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Three of a kind...

Sloan1874

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,427
Location
Glasgow
Couldn't help but notice that, as of this week, these three separate makers all seem to be offering the same jacket.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD3IYXdn3zw/
https://www.facebook.com/billkelsomfg/photos/pcb.1219413184755637/1219412944755661/?type=3&theater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEJXTBPqYzE/

By all accounts, you could be forgiven for thinking that Simmons Bilt, Block Bilt and Bill Kelso are one and the same. I'm not sure it makes any difference to anything, but in a saturated market like the jacket one, it seems a strange thing to do. Am I wrong to think that?
 

hondurasdave47

Practically Family
Messages
627
Location
Cleveland, Ohio
Weird. But the first two jackets both appear to be made by BK, no? The comments on the first IG post indicate that the jacket is made by BK. And the third jacket is made by SB I believe.
 
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16,855
So what the hell is all this, then? The comments at the BK instagram had me laugh, especially the last one, after the schitzoland explanation; 'I am not confused anymore'. Brilliant! XD
 

Sloan1874

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,427
Location
Glasgow
lol but that's the same guy modeling in the first two links?

That's the thing foxing me. What's the point of having you're own label and then promoting another one, even if you're making them on their behalf? How separate is the BK - BB relationship? The Simonds-Bilt is basically the same thing again (though maybe a bit shinier, though that may be down to the flash). It's just very odd. I wish I could get my head around what they're trying to do, because it just it seems self-defeating.
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
1df4d1d97fe94683e198e4f9542eb984.jpg
 

Plumbline

One Too Many
Messages
1,271
Location
UK
Don't know about the BK or the Block Bilt .... but the last one is the SB "Oakland" and it's been around from the early Alexander days .. I've got a customised version without the D-pocket and copying the pocket angle and collar of an original SB jacket .... the more the merrier though, keeps the prices keen and the producers mean :)
 
Last edited:

feltfan

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,190
Location
Oakland, CA, USA
The third jacket does seem to use different leather and has straps on the wrists.
D-pockets have been around for a long time, with variations.
 

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