Should I get a Whangee?

[Senator Jack]

I've been putting this off. Matt and I were talking about John Steed umbrellas and he sent me to this site. After two months, I still can't decide. I'm thinking the black polished, the black leather contrast, or the whangee (which Steed carried).

Here's the full site:
http://www.foxumbrellas.com/gents_tube_frames.htm


The black polished and leather will definitely go with more suits, but the Whangee is so damned colonial!.

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[Zach R.]

Personally, given those choices, I'd choose the black polished.

Thanks for the site, though, I've been looking for a place to get a decent umbrella for a while.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Silver would look best, if it were available.


.

 

[Senator Jack]

Yes! I asked about the silver, and it seems a silver collar can be added for about $40 more. Personally, I'm not a fan of yellow gold.

Regards,

Sj

 

[G. Fink-Nottle]

They seem nice, but three c-notes for an umbrella? Sheesh!

I lose mine all the time, leaving them behind in restaurants, on buses, etc. It'd drive me nuts to lose something that expensive. I guess I'll stick with a NYC $3 special.

 

[scotrace]

Whanghee, yes.

If you get another, you'll always show what you bought, saying, "should've gone with the Whangee..."

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I agree 100% with Scott. You must get the Whangee or you'll regret it. Always get what you want first.

I have a Brigg, but I have always wanted a Fox. Hmmm. What was that link again! lol

 

[Close Shave]

Swaine, Adeney & Brigg

54 St. James's Street
London
SW1A 1JT
United Kingdom

Tel 0207 409 7277
Fax 0207 629 3114

Surely the place where Steed's Whangee came from and the only place for a gentleman to shop for such a thing!

Tally Ho!

 

[Tomasso]

Smith Makes A Fine Brolly, Too!

Custom fitted while you wait, a London institution. Lovely sticks, as well.

http://www.james-smith.co.uk/main.htm

 

[Naama]

Nooooooooo! don't take the Whangee, sorry, but I think unbelieveable(I spelled it wrong, right?) ugly is the best word to describe it!

Naama

 

[J.B.]

I'm going to buy two -- one for each hand! I know I will be happier in the long run for treating myself to the WangChung ...err WhangHee!!

I can just see the green spectre of envy creeping into my friends eyes when I stick those $300 bambu bumpershoots in their face and scream "WhangHeeeeeeeeee" Sucka!

______________________________

Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? [angel]

 

[Senator Jack]

Prices in U.S. Dollar

Whanghee (Yeah, I had dropped the 'H') = $209
Black Polished = $131
Leather Contrast Stitch = $151

Is it a lot of jack for an umbrella? Certainly. But it's a subjective call. Some guys may pay ten times that amount for a baseball card, or even blow that in two minutes at a blackjack table. Me, I'm a sucker for accoutrements.

By comparison, I think it was in Paul Stuart that we saw similar models (no Whanghee's though) for $180.00. I'm thinking the Foxes are going to be of far better quality. I had come across James-Smith a few months back; it's a shame they don't have online ordering. I'd like to see their models. As I wrote, I'm not much for yellow gold and would like to find something with silver appointments.

BTW, any thoughts on the Scorched Whanghee at right? (Just as ugly, Naama?)

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[scotrace]

Scorched looks even better.


As a fellow Sucker, in your shoes, I'd be thinking "I need two. The Whanghee and a plain handled one for those occasions when simple lines are in order."

1. Whanghee

2. Choice Malacca



.

 

[Senator Jack]

I'd be thinking "I need two."

Yeah, I know. My fear is that the tan Whanghee is going to clash with most of my suits and hats which are either black or grey. The leather handle will certainly look gentlemanly, and the polished is of course very deco. What I like about the Whanghee is that you just don't see anyone carrying them. (All right, so I like to have things that no one else has. Guilty. Shoot me.) Will the scorched go better with darker suits?

Yes, two, or three. I wish I had the jack.

Regards,

SJ

 

[Zemke Fan]

I thought it was kind of Scott...

Yes, two, or three. I wish I had the jack.

... to make the "Why don't you buy several?" suggestion. Reminds me of the public-interest ad slogan: "Friends don't let friends buy umbrellas drunk."

 

[Feraud]

I say go with the Whangee if that is what you want Senator J-. Personally I favor model GT18, Horn inset. I am going to check the site for a Shillelagh stick. I really want one of those!

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I was looking at the canes at Fox and I am pretty sure that it the one used by "Dr. Gregory House." I may get one of those at some point.

I love the Whangee. My Brigg is a little bulky, and I carry it more than use it!

Plus, it's John Steed's!

 

[Feraud]

Regarding the price of an umbrella or any piece of gear..
We all pay for our hobbies, interests, vices, etc. in different ways. I bought my wife a Burberry umbrella as a gift a couple of years ago. It seemed to me a lot of money for an umbrella! Not only does she love the umbrella (good husband points! ) but it has lasted to date without wear. I think there is something to say about paying for quality. I have spent some outrageous dough for certain props. [huh]

 

[Tomasso]

A Whanghee Caveat

The knots on the Whanghee handle serve to provide an improved grip compared to that of a smooth polished wood handle, which is useful when the umbrella is unfurled and in use, especially when the handle is wet. But, that same gripping feature impedes the handle from sliding in your hand when the brolly is not in use and is being used as a walking stick. You can't swing the brolly forward as you stride because the handle tends to stick in your hand. Also, some complain that the knots can be uncomfortable compared to a smooth polished handle. I would suggest taking one for a test spin before purchasing. Just an observation.

 

[Zemke Fan]

True, true, true...

Regarding the price of an umbrella or any piece of gear... I think there is something to say about paying for quality.

... my ONLY problem has to do with how many I lose each year. I am truly an absent-minded-professor kinda guy when it comes to umbrellas. (Nothing else, just umbrellas!)