THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAT Co. WHEN IN ROME...... WHEN IN BOZEMAN, BUY A HAT

For about 25 years I attempted to buy an American Cowboy hat at the SCI convention, having bought the Loveless boots, a belt from Clint Orms, a pair or 2 of Russell's there was not much else "American custom" you could ever buy, unless of course you wanted a rifle and I can do that myself in-house! The annual attempt at buying a hat always ended in the same way, arrive at the stand imagining yourself as Clint Eastwood, try on a few hats, realise you look a complete pillock and leave. Nobody ever explained that there is a huge variation in the hats and you need someone with a good eye to get the right hight, width, form and whatever to suit your head.

By Simon Clode

I met the John Morris's, Snr. & Jnr. who run the Rocky Mountain Hat Co. a few years ago at Safari Club who put me straight and they have made me and my friends some superb Safari hats in the years since. It is always a pleasure to visit them in Bozeman when I come, an essential stop to buy something from the West, to see them at work, steaming, forming and sewing all varieties of hats.

When not making hats both John's will be found out hunting either in their home state or perhaps in Africa where they travel to both photograph and hunt. Senior John hunts Huns in Montana with his hammer .410 and I have always had great respect for a man who hunts a hammer .410!

A Heinze Blocking Machine from Germany used for forming the hat.

John Morris Jnr. blocking a hat and below.

The Blocks for all shapes and sizes of hats.

A traditional hat makers bench.

John Morris Snr. putting final touches to the form of the hat using steam.

And look Neil, I found you the perfect hat my dear Irish friend! Top right of course!

By Simon Clode

3 Comments

paul j. antonino on July 12, 2014 at 8:20 pm

i was expecting to see you posing in your new hat !!.......paul

Reply
- Simon Clode on July 13, 2014 at 10:54 pm
  
  I bottled out with that shot!!
  
  Reply
Anthony C Pipolo on August 23, 2014 at 7:32 pm

To Whom it concerns,
I have a new Borsalino Fedora that I would like 1/8" taken off of the Brim. I would only put it in the hands of an artesian such as yourself for obvious reasons. The edge is "raw" and unbound. I would compensate you accordingly of course. Please contact me so we can set a time that is convenient for you that I may come in.
Thank you,
Anthony

Reply