Naked & Famous

[Shanman11]

Very Good info thanks guys !!
Anyone ever try the Benzak Brand? I just ordered the 066 green cast-RHT 15oz
I just love the green core fades

[manufc10]

@Shanman11:

Very Good info thanks guys !!
Anyone ever try the Benzak Brand? I just ordered the 066 green cast-RHT 15oz
I just love the green core fades

I am not familiar with Benzak but it looks like they use all Italian denim (Candiani mills).  I have owned two pairs of jeans made from Candiani denim and my opinion on Candiani fabrics is that they seem to have a more formal or "dressed up" look and feel to them.  They will generally be lighter in weight, have a much softer hand, and a good number of their fabrics are stretch denim and will be woven with EME (elastomultiester) and/or elastomer.  I'm not saying any of this is good or bad, it's just a matter of opinion.  For me I prefer fabrics that are much more rugged, classic, and have a more workwear type of look and feel which is why I love brands like IH, 3sixteen, and RgT for my jeans.

I'm not saying that Candiani jeans can't achieve a more informal look, maybe they can, but for me I tend to stay away from them as I prefer a more rugged look and feel overall.  I do like denims that are lighter in weight but I like them to still retain a certain amount of ruggedness a la the IH 14oz fabrics.  There's nothing wrong with Candiani fabrics that I'm aware of as far as quality and they do make some very nice looking fabrics, it's just not my style or personal preference overall.

Just my two cents.

[Shanman11]

Yes, also, great info, I guess once I saw a green cast 15oz. I was semi sold, made in Japan, Right hand twill, by yes, Collect Mills, cotton is from Zimbabwe originally. They'll be softer, kinda different, funky
I finally ordered my IH's today !! : 19 oz. Left Hand twill-666S-19L-V2, so stoked for the Real Deal !!
I figure they'll still be heavy enough for sure
Thanks man,
Shan

[Appfaff]

Benzak has been hand making jeans since at least 2007, when I started being active on forums, and he had been at it for a few years at that point.

I believe he was doing it as a class project for Uni at first and then kept in going - getting better and better every release.

I’m sure they are high quality and have a good amount of character to the designs. I remember him being a very nice guy as well. Glad his production has expanded to stockists - love hearing success stories in the field, as they are few and far between.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Shanman11]

Yeah he seems like a nice guy for sure, from his vids 
That's a cool story. I know there are many small operations out there trying to make the best product possible because they believe in their vision. I like that and believe in that dream and power. Often these are where the Gems are found, in the rough. But he is far from there for sure and enjoying success it seems to me.
I'll certainly post pics and let you know the Quality, fit, look and feel etc
Have a great weekend !!
Shan

[Shanman11]

Holy Jeebus, either this Rona gut is really getting huge or these 34" Benzak run a size smaller like a 33" : Can't get that top button !! Thumbs are sore. So I'm just saying f'it and wearing them around the house for now hoping I'll stretch that waist band out cause the rest of the fit is spot on and feel great.
any advice besides just keep wearing them?
Thanks,  Patrick

[neph93]

@Shanman11:

I'm just saying f'it and wearing them around the house for now hoping I'll stretch that waist band out….

.....any advice besides just keep wearing them?

If you’re really screwed you may want to try this:

https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14504.msg647900#msg647900

[Shanman11]

This is so awesome !!! lol, Ironically on the way to the hardware right now, might have to ask them if they have an extra or two 2x4 blocks around

Btw : I got them Buttoned late last night with a coat hanger small loop and some channel locks
Then I slept in them hahaha !!! Things might work out now that they're buttoned but I took them off for breakfast, coffee etc, back on now that I'm doing so work here at the house….. next I'll scrub the tub with knee pads kneeling 

I'm definitely gonna try this tho, thanks much !!
Shan

[neph93]

@Shanman11:

I'm definitely gonna try this tho, thanks much !!

It was corona weight that persuaded me to do it. Worked a treat, but take is slow and easy and keep your eye on the button and seams.

[Shanman11]

maybe I'm being a bit too conservative in my stretching, don't want to blow the button etc, they're still tight but at least I can button them without tools ha ! so there's some progress
You must stretch it so you can actually see a bit of stretch eh? I watch the button and just stop when it looks tight but maybe that's just not enough.
Of course I'm wearing them nonstop and they're great without underwear (tmi) but the band does bite by the end of the day and I need a break !
Cheers and thanks,
Patrick

[neph93]

You have to push it a bit. The potential issues are the side seams and the post of the fly button. When the jeans are stretched without the post bending, then start pushing it one «jack» at a time. In between jacks just check everything over and if nothing is bending or tearing, take one more.

Another thing is to try the method from different angles.

[Shanman11]

Sounds logical, I'll proceed as you describe
thanks,
P

[motojobobo]

These N&F Weird Guy jeans are my most faded pair so far. I’m a very slow fader, they are 5 years old, numerous washes.

[travisxray]

Here is the N&F Elephant 11 Grandrelle super guy. They are a 32 tag, which in hindsight I probably could’ve done a 31 because the waist is pretty loose. However, with the heavyweight of these, the added room of the 32 throughout is nice. I am 5’11 and 170lbs just for reference. Figured I’d post up a picture in case someone was looking to get a pair. I personally love them and they’re very comfortable after the first few wears.

[Salted Racer]

I have these as well–they are very nice cuff flippers aren't they!

[travisxray]

Yes they are! Once you cuff them they pretty much stay locked in.

[mikebarhoot]

added the 14oz organic all natural to my ‘collection’ as my honey got a new ride and was told to NOT get indigo on the seats.

[mikebarhoot]

fun fact. this is the first pr of sub 21 oz i’ve worn in > 10 years. kinda liberating. you know. like going from tighty whiteys to boxers…

[motojobobo]

Ten years after tentatively venturing into japanese denim, these are my best faded pair yet. Definitely still a glacial-paced fader!!
N & F Elephant 5, 20 oz denim, Weird Guy fit

[Mizmazzle]

@motojobobo hell yeah!! Are those ten years old??