Felt Cowboy Hats - Part 1

[@drybayoudan5429]

At 64, I have learned that most people in public, respect my wearing cowboy hats, jeans, vests, boots, coats, & even spurs. I haven’t ridden in years. I , recently, attended an old friend’s funeral. I dressed out in my best jeans, shirt, & a nice jacket, w/ my black Stetson. As a walked up to a group of friends, one(the chief of police) said, “I thought that was you, by your walk. Then I studied the hat, & knew that you were the only one I knew that could “ pull-off” that look. I respect that you wear your look proudly.” He also asked if my hat was a Stetson. Of course, I responded with a tip of my hat & thank you. After many years, & many hats, I wear them & present myself proudly, with a good dose of humility thrown in.

[@voxhumana2able]

This guy needs to start narrating or doing some kind of voiceover work. That voice is cool as hell! 😎🤠

[@55tuu5]

A western audio book narrator or short stories would be awesome

[@sacredsam6046]

It’s a manly voice. It’s that he have confidence, and knows how to speak well.

[@Denzlercs]

After I watch one of his longer videos I feel more relaxed and start talking like him. There’s a fine art to that kind of living that few people seem to have. Sam Elliot is another that has a timeless classic western voice.

[@gavinward1299]

Red dead redemption 3

[@billjohnson3525]

He does a podcast..

[@bobjohnson1689]

I am not a working cowboy , but the boots and hats have served me in construction and remodeling , I’ve always shaped my own hats and I like the way they look…they’re me . I’ve always bought second hand cause I could never afford a new Stetson but didn’t want to settle for less . Glad to hear I’m not crazy sticking a hat in the shower to get it ready for shaping . Thanks for your video .

[@KENNETHCARNIE]

Same here, but I'm medically retired firefighter medic. Salute to fellow who works hard for what he has. 🫡

[@bobjohnson1689]

@@KENNETHCARNIE Thank you for your sacrifice , we need more like you .

[@itllkeal]

I love my old 4xresistall beaver hat

[@charlescomly1]

I absolutely agree with you about a man's hat being an expression of who he is, nothing I hate more than seeing some guys waring what I call a cookie cutter hat, I miss the day when a man took pride in the hat he was wearing being his unique design. Thanks for bringing up this subject so that I could get that rant off my chest.

[@MrStaybrown]

Cool Hand..I agree and share your view. 40+ years ago I noticed my dad or grandpa would buy a hat and steam their own shape, I do the same today. It does express who you are. 👍

[@firebird77clonefirebird89]

in Iraq, we hot issued "boonies caps", desert camo, very wide brim and a drawstring chin strap. They were supposed to be worn "floppy". I got called out many times by sergeant majors because I would form my brim like a cowboy hat, with the drawstring on top to join the shape. I would comply with the SGM and "floppy" the hat, then put it right back as soon as he was out of sight.

[@packsaddle101]

When I was growing up, the Gus crease was originally called the "packer's crease" or the "Wyoming slope." Then in 1980, when Steve McQueen came out with the movie "Tom Horn" and was wearing a hat with that particular crease, people started calling it the "Tom Horn" crease. Then in 1989 when "Lonesome Dove" came out, folks started calling it the "Gus" crease. I had been wearing my hats with that particular crease way before those two movies were produced, although like you, have always put a mule kick in the back. I've been leading a pack string for over thirty years and still call it the "packer's crease." A little over ten years ago, I was introduced to an old cowboy who took one look at my hat and said, "Packer's crease!" So, I guess I'm not the only one who grew up calling it that. Great video.

[@bennyblanko3]

In Donnelly Idaho we call it the "Rangus Winnemucca" after Randy Priest of Silver Tip Hat Company. That's one of Randy's nicknames, and he's built plenty of good looking hats.

[@mikehagan4320]

Isn't the Crease you spoke of also the same as the Montana Crease? Though I'm not sure it had a donkey kick.

[@packsaddle101]

@@mikehagan4320 Hmmm. Not sure. I've heard of the Montana Peak, but always heard this one called the Wyoming Slope or packer's crease. Of course, different regions have different names for different creases. It used to be that you'd go into a store and all the hats were open-crowned, i.e. no crease whatsoever. You'd buy the hat and then they'd shape it the way you wanted...or they'd let you use their steamer and you could shape it yourself. (I can see that I'm dating myself here.) Bottom line...find the crease that says, "you" and wear it. A good hat will last your grandkids. I know because one of my grandsons has the first 4x beaver Stetson I bought many, many years ago. I remember it cost me $12.50...and I kept thinking at the time, "Golly, can I afford this?" That shows you how long ago that was. Of course, the quality felt on that old 4x beaver is much better than the 4x beaver hats nowadays. I guess that's what they call progress.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

@@bennyblanko3 Randy has another nickname. God. He played the part in a movie. His daughter is an actor and that connection is how he got the job.

[@bennyblanko3]

@@sweetdrahthaar7951 Yeah, he is the only one I know who can control the weather, and make lightning bolts appear on a sunny day ... heh heh - a good friend to know. IBID ... I thought he played dog ... but I have many brain troubles ...

[@lupegonzales5120]

Like my grandad and my dad, I’ve been a hat man all my life. Even whilst deployed during my career in the Marine Corps I took my hat with me. Needless to say, I took a lot of heat from my fellow gyrenes when we had liberty. You can guess some of the comments…. Anyway, you are spot on about my hats expressing my personality. I too block my hats at home to fit my needs and gets quite a few compliments. Keep up the good work brother and we’ll keep coffee on the fire.

[@catholicchristdisciple]

What country where you deployed if i may ask ?

[@Docsjeff]

So glad I found your channel. More “Men” and young boys need to see your videos. I’ve ridden a lot of colts,calf roped and team roped for years,but my back gave out on me,so now I even have to sit down to play and sing my music.Going to have a major back surgery in either late Nov. or early Dec. to try and get me standing up straight again.I’ve been 6’4” since my Jr.year in H.S. In 2009 I had a back fusion go south on me ,& now at 61,I can tell everyone if their shoes need tying because I’m so humped over.Now I’m 6’01. I’ve got identical twin granddaughters that are about to be 11,& they’ve never seen me totally upright. Really hoping and have a lot of prayers that this surgery can get me back standing up straight again. Didn’t mean to ramble,just excited to see someone that shares my morals and lifestyle that I try to maintain. Thanks for this channel and please,please keep ‘em coming.

[@stephencooper3668]

Prayers sent your way for a successful surgery.

[@ben2jamming]

I live in Spain. But I love these type of hats. I live in Madrid the capital of Spain where no one uses hats like these or likes cowboys or you know any references to America. I want to get a cowboy hat either way. I just Iove the look. And also I've been a fan of westerns and cowboys all my life. I really love your channel. I think you are a good elder to look up to. Please keep making these videos they really mean a lot to me. Much love from Madrid Spain.

[@grassblade63]

I discovered that 'water shaping' method by accident, when I was caught in a driving rain with one of my felt hats on. I kind of reshaped the crown from a cattleman to a mild gus, and wore it dry. Worked like a charm and fits my head a lot better after that, too.

[@dave-d-grunt]

That’s how I’ve “shaped” new boots too

[@lrg613]

Now, you’ll need a rain cover. Haha!

[@Denzlercs]

That’s a great idea that I never thought of before. People do that with ball caps too.

[@Denzlercs]

A man’s hat is an extension of him. It does speak volumes about a man and his personality and attitude. Chivalry is very strong in western cowboy life.

[@frankherbert6476]

As a country fur buyer, I heartily encourage everyone to buy a beaver felt hat!

[@eeayquetting5963]

I just bought my first one today

[@wiltonsmith3397]

Someone once said: “Broke is a temporary condition, poor is a frame of mind.”

[@soslothful]

One suspects those who are in poverty would disagree.

[@dakotareid1566]

@@soslothful probably because they’re in the poor frame of mind

[@soslothful]

@@dakotareid1566 What is "the poor frame of mind"?

[@dakotareid1566]

@@soslothful broke is you don’t have much money but you work to change it. The poor state of mind is the mindset of oh poor me I’m in a bad situation and it’s society’s fault and there’s nothing I can do. You basically just blame your situation on everything else, and you do nothing to change it. That’s the poor frame of mind

[@soslothful]

@@dakotareid1566 Well, fair enough over all. But still, one can be financially devastated by no fault of one's own. Many people have certainly had this happen with all the COVID created hardships. Other things such as crushing medical expenses, or the death of an income provider. Others may be at a sever disadvantage through poor education or social injustice.

[@bungendores_finest]

I am so glad you mentioned Akubra. Being an Australian cowboy myself I have a deep love for that brand in particular. I personally wear a Akubra “rough rider”. It’s in black colour with imperial quality fur felt finish with a beautiful sewn and twined leather band with a tail feather spur on-top. One of my favourite features is the eye opening brand design inside the hat in a white satin finish. It’s my favourite style hat being a rodeo western look aswell. Great video as always, get excited all the time when Aussie things are mentioned in these great videos. Awesome work! One of my top clicked on channels now.

[@evelynmueller6523]

I have 4 myself!! love the akubra!

[@opticalecho119]

My uncle showed up to Christmas in Texas with an Akubra and now I have to have one

[@Jrhnhemp]

How about that Bush Tucker Man’s hat?

[@CristiNeagu]

@@Jrhnhemp Apparently that's an Akubra Sombrero.

[@CristiNeagu]

I've been using a Snowy River for years now. That hat has been with me all over Europe. Really nice hat.

[@muleskinner4495]

Let’s hear about boots ( style, heels and toes) when you have time. Thanks for the videos!

[@martyhinnenkamp1]

I was in the shoe and boot business for 30 years I may do a video on boots just as you are talking about! thanks for the idea I used to have two dozen pair of quality boots laying around but can't wear them anymore but still have three pairs left enough to do a video

[@muleskinner4495]

@@martyhinnenkamp1 I would appreciate it and I’m sure others would as well. Thanks

[@shannonpattenthetexasbb]

@@martyhinnenkamp1 do you wear your hats in the rain

[@46rambo49]

I crushed and ankle and wear White's lace up farmer/ranchers with no issues, can't do pull ons

[@jonpaul6948]

@@shannonpattenthetexasbb Felt hats withstand rain very well, the more beaver in them the better but pretty much all felt will perform surprisingly well in the elements.

[@robertherronii4773]

God I love your videos, thank you so much. I've worked with cattle on and off most of my life, doing all kinds of things from dairy farm work to working ranches in recent years. Dad used to say I had manure in my blood, lol. I've always bought the cheapest hats I can find because of finances and because I know that it will eventually be completely destroyed at some point, stomped on, covered in manure, even used to water horses in places because of necessity, excetra. That's probably why my hats usually only last a year. When my father passed away a few years ago, I was given his 100x Stetson. He never wore it working, it was his "Town" hat so I'd never gotten the chance to examine it close. When I took it out and looked in it and saw the silk liner with the picture on it of the cowboy watering his horse with his hat, well it brought a tear to my eye. Through snow and rain and dust and mud, a hat definitely becomes a part of you. Your totally right about what a hat says about a person, like working with someone for the first time that shows up wearing a brand new hat with gold or silver bands. Thank you so much for talking about things that I've learned through so many years. Lots of the things you talk about I've always done but also wondered if it i was doing it the correct way. People that have worked in cattle have shared experiences we often don't even realize until your chewing the fat and having a cold one after a long day of working chutes. Thank you sir, and... My hats off to you.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great info and glad to see you and I feel the same about the Cattleman crease!

[@TimberTramp]

I’ve done lots of searching re: hat shapes. It fascinates me, the personality that bleeds from a hat!

[@keiththomas3867]

Thank you for making these videos! It is nice to find someone on youtube who has the right perspective on life and promotes the cowboy way of living. I hope you are able to continue making them and know that we really appreciate your sharing of the wisdom you have gained through the years. I am currently dealing with cancer and your videos provide a nice change of pace for me when I can't be active. Like you, I too am a Christian and I admire your willingness to share your faith in the videos you make.

[@briandrum2418]

Keith I'm sad to hear that you're battling cancer. As a fellow brother in Christ I will most certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and You can do all things through Christ who gives You strength (Philippians 4:13, one of my favorites) 👍✝️

[@lowes891646]

Hey, Keith. Our Lord has the last word on our health as in everything else in life. I'm sure you know this. I was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2007. The doctor said if I took chemo, I'd have a 33% chance of survival. If not, I had two years to live. I took 11 months of chemo, and at the end of treatment the doctor said it didn't work and asked me if I wanted to go again. I said, "nope, I'll trust my Lord and my God... 13 years later, I'm as strong as ever, inside and out. Jesus is Lord of everything, including our health. Ecclesiastes 3:2 is quite clear. He's Lord of our birth, Lord of our lives and Lord of our death... God has you in the Palm of His hand... and remember, 1 Corinthians 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, those things which God has prepared for those who love Him." There is wonderworking Power in His Blood! God Bless you Brother. You're in my prayers for sure.

[@wholesome122]

Ever since I started playing red dead 2 I’ve been getting these videos recommended and I love it

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great discussion on hats. You’re right about a hat being a personal choice and an appendage of the man wearing. You do you is the way to go. God bless.

[@rwfoxtrot]

G’day from Australia! I had an Akubra “Man form Snowy River” that I bought when I was 18. 35 hard working years later it’s finally been retired as the holes are almost bigger than the felt! Australian sun is just as nasty in the cities as the country so I now wear a 50X custom beaver hat I purchased from O’Farrell Hat Company of Santa Fe NM. It was expensive but very much worth it! Cool in summer and warm in our mild winters (not even a frost here in Brisbane!). Just discovered your channel and am enjoying it very much. Stay safe on the trail. Cheers!

[@phyllisoconnell2050]

My grandfather wear his Akubra hat everyday, when he passed away, he was buried with it on

[@JamesHerbert-k8b]

I love my cowboy hats. I started collecting them 40 years ago. I have a bunch and they are between 4x and 10x. Most of them are 8X. I have shaped a few of them usually after a big rain storm while out riding my horse, in my slicker and hat. I have a few that were used in movies like Pale Rider, a Gus from Lonesome Dove, Kirk Russel Wyatt Earp that I bought in Tombstone and it is all wool not my favorite and one like the hat that Russel Crow wore in 3:10 to Yuma. Most of them are Stetsons I do have a nice Bailey that I really like. I do have a few that I purchased in Jackson Hole that are from the Beaver Creek Hat company. I have a couple of Stetson hats that are buffalo felt and it is a rougher felt and I some times wear those in bad weather. Another great video.

[@matthew7489]

These are great info. I’m in middle Tennessee. A lot of folks around here don’t understand the benefits of straw and felt hats. I am a farm manager at a wedding venue and I’m outside a lot. I wear a straw cowboy hat in summer and a 100 percent beaver cowboy hat in winter. They have many benefits as keeping weather off of you and can protect your head if you fall on ice in winter lol. Anyway most people wear them for look’s around here. Maybe you could do a video talking about the benefits of wearing a cowboy hat.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Nothing beats a nice wide brimmed straw hat for doing work in the summer. The only thing better is probably a soaked pith helmet but then you look like you are on a safari.

[@lonnieeichele2498]

I've waited over 40 years for a Rand Hat. I'm very impressed with the quality and the company (under new ownership since Nov.2020). Enjoying your videos. Straight up-no BS. Thanx

[@jamesevans9007]

There are a number of good hat makers across the country. My preference is Watson's Hat Works in Arizona, but there are others I've bought from and like.

[@greyghost1101]

I had Rands build me one when I was with 1st cav . Best one I ever had and still have. Great company still even agree m after the youngsters took over.

[@reskridge]

I get my hats made at the Standard Hat Company in Waco, TX....they really hold up well. I always suggest getting a step up from what you think you can afford if possible....never regretted it.

[@craig5477]

Dewayne is real. I don’t own a tv so I do spend some time on you tube. If I run across something interesting I might subscribe. But almost without fail over time I will either discover things I’m not comfortable with or just get bored & drop my subscription. But the more I learn about Dewayne the more I enjoy it here. Partly cause he’s a good story teller & partly because I learn about something thats really interesting. But also because I think he’s a good man. Just my opinion but I think that’s a rare thing.

[@andrewjost6714]

I visited Powder River hats in Elizabeth, Colorado where the owner/proprietor makes custom cowboy hats of all shapes and sizes, and he gave me a tour and education on hat making. Said he custom made cowboy hats for several movie stars for their westerns. Showed me the beaver felt, described the different felt contents (1x, 2X, 3X etc) ,the head molds (whatever they are called), and mentioned he makes recommendations to the customer based on personal features (height, head/face shape, etc) on what styles to consider. Never knew their was so much involved! Very interesting tour!

[@MLukacs]

Great video! Thank you! I have an old felt hat that I reshaped into a Gus style with a rattlesnake hatband that I’ve had since the 70’s. Two years ago, I bought a Sunbody palm leaf straw hat in a Gus style with a 6” crown & 5” bound brim. It’s a big ol’ hat, and I added a 7-strand horsehair band from Knot-A-Tail with double tassels. This year, I bought a Montecristi Panama hat. When you said that your hat is like your signature, you ain’t a kiddin’. Sure appreciate all your wisdom and advice. I’m subscribing!

[@RuthSisco-n2r]

Just when I thought there were no genuine men to be found left in the U.S. I'm a woman and a huge fan of this channel. Really gives me hope.

[@vinnydabird]

I bought a 4X Justin hat, and I ended up reshaping it more, never felt more proud of making something my own

[@heathersletters]

Fascinating. I’ve always had an iinterest in millinery. Just started cutting a few patterns and have some wool roving to work into shape. So this was timely for me in terms of thinking ahead to making adjustments to the hats once they are made. I would love to be apprenticed to a hat maker. Anyway, this is my favorite video of yours so far and I very much appreciated the discussion of the hat as signature/extension of someone’s actual person.

[@jgcelliott1]

It seems like cowboys, trappers, and miners might all wear similar hats, but with different choices or changes for different reasons. It would be interesting if you might talk about why someone might choose one hat over another. These videos really are gems, thank you for making them. .

[@VchaosTheoryV]

As a Trucker, i wear one and it helps keep the sun out, and the water off my shoulders when dropping trailers.

[@roymahaffey6987]

My first experience with you sir, I liked it. I don’t usually thumbs up a video because most content providers start off by begging for likes and subscribe before you even see the content you however happen to be covering a topic I’m interested in (hats). I liked your style so I just went on and hit thumbs up and I think I’ll subscribe.

[@WolfRanger2008]

I don't know what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed what I found. Consider me enrolled. Thank You.

[@zaledalen9931]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate a well done video that teaches me something about a subject I knew diddly squat about and presents it in a calm, laid back way. You have just taken my understanding and appreciation of cowboy hats, and beaver hats in general, from zero to a level somewhat higher. This has set me up for the whole day. Now I'm off to find the big bag of hats I've collected over he years and check out my old cowboy hats to see how much information the labels hold, if any. Eventually I'm going to make myself a hat. A personal hat. A hat that is exactly what I want to wear and be seen in. When I achieve that, I'll have a lot more to thank you for. This is a great start.

[@mildbill2806]

Mighty fine group of outstanding hats. Many thanks for letting us get a better look at them. Your sure right, the 100 percent beaver is the only way to go. My everyday wear is a Stetson made in 1955 I found on e-bay, after a long time search. It had a cattleman crease, but I reshaped it to an open crown. After many years of daily use, it is sweat stained, and battered, but no amount of money offered could wrench it from me.

[@sonofslade8235]

Only way to go!

[@josephfortner4500]

I wanna thank you for this video. I just got my first "real" quality cowboy hat. I usually go to tractor supply and get those straw Justin hats. Long story short there really ain't no real hat shops around me so I had to order me a hat. It came in and it's the hat I ordered it just looked alot more dressy than it did in the picture. I wanted a nice quality hat for everyday use and not a dress hat. Well I tried your shower trick and now it's absolutely perfect. I love your channel, and thanks for helping me solve my hat issue.

[@lynwilson3174]

Glad to hear you mention Rands. I got my hat several years ago from Rich Rand. Best hat Ive ever owned. One of the. best hat makers in the world. Sounds like a commercial for Rands it's not it's just that the quality and service you get there is awesome. Love your videos.

[@lesblack413]

Hello fellow Aussies. I have lived in Queensland most of my life - apart from about 5 years in the NT. Grew up in Longreach and was born in Eidsvold in 1946. I have worn Akubra all my life but also own a Tony Lama Stetson style and some good Western style straw hats. My work hat is an Akubra Long Horn but my dress hat is a sand coloured 'Arena'. It is disappointing to know that Twiggy Forrest has bout out Akubra and RM Williams and no longer supplies them to small retail outlets. I like this channel also...

[@aureliobrighton1871]

I highly appreciate your genuine and firm conduct of the video ... living in Bavaria the style of hat do differ considerably though there are a lot of cows and farms close by :) .. so I wanted to share my notion that someones 'tools' in general can tell a lot, that is for things having gained patina from work . Thanks and all the best from Munich

[@deanc8077]

Good info spot on with what has happened to the quality of hats over time. I tend to stay in the 7X lane these days cuz I like my hats to last. Like your shaping concept. I'll spray them down with water maybe steam them a bit with a steam iron. Once shaped though I may give the brim especially a shot of spray starch to firm everything up as it dries. Works wonders especially on a real old hat. Always more than one way to skin a cat.

[@jessehawkes1298]

I’ve got my 3 hats. My ranchin hat, good hat, and Cav hat. My ranchin hat was given to me by a dear friend and has been everywhere. My good hat I got made while I was in Montana, 50X wide brim it’s great. And my Cav hat is what I wear in uniform. I’m a cavalry scout in the army and the Stetson with the gold ropes, cross saber, and unit crest is just part of tradition

[@donaldkissler4676]

What unit are you currently with? I have served (retired now) with 2/1 Cav, 1/10 Cav, and 3/4 Cav.

[@jessehawkes1298]

@@donaldkissler4676 2-13 CAV out of Fort Bliss

[@lowes891646]

@@jessehawkes1298 & Donald Kissler: Thank you BOTH for your Service to our Country. You're BOTH true Hero's. Thanks again.

[@bluelionsage99]

My main wear cowboy hat is straw, but I have my son's Cav Stetson he gifted me when he changed units. Pulled the unit crest as on the rare occasions I do wear it I don't want to accidentally misrepresent I served in that unit.

[@master_illitrix]

Cav Stetsons are fantastic hats. My dad had one for his dress uniform as a Game Warden and the quality was good as all get out

[@Docsjeff]

I’ve shaped every hat I’ve ever owned.I got my first one at age 14,a brown Resistol.I’m 61 now.I’ve always been a Country Music singer,& have ALWAYS worn my hat onstage ,unless I’m singing in church.If you rope or participate in any PRCA event,your hat has to be on your head at the beginning of your run.Take your hat off when you’re inside,especially in a restaurant. I bought my first 20X Resistol Silverbelly last fall and I’m 61 now. I use a pot filled with just a little water(too much water takes too long to boil)& I form a spout out of foil and place it on top of the pot,then turn the fire one. That steam will just pour out of that handmade spout just like they have at Western Stores.You can tell people that aren’t “Hat Savvy” They’ll set them down on the brim instead of sitting them down on the crown-like upside down. Never put your hat on the bed,& NEVER EVER touch another man or woman’s hat without asking first. I always take my hat off when introduced to a lady. Yeah,there are still some of us out there. It’s like Chris LeDoux’s song about ,”You’ll Never take this cowboy’s hat.”

[@ChrisSmith-jcs1111]

LOL. I cowboyed with an old hand when I was in college back in the 70s in north central Oklahoma and he told me the best way to shape a hat was to soak it. Glad to hear someone else does the same. Also, I agree about not letting anyone touch or wear your hat. Lost mine to a pretty girl at a David Allan Coe concert Memorial Day weekend in 1978. I asked her to dance and after a few beers she wanted to wear my hat. Went to the restroom and when I came back, she and my hat were gone.

[@ripster8766]

I’m not a cowboy, my girlfriend rides English so I’m around horses a fair amount but I have nothing to do with them really. But I love your videos, something to learn in every single one I’ve seen. Thanks for making them and hello from south louisiana!

[@jimf3932]

You're right about spending the money to have a hat made. Worth every penny. Rand's is probably the dominant real hatter but there are smaller one man/lady shops out there in places like Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico and California. I've got two beaver felt hats. Both 100% beaver. One with a Montana style/Gus crown from a shop I think is now defunct, Colorado Mountain Hat Co. out of Fairplay, CO. They made it for me back in 2004. No conformateur fitting, just off a tape measurement yet they pretty well nailed it with a long oval that pretty well shaped to my head in short order and has held up wonderfully over the years with being worn in African desert sun and heat, Central Asian and Caucasian snows and southeast U. S. rains. My other is a charcoal grey Montana peak crown with a pencil curled brim by Fred Schafer out of Noble, OK. Was able to get measured by him when I visited his shop. Spec'ed the hat out as to material (100% beaver), brim size, crown height and shape and he had it made within two or three months. It's just terrific. Despite costing twice as much as my CMH hat from 18 years ago thanks to china/the weaker dollar, I still consider these hats a bargain for their quality and durability for regular wear. I doubt you'll find the factory made hats lasting past a year, maybe two, with daily wear in the weather.

[@CullodenCowboy]

I'm a 5th generation rancher and I still watched this whole video because of your voice. 😆

[@brooksmax00]

The way you have the hat on your head is exactly how I want mine.

[@colemanwads]

As a trapper I’ve always been proud to know the beaver pelts I harvest go to make some of the best cowboy hats in the world.🤙🏽 great video! And great channel! Other than riding broncs in high school rodeo I am not anything of a horseman, I can stay on and spur a the wild ones but I know very little about horses and how to actually ride a normal horse. but I love listening to you and appreciate you taking the time to produce these videos. Stay safe out there and keep up the good work!

[@jeffreyp.powers2320]

Someone posted a video on KZbin a year or so ago of Roy Rogers shaping his signature hat. He used the shower method but used hot water and really steamed up the bathroom while shaping. I grew up watching Roy. He was definitely the King of the Cowboys in his day.

[@deanmacka4975]

I got my hat when I was 17 , took me about 2 years to get the right shape but yeah I did the shower thing at first , then kept on shaping the thing every time it rain on the thing. I still have that same old hat . Yes she's been repaired but it's the perfect shape and hat for me. Great stuff mate 👍

[@ReaperRose]

i got a pair of waggnor boots from work recently and man I feel like a whole new man! My pace is different and so is my step. Knees been a bit weak but its okay I'll work em till they get right. Idk how to take care of them but youtube's been much help. They were almost $200 so I'm definitely gonna step my game up a bit perhaps

[@gbryant65]

Love my leather Stetson Rodeo Dr- Also have one in felt that’s very warm. Sure do like that Tom Selleck hat too.

[@diamondranch44]

Great video. I love my felt hats but their too hot in the summer so I wear a heavy vented straw hat in the summer or a palm leaf. The palm leaf hats shape getting soaked and wear dry as well. I pretty much stick to Easter to Labor Day is straw hat weather.

[@jmfa57]

I've had fun at home reshaping felt hats with steam. A few times I've softened the brim with an iron on an ironing board. This is NOT t he best way to do it because you can get a crease in the felt you won't want and it's hard to get rid of. A better way is to get a tea pot (minus the darned whistle) and hold the hat over it until the felt softens. I'm by no means a cowboy, I just like to wear hats in the outdoors, by the way. I got a black 7X Stetson off eBay that had a pinch front crown that just didn't work because the crown was too short. I reshaped it into the dreaded, ubiquitous cattle pinch, which suffices for now. Much easier than going to the hat store (last time I went they said their steamer wasn't working... uh huh.) Great video, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheEfrain7]

Great video, I learned something new today, I was raised in rural central Mexico, I'm not a cowboy or wear a hat but many of my family members do, as well as other fellow mexicans, they seem to take a lot of pride on how many x's their hats have, but I would bet money that some dont even know what the x's mean, I'll make sure I share the kwnoledge any chance I get.

[@wingandhog]

Mexican people know how practical a cowboy hat is. Especially in the sun. I’m not a cowboy either but have worn hats and boots all my life. I’m in New Mexico and it’s a place where it’s common for anyone to wear.

[@cornshucker77]

I made myself a hat from a Nutria blank. I am very happy with the felt quality of the nutria. And they seem be be more plentiful in the USA than they use to be. The little muskrat like critter makes a good hat.

[@monty_wolfkitty]

I agree, wish we could see more nutria hats, think theres a hatter in New Orleans that uses nutria fur.

[@xblackdog]

Was it one of the blanks sold by Sunrise Hate Supplies? Been thinking about ordering one of their nutria blanks and making my own. Funnily the reason nutria are so common in the U.S. is because they were brought here for their fur. It is about on par with mink, but requires a lot more work as they have two layers to their coat, and it's the bottom layer that is soft so they have to be separated. Mink on the other hand don't have this problem. So when mink became popular, some of the nutria farms released their nutrias, and they've been an invasive pest ever since (apparently they're pretty tasty too, but I've never tried cooking one).

[@xblackdog]

@@monty_wolfkitty Gannon Hat Co will use nutria if requested.

[@cornshucker77]

@@xblackdog Yes it was.

[@xblackdog]

@@cornshucker77 Nice! Glad to hear it's nice felt then!

[@richardsweat9315]

Good teaching video. I purchased a hat in Dallas Texas in 1964 from the shop that provided JFK with the hat he was presented when he arrived in Dallas, and the Texas governor with his hats. Like your experience...the measuring, lining with my initials in gold made it an 'experience' That hat cost me $200 then, almost a months pay, which as a single guy working was tough on the budget...but that hat lasted over 15 years. Your right about the hat defining you. it was as much a part of me as the hair on my head.

[@Docsjeff]

I make a steamer with a saucepan 1/3 full of water.Build a spout out of aluminum foil and turn the heat up pretty high to where it’s rolling steam.That’s worked for me for decades.

[@anoldmaninthewoods2548]

Your method of shaping your hat is the same as how I "shape" my cowboy boots. I like your vids!

[@rjwintl]

Charlie One Horse and Broner work for me now but , back in the day a Bailey U-Roll-it straw hat worked for me attending an Outlaws & ZZ Top concert in Roanoke , Virginia !

[@shadowulf]

I'm with you on 4x or better when it comes to the felt. I thought it was just me thinking the quality had dropped off through the years. I had a 5x Bailey in silverbelly for a lot of years. Lining "rotted out", so it became my flyfishing hat. The stitching finally gave out between the brim and crown. Never replaced it. Never found another that fit like it.

[@EchoSigma6]

I use a hat for gardening but wanted to learn something about the American culture. Glad I watched it.

[@oldhollywoodbriar]

Clint Eastwood has his hats made at Baron Hats in Los Angeles. They’re all 100% beaver if you want to get something quality. They worked on all of the Indiana Jones hats and even made hats for Elvis, The Rifleman and Bonanza.

[@johnolson7319]

Enjoyed your video. I shape my own hats also. I use a steamer or the shower method you mentioned but I call it the bathtub method. When I was living in New Mexico I did some rodeoing and some old west reactments. I have 5 different hats I built myself that I use in the reenactments. Since I moved back home to Montana I still do reenactments and use the same hats I had in New Mexico, added a couple more since then. A couple of the hats I had to replace the sweat bands because the originals got to dry and cracked up to use. So I replaced it with a sweat band from a regular cap and stitched it in with unwaxed dental floss. I forgot to mention that I also remove the silk liner when I do the bath tub treatment and put the liner back in the hat when I finished shaping the hat. I do my own hat bands, Stampede draw cords too. All my hats are 4 and 5 X quality and found them used at thrift stores and yard sales. Well before I bore you to death LoL 😆 keep up the good videos and take care.

[@bear9020]

I've shaped a number of hats, standin' at the stove, over a pot of boiling water. Finally got fancy, a few years ago, and bought a brass tube contraption that plugs into the end of a Revere Ware kettle. It directs the steam really well, for shaping.

[@jerryaldridge6174]

WEALTH OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AND EASY FOR ANYONE CAN COMPREHEND KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING

[@Backwater-wanderer]

Sir, you have a great channel. Wonderful content for folks of all backgrounds and skill sets, I just wanted to say thanks and let you know how much I enjoy it

[@rossdrayton5476]

G’Day Mate from Central Australia. Loved the video. Many Thanks and God Bless

[@davidjaeger1791]

Taylor Park and Taylor Canyon are MAGICAL !!!! Been there many times over the years.

[@dmjhotense]

Awesome info on the iconic American western hat! Thank you sir! God bless the American cowboy!

[@stevenbertrand8508]

Congrat on getting you a Rand hat. Thats one of the best hats you will ever own. Funny story... I was in the pawn shop next to Rand's trying to buy a saddle... Told the guy that he is asking way to much for the saddle I was looking at. He stated that he could charge that much because Rand's is right next door. I told him anyone going to Rand's is not going to a pawn shop for a saddle.... I walked out the door with that saddle for $200 LOL. Some day I will get a Rand hat.

[@JordanLeden]

I have my grandfather’s Stetson open road from the late 40’s - always been a fur felt guy

[@lebeshahmed5358]

Your a true inspiration too a lost soul. Thank you for doing you !

[@donaldwagner524]

I was watching one of your videos about saddle cleaning and you mentioned that your saddle bags were permanently attached. If you haven’t could you possibly do a video on saddle bags and what essential’s you would keep in them whether riding while working or just a pleasure ride. Thank you and for all the great videos.

[@melodikos]

Have a good trip,your content is gold!!! Best wishes from Greece!

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

Being into hats as I am also, I have never known a beaver to be mixed with wool. I know that they mix beaver with English hare. That is rabbit/hare. They also make them out of Buffalo wool of which I have a couple of. Love watching your videos!!!

[@doublet630]

Great stuff here. Many questions answered. Especially the shaping technique. Thank you Sir!!

[@MrBearbait75]

I see several comments on raising the volume of your videos. I am following a couple of people here on KZbin that have gone to a mile that you wear, whether wired or wireless, and that has helped an old deaf fart like me 😆 be able to hear them better. I agree the volume level is a little low. Just a suggestion to help if I can. I thoroughly enjoy your content. I may never be able to hunt from horses but it has been a dream of mine for along time. Subscribed and looking forward to more interesting videos!! Thank you for all the work it takes to make them. Hope you stay safe. Blessings.

[@sdsith]

I love my hats, like he said, they're kind of a piece of me. I have a black 4x Stetson that is my "dress" hat but it has held up on bad weather. My daily hat though, a black Stetson Tahoe, is incredible. Been through every weather here in NE and held up great, with some minimal shaping issues from a heavy rain day. I'll note here that I do outdoor things, formerly bareback riding and camping but am NOT a cowboy, it might not be great for that. Anyway, I love my hat, people identify me by my hat and it's just different when you have a hat you love. Take the time to find one you like, I got lucky buying both of mine online. One day I might do a custom one...

[@frankprocup6042]

Sir I sure did like this video I happened upon. Great content, good insight. Loved hats since I was knee high. I've owned several Lanning hats made right here in Canada. All western I might add, but they make plenty other's as well. Cheers, stay upright in the saddle.

[@kyleharmon7115]

i bought a Shorty's Caboy hattery hat in Oklahoma City. 100 percent beaver felt. love the hat. They custom built it for me I have to say after wearing a custom made hat other hats just dont feel the same. It fits all the way around my head. I will have this hat for the rest of my life.

[@softballsoccerball]

Thank you. I'm so glad I found you. Better late than never.

[@eliegbert8121]

The world needs more men like you

[@HuangXingQing]

After a full kilt kit for a few years I decided to try the 'drugstore cowboy' look. Grew up near San Saba and since I was visiting the Presidio in Menard I stopped at Tommy Lee's hood and got me a Stetson. Before I left 'home' I had a Texas Ranger buckle, decent belt, nice boots and a new Texas silver hat band. Peeps at the Coronado Hotel thought I owned a horse ranch. jejeje

[@OnlyGodCanJudgeMe.deanna]

I discovered your videos last week. I have been listening to your videos as I travel for work. I listened to this video on way to work, and my first patient today had a felt cowboy hat on, and I asked him what number it was, and sadly he didnt know. Funny I was able to explain to him what that meant. 😄

[@stevenrobnett7390]

I can 100% recommend the stetson skyline 6x cowboy hat. I still have my grandpa's 20+ year old cowboy hat; my grandpa was a farm hand. it has a crack starting on each side of the brim where it curls and a break in the front of the brim all which I am in process of fixing. It survived my grandpa and a house fire my mom had last year I love this hat!!!! 10/10 would extremely recommend

[@unacarafea567]

Rand's Custom Hatters is a great place to get a hat made. Small place, not cheap, the place is easy to miss, but worth looking for. I shape my own crowns with steam from a tea kettle. Haven't found anyone that does it exactly the way I want it.

[@jimmorrison306]

I checked out Rands website. They look awesome. I’m sure good hats were as expensive in the old west as good hats are today. Thanks for sharing.

[@philliphsieh83]

I am a Texan and Floridian who is wearing a white cowboy hat forever and ever and ever!

[@erichernandez2398]

Thank you. I am happy to learn this. Can't wait to watch more of your videos.

[@RickNethery]

Here in Texas straw hats are worn in the summer and felt hats in the winter.

[@johncain1624]

Same in Oklahoma. It’s just too hot. They usually last a summer for the ones with lots of ventilation.

[@josie4065]

Thank you, Dwayne. I'm thinking about getting my first hat and pretty self conscious about it. I'm definitely going to be taking my time in finding a good one.

[@oneer8435]

Love my resistol. Only time it comes off is if and when I get some shut eye. 👍

[@thealsatian4232]

Same here. Resistol straw in the summer and Stetson felt hat in the winter.

[@MrStevesTrains]

I subscribed right after you said, You don’t touch another mans hat! -Amen

[@samualstanley8671]

Dude your awesome brother...just found your channel...love it!!!🐴🐂🏇

[@sisleymichael]

Hats are personal. I live on a ranch in South Texas. I wear a palm leaf hat all year. Winter is not harsh. Sun is my enemy, so my brim is 7" wide. I put a Gus crease in the crown.

[@williamolliges2622]

Yup, my best shaped hat got stuck with me in a pouring rain. It was good before that. It’s perfect now. Roy Rogers crease? Chuckle. Good luck finding a lid with tall enough crown to put that horseshoe crease in it, let alone a shaper with enough talent to crease it. I’m not saying it can’t be had, but it’ll likely be a custom job. I always admired Elko flat hats, just didn’t have the build to pull it off, so I started running an Open Dress crease or Open Road with 3/4 pencil, bound edge, and little bit of roll.

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I have several Stetsons `10X and a few Bailey's. I wear them a lot in the field. But lately I found favor in the tried and true Fedora of the 1930 -1940's era. They are beaver and rabbit . I actually enjoy them and the fit almost any attire.

[@IfDawidCanYouCan]

I love your hats ‘D’… I love hat as well and have been wearing since ever and I’m a younger than you. Only thing is finding a Local Hat shop here in UK 🇬🇧 kinda finding a needle in a haystack… anyways, I bought my recent hat from down under made of Rabbit Hairs. It was ok but I find it very rigid and the shape is Flat although I like to have the shape similar to yours. My other hats are cheap and very soft. I’m disabled so, not much I can do but love to have a very good hat. One of my bucket list is to have a decent hat when I’ll come to USA 🇺🇸… depends when I can afford. Nevertheless, thank you for your videos. I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ how but I need my hat to be shaped to use it. You take care young man… and I’ll see you round… Remember, *_LIFE_* is *_SHORT_* so *_LIVE LONG_* and *_PROSPER_* … 🖖

[@davebarr9378]

Just found this channel a couple days ago. Really enjoying it. You're right about a hat being a signsture...I'm sort of a blue collar guy in a white collar industry. People say my hat(s) are distinctive to me..they are somewhat like yours. BTW, I live not far from you..over in Benton County. Thanks for the great content.