IHVB-05 - The Wild Ones - Iron Heart/Viberg Engineer Boot Collaboration

[Giles]

IHVB-05 - The Wild Ones - Iron Heart/Viberg 9" Engineer Boot Collaboration

Initially available in Black or Brown Oil Tan Leather (and no, we have not decided what else we may do, we just know we may do!).

Available in D or EE width in 6-14

New (for Viberg) deeper side gusset, longer straps, vintage style solid brass roller buckles with vibram 705 half sole and cat's paw heel.

Built on the Viberg 2005 last.

USD875 includes shipping

USD400 deposit required with order, balance upon completion.  You will need to be logged onto your account in the shop to be able to view this page........So log on then click the link....

http://www.ironheart.co.uk/viberg-stuff/ihvb-05-deposit.html

[Giles]

[Giles]

Oh, and if anybody wants to buy the sample pair (above) then they are 9.5D and I'll let them go for USD800 inc shipping.....

[tatmantall]

are both leathers dyed all the way through?

[Giles]

Yessir.....

[madmonday]

nice buckles.

boot man tat, would you rather boots not dyed all the way through to get that cool sort of wear pattern like on your himmel? have to admit seeing that kind of wear on someones belt before & it looks really cool. 

sorry off topic & random. i do like really like the buckles & the 2005 last looks very versatile, the things you learn on this forum . . .

[Chris]

Fully dyed is the way to go.  Generally speaking, it is a more expensive process and only gets used on more expensive leather, so it works as a quick measure of quality.  It's also (usually) done with a semi transparent dye, so the grain is more visible and there is a greater depth and consistency to the color, which I like.  Kinda like staining wood instead of painting it.

[tatmantall]

I actually do prefer the an aniline dye that does not penetrate the leather completely. This is more accurate to the vintage style boots from 30s, 40s, 50s. From a manufacturers point of view back then it was cheaper and quicker to do a semi dye; however, this process allows for the type of patina that you will see on the pair of julian made RRLs that were recently posted from Brass in Tokyo, and yes my himel as well. It just leaves a beautiful patina, IMO of couse, overtime. This is something I look for in nearly all of my leather purchases as of lately.

on a nerdier note, it also opens up wardrobe opportunities as the patina develops becasue a black boot can be passed off as a brown or black, etc. etc. etc. But the biggest deal to me is that the patina is just SOOOOO DAMMMMNNN BEAUTIFUL when it happens. Kind of like the indigo fading off a pair of jeans to relate it to something we can all appreciate.

* Chris's post shows, different strokes for different folks! that what makes it all so great.

[madmonday]

Oh, wow.  great to get all this information. thanks houston chris & leather man tall.

more expensive process doesn't always mean better process, but interesting either way.

[Chris]

You're both right; fully dyed isn't necessarily better.  When I said it's a quick marker for quality, I meant that it's an expensive process, so it's less likely that you'll find it on products that use cheap leather or are cheaply made.  Nice stuff, like that pair of RRL boots, may use different dying techniques to create a different aesthetic, and it's certainly no reflection on the intrinsic quality.

[madmonday]

don't mind me, i'm just taking notes on all this stuff . . . .

[tatmantall]

Chris is right, it definitely is not a process generally found on inferior goods. It takes time and $$$ to fully dye and thus the price reflects.

So provided you have two well made boots one fully dyed and one semi dyed, it comes down to what aesthetic you want. The semi dyed will render a more dramatic, "rustic patina", and the leather that is dyed through will be notably more subtle.... although, there are some leathers that I believe will never patina. IE: I have yet to see a pair of wesco black fire leather show ANY sign of patina apart from dirt on them. All in all, it is preference, just do a little research if you are unsure about the characteristics of a particular leather and don't be afraid to ask questions. For the money we blow on things, it is important to know that you are going to be happy with the end result. 

[mclaincausey]

You're both right; fully dyed isn't necessarily better.  When I said it's a quick marker for quality, I meant that it's an expensive process, so it's less likely that you'll find it on products that use cheap leather or are cheaply made.  Nice stuff, like that pair of RRL boots, may use different dying techniques to create a different aesthetic, and it's certainly no reflection on the intrinsic quality.

Yeah, I have a $150 pair of Chippewa that are dyed all the way through...  EDIT: And if the boot is unlined, as those Chippewa are, it can be murder on your socks.

[superfuzz]

G, what's the deadline for a deposit? You mentioned earlier that I could specify a narrow shaft with preorder, is that still possible?

[Giles]

I think I'll close pre-orders down at end of November.  PM me re: custom shit....