Clearwater Hat Company

Wells Lamont · February 26, 2008, 10:00:32 AM

Has anyone purchased a hat from this company lately? I've have had a hat on order since early November and have not heard a word from them. They do answer the phone number listed on their web site and do not have Email.

James Hunt · February 26, 2008, 06:15:28 PM

I own several hats from them. Outstanding quality with period construction. As you probably know they are essentially all hand made and hand sewn, they don't start until the order is in. They are a small operation and I have seen them tour to events on weekends, so....., it took a little over 3 months to get both my hats. Sound a little long? You outta try and get a pair of boots from Missouri Boot and Shoe. Quality sometimes takes awhile, but that does not sound right that you can not get them by phone, that is their primary ordering system or was. Hope they are all healthy there - unfortunately that can often be a reason for slow returns or unanswered phones.

French Jack · February 26, 2008, 06:42:43 PM

I talked to them just before Christmas, and they are still going. I was informed that the usual lag time for filling the order is on the order of eight weeks. I would drop them a line, as they do quite a lot of traveling, and see what that turns up. I have dealt with them in the past, and I second James' accolade as to the quality and correctness of their product.

Whiskey Johnson · February 26, 2008, 06:48:44 PM

You are Scaring me! I submitted my order in early Feb!

I may be forced to do my first NCOWS event in a "Barmah" hat! (they are the greatest, but just a step above a ballcap in PC terms) Hope all is alright with them.

For Boots, "Wellingtons" to go with my "Barmah" if THE BOOT situation is WORSE!

At least I will have some FINE Ruger NMV's and a sweet '73 Uberti throwin some smoke! I am sure those Indiana 'Pards will let me in anyways.

I Cant Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steel Horse Bailey · February 26, 2008, 09:05:31 PM

Quote from: Whiskey Johnson on February 26, 2008, 06:48:44 PM
You are Scaring me! I submitted my order in early Feb! I may be forced to do my first NCOWS event in a "Barmah" hat! (they are the greatest, but just a step above a ballcap in PC terms) Hope all is alright with them.

For Boots, "Wellingtons" to go with my "Barmah" if THE BOOT situation is WORSE!

At least I will have some FINE Ruger NMV's and a sweet '73 Uberti throwin some smoke! I am sure those Indiana 'Pards will let me in anyways.

I Cant Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You bet we will! Welcome!

Wells Lamont · February 28, 2008, 01:44:34 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. I think they might be no longer. For the last two weeks when I called the phone just rang. I have tried calling everyday this week and their phone is not turned on.

I know quality takes time but I sent in my order on November 11!! I ordered a hat from Jaxon Bilt hats in January and I have that hat already and it is First Class quality.

Oh well - such is life!!

Llano County · February 28, 2008, 08:41:20 PM

I bought a hat from them about 10 years ago and have been very pleased with he quality of workmanship. Back then it was their primary business. I was going to buy a boss of the plains style hat from them about a year ago and talked to them on the phone. What I got from our conversation is that they have some kind of evangelical ministry that they are focusing on. They could not promise the hat to be ready within any reasonalbe time frame so I bought elsewhere. I wish they would gear up again but If the Lord is calling you to service, it doesn't pay to ignore him.

Black Powder · February 28, 2008, 09:38:08 PM

Thanks for the head's up on them. I have their "Gettysburg" hat in my possibles file. If things change, WL (and I hope for your sake they do), please advise. I liked their site and this hat, but obviously, seein' ain't always believin'. Good luck.

BP

ChuckBurrows · February 29, 2008, 06:00:06 AM

an alternative... www.benderhats.com

Tim is one of the finest period hat makers working today. He can and will make just about any style of hat (even if is not shown on his site) - turn around is usually 2-3 weeks and prices are excellent......his linen lings are IMO much more comfortable than silk, especially in hot weather.......

Black Powder · February 29, 2008, 12:50:43 PM

Thank you, CB, for the alternative. Good site, good prices and a good recommendation.

BP

Wells Lamont · March 01, 2008, 05:25:20 PM

I received a call from Clearwater Hat today. They are still in business but running way behind. They have had a couple tornados that messed up a lot of the town and out where they are. I think that explains the problem. I would think that anyone that would like a hat can still count on them to come through!!

French Jack · March 01, 2008, 08:11:17 PM

Just goes to show you that they are standup guys to give you a heads up. They have my business when I need a hat. Might be a good while, as the last one I got from them is right brand new, even after 4 years.

Black Powder · March 01, 2008, 08:57:32 PM

Glad things are lookin' up, WL. And glad that Clearwater is safe & sound and still around for my consideration.

BP

Whiskey Johnson · March 03, 2008, 05:28:30 PM

I recieved a postcard from Clearwater today confirming my order. They are highly recommended (and have a check) so I will "keep the faith"......pun intended