Samurai Jeans
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a scholar and a gentleman! I must have both Sams and Irons!
Based on my experience with the single pair of Samurai jeans that I own, the only construction "quality" shortcoming is in the aesthetic decision to use all cotton constructional thread, rather than poly cotton, like IH does. As a result, stitches don't last as long on Samurai jeans, but that's the way the company wants them. That's not a lack of quality, just a different perspective on how jeans should age.
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I did, however, had a bad experience with my Samurai 710xx Black Knights… They seemed to have been constructed rather poorly, as I remember other people complaining about it as well... Sold them after a couple of months so no idea whether they held up, though... I told the buyer about the issues, of course!..
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Hey Seul, what was the issue with the Black Knights, if you don't mind me asking?
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It does have that ominous look to it doesn't it!!
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I have been a lurker on this thread for some time, but recent comments have compelled me to post. My first serious foray into Jap denim was IH 634 S/R. I loved the fit, details and construction; however, I didn't like the poly thread: it annoyed me aesthetically and I didn't like the feel. In fact it irritated me! It was a factor that prompted me to investigate Samurai. Let me add though that I do own other IH products, which are very beautifully made.
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glad you joined up JVF & posted your thoughts
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Welcome, JVF. If you don't mind my asking, what were your aesthetic dislikes about poly thread? Also, how was the poly thread less comfortable?
I think this is an interesting discussion, and relevant to understanding how what some people think is poor quality can be considered high quality by others.
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I think Chris had this one nailed pretty early, nothing more to add really.
Although I will say that Iron Heart jeans retain their colour better than Samurai in my experience. So if quick fix, high contrast fading after just a few months wear is what you are looking for, you would be better off with some Sams.
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I appreciate the warm welcome, and thank you Chris for the good question — although I'm really not sure about anything being nailed, and I certainly don't think this was implicit in the openness of your question! But if anyone likes to think so…that's fine. Chris, in all the garments I wear, I seek as much as possible for them to be made from natural materials. I find them to be more comfortable, and enjoy and savour the way they feel against my body. I like, too, how natural fibres wear. Specifically, as far as the IH's were concerned, I really liked the heavy, thick, but soft denim, but found by contrast the poly thread to be hard, unforgiving and abrasive, especially at the place of most contact, the waistband. So my enjoyment of the natural was mitigated by the synthetic! Therefore, let me make it clear, my aesthetic dislike of poly thread has an empirical, as well as an imaginative and intellectual basis. So on one level it is easy to answer your question Chris, but it does open a pandora's box of philosophical issues. Other issues raised were not relevant to your excellent question.
