up this morning after a three-day camping trip with the grandkids.

You're right, this hat will literally mold to fit your head perfectly in time, especially after some wet-weather time. That's also a good time to tweak anything about the crown or brim that you don't like, when the felt is wet and pliable. Just make sure and let it air dry at room temperature, and put a little leather dressing on the sweatband occasionally after it's been wet, and even less frequently a little on the leather hatband, depending on how you want it to look. Otherwise, just wear it! I hope you get many happy years out of it.

Please do make sure and post photos of your adventures either here or maybe in the "Fedoras Afield" thread. We like to see hats doing their job!

Congratulations!
Regan

There’s two variants of the “Virginia Trekker” now.
I appreciate the help you gave me, Regan. I knew I couldn’t pull off the taller height like yours and I gravitate toward darker earthy colors (however the initial lighter colored Trekker Rick made me is growing on me after seeing it) Just getting a good look at yours and picking your brain along with Ricks helped a lot to get some ideas going.

I hope to get plenty of years out of it and will do my best to maintain it and not leave it anywhere foolish after getting wet, but not baby it as promised. Already planning to load up my old Jeep to go to the Bay on a day off and the Trekker will have a saltwater adventure on one of most peaceful little spots I can get to.

 

[humanshoes]

Okay, Rick, I'm keeping an eye out for your straw hat announcements! A good straw hat is the only remaining hat I really "need", and I'd be very pleased to have one of yours. Will they all be Milan construction, or what are you thinking?

Thanks,
Regan

It's good to hear from you Regan. I'm happy to hear your Trekker is still giving you good, reliable service. I finally have one of my own and it's become my favorite "grab and go" hat.
As to the straw hats, it'll be just Milan and Hemp to begin with. I'll definitely keep you posted old buddy. Be well.

 

[Woodtroll]

As to the straw hats, it'll be just Milan and Hemp to begin with. I'll definitely keep you posted old buddy. Be well.

Good news, Rick, thank you. I'm real curious to see how the hemp hats shape up. For some reason I can't explain, I've never developed a taste for Milan hats, even though I do admire the work that goes into them. I guess my straw hat expectations were developed at an early age by all the cheap Tractor Supply/state fair type woven hats I grew up wearing.

I know you've got many interests, but I'd be glad to see you creating hats regularly again. You have a true talent for it. Take care!

 

[drmaxtejeda]

Some time ago I found a working conformateur in a town in Mexico.
I had it on a shelf in a safe for some time before feeling guilty about having such a coveted piece and not using it, so I offered it to Rick @humanshoes in exchange for the $1000 it cost me and three hats made by him.
He delivered all three, but this is my favorite. Sorry for gushing, but this is a Beauuutiful hat! I just picked up over 100 hats from Texas, and this is the best over all the Daltons, Cavanaghs, Stetsons, Borsalinos, etc.
Phoenix Hat Company Beaver 100. Perfect in every way.
Thank you so much, Rick!

 

[drmaxtejeda]

Another Phoenix Hat Company

 

[humanshoes]

View attachment 345903 View attachment 345904 View attachment 345905 View attachment 345906 View attachment 345907 View attachment 345908 View attachment 345909 Some time ago I found a working conformateur in a town in Mexico.
I had it on a shelf in a safe for some time before feeling guilty about having such a coveted piece and not using it, so I offered it to Rick @humanshoes in exchange for the $1000 it cost me and three hats made by him.
He delivered all three, but this is my favorite. Sorry for gushing, but this is a Beauuutiful hat! I just picked up over 100 hats from Texas, and this is the best over all the Daltons, Cavanaghs, Stetsons, Borsalinos, etc.
Phoenix Hat Company Beaver 100. Perfect in every way.
Thank you so much, Rick!

You're more than welcome Max. You always make my hats look better than they actually are, but I think the proportions of this natural and navy suit you perfectly. Wear it in good health mi amigo.
Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to own one of the elusive Allie-Maillard conformateur/formillion sets. It's not something I thought I'd ever get my hands on and I couldn't be happier to have it in my little shop.

 

[steur]

View attachment 345903 View attachment 345904 View attachment 345905 View attachment 345906 View attachment 345907 View attachment 345908 View attachment 345909 Some time ago I found a working conformateur in a town in Mexico.
I had it on a shelf in a safe for some time before feeling guilty about having such a coveted piece and not using it, so I offered it to Rick @humanshoes in exchange for the $1000 it cost me and three hats made by him.
He delivered all three, but this is my favorite. Sorry for gushing, but this is a Beauuutiful hat! I just picked up over 100 hats from Texas, and this is the best over all the Daltons, Cavanaghs, Stetsons, Borsalinos, etc.
Phoenix Hat Company Beaver 100. Perfect in every way.
Thank you so much, Rick!

Looks great, Max.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

View attachment 345903 View attachment 345904 View attachment 345905 View attachment 345906 View attachment 345907 View attachment 345908 View attachment 345909 Some time ago I found a working conformateur in a town in Mexico.
I had it on a shelf in a safe for some time before feeling guilty about having such a coveted piece and not using it, so I offered it to Rick @humanshoes in exchange for the $1000 it cost me and three hats made by him.
He delivered all three, but this is my favorite. Sorry for gushing, but this is a Beauuutiful hat! I just picked up over 100 hats from Texas, and this is the best over all the Daltons, Cavanaghs, Stetsons, Borsalinos, etc.
Phoenix Hat Company Beaver 100. Perfect in every way.
Thank you so much, Rick!

That’s some high praise! There are several of us quietly hoping Rick starts making hats again.

 

[belfastboy]

Yep, plain old organic coconut oil. That's what they recommend in one of old hat maker's books I have. The process restores oils to the fur that are stripped out in the felting process. It brings out the color/sheen and I believe it will have the added benefit of making the felt more rain resistant. I also read that luring was often used to restore old hats to new looking condition. I lured your hat this morning Regan and will probably use the process on all my hats from now on.

I lured a sun bleached western that Brent gave to me. It was dry and lifeless in the colour. I had nothing to lose so gave it a generous luring and the results were amazing. Brought the felt back to life, restored lustre to the felt.

 

[Courier Six]

My Trekker was loaded up in my Jeep and we went exploring on the Chesapeake Bay for its first of hopefully many adventures. Did some volunteer work with a local conservationist and helped pick up and check for debris and walked the wildlife trails. Despite the grueling heat and sun beating down for several hours I didn’t feel like the western weight was too much. The hat has also molded more and more to my head and feels very comfortable.

It also got caught in a heavy downpour on another day earlier in the month and kept me dry. I made sure once I got home to let relax in room temperature. I’m still getting used to having a real hat and learning what to do and not do. Rick made me promise not to baby it and I’m trying to fulfill that promise.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Bumping this thread with my Phoenix in granite:

 

[abe ny]

hi i wish and would like to ask how was this brim pressed so tight do you mind helping me with that?

 

[Rmccamey]

Phoenix twin ribbon in Natural.

 

[Scooterz]

Phoenix in navy beaver with I think navy ribbon.

 

[humanshoes]

Phoenix in navy beaver with I think navy ribbon.

View attachment 429479

Wow, I'd completely forgotten about that one Scooterz. One of my favorites for sure. Thank for the trip down memory lane.

 

[Robieman]

Sure hope you are doing well Rick (@humanshoes)

 

[humanshoes]

Sure hope you are doing well Rick (@humanshoes)

All is well here Robie. I hope the same for you and yours.

 

[Scooterz]

Wow, I'd completely forgotten about that one Scooterz. One of my favorites for sure. Thank for the trip down memory lane.

Yes it is a great hat. Glad to see you are still around. You made any hats lately?