American Hat Company 200x Chocolate Shaping With Andy Henson at The Best Hat Store and Interview

In this video we will talk with Andy Henson of The Best Hat Store Fort Worth TX. Andy is shaping a 200X Chocolate American hat for me in a traditional cattleman crown and our CCG brim. We discuss the different hat blends, mostly focusing on the 200x, 500x, and 1000x You can find Andy on Instagram @insta_andy08 and on TikTok @instagram_andy
Join us at the American Hat Company Enthusiasts Group on Facebook / 1166322547526999
Follow us on Instagram @cowboy_cartel_group
and on Facebook @Cowboy Cartel Group

[@cklug]

Because of this video i flew from Maryland to Fort Worth to get shaped by Andy. Ended up with a 40x chocolate, 2nd hat and 1st American. Can't say better things about the staff and the hat. Great videos, keep em coming!

[@poker_matt4458]

Hell ya I’m in dorchester county , as you know we don’t have any American hat suppliers besides up in Pennsylvania

[@claytoole1986]

Andy shaped my 500x silver sand a couple years ago . Definitely coming back to get a 1000x shaped by him soon!

[@CowboyCartel]

Yes sir, they all do a fantastic job. Thanks for watching!

[@yaddi3434]

Watched again bc I like the content. I just received my american hat company 50/50 straw today from the best hat store. It is PERFECT. I had to order online and have it shaped and shipped to me. I can't say enough good things. I decided on the 50/50 after watching your comparison video. I got the UN crown and CHL brim and it looks amazing. I can't wait until warmer weather to wear it every day. I want to go to the best hat store in May when I'm in Ft Worth for the PBR world finals. Cowboy on.

[@mitchasics]

I'm a travel nurse who passed through Fort Worth this week. Bought two hats from them. These guys are awesome. And Andy did both of mine. I may have to exchange for a next size up on my 40x Tuscan felt, but quality is awesome. Andy's knowledge is incredible. Super cool guy.

[@venturini09]

Thank you for the extremely informative video.

[@CowboyCartel]

Hey, thanks for watching! I am glad you liked it and got something out of it.

[@jameswheat4225]

This guy shaped my first straw hat at this exact shop a couple years back.. small world

[@CowboyCartel]

They do great work, I need to get Danny to do one for me soon too.

[@supergonzalez0021]

Just went in today and bought my self a 40x chocolate I love it

[@jimcollins9999]

Nice! Love this stuff. 👍

[@redball4093]

Informative video. Thank you.

[@CowboyCartel]

Thanks for commenting, and watching! glad you liked it and got something out of it.

[@corymills7812]

I like the crown shape on his hat

[@CowboyCartel]

He did a great job, Thanks for watching

[@corymattson6350]

Beautiful hat great color

[@CowboyCartel]

I think so too! I find myself wearing it a lot more than I thought I would

[@SoulRebel440]

This is a cool channel. Something different. Keep it up my friend. Subscribed

[@CowboyCartel]

That’s awesome, I’m glad you are enjoying it. Heading out to do some filming tomorrow and we have another shaping video to shoot in early January 🤞🏼. Thanks for watching and the sub.

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

In general, the lower the X, the more stiffener (shellac) is required so the hat can keep a shape . That's why cheaper hats are usually stiffer. Modern tastes though do favor a very stiff cowboy hat, whatever the number of Xs & so the major manufactures adapt to the market.

[@DRONESVU]

Awesome hat.

[@yaddi3434]

I prefer the brick style. Just got a 40x pecan and it’s a hybrid Cody Johnson brick with a wider bull rider brim. I love it. I wear my hat low and right on top of my ears and cattleman style does not fit me. To each his own and that’s what makes hats great. Wear it the way you want. I want to visit this store soon for a straw hat shaped like my felt.

[@rkeefer58]

Love the hat! Just bought a 2x Justin brown looks just like it! Looks really good on you, good choice! 😁🇺🇸

[@Cowboy_Roboy]

Hell ya great episode bud!

[@CowboyCartel]

Thank you, I am trying to make some small improvement with every new one. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@EM-gx6nf]

Why the shortage of stock on American hats? Need to fly out to the store but so hard to follow their stock and time a trip

[@stevemendez3535]

I am totally blind. I have no vision whatsoever. But what I noticed when I lost my sight my strong hand was my right hand so I had to learn how to compensate and adjust with my left and build up my left hand strength. So maybe when you are shaping the hats And you are leaning more towards one side in a shape or direction maybe this could be the reason now I am not a hat, shaper or anything but somethings kind of cross over. Maybe if you get a hand crimper from like Academy or something and build up your weak hand whichever one that may be this may help. Keep up the great work. I enjoy these KZbin videos very much. Thank you.

[@CowboyCartel]

Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you enjoy them. I think the same with the strength and I do use a hand “crimper” and it may help. I think, for me it has a lot to do with dominant eye and hand. Thanks for commenting

[@andrewsimmons2694]

Also I would really like to see a video explains the straw hat rankings for American. I understand the felt ranking for American Hats but don’t understand their straw hat rankings.

[@CowboyCartel]

I am working on it. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@user-ph1mv5cz9q]

Thank you for the video I'm willing to accept the challenge of learning question there are differences in the way Mexicans shape hats verses American shaping hats I feel I must learn so there's someday balance for a good reason in making Cowboy Hats. Thanks for information

[@camaroboi13]

I wish we had a good Milliner/Hatter in Southern California, all I can get is ok results at Boot Barn 🤷‍♂️

[@brianbiggs2193]

Nice Hat

[@CowboyCartel]

Its a great hat, thanks. American really brings the custom hat feel to mass production. They are the top of the game for a hat in this range. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@andrewsimmons2694]

Good video. I like hearing their backgrounds. Do y’all have any leads on a legit hat shaper in FL or South GA? I want to reshape my 1000x American Hat and really rather not have to drive 13 hours to Best Hat to have it have done.

[@danziegner]

You got it. Fashionable Hats in Pinellas Park is an Authorized Stetson dealer, owned by a husband and wife. They reshape hats.

[@andrewsimmons2694]

@@danziegner thank you.

[@nathanaslin9719]

I’m just singing Hank now

[@CowboyCartel]

hey, whatever makes you happy. Thanks for watching!

[@miket8787]

Quick question...Does Best Hat Store make you put those patches on the hat... the American hat company white patch and the round black +x black patch...Or can you chose not to have them...Not sure why anybody would ruin the hat with advertising for the store? Thanks

[@CowboyCartel]

When we talked to Ryan in our original Best Hat Store interview we talked about this. According to him, every hat that goes out the door at Best gets a patch, but you can take them off as soon as you hit the parking lot. It’s a light sticker that doesn’t hurt the hat. If it’s something that bothers you there are plenty of other options for getting a new American. Thanks for watching, and the comment.

[@miket8787]

I guess l was a little off key...sorry. There so skillfully made. Like a piece of art work crafted by skilled craft person Stickers just look out place. Except for old glory. Love the flag. Glad to know they can come off easily. Thank you. This hat shop is awesome. And Ryan knows his stuff. Thanks again for the great feedbsck. You been awesome help. All the best!

[@marcusmichols1516]

i have had a leather hat for a long time that i wear every now and then but just recently i ordered a stetson skyline size 7 1/2 from the (i live in sweden) and i fell in love with felt hats. After watching your videos my dream hat would be a black american hat company 500x or 1000x. I plan to go to the US on vacation and get me one in a year or two. Do these hat stores have those in stock or do you have to pre order and is that even possible?

[@CowboyCartel]

You can absolutely preorder one if you like. Jobes Hats or Beat Hat will hook you up, and please drop my name if you decide to do that. Both stores stock the 1000x on a regular basis and it will be easier to get, the 500 may also be easier to get than the 40x and below. You can always give them a call or shoot them a message to see what they think.

[@marcusmichols1516]

@@CowboyCartel ill be sure to do that! I’ll give them a call when we plan to go on the trip 👌

[@jeffpeyton4850]

What is the proper tip for a hat shaper?

[@jimmyaber5920]

As far as stiffness goes, I'm in Texas and the wind will take a soft hat off and riding a horse at speed will cause brim flop and cause a snug perfect head fit hat to cone off. Felt hats lose maybe 25% of that shellac siffness with wear and handling.

[@danziegner]

A 100% beaver is too much for Texas, don’t need as much rain proof, we want a rabbit blend. American 40x, Stetson 30x, Resistal 20x are popular blends here.

[@CowboyCartel]

Waterproofing is a minor factor in all beaver. The bodies are thinner, cooler, tougher, hold the shape better, finish smoother, and look better than rabbit blend. You may prefer a rabbit blend, and that’s fine if it works for you. The price on an all beaver hat is pretty high, and it’s not the best option for everyone, but it’s definitely my preference. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@danziegner]

@@CowboyCartel I’m in San Antonio. Nobody uses 100% beaver in Central and South Texas, way too hot. We are still wearing straw in early November. Stetson and Resistal account for 80% of all cowboy hat sales south of the Colorado River. Though American Hat has become popular up in North Texas given their excellent marketing, they are not seen as much in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Y’all live in a different world there in Fort Worth and surrounding counties, with the history of cutting, reining, and rodeo. Here in South Texas we still have large cattle herds and the need for moderately paid cowboys to work them, hence a strong interest in ranch horses, rather than performance horses. Also, importantly, hunting accounts for a large sale of cheaper fur cowboy hats in the Fall. We tear cowboy hats apart. I buy two straw hats each year and a new fur hat every three years. Additionally, like custom cowboy boots, we still have a strong interest in custom measured hats. Examples, Standard Hat Company in Waco, Nathaniel’s Hats in Georgetown. Thanks for the uploads.

[@CowboyCartel]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, btw I am in Austin.

[@danziegner]

@@CowboyCartel Ha, I should only talk about South Texas then. 😀 I used to work at Cavender’s on Burnet Rd. when I was at UT. Love Austin. I’m impressed with what American and Atwood (straw) have done in recent years.

[@TeensierPython]

Living in the northern Midwest and the Pacific Northwest; beaver is amazing. It’s wet. It’s cold. Like having a nice hat while out hunting and fishing. Wish I had horses so I didn’t feel like such a “poser” though.

[@FrankRollberg]

You know of any hat shapers in North Alabama??

[@squaresaucemedia]

Does American hat company have a style comparable to the open road delux stetson?

[@CowboyCartel]

@@squaresaucemedia they offer a dress weight hat, which is what the open road is. Like all American hats it will come open and flat so it can be shaped to you. My wife has a dress weight hat on the way and we will be doing a video on that soon.

[@durathicc6.622]

Can I ask where you got your hat patches made?

[@CowboyCartel]

Me and a busy created a business to do it ourselves. Made in America, Veteran owned. We do custom work for orders over 25.

[@durathicc6.622]

@@CowboyCartel email?

[@CowboyCartel]

[e-mail]

[@innocentxvince]

What shape is that?

[@cesar2934]

What’s the hat shape of the man shaping your hat?

[@CowboyCartel]

The crown Andy is wearing looks like a Rancher crease, and I believe he said the brim is a JB but opened up a little "flatter" on a 4.5 inch brim. Thanks for watching and the comment. I will shoot him a message and report back if I'm wrong.

[@CowboyCartel]

From Andy "The crown is like a tall brick or minnick/brick combo and the brim is jb"

[@TeensierPython]

Nobody’s “X” ratings are the same. I wish the industry would come up with a standard and help the consumer out. (Good luck, ignorance is always in favor of the industry)

[@CowboyCartel]

Thanks for the comment. That’s why we are here. We posted the real story about Xfactor in American specifically, and we can pretty much guess with other major brands. The fact is smaller and made in Mexico brands can print what they want. I agree and would love to see a regulating body for Xfactor.

[@h.nguyen4193]

200x is an oximoron. 100x is 100% beaver. 200x is what 200% beaver lol.

[@CowboyCartel]

Since every mainstream hat maker has a similar scale you are addressing an antiquated system. If you want to do that, anything over 10x is bogus because 10x used to be 100% beaver. There is no standardization in hat quality. It’s a marketing technique to address quality above a standard beaver hat. We have addressed this many times and probably in this video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Man_Cave]

200X tells us nothing since there is no industry standard. Speak in English and tell us the percentage of Bever vs. other materials in your 200X and only then will the customer be properly informed.

[@CowboyCartel]

@@Man_Cave yeah. We have published that blend and we have read it on the podcast. It’s not a secret.

[@Man_Cave]

@@CowboyCartel And yet you neglect to divulge it.

[@claytonpulley4947]

Love American Hat Company, my wife have purchased over a half dozen from Double R Hat House in Elgin Texas. The Interviewer did not do his homework and pronounced Elgin like the town in Illinois during the interview. Our town is pronounced with a hard G. Mr. Rangel, the owner of the shop deserved better. Total fail for our town. Great hats, uninformed company spokesman. Get it right, it would sound more sincere. Clayton

[@jasminhrnjic8827]

HELO FRENDS BEAUTI FUL HATT CHRIS EDDY MYSTER* TENX WIDEO HAT BRAWO EDDY FREND.DOC HOLIDAY*

[@CowboyCartel]

Thanks for watching!