This is a discussion on Hat softening? TX members? within the Off Topic & Humor Discussion forums, part of the The Back Porch category; Hey you Texans - I have a real nice Stetson I bought in Dallas ages ago but hardly use it because it is so hard ...
Hey you Texans - I have a real nice Stetson I bought in Dallas ages ago but hardly use it because it is so hard and seemingly unyielding.
Any advice as to how to get a bit of softening, in particular the headband aspect, which right now does not conform fully and comfortably to my head.
Can steam be used? Or any other tricks?
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.
"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."
http://www.rkba-2a.com/ - a portal for 2A links, articles and some videos.
Array
Steam is used to crease a hat... ie give it the shape that you want. But the only way I know of to get the head band to conform to your head is to wear it often.
If the hat has been sitting around for a while you should consider getting it cleaned and re-creased if needed. Also, (you may know this, but in case you don't) always set a hat down on the crown not on the brim.
Thx - well problem is some wear has so far failed to make the awkward head band area change! Feels like a band of concrete LOL!
The main hat profile is fine. Thx for the mention re keeping it on the crown - that I was not aware of.
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.
"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."
http://www.rkba-2a.com/ - a portal for 2A links, articles and some videos.
Array
Would just plain water work, I had an Eddie Bros years ago, wore it in the rain a couple of times, and it got soft all over. Maybe moisten the outside of the sweatband area a little, then wear it for a while to match hat to head.
Anyone know if that would work. I guess the drawback would be it would stay soft.
Last edited by Team American; February 12th, 2007 at 03:35 PM.
"fundamental principle of American law that a government and its agents are under no general duty to provide public services, such as police protection, to any individual citizen." [Warren v. District of Columbia,(D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)]
If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand
Array
Chris put on the old tea pot , the whistle kind .. bring it to steaming out of the whistle briskly . Then take the stetson and use that steam jet on the OUTSIDE of the hat where the brim meets the crown and about 1 to 1.5 inches up the crown , rotating the hat slowly letting the felt warm and saturate with moisture . When the hat is just too hot to comfortably hold a finger on this area ( again on the outside ) wave it in the air a couple of times to both dispell extra moisture , and to cool slightly . Then clap it on your head untill it cools ( 5 min or so ) . Repeat this as many times as necessairy since you will get incrimental stretching and forming to your head . There is also a " turnbuckle " style tool to do this quickly and painlessly avalable at most quality westren stores or online from many I think sheplars handles them . Problem is the dammed tool used to run about $40.00 . but an old machinest like you can google it up and come up with something in the shop i am shure . Point is get the felt both warm and wet .. that way it will expand , then contract to the form it is on as it drys and cools , not tear .
Make sure you get full value out of today , Do something worthwhile, because what you do today will cost you one day off the rest of your life .
We only begin to understand folks after we stop and think .
Criminals are looking for victims, not opponents.
And, one other fashion tip, Chris...never wear cowboy boots with shorts...
"I surrounded 'em"- Alvin York
"They're ain't many troubles that a man can't fix with seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six"- Jeff Cooper
Array
Originally Posted by Team American
And, one other fashion tip, Chris...never wear cowboy boots with shorts...
That reminds me, will we get some pics with the cowboy hat and the tacticle S & S.
"fundamental principle of American law that a government and its agents are under no general duty to provide public services, such as police protection, to any individual citizen." [Warren v. District of Columbia,(D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)]
If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand
After you get your hat broken in and comfortable, you need to wear it a lot until it develops some character:
"I surrounded 'em"- Alvin York
"They're ain't many troubles that a man can't fix with seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six"- Jeff Cooper
Array
A hat jack. Its a must expecially for storage..
http://www.villagehatshop.com/jack_stretcher.html
"Sic Semper Tyrannis"
Array
Send it to me. I will break it in over the next 5 or 10 years. I have the time, no problem!
The Stetson I already have is light brown, what color is yours?
"There is no such thing as too much ammo. Unless you're swimming!"
I use a big pot and steam to form and re form my cowboy hat. Just don't burn yer noggin'
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson
Nemo Me Impune Lacesset
Array
you don't say is it leather or cloth? If it's leather just use some Neats foot oil, and no it will not rot out the leather for at least 100 years.
"The sword dose not cause the murder, and the maker of the sword dose not bear sin" Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac 11th century
RR had it down perfect, Chris. Is it a beaver? They'll last forever?
NRA Life Member
"But if they don't exist, how can a man see them?"
"You may think I'm pompous, but actually I'm pedantic... let me explain the difference."
"Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything."
Shucks - lots of inputThx guys.
It's not a top deck item I guess - "Golden Line,Old West'' - made in Mexico!!! Still wasn't cheap tho!
It's black and made from felt - but that is quite thick and very ''hardened'' - so whole thing pretty solid!
Redneck's suggestion sounds good and I will try that - in fact as I wear it so little because it's not comfortable I have little to lose if it doesn't turn out perfect. I actually want it to be softer and more supple.
Oh and - NOT used with shorts or S&S BTW
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Maybe yet I'll get a nice soft and floppy fedora
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.
"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."
http://www.rkba-2a.com/ - a portal for 2A links, articles and some videos.
Array
chris , just for info i use the method i outlined for my 20x and under felt hats , I dont own anything better but seeing as how your up into the $500+ range for better than that , i would have them fit them when i buy them lol . anything less is like working on a 1911 , anyone can do it if they understand a fiew fundimentals .
Make sure you get full value out of today , Do something worthwhile, because what you do today will cost you one day off the rest of your life .
We only begin to understand folks after we stop and think .
Criminals are looking for victims, not opponents.
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