gazeboarder

Iron Heart IH-666 LB 

Here's an update on my size 36 Iron Heart 666 Loom Breakers.  These are by far the most rigid pair of pants I've owned.  It took several days for these to soften a little.  Even after 25 days of wear they remaing a little stiff.  The color on these also bleeds a lot.  At the end of the day my hands always have a dark blueish tint to them.  I made one modification to my pair.  I had them tapered slightly from the knee down.  So my leg opening went from 8.8 down to 8.0.  I also had the hem stitch changed to a tonal dark blue.  The look of these is awesome and definitely a nice change from wearing denim all the time.  I'm really looking forward to these fading more in the future.  I'm wearing Fracap boots purchased at KITH NYC in the photos below.

I got a 36, I think we are somewhat similar when it comes to sizing Drew.

I wore them today around my apartment on my day off of work, initial thoughts are that I'm pretty happy with how they feel after a hot wash. Waist was a little snug but has now stretched out to where it's comfortable. The front pockets feel a little tight compared to some of my other jeans, but I like the way the rise and thighs fit. I could probably get away with with a few inches hemmed up as well, but the leg opening feels good too. Easily would work with boots or sneakers.

No fit pics yet, but I'll probably wear them again tomorrow and see what I can manage. The fabric really changes after washed, really irregular. I'm not usually into super slubby fabrics but the indigo/indigo makes it a lot less noticeable when new. Also however they construct the belt loops is interesting, very tightly rolled compared to most of my other jeans.

How do you like the deeper front pockets?  I personally notice that the pockets on both Pure Blue Japan jeans and The Strike Gold jeans are deeper than other brands.  I personally like this with my larger Iphone 6S.

I bought this Flat Head shirt from 2nd Shop directly through Rakuten.  I paid $218 through PayPal.  I used google translate with the communication.  This Flat Head HN-52W Workshirt is a size 46.  I've never owned any Flat Head shirts before this one.  The fit is great.  I wish the shoulder measurement was slightly narrower but besides that the fit is good.  I normally wear a size XXL or XXXL in Iron Heart Shirts depending on the fit.  I like my shirts to fit a little on the longer side.  I'm 6"3" and weigh about 200 lbs.  The fabric on this shirt is incredible.  A great texture on the outside and super soft brushed flannel on the inside.  If your an XXL in Iron Heart shirts and want to try another brand I would reccomend giving one of these Flat Head flannel shirts a try.  I will probably try one of the western versions of this shirt in the future.

Made a visit to Self Edge NYC today.  I want to thank Eric for letting me try on a bunch of shirts and a pair of the IH 633's.  Thanks for the good service.  Felt like Indian Summer in New York today.  I'm ready for winter.

They look great, glad you like em!  

I got two of each color considering this style sneaker is part of my daily uniform i don't know when i'll find one like this again, especially now that Visvim stopped producing the Kiefer.

Kiya do you not like the Visvim Skagway's?  There a Chuck Allstar based design.

I own several pairs of high fashion mountaineering boots including Visvim Serra boots and Diemme Roccia Vet's.  For the money I think Fracap makes some of the best boots you can buy.  They offer styles with a few different outsoles and upper style.  I own 5 pairs of Fracap boots and all of them fit great.  The leather quality on the outside and inside has a very nice premium feel and finish.  Most of their boots can be found for $250 to $290.  That's a good price for a quality boot made in Italy with Italian leather.  This is my latest pair purchased from KITH NYC (Fracap Brogue Boot - Style #FRM130-316.315).  I'm a true USA size 11.  Their size USA11, UK10 , EU44 fits me perfectly.

I just got these Japan Blue x Blue Owl Workshop 16.5oz Deep Blue Unsanforized Monster Denim - JBO-410 during the Blue Owl sale this past weekend.  These have a deep dark blue warp with black weft.  The denim has great surface texture and feel.  This is my 2nd pair of Japan Blue jeans and feel they make a great jean for the $180 to $220 price range.  The details on this pair look great.  I'm anxious to see how this unsanforized denim reacts to the initial soak.  My one minor complaint would be the smallish size of the back leather patch. 

 

Pre-soak measurements

 

Tag Size = 36

Waist = 37.9

Front Rise = 11.0

Back Rise = 14.4

Thigh = 13.0

Hem = 7.75

Inseam = 37.25

 

Update on my Japan Blue x Blue Owl Workshop 16.5oz Deep Blue Unsanforized Monster Denim - JBO-410

 

I've worn these in rotation with a few other pairs of jeans for the past 8 months.  The look of these continue to get better and better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks a lot guys, looks like the 9 would be my best bet then. Just got to come up with the scratch, sure I'd regret not copping these since I've been waiting what feels like forever for vis to come out with a regular kiefer/skagway with a nice detail like that!

I wear a size 11 in most shoes including Vans SK8-hi's, FBT's, Serra's and Virgils.  I have a few pairs of Skagways all in size 11.  The general fit is good but feel the fit in the heel area is not comfortable.  I actually can not wear any of my pairs with the original footbed.  I get a very uncomfortable rubbing in the heel area.  For me the heel fit is too loose and I get too much movement.  The heel then has this piece of leather stitched to the inside heel cup which creates the rubbing issue.  I normally put a custom footbed in which helps but still find these sneakers fairly uncomfortable.  Their okay to waer to the office.  I would never wear them if I knew I had a lot of walking to do that day.  If they could fix the heel they would be great.  All my of Visvim footwear fits great.  Hope this helps.

Just go my Virgil Boots-Folk Kangaroo boots in the brown color way.  The leather feels like butter.  The initial fit feels good and I would say is true to size.  I normally wear a US size 11 in all Visvim footwear including Hockneys, FBTs, and Serra boots but have both a Patrician boot and a Grizzly boot in size 10.5 that fit great as well.  For a Japanese brand I'm always a little suprised at how narrow Visvim boots tend to run.  Asian-fit footwear normally runs wider in the forefoot.  I would say these Virgils have an average to slightly narrow fit. I'm lucky because I have a narrow foot shape.  I bought these from Haven.  Shipping was on point.

Why is the inseam so short?  33 inches for a size 36?

Anybody on here have any experience with either JB 0412 or JB 0412 ML? I see them on places like denimio for a very low price, considering they're 16.5 oz but I'm not sure what to expect so I've never just pulled the trigger and bought a pair.

I have a pair of the JB 0412 ML in size 36 purchased from Okayama Denim.  The denim has great character and feel but feel lighter than 16.5oz.  The fit is one of the slimmer fits in my collection.  The denim fades very quickly with a little bleeding.  My hands were getting a little blue during the first few weeks.  I really like the military green weft.  The green is not so noticable on the outside but it slowly starts to peak through as you wear them in.  The belt loops and back leather patch are a little small.  This would be my only complaint.  I have two pairs of Japan Blue jeans.  Both look great.  I think in general they sell a great Japanese jean for a good price.

Hey Kiya,

If I wear a size 36 in IH 301's, IH 555-01, IH 555-03 and the IH 666 UHR's would I wear a size 36 in the new IH 633-II indigo/indigo?

I really like the tonal stitching and agree indigo / indigo denim looks better with tonal stitching.  Lastly does Self Edge NYC have a stock of these jeans?

Thanks

Thanks for the replies guys.

I've checked out Take5 web, they definitely carry some amazing brands but sadly no JB.

Anyway will check out their physical shop there.

Hopefully i can find something there that meet my budget! 

Cheers! 

Take 5 has a good selection but I find their pricing to be expensive.  I do not speak Cantonese but also find there staff is not that helpful.  Just my opinion from past expereinces.  I go to Hong Kong twice a year.  The shops on the 2nd floor if you have trouble finding them.

I recently bought two pairs of Visvim Skagway sneakers from an online retailer.  Obviously I was not able to try these sneakers on before I bought them.  With that said I find these sneakers to be very uncomfortable.  The heel counter piece on the inside of the shoe rubs against the back of my heel making them very painful to walk in.  Does anyone else have the same issue?  If so have you found any fixes for this problem? 

Has anyone done a jean repair with Take 5 in Hong Kong?  If so how did it turn out and how was the pricing?  I have some ripped pocket bags on my IH-555-01's and will head to HK soon.

Let me know.

Does anyone know how the Grizzly boots fit compared to the Patrician boots?  I have the SS13 Patrician's in size 10.5 and would like to know if the Grizzly has a similar fit.  I've heard from one person that the Grizzly boots fit larger.  All feedback would be helpful.  Thanks

FYI - I bought a pair of the Grizzly FIL Exclusive (all leather) boots while I was in Japan.  I ended up buying a size 10.5.  I also have the Patrician in a size 10.5 and a size 11.  Sizing wise I feel the fit of my Grizzly boots is similar to the Patrician's but the toe box has a lower height.  In fact I was surprised to see how fitted the Grizzly's fit.  I was expecting them to feel more open and loose like a Red Wing boot fit.  Comparing the two I like the fit of the Grizzly's better than the Patricians.  The Patrician's in a size 11 fit a little big for me.  I normally wear a USA size 11 in most shoes and boots.  Hope this info helps.  

What do you think of the UHR vs XHS? 

I do not own any jeans made with the XHS.  The UHR denim is more rigid and not as dark in color compared to the regular 21oz sanforized denim.

one of these days i'll get some 666s. looks like such a great fit.

I like the fit of my 666-UHR's in size 36 but wish the leg opening was just a little narrower.  I personally like hem measurements in the 8.0 to 8.5 range and my 666's come in a little over that.  The denim on the UHR's is awesome.

My Iron Heart Denim Collection - Purchased in this order 301, 9301, 7301, SExIH07bk, 555-03, 555-01, 666-UHR

Thanks - Self Edge and Iron Heart UK

Then you just got the newest run of these with more shuttle skips.  They've set the tension on the loom at a level where it's creating far more shuttle skips than usual.  That coupled with the super short staple cotton in the weft creates a very pronounced shuttle skip on the 5105 and 5109 jean.  It doesn't affect the strength of the denim.  Many brands cut this part out, most Japanese brands (and especially Roy) leave it in 100% of the time.

Is this like what Oni Denim is doing with their low tension secret denim?  I have one pair of Oni's and it looks similar.  Thanks

 

 

 

 

Adidas x Juun.J FW 15

Are these for Hospital workers and restaurant staff?

 

I just got these Japan Blue x Blue Owl Workshop 16.5oz Deep Blue Unsanforized Monster Denim - JBO-410 during the Blue Owl sale this past weekend.  These have a deep dark blue warp with black weft.  The denim has great surface texture and feel.  This is my 2nd pair of Japan Blue jeans and feel they make a great jean for the $180 to $220 price range.  The details on this pair look great.  I'm anxious to see how this unsanforized denim reacts to the initial soak.  My one minor complaint would be the smallish size of the back leather patch. 

 

Pre-soak measurements

 

Tag Size = 36

Waist = 37.9

Front Rise = 11.0

Back Rise = 14.4

Thigh = 13.0

Hem = 7.75

Inseam = 37.25

 

I plan to soak them this weekend.

 

 

 

Okay I soaked these last night for about one hour in very hot water.  Once dry they were super stiff.  You could stand them up on their own.  I'm wearing them around the house to get a little break-in going.  These are starting off very stiff and are probably the slimmest fit for me to date.  Definitely slimmer than my Iron Heart 555-01's and my Japan Blue Military Monster's (JBO412-ML).  Based on the Military Monster's that I have I expect them to stretch out in a couple of days.  The texture and look of the denim is great.  If you want a really dark, medium weight, slim jean with minimal contrast stitching and a narrow leg opening this would be a good choice.  I agree with ecsong187's comment about the small pocket bags.  A little bigger front pocket would be nice.  If you like bigger pockets I suggest either Pure Blue Japan or Strike Gold denim.  I've noticed that both of these brands have bigger pockets.  I heard these brands were made in the same factory so maybe they share pattern dies for their pockets?  Not sure on that???  Sorry for the weak mirror photo taken with my phone.

 

POST SOAK MEASUREMENTS

 

Waist = 37.0

Front Rise = 10.75

Back Rise = 14.0

Thigh = 12.70

Hem = 7.60

Inseam = 35.5

 

 

 

 

 

I just got these Japan Blue x Blue Owl Workshop 16.5oz Deep Blue Unsanforized Monster Denim - JBO-410 during the Blue Owl sale this past weekend.  These have a deep dark blue warp with black weft.  The denim has great surface texture and feel.  This is my 2nd pair of Japan Blue jeans and feel they make a great jean for the $180 to $220 price range.  The details on this pair look great.  I'm anxious to see how this unsanforized denim reacts to the initial soak.  My one minor complaint would be the smallish size of the back leather patch. 

 

Pre-soak measurements

 

Tag Size = 36

Waist = 37.9

Front Rise = 11.0

Back Rise = 14.4

Thigh = 13.0

Hem = 7.75

Inseam = 37.25

 

I plan to soak them this weekend.

 

 

Okay I soaked these last night for about one hour in very hot water.  Once dry they were super stiff.  You could stand them up on their own.  I'm wearing them around the house to get a little break-in going.  These are starting off very stiff and are probably the slimmest fit for me to date.  Definitely slimmer than my Iron Heart 555-01's and my Japan Blue Military Monster's (JBO412-ML).  Based on the Military Monster's that I have I expect them to stretch out in a couple of days.  The texture and look of the denim is great.  If you want a really dark, medium weight, slim jean with minimal contrast stitching and a narrow leg opening this would be a good choice.  I agree with ecsong187's comment about the small pocket bags.  A little bigger front pocket would be nice.  If you like bigger pockets I suggest either Pure Blue Japan or Strike Gold denim.  I've noticed that both of these brands have bigger pockets.  I heard these brands were made in the same factory so maybe they share pattern dies for their pockets?  Not sure on that???  Sorry for the weak mirror photo taken with my phone.

 

 

 

 

I just got these Japan Blue x Blue Owl Workshop 16.5oz Deep Blue Unsanforized Monster Denim - JBO-410 during the Blue Owl sale this past weekend.  These have a deep dark blue warp with black weft.  The denim has great surface texture and feel.  This is my 2nd pair of Japan Blue jeans and feel they make a great jean for the $180 to $220 price range.  The details on this pair look great.  I'm anxious to see how this unsanforized denim reacts to the initial soak.  My one minor complaint would be the smallish size of the back leather patch. 

Pre-soak measurements

Tag Size = 36

Waist = 37.9

Front Rise = 11.0

Back Rise = 14.4

Thigh = 13.0

Hem = 7.75

Inseam = 37.25

I plan to soak them this weekend.

How do you think the blue weft ones compare to the cobalt blue weft PBJ's XX017?  Looks similar in the photos.  I have the XX017 and they look great in natural light.