kiltie
Member
I don't believe this jacket is featured on the BK site just yet, and I really kinda lucked into it. It was mentioned that this model was going to be available when BK sent me a couple of samples of their newer leathers. I had this same variation from Real McCoy a while back, but had to off load it due to being somewhat restrictive in the underarms. I decided to take a shot again a size up and: Bingo.
The nuts and bolts:
I've never owned an Eastman, nor have I even see one in person, however, it strikes me, at least visually, that the leather is very similar -
Lighting was a heck of a thing this morning ( All of these pics are FRESH out of the box, by the way. I hadn't even tried it on. ). I put some stuff in the picture to get an idea of the color of the hide -
Here are the three major components together for color reference -
It has the same ( to my eyes ) sheen and appearance of restrained grain and complete smoothness in some places, while having very pronounced grain in others, like the Eastman leathers. The squeaking is minimal, and while overall it has the stiff look and lifelessness of a new horsehide jacket, it is surprisingly soft and wearable right out of the box: no discomfort at the collar or resistance at the joints. It leads me to believe that it will retain a newer look longer, whilst breaking in to a very comfortable wearer.
As has become the standard appraisal of the Bill Kelso products, the construction is very sturdy.
Tag detail -
Here are some links to "wearing" pics. Please keep in mind: 1) this is right out of the box. It hasn't relaxed at all. 2) the rise of my work pants, unfortunately, follows current trends ( I had just gotten home ). And 3) these were taken with flash.
Pocket spacing ( Zipped ) -
Back -
Unzipped -
Frankenstein! -
I'd like to add, that while I've seen several originals, I've never handled one, so I can't speak to the authenticity of the knits. What I can say is that they are very different from the two Good Wear jackets I now own. The weave is much tighter and, at first appraisal, appear that they will better maintain their elasticity. There are pros and cons to each. The GW knits are both aesthetically more appealing and feel much softer, but the BK knits seem more practical. Choices have to be made, I suppose. I also can't say much more about the leather at this time, other than what I have and what you see. The weight is fantastic: a little lighter than the Good Wear Rough Wear, meaning maybe a little more springtime wear. And while the Good Wear was a dream right out of the box, breaking in very quickly, this one is a bit of a mystery. That is equally exciting. Having been looking at the Eastman leathers for so long ( and some of the other GW ), this certainly looks very similar. I have to say I'm fairly taken with the crisp look of the jacket and am somewhat reluctant to give it my customary "cuddling" during movie time at night.
I'm pretty excited about this one, as it has the look I'd come to expect from a new A-2, prior to owning a Good Wear. I think with these new leathers, Bill Kelso is turning out some solid products: miles ahead of some of the earlier horsehide. If they can keep this supply up and continue to offer jackets that Eastman does not and at far less monetarily than the Japanese makers... It'd be a shame if folks went brand loyal without trying the Bill Kelso jackets. It's hard to be impartial, and I'm trying to keep my comparisons objective.
The nuts and bolts:
I've never owned an Eastman, nor have I even see one in person, however, it strikes me, at least visually, that the leather is very similar -
Lighting was a heck of a thing this morning ( All of these pics are FRESH out of the box, by the way. I hadn't even tried it on. ). I put some stuff in the picture to get an idea of the color of the hide -
Here are the three major components together for color reference -
It has the same ( to my eyes ) sheen and appearance of restrained grain and complete smoothness in some places, while having very pronounced grain in others, like the Eastman leathers. The squeaking is minimal, and while overall it has the stiff look and lifelessness of a new horsehide jacket, it is surprisingly soft and wearable right out of the box: no discomfort at the collar or resistance at the joints. It leads me to believe that it will retain a newer look longer, whilst breaking in to a very comfortable wearer.
As has become the standard appraisal of the Bill Kelso products, the construction is very sturdy.
Tag detail -
Here are some links to "wearing" pics. Please keep in mind: 1) this is right out of the box. It hasn't relaxed at all. 2) the rise of my work pants, unfortunately, follows current trends ( I had just gotten home ). And 3) these were taken with flash.
Pocket spacing ( Zipped ) -
Back -
Unzipped -
Frankenstein! -
I'd like to add, that while I've seen several originals, I've never handled one, so I can't speak to the authenticity of the knits. What I can say is that they are very different from the two Good Wear jackets I now own. The weave is much tighter and, at first appraisal, appear that they will better maintain their elasticity. There are pros and cons to each. The GW knits are both aesthetically more appealing and feel much softer, but the BK knits seem more practical. Choices have to be made, I suppose. I also can't say much more about the leather at this time, other than what I have and what you see. The weight is fantastic: a little lighter than the Good Wear Rough Wear, meaning maybe a little more springtime wear. And while the Good Wear was a dream right out of the box, breaking in very quickly, this one is a bit of a mystery. That is equally exciting. Having been looking at the Eastman leathers for so long ( and some of the other GW ), this certainly looks very similar. I have to say I'm fairly taken with the crisp look of the jacket and am somewhat reluctant to give it my customary "cuddling" during movie time at night.
I'm pretty excited about this one, as it has the look I'd come to expect from a new A-2, prior to owning a Good Wear. I think with these new leathers, Bill Kelso is turning out some solid products: miles ahead of some of the earlier horsehide. If they can keep this supply up and continue to offer jackets that Eastman does not and at far less monetarily than the Japanese makers... It'd be a shame if folks went brand loyal without trying the Bill Kelso jackets. It's hard to be impartial, and I'm trying to keep my comparisons objective.
