Bryan Edwards I was gifted an incredible American Hat Co. 10X cowboy hat by a great friend — and that started a pretty special experience.
I was recommended to Manny, the hat shaper and hat artist at Arctic Hats in Salinas (El Primo — one of their family’s four stores). Manny has that old-school craftsmanship and creative touch that’s getting harder and harder to find.
He shaped another hat for me last week and we immediately hit it off. Cowboy hats are personal — they tell a story about the person wearing them, the same way a good tailor or barber understands their client. Manny gets that.
This week he reshaped six of my hats. Then I bought a steel grey American Hat Co. 10X from him under one condition:
“Do you. Do your damnedest.”
After talking hats (and life) for a couple hours, I stepped out to take Senta! for a quick potty break — complete trust. When I came back, the hat was finished… and perfect. I had nothing to suggest, nothing to change — just respect and a thank you.
I may have to go back to work just to afford more of Manny’s shaping. We’ve already picked out a few vintage projects vintage hats I have… and I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying more hats.
Some craftsmanship you don’t just buy — you experience it.
