(Trigger warning) Are we giving too much credit for wabi-sabi/Japanese craftmanship reputation for uneven graining (especially in high visible area)?

[long218]

I have never found this to be true.

They're both making fake grain, and making stealth grain that waits for 5 wears?

Seems a lot more likely they're just selecting grainy contrast panels to look like vintage jackets and because the Japanese market likes it.

In the original post, I linked both a smooth and an uneven-grain RMC J100, a $2000+ jacket. Real McCoy's is neither selecting for nor against grainy contrast panels. They are just low-effort putting together a FQHH as cheaply as possible while continue to project a premium message.

 

[long218]

Related and might warrant its own thread but

WHICH BRANDS PUT IN THE MOST EFFORT TO SELECT THE BEST (FQHH) PANELS FOR THEIR JACKETS?

 

[cbez]

The second j100 is barely uneven. They are doing batches year after year with different leathers and trying different looks. There's no grand conspiracy.

You're assuming smooth panels or perfectly matched panels are somehow objectively a superior piece. They're not. But if that's your preference, there are plenty of options out there for you.