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Photos from Our WESA Trip

October 29, 2010

Last September, Will and Mike attended the WESA (Western and English Sales Association) convention in Denver.  The western market is broad and varied, covering everything from horse tack to rhinestone studded shirts.  WESA is an opportunity for vendors and small shop owners to get together twice a year.  For us, it was a chance to present Akubra hats and Karaka whips. 

 

Since this was our first show, we didn’t know what to expect.  But everyone was very welcoming and cordial.  We met attendees from all over the world. 

 

Some may not know this, but David Morgan is also the distributor of Akubra hats and Karaka whips to the North American market.  We sell to retailers throughout the country.  Our goal is to give as many people as possible the chance to put an Akubra on their head and crack a Karaka before buying.

 

Though Mike and Will were kept busy inside of the Denver Merchandise Market, they managed to get out into the hills to surrounding sites.

 

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Prairie Dogs all about town.

 

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The Chatauqua Historical Center in Boulder.  One of the earliest educational centers, it is now a hotel and restaurant.

 

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Mountain Wildflowers.

 

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Aspen grove in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

 

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A surly elk in Estes Park.

 

Rainier

Mount Rainier.  Almost home

Indy Should Have Worn an Akubra

October 14, 2010

We know Akubra means quality. But nothing speaks better than personal testimony.  We received this story from Mr. Gordon McDonald, whose Akubra experienced a trial of Biblical proportions.  

I just wanted to tell you about the fantastic quality of your Akubra hats and an interesting story.

 

Last year my family and I moved to Jerusalem, Israel to attend university.

I purchased one of your hats for both style, quality and the brand “an Australian icon”.

Qumran_Judean_Desert_Israel

Last January, while visiting the ancient site of Qumran ( the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls ) I lent my Akubra hat to my wife, as it was quite chilly. Well within twenty minutes a gust of wind blew it off her head and landed in the deepest cistern (well) at the archaeological site. Probably about 15-20 metres deep.

The park/site authorities had no means of getting my beloved hat out of the cistern.

 

It rained several times throughout our winter months and sustained temperatures of +40C (104 F).

 

As I visited the site a few times, I noticed my Akubra hat would rise and sink a few inches, mainly due to water collecting when it did rain.

 

Finally, eight months later, I got a fishing line, 3 barbed fishing hook and a sinker and retrieved my hat.  It was covered with all sorts of dust and dirt.

 

When I came home, I used my trusty Miele vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt as best as possible.

 

Well, the photos tell the rest of the story, as it may fit a little tighter, but my hat was restored to its nearly pristine condition.

 

I as well as my colleagues can’t believe that the hat looks as good as it does, with being in the cistern in the harsh Judean wilderness for 8 months.

 

Thank you for making such a great product. This is one hat, I will always treasure.

 

 

Akubra_bottom_of_cistern

 

Thanks for a wonderful story. Akubra always holds up in a pinch.

 

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The New David Morgan Catalog Is Out

September 24, 2010

Our Fall/Winter 2010 catalog is now out. For those who haven’t yet received a copy, it should arrive within the next week or so. If you would like to request a catalog, you can do so here.

 

And of course you can always shop online. We have several new items including hats, scarves and jewelry. Below is just a sample of the many items available.

 

We now carry Begg scarves from Scotland. Since 1869, Begg has produced some of the world’s finest woolen scarves.

 

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From Boma, the bright face of this Frog Trivet will warm any kitchen. Also available in a salmon design.

 

 

 

 

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A perfect complement to your fall wardrobe, this Ivy Cap is made of 100% Merino wool with a water repellent finish.

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For any questions on any of our items, don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 324-4934.  We’re open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.

 

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Kangaroo Lace

September 10, 2010

David Morgan sells two types of lace: hand-cut and machine-cut. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Use the information below to help plan your next braiding project.

 

 

Hand-Cut Lace:

 

Hand-cut lace is best for small projects, such as hat bands and lanyards. The lace is cut in our own workshop. Unlike a machine, we are able to avoid any scars in the skin.  We stretch and test each roll. There is, at a maximum, only one join per 60 foot roll. Available in black and tan. Sizes: 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.

 

1/8 inch Hand-Cut Lace

1/8 Inch Hand-Cut Lace

 

Machine-Cut Lace:

 

Machine-cut lace is cheaper than our hand-cut lace and is recommended for beginners. However, a machine cannot navigate around scars and will include weak points in the lace. It is also not stretched and tested. There are usually two to three joins per 50 meters of lace. Available in black and tan. Sizes: 3 mm and 6 mm (approximately 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch).

 

Machine-Cut Lace

1/4 Inch Machine-Cut Lace

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Lace Cutters

Kangaroo Skins

The Stylemaster: Akubra Quality in a Classic Design

August 27, 2010

David Morgan is pleased to offer an additional fedora to our line: the Stylemaster.

 

 

Stylemaster

 

Although its elegant design makes it a natural for the city, it doesn’t need any pampering. With Akubra’s quality construction, this fedora will stand up to the rain, snow and sun with no worries.

 

The pinched telescope crown starts at 4 1/4 inches at the front, rises to 4 3/4 inches on the side and then drops to 3 7/8 inches in the back. The 2 1/2 inch bound brim snaps down in front. Pure fur felt in Akubra’s Imperial Quality. The hat is fully lined and has a 1 1/2 inch grosgrain band. Carbon Grey.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Akubra Hats

 

Hat Etiquette

August 13, 2010

As the popularity in hats increases, several generations of men are now confused on how to properly wear, and, just as importantly, not wear, a hat. 

Andy Gilchrist, founder of Ask Andy About Clothes and sartorial maven, offers several tips on hat etiquette:

A hat should be removed when inside, except for public areas such as lobbies, corridors and non-residential elevators. When a lady is present in an elevator, the hat must be removed. 

A hat must be removed for the National Anthem, passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications, and photographs.

It is acceptable for women to wear hats in Christian churches, (it was once required, but the custom has all but disappeared) but disrespectful for men to wear them. 

Never hold the hat so that the lining is visible.

Tip your hat by lifting it slightly off of your forehead. You should tip it when meeting a lady or to say to anyone, male or female: thank you, excuse me, hello, goodbye, you’re welcome or how do you do. Tipping the hat is a gesture of politeness.

I’d like to add one more suggestion. If you are unsure of the situation, display your gentlemanly manners by removing your hat. No one will ever be displeased by a sign of respect.

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

Akubra Hats

Tilley Hats

 

 

Hat Instruction Videos Now on YouTube

July 30, 2010

David Morgan has started a new channel on YouTube.  We hope you will find our videos useful.  Our goal is to add more videos as they become available. 

 

Enjoy!

 

In this video, David explains how to measure your head for a hat.

 

 

 

 

 

More videos can be found on our David Morgan site.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

The Sydney

Our Moccasins: The Hinman Tradition Continues

July 16, 2010

Moccasins have been a part of the American landscape for hundreds of years. Soft and comfortable, their popularity has never waned. Many wear them around the home or in the outdoors. The soft and supple leather fits like a second skin.

 

Our leather moccasins are made by the Geier Glove Company in Centralia, Washington. Geier purchased the business from the Hinman family. In 1960, Fred Hinman, a taxidermist, began crafting the moccasins using the traditional style. 

 

David Morgan sells three types of moccasins. The Leather Moose Moccasin with the high ankle or low ankle, and the Leather Bison Moccasin (low ankle) with Sole.

 

High Moose Moccasins

High Moose Leather Moccasins

 

Low Moose Moccasins

Low Moose Leather Moccasins

 

Low Bison Moccasins with Sole

Low Bison Moccasins Leather with Sole

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

David Morgan Moccasins

Our Western Inheritance

 

 

 

Karaka Whips

June 10, 2010

Although David Morgan is known for its leather whips, we understand the cost can be prohibitive for some.  Since many new whip enthusiasts aren’t sure if they want to pay the price for a leather whip, we provide a synthetic version made by Karaka of New Zealand.

 

Karaka Products is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of whips.  Because the whips are synthetic, the cost is much lower than a leather whip.  They are also low maintenance.  Not only can they get wet, but they work well even when wet.  They can be used in the snow or mud.  And if you get them dirty, water will clean them.  They do not rot, will not break easily, and are maintenance free.  They do not stretch, and there is no need to add any dressing.  Inexperienced users can feel secure knowing that they will not damage the whip.

 

While you can find a cheap whip on Ebay, they will likely be too light, too loose, and a real challenge to crack.   Don’t buy a wall hanger, get started in the right direction with a Karaka.

 

Karaka 6 foot stockwhip

Karaka Stockwhip (6 ft)

 

Karaka 8 foot bullwhip

Karaka Bullwhip (8 ft)

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

Karaka Whips

Leather Whips

Akubra Heads West

May 28, 2010

Late May kicks off the summer vacation season, and what better place to have an adventure than the great outdoors, in particular the American West?  Whether camping, horse riding or fishing, you’ll want a great hat for a companion.  

 

The following pictures are from a tour of the Northwest we took with Akubra hats and Karaka whips in early May, we can personally recommend these sights and outfitter stores!

 

Dinkum Gear in Salem, Oregon.

Dinkum Gear in the Reed Opera House.  Salem, Oregon. 

Eastern Oregon 

Highway 395 in Eastern Oregon

Angler Hat.  Chukar Park in Eastern Oregon

The Angler Hat.  Chukar Park in Eastern Oregon

Snowy River. South of Jackson, Wyoming

The Snowy River Hat. South of Jackson, Wyoming

Cows waiting for their fitting.  South of Jackson, Wyoming

Cows waiting for their hat fitting.  South of Jackson, Wyoming

Beaver Creek Hat & Leathers, Jackson, Wyoming

Beaver Creek Hat and Leathers.  Jackson, Wyoming

The Cowboy Shop, Pinedale, Wyoming

The Cowboy Shop.  Pinedale, Wyoming

Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, Casper, Wyoming

Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters.  Casper, Wyoming

Just outside of Bozeman, Montana

Looking into Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park.  Outside of Bozeman, Montana.

Western Outdoor Store, Kalispell, Montana

Western Outdoor Store.  Kalispell, Montana, Gateway City to Glacier National Park.

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home