John Lofgren (Speedway)
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Hmmmmm, I love CXL, respect others opinion, but don't really care at the end as it doesn't change my view. My White's in CXL are thick, soft, and breaking in beautifully. I can see for myself that the leather is unique and imo far superior than any other boots I own - red wings and fryes at the moment. Having said that, if I were using my boots to work construction or logging or fire-fighting etc. I would make a different choice.
On another note i was reading the thread Chiba referenced above and came across this…
Kashiwa: "If anyone is interested in Lofgren Engineers in size 13, John as agreed to do a size 13 last, if he can get at least 3 orders."
Does anyone know how to contact John? I have sent several eMails to info@speedway and I never get any response.
Crazy, John has akways answered any questions ive had with the quickness… And ive heard the same experience from numerous people. Of out his genuine friendliness right up there with giles and Paula.
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He's super responsive, it could be that someone else mans that address. Try this one (remove NOSPAM):
Speedway Shop shopatspeedway@nospam.hotmail.com/shopatspeedway@nospam.hotmail.com -
My only experience with Chromexel leather is in my blue service boots by Viberg, and I'm really unimpressed by it. The leather isn't fully aniline dyed, so there isn't much depth of color or character. It's also surprisingly dry. In the four months that I've owned them, I treated them twice, the first time being the day I got them. Based on that track record, I don't expect them to age as well as boots I have that use other leather.
It seems to me that there is an element of hype in CXL, too. Manufacturers use it because it's "name brand" leather and advertise it as such. Then customers ask for it, since we often have minimal knowledge of other leather options. That causes sort of a reinforcing loop and feeds the notion that CXL is the "best" leather. That said, this is just a theory on my part and may not be accurate.
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I think the aniline finishing, and many other steps, are identical to what they do to shell cordovan.
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Bit of info from the horween page about cxl
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Only one opinion matters in regards to personal style.
… all CXL I have owned has held up well with the exception of my last Alden indy boot which pretty much felt thin enough that they could have used that particular piece of hide to make gloves; however, I do not believe that a company selecting an improper piece of hide thickness for a boot directly relates to the actually quality of that specific leather.
Alden's use of CXL in thin hides is a valid issue. And I can see where Chris is coming from and partially agree with his analysis. (Although I too am not sure).
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. On the whole, people seem to be a little more adult on this forum than some others. I don't personally give a flying fuck what people say/do on other forums. Whilst I will not moderate against it, I would rather people did not cite examples of peoples behaviour on other forums, as evidence of grand transgression.
My apologies for citing another forum. Can certainly understand why it would not be appreciated.
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CXL is made from the hides of elder demons, tanned for 666 years with the pulverized bones of angels in the blood of innocents, by a sweatshop of Hell-bound hedge fund managers under the direction of Satan and his fiery whip. What's not to love?
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Well yeah… I thought everyone knew that.
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Gentlemen, I know exactly why the disdain exists and it's not because of the leather. I'll leave it at that as I'm not one to get myself wrapped up in any type controversy. I'm just here to learn about my future first pair of IH jeans, contribute relevant info/opinions, and enjoy a community that, so far, seems like a top group of folks.
Cheers!!
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CXL is made from the hides of elder demons, tanned for 666 years with the pulverized bones of angels in the blood of innocents, by a sweatshop of Hell-bound hedge fund managers under the direction of Satan and his fiery whip. What's not to love?
You pulled the words right out of my mouth.
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Cheers VEB, great to have you here and glad your prospecting some IH denim… They are my favorites!
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I'm more of a shill. Giles and John hired me to come here and pimp their wares
Now can we all get along?
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Cheers VEB, great to have you here and glad your prospecting some IH denim… They are my favorites!
I can't wait! I'm currently leaning towards a pair of 634xhs.
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Excellent choice! 634s my favorite cut and you can't go wrong with the 25 oz denim.
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mclaincausey, something to look forward to with your new acquisition is the way the patina develops. Because of the amazing formula used at the tannery, it's as if the oils provide a protective layer over the fading black as compared to my Horsehide Becks (left boot in the photo). In order to preserve the HH patina, I'd have to apply my own oil.
Notice how smooth the CXL is even after the careless manner in which I wear them on a daily basis. The Becks receive the same attention and would probably benefit from a treatment.
*both boots are untreated by me.
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