Quality Leather Jacket Suggestions?

SwimmingBird

SwimmingBird

Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
500
I'm clearing out most of my accumulated knife collection, and am thinking about putting a good chunk of the resulting money toward a quality leather jacket.

I've mostly narrowed it down to either a 141 or a 641 by Schott. The 141 is "naked cowhide" and the 641 is "deluxe heavy steerhide". I know the steerhide is stiffer and apparently glossier, but I was wondering about if anyone had any input in what type of leather is best for an everyday jacket? I know there is also horsehide, which is apparently even tougher and stiffer, but I feel like it is overkill (and Schott's horsehide doesn't seem to come in brown).

My plan is for this to be the first (and hopefully last?) quality leather jacket I purchase.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I don't want a jacket that restricts range of motion too much, and would prefer something fairly low-key in terms of bells and whistles. Looking for a sleek, simple appearance.

Thanks!
 
OK, don't even think about it.
Just go here: http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/
Custom made Front Quarter Horse Hide excellence.
Schott makes nice stuff, but it doesn't even come close to an Aero custom fit Horse Hide jacket.
I've owned Cowhide, goat skin, and Horse Hide.
By far, horse hide is my favorite.
When it breaks in it's just a beautiful thing.
Just realize that Aero is in Scotland, and it'll take a long time to get your jacket after you order it.
But it'll be worth it.
And if there's a problem, Aero will take care of it either by fixing your jacket, or building you a new one.
Yeah, shipping across the Atlantic is a hassle, but you don't get the best without a little hassle.

There are tons of options, so go here for all your questions:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/forumdisplay.php?4-Outerwear
Just for the hell of it, here's my Aero Highwayman.
aero4.JPG


aero1.JPG

This jacket has broken in so beautifully, looks like it's 40 years old (just the look I wanted), and is so supple, I absolutely love it.
It feels like a second skin.
I'm sure it'll out live my grandchildren.

And if you want the most authentic A2, go here:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html
This guy is the absolute best when it comes to A2's
Lenny

PS: Be prepared to start spending a lot of $
If you have any specific questions, email me.
 
Last edited:
Lenny said:
OK, don't even think about it.
Just go here: http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/
Custom made Front Quarter Horse Hide excellence.
Schott makes nice stuff, but it doesn't even come close to an Aero custom fit Horse Hide jacket.
I've owned Cowhide, goat skin, and Horse Hide.
By far, horse hide is my favorite.
When it breaks in it's just a beautiful thing.
Just realize that Aero is in Scotland, and it'll take a long time to get your jacket after you order it.
But it'll be worth it.
And if there's a problem, Aero will take care of it either by fixing your jacket, or building you a new one.
Yeah, shipping across the Atlantic is a hassle, but you don't get the best without a little hassle.

There are tons of options, so go here for all your questions:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/forumdisplay.php?4-Outerwear
Just for the hell of it, here's my Aero Highwayman.
aero4.JPG


aero1.JPG

This jacket has broken in so beautifully, looks like it's 40 years old (just the look I wanted), and is so supple, I absolutely love it.
It feels like a second skin.
I'm sure it'll out live my grandchildren.

And if you want the most authentic A2, go here:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html
This guy is the absolute best when it comes to A2's
Lenny

PS: Be prepared to start spending a lot of $
If you have any specific questions, email me.
Click to expand...

Hey Lenny,

I'm looking around their site now, would you say that heavy front quarter horsehide is definitely the way to go over mid-weight horsehide?

Thanks!
 
Good Wear is really good stuff, as are Aero and Eastman:
http://www.eastmanleather.com/

But another source for above average quality for a reasonable price is US Wings:
http://www.uswings.com/

Myself, I have 3 from Willis and Geiger that are 30+ years old, and will out last me. For most days I vastly prefer the cape goatskin; it's softer and more flexible and girls like it more. Cow and especially horse hide are much more durable though. It'll take years of normal wear to break them in, but they shrug off scrapes and cuts that's destroy the goatskin. They are much stiffer, and so many guys buy them and then never wear them. There are good deals on eBay.
 
SwimmingBird said:
Hey Lenny,

I'm looking around their site now, would you say that heavy front quarter horsehide is definitely the way to go over mid-weight horsehide?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yes.
You'll probably hate it at first due to the stiffness.
It'll stand up by itself it's so stiff.
But just wear it everywhere and all the time.
Soaking it in the rain is great for breaking it in.
And one day, you'll put it on, and you'll have a revelation.
It'll be buttery soft and just fit like a second skin.
One thing to realize is that even after it's broken in, it'll be a little
stiff when you first put it on.
After it warms up from body heat, it'll go all buttery and soft again.
Truly beautiful leather.
Plus, it gets all beat up and used looking after a while.
If that's not what you want, then I'd recommend Goatskin.
Tha'll pretty much look the same after 10 years, with very little aging taking place.
Lenny
 
In looking at your wish for a racer jacket, please also consider Langlitz, these are handmade, come in a choice of three cowhide weights, and goatskin. The stitching, leather quality, and attention to detail are without peer.

I see the Schott 641 runs about $400.00, count on the Langlitz running about double that. You have been a knife collector, you know that quality is worth paying for. I own a custom Langlitz Columbia now that unfortunately no longer fits, but plan to have one made that does fit:


Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
CodeRed said:
Aero is great. Take a hard look at Vanson (the ones that are made in the USA) and here is a great site do do some research before you buy anything

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/forumdisplay.php?4-Outerwear
Click to expand...


Oh yeah, I forgot about my Vanson.
I bought an Enfield for riding.
Talk about a Nuclear bomb proof piece of leather! :eek:
The thickness and weight put my Aero to shame.
It'll take a lot longer to break in.
It's cowhide, so I'm sure it'll never be as soft and supple as my Aero.
Although it's not a custom fit, I bought a 40 and it fits perfectly.
Plus it looks awesome.
If anything, fit and finish are a bit better than my Aero.
Nice to know they're local too, up in the Boston area.
As mentioned, they're outsourcing some of their jackets.
Make sure to buy a "USA" made one.
If you're patient, check their site often.
They put out 10% off coupons for their Vanson Days open house.
Lennny
 
Lenny said:
Oh yeah, I forgot about my Vanson.
I bought an Enfield for riding.
Talk about a Nuclear bomb proof piece of leather! :eek:
The thickness and weight put my Aero to shame.
It'll take a lot longer to break in.
It's cowhide, so I'm sure it'll never be as soft and supple as my Aero.
Although it's not a custom fit, I bought a 40 and it fits perfectly.
Plus it looks awesome.
If anything, fit and finish are a bit better than my Aero.
Nice to know they're local too, up in the Boston area.
As mentioned, they're outsourcing some of their jackets.
Make sure to buy a "USA" made one.
If you're patient, check their site often.
They put out 10% off coupons for their Vanson Days open house.
Lennny
Click to expand...

Is the stitching higher quality on the Vanson than on the Aero? It's going to throw my plans out of whack if a jacket the price of the Aero doesn't have stitching which is as close to flawless as possible.
 
Lenny, I was gonna suggest Aero also. Way to be a man also and sport a leather jacket with boxer : )
Belstaff also makes some great stuff. Great leather jackets are expensive but last your whole life, pick one you will like your whole life if your willing to spend the money
 
Here is some quality leather jacket man !!

BeltedRiderBlack1-700x700.jpg


StrapPocketBlack4-700x700.jpg


at cheap and discounted rate original leather jacket I have ,
 
I love my Fox Creek Leather jacket. Made in the U.S. with a lifetime warranty. However, they do have the motorcycle jacket look to them, because that's mainly what they sell, motorcycle gear. Most jackets with what appear to be short torsos and long sleeves are for motorcycles. Mine ran about $460

These jackets are heavy! The leather is very thick.

http://www.foxcreekleather.com/
 
I only buy Gibson and Barnes these days. The highest quality I have seen outside of having something custom made. If you are looking to save a couple books. Check their clearance section. They will make a specific size for someone who never picks it up.
 
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