I think an interview with Kyle Baker would be fun. He's gotta have tons of insight on the industry, seeing as how Baker's sells several of the big PNW brands. I'd like to know if he has any plans to expand on the exclusive leathers they offer. Maybe you guys could do episodes going into a deep dive on each of the PNW brands. Maybe how each one differs or the pros and cons of how each company builds their boots. I know you guys said you don't want to talk too negatively about any brand, so that might be kinda tough. Love the boot collection reviews. Weekly episodes are great if that's what you guys want to keep doing. 1-1.5 hours is a good length imo.
I love this series of videos. I love your content. I would live to see a deeper dive into Franks and PNW brands. More stuff about Kreosote too. I love long episodes. Keep them long!!
The long episodes are great. Looking forward to seeing Jeff's collection. Also having guests on. If you can't do every week that's understandable. I personally care more about the quality of content than getting a constant stream.
My 2 cents: I greatly admire that you guys do this on your own, for the passion, to share information, to create discussions, to have a niche community effort, etc.. I run my channel the same way.. No money in, no money out.. People know when a channel is genuine or not.. No money involved, means nothing to prove, nothing to lie about, nothing to exaggerate, nothing to ignore/look over, etc.. It means a lot for the regular viewer, hobbyist, consumer.. So Thank You for that.. WAY too many You Tube content creators, no matter what the topic is, have an angle.. have a gimmick, have something to sell you on.. So i'm glad you guys never plan to get too commercial and sell out.. even though that would probably increase your popularity.., being better circulated.. you'd probably lose something in that from your core audience.. Also, I don't think you guys reviewing boots is bad.. I don't think that should be off the table.. Jeff already has a number of specific boot videos.. whether they're unboxing or what.. as long as it wasn't sent free for review.., I know I personally would love to see you guys do boot reviews.. whether they're new boots to you or your old ones that haven't got much mention... both of you have a number of unique MTO builds.. we would love all the details about.. why you decided on what choices.. how you found out about certain leathers.. what other boots you were going to get instead but didn't., etc.. it's all in the details right.. it will help other people become more decisive about MTOs if they're the type to be overwhelmed by the idea because of all the options.. I personally like knowing there's at least 1 episode a week.. if you guys did some more elaborate historical or docu-series topic that took a lot of time,, could definitely understand it taking a month or bi-monthly situation.. but even for just the live, shoot the shyt type of talks,, you could do them.. 2-3 times a week.. if it doesn't get old for you, it doesn't get old for us.. a lot of times the clock has to just run to get into a rhythm of conversation.. I know I personally do like the 1 hour to 1:30 run time per episode myself.. I think the interviews aspect was neat.. I know I have someone from a boot brand I could get yas talking with.. I think it would be great if you guys got Frank and/or Michelle on for a video.. maybe reaching out to Kyle Baker... that would make a great video.. and I know I'm all about the history of stuff... so if you guys would ever want to deep dive into the history of brands, specific lasts, patterns, leathers, tanneries.. that would be cool.. and I mentioned the machines... if we could all learn more about the different machines used in bootmaking and how they came about.. ( ie the Rapid E stitching machine) things like that would make for some really interesting content... anyhow... you guys are doing great.., Great year ahead of yous! wishing you the best,, happy to help in any capacity if needed,, thanks. -Tony
I wonder if Marcell Mrsan would come on for an interview. It would give him an opportunity to talk about his experience making shoes, he's a patterning master, he has a new book to gently promote.
@@cloveroak5492 Very cool. I bet there will be all sorts of questions regarding the text of the book. It could be an insightful deep dive. Can't wait for the book to arrive this week.
I would love to see an interview with Frank’s boots for the educational value, and one with JK for the entertainment value. The long format works great for me because I usually listen to them at work instead of watching.
@@nathanellis1490 😂 🤣 😂 the idea was presented to them. They said they didn't want to legitimize what I do. Whatever that means. I imagine that answer was very, very, paraphrased. We have been planning to interview Frank's since the beginning. We want to make sure we do it right and have the most possible stuff to discuss.
I love the weekly videos, I understand if y'all wanna reduce the upload schedule. I appreciate the time y'all take to make these videos, I love the long form videos, I play them while I work. Makes my work day less lonely 😅
I think right around an hour is nice. I don't mind longer when the content is really engaging. I usually watch while I work. I really like the live videos, maybe once a month or quarter? Really easy way to engage with your community and makes people feel more included in that community overall. I agree with your point on doing boot reviews in general but deep dives into specific brands history, pros & cons, personal experiences, etc. are fun to watch and are really informative.
Another great episode. So far i liked your informational content most, where you discussed leathers, tongues and kilties, conditioning, squeaks, etc.. The episode about boot purchase regrets was also very interresting! It would be nice if you could make episodes about you beeing collectors, when and why do you buy aditional boots, do you sell boots you dont wear anymore, do you have a rotation, what do you love the most about collecting boots, what are the boots you wear the most/ the least? Any tips for new collectors. Thank you! Have a great time!
@@ryanvest7061 the collections have definitely been a lot of fun. Live is tough. Hard to know when people would be able to join live. Plus I don't think Mike and Ai could both be on the episode for live? We are hundreds of miles apart geographically, so one of us would have to host, and the other would have to be a member of the audience.
Yeah, I'm still loving the long format, weekly episodes. And never underestimate the willingness of guys to simply sit around and listen to two other guys shoot the shit - assuming that it's interesting shit. I think that the common element that ties many members of this community together, whether we're discussing boots, jackets, knives, or whatever, is quality. I want to buy the best quality I can afford and have it last me a lifetime. So, yeah, jackets and hats sounds like a great idea. And more guests to talk about specific areas: Lee Miller or Lisa Sorrell, for instance, to talk about cowboy boots. Looking forward to your second year.
My main interest here are boots. Anyway maybe touch on best boot types for different functions. Maybe what type leather for working in dusty environments. I find the 55 last very comfortable but don't like walking all day in it.
Episodes about insoles (the replaceable ones, not the integral part of the boot) would be interesting. I am low volume and for some lasts I do need an insole - does it have much downsides vs using the boot without one? Do they prevent the integral insole taking shape of my feet? Materials? veg tanned leather best? do I glue them in? how much problematic they are when it comes to how heel counter behaves (insole raise a heel a bit - is this a problem?) 3/4 or 1/2 insoles? I would totally watch it (i watch every episode anyway :) ) And this episode was good too, thanks!
To talk about the 347 different insoles on the market would be impossible. 😮 They all suck, and none should be used...except 4 maybe... #1---a flat piece of leather about 6oz. (which I do) #2---Bob Henderson Boot Maker in Canada. (I'll try to remember to add his link in the Description for this video) #3---One made just for you by a Podiatrist. Better have good insurance if you do that, and make sure the Doctor knows the arch you have in your boots. #4---Nick's Delta Arch. (overpriced IMO. What Bob (#2) makes is similar, better, and cheaper. Anything else not only is a rats nest on how they feel, but will defeat part of the purpose of these boots. Not to mention wear out quickly usually.
I enjoy the podcast and I hope you guys continue to do it as long as you can. I try to listen to each one although it is rare I can listen to them right as they come out. I should get better at leaving comments to help the algorithm, and you asked for feedback, so I will leave a bunch here.
The length of the episodes is no problem for me, if anything I like the longer format as I listen to them as I clean or workout. It would be helpful to the viewers and to growing the channel if you were to edit together individual topics out from the podcast and put them together into smaller individual videos of bite size length. I am talking about already made footage on a small topic like Frank's Ryker boots, or cleaning wool socks. I know that these topics have been covered inside the podcasts, but they are long and finding the info again can be daunting. Some of the exercise scientists on RUclips do this and it is a huge help for the viewers and it has helped grow their channel immensely. The ‘Renaissance Periodization’ RUclips channel is a great example of how this can be done using the ‘shorts’ type of videos, but even regular multiple minute shorter videos would work great.
I see no problem with sponsorships as long as they are not a direct a conflict of interest. A boot maker is a bad idea, but a random VPN company (for example) is a great idea. In fact I see it as a positive as getting monetized or sponsored will keep you guys engaged and maybe you can spend some of that cash on a project or equipment for the channel/podcast.
Watches and other forms of conspicuous forms of consumption with no real value (other than showing off) for the owner is not something I am interested in at all. I find it distasteful and tacky honestly. Very much like the 'bought' vs 'built' hotrod argument you guys were talking about. Fancy watches are distinctly in the 'bought it' category for me. Reminds of guys in matching Ferrari hats and t-shirts; who can't read a tire spec or change their own oil. The off topic rants are enjoyable to me when I get to learn something about a random hobby I am not in. When someone has a deep passion for something it can be enjoyable to listen to even if it is not my thing specifically. But politics and words that make you 'go off' are a big turn off for me. It is your show though guys and I am only commenting on this as you said you wanted feedback. I can always just tune out, and then tune back in later.
Leather jackets I find very interesting and I suspect that there is a lot of cross over from boot people to jacket people. They are definitely a luxury item but should last many decades if taken care of. I have seen many leather jackets in wearable condition that are many decades old, so buying one seems like a smart lifetime purchase. Compare this to modern high tech outerwear that is ready for the trash or donation bin in a few years. This dovetails with my philosophy of buying fewer things that are a better long term value (that also help me look better) than looking strictly at price. Personally I would like to get a simple goatskin jacket from Dave Sheeley, for casual wear. But there are lots of excellent makers and styles out there.
The fashion thing is strange, I have been oblivious to it for most of my life but have reluctantly/belatedly learned that it can actually make a difference in how you are perceived and how smoothly some interpersonal interactions go. A little help in fashion or simply putting things into a fashion context would be appreciated, but I am not interested in the latest trends or big city fashion. I bet there are lots of guys who could use some pointers in looking put together, classic, respectable, or professional. If you guys were to mention what leathers or boot styles would or would not be acceptable in a business casual office or funeral it would be helpful. An idea on fashion would be to help guide the viewers to some clothes that would look good in matching to a boot style or certain leather. And talking about shirts or jeans that are a good value would dovetail along with that train of thought nicely.
I typically listen to these on the drive to work. Any thoughts on doing a custom fit with Bakers vs with Whites, Franks, Wesco directly? I have various boots I'm hoping to order/get rebuilt to a custom fit.
@@seedubhuntx so like, "here's what's in evolved with Baker's", "here's what's involved with White's", etc, etc? Each discussed individually? Then a recap at the end of the episode comparing and contrasting?
I was thinking just if there tend to be differences in how "custom fits" tend to actually fit coming out of the shops. I imagine the "objective" part of the process, taking measurements, etc is pretty identical between them all, especially if visiting in person, but turning those into a size/last adjustments is the hard part, and there are anecdotes from all three shops of poor fitting custom fits. I'm trying to maximize my chance of success, minimize wasting time money and resources.
Have you guys discussed the more cost friendly Franks Patriot and Drew's boots as good/bad options for people wanting to test the waters with true PNW style builds? If you've covered this in a video could you advise which one that is? Thanks
I try and watch your videos straight through in my free time over a cigar weather permitting. The long and unedited ranting is great. Shorter and topic specific videos are probably better for you guys in terms of more views and attracting subscribers but you'd lose the laid back conversation atmosphere. I'd rather see less frequent videos over a longer period of time over burning out.
I'm both strongly Christian and a strict libertarian. Got me pegged there, Mike. I don't get the impression that Stitchdown is super liberal though, except for some of the Discord members. I don't think Ben is particularly political at all either way. Maybe that's just because he does a good job keeping his private life separate, I don't know.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I think an interview with Kyle Baker would be fun. He's gotta have tons of insight on the industry, seeing as how Baker's sells several of the big PNW brands. I'd like to know if he has any plans to expand on the exclusive leathers they offer.
Maybe you guys could do episodes going into a deep dive on each of the PNW brands. Maybe how each one differs or the pros and cons of how each company builds their boots. I know you guys said you don't want to talk too negatively about any brand, so that might be kinda tough.
Love the boot collection reviews. Weekly episodes are great if that's what you guys want to keep doing. 1-1.5 hours is a good length imo.
I love this series of videos. I love your content. I would live to see a deeper dive into Franks and PNW brands. More stuff about Kreosote too. I love long episodes. Keep them long!!
The long episodes are great. Looking forward to seeing Jeff's collection. Also having guests on. If you can't do every week that's understandable. I personally care more about the quality of content than getting a constant stream.
My 2 cents: I greatly admire that you guys do this on your own, for the passion, to share information, to create discussions, to have a niche community effort, etc..
I run my channel the same way.. No money in, no money out.. People know when a channel is genuine or not.. No money involved, means nothing to prove, nothing to lie about,
nothing to exaggerate, nothing to ignore/look over, etc.. It means a lot for the regular viewer, hobbyist, consumer.. So Thank You for that.. WAY too many You Tube content creators, no matter
what the topic is, have an angle.. have a gimmick, have something to sell you on.. So i'm glad you guys never plan to get too commercial and sell out.. even though that would probably increase your popularity.., being better circulated.. you'd probably lose something in that from your core audience.. Also, I don't think you guys reviewing boots is bad.. I don't think that should be off the table.. Jeff already has a number of specific boot videos.. whether they're unboxing or what.. as long as it wasn't sent free for review.., I know I personally would love to see you guys do boot reviews.. whether they're new boots to you or your old ones that haven't got much mention... both of you have a number of unique MTO builds.. we would love all the details about.. why you decided on what choices.. how you found out about certain leathers.. what other boots you were going to get instead but didn't., etc.. it's all in the details right.. it will help other people become more decisive about MTOs if they're the type to be overwhelmed by the idea because of all the options..
I personally like knowing there's at least 1 episode a week.. if you guys did some more elaborate historical or docu-series topic that took a lot of time,, could definitely understand it taking a month or bi-monthly situation.. but even for just the live, shoot the shyt type of talks,, you could do them.. 2-3 times a week.. if it doesn't get old for you, it doesn't get old for us.. a lot of times the clock has to just run to get into a rhythm of conversation.. I know I personally do like the 1 hour to 1:30 run time per episode myself.. I think the interviews aspect was neat.. I know I have someone from a boot brand I could get yas talking with.. I think it would be great if you guys got Frank and/or Michelle on for a video.. maybe reaching out to Kyle Baker... that would make a great video..
and I know I'm all about the history of stuff... so if you guys would ever want to deep dive into the history of brands, specific lasts, patterns, leathers, tanneries.. that would be cool.. and I mentioned the machines... if we could all learn more about the different machines used in bootmaking and how they came about.. ( ie the Rapid E stitching machine) things like that would make for some really interesting content... anyhow... you guys are doing great.., Great year ahead of yous! wishing you the best,, happy to help in any capacity if needed,, thanks. -Tony
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Dale's collection would be interesting, however, that might turn into a miniseries.
I wonder if Marcell Mrsan would come on for an interview. It would give him an opportunity to talk about his experience making shoes, he's a patterning master, he has a new book to gently promote.
That would be beyond awesome. We'll have to ask. Thank you
@@cloveroak5492 Very cool. I bet there will be all sorts of questions regarding the text of the book. It could be an insightful deep dive. Can't wait for the book to arrive this week.
I would love to see an interview with Frank’s boots for the educational value, and one with JK for the entertainment value. The long format works great for me because I usually listen to them at work instead of watching.
@@nathanellis1490 😂 🤣 😂 the idea was presented to them. They said they didn't want to legitimize what I do. Whatever that means. I imagine that answer was very, very, paraphrased.
We have been planning to interview Frank's since the beginning. We want to make sure we do it right and have the most possible stuff to discuss.
Get Kyle Baker for an interview. That would be awesome.
Yes. Definitely would watch that one.
Give us all of Mike's Boot Collection soon or we're gonna start a riot...!! 🤘😁🤘
🤣
I love the weekly videos, I understand if y'all wanna reduce the upload schedule. I appreciate the time y'all take to make these videos, I love the long form videos, I play them while I work. Makes my work day less lonely 😅
@@GTKILL888 thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback on length snd when you watch/listen.
Something about the intent, design, use, style of the build of the boots in your collections
@@MatthewVanderkin thanks Matt
I think right around an hour is nice. I don't mind longer when the content is really engaging. I usually watch while I work.
I really like the live videos, maybe once a month or quarter? Really easy way to engage with your community and makes people feel more included in that community overall.
I agree with your point on doing boot reviews in general but deep dives into specific brands history, pros & cons, personal experiences, etc. are fun to watch and are really informative.
I'm liking the 60-90 minute mark too.
What time of day would you want a live video to be?
@@cloveroak5492 later in the day on a Friday or weekend to allow for the most people to join!
Another great episode. So far i liked your informational content most, where you discussed leathers, tongues and kilties, conditioning, squeaks, etc.. The episode about boot purchase regrets was also very interresting! It would be nice if you could make episodes about you beeing collectors, when and why do you buy aditional boots, do you sell boots you dont wear anymore, do you have a rotation, what do you love the most about collecting boots, what are the boots you wear the most/ the least? Any tips for new collectors. Thank you! Have a great time!
Also I like weekly episodes and more live stuff, more guests. I LOVE the boot collection videos.
@@ryanvest7061 the collections have definitely been a lot of fun. Live is tough. Hard to know when people would be able to join live. Plus I don't think Mike and Ai could both be on the episode for live? We are hundreds of miles apart geographically, so one of us would have to host, and the other would have to be a member of the audience.
Yeah, I'm still loving the long format, weekly episodes. And never underestimate the willingness of guys to simply sit around and listen to two other guys shoot the shit - assuming that it's interesting shit. I think that the common element that ties many members of this community together, whether we're discussing boots, jackets, knives, or whatever, is quality. I want to buy the best quality I can afford and have it last me a lifetime. So, yeah, jackets and hats sounds like a great idea. And more guests to talk about specific areas: Lee Miller or Lisa Sorrell, for instance, to talk about cowboy boots. Looking forward to your second year.
My main interest here are boots. Anyway maybe touch on best boot types for different functions. Maybe what type leather for working in dusty environments. I find the 55 last very comfortable but don't like walking all day in it.
Episodes about insoles (the replaceable ones, not the integral part of the boot) would be interesting. I am low volume and for some lasts I do need an insole - does it have much downsides vs using the boot without one? Do they prevent the integral insole taking shape of my feet?
Materials? veg tanned leather best? do I glue them in? how much problematic they are when it comes to how heel counter behaves (insole raise a heel a bit - is this a problem?)
3/4 or 1/2 insoles?
I would totally watch it (i watch every episode anyway :) )
And this episode was good too, thanks!
To talk about the 347 different insoles on the market would be impossible. 😮
They all suck, and none should be used...except 4 maybe...
#1---a flat piece of leather about 6oz. (which I do)
#2---Bob Henderson Boot Maker in Canada. (I'll try to remember to add his link in the Description for this video)
#3---One made just for you by a Podiatrist. Better have good insurance if you do that, and make sure the Doctor knows the arch you have in your boots.
#4---Nick's Delta Arch. (overpriced IMO. What Bob (#2) makes is similar, better, and cheaper.
Anything else not only is a rats nest on how they feel, but will defeat part of the purpose of these boots. Not to mention wear out quickly usually.
I enjoy the podcast and I hope you guys continue to do it as long as you can. I try to listen to each one although it is rare I can listen to them right as they come out. I should get better at leaving comments to help the algorithm, and you asked for feedback, so I will leave a bunch here.
The length of the episodes is no problem for me, if anything I like the longer format as I listen to them as I clean or workout.
It would be helpful to the viewers and to growing the channel if you were to edit together individual topics out from the podcast and put them together into smaller individual videos of bite size length. I am talking about already made footage on a small topic like Frank's Ryker boots, or cleaning wool socks. I know that these topics have been covered inside the podcasts, but they are long and finding the info again can be daunting. Some of the exercise scientists on RUclips do this and it is a huge help for the viewers and it has helped grow their channel immensely.
The ‘Renaissance Periodization’ RUclips channel is a great example of how this can be done using the ‘shorts’ type of videos, but even regular multiple minute shorter videos would work great.
I see no problem with sponsorships as long as they are not a direct a conflict of interest. A boot maker is a bad idea, but a random VPN company (for example) is a great idea. In fact I see it as a positive as getting monetized or sponsored will keep you guys engaged and maybe you can spend some of that cash on a project or equipment for the channel/podcast.
Watches and other forms of conspicuous forms of consumption with no real value (other than showing off) for the owner is not something I am interested in at all. I find it distasteful and tacky honestly. Very much like the 'bought' vs 'built' hotrod argument you guys were talking about. Fancy watches are distinctly in the 'bought it' category for me. Reminds of guys in matching Ferrari hats and t-shirts; who can't read a tire spec or change their own oil.
The off topic rants are enjoyable to me when I get to learn something about a random hobby I am not in. When someone has a deep passion for something it can be enjoyable to listen to even if it is not my thing specifically. But politics and words that make you 'go off' are a big turn off for me. It is your show though guys and I am only commenting on this as you said you wanted feedback. I can always just tune out, and then tune back in later.
Leather jackets I find very interesting and I suspect that there is a lot of cross over from boot people to jacket people. They are definitely a luxury item but should last many decades if taken care of. I have seen many leather jackets in wearable condition that are many decades old, so buying one seems like a smart lifetime purchase. Compare this to modern high tech outerwear that is ready for the trash or donation bin in a few years. This dovetails with my philosophy of buying fewer things that are a better long term value (that also help me look better) than looking strictly at price. Personally I would like to get a simple goatskin jacket from Dave Sheeley, for casual wear. But there are lots of excellent makers and styles out there.
The fashion thing is strange, I have been oblivious to it for most of my life but have reluctantly/belatedly learned that it can actually make a difference in how you are perceived and how smoothly some interpersonal interactions go. A little help in fashion or simply putting things into a fashion context would be appreciated, but I am not interested in the latest trends or big city fashion. I bet there are lots of guys who could use some pointers in looking put together, classic, respectable, or professional. If you guys were to mention what leathers or boot styles would or would not be acceptable in a business casual office or funeral it would be helpful.
An idea on fashion would be to help guide the viewers to some clothes that would look good in matching to a boot style or certain leather. And talking about shirts or jeans that are a good value would dovetail along with that train of thought nicely.
I like the hat thread, maybe a custom hat maker like Nathaniel from Georgetown Texas?
@@MatthewVanderkin Mike is definitely the hat guy, but I definitely take my hats seriously.
I typically listen to these on the drive to work.
Any thoughts on doing a custom fit with Bakers vs with Whites, Franks, Wesco directly? I have various boots I'm hoping to order/get rebuilt to a custom fit.
@@seedubhuntx so like, "here's what's in evolved with Baker's", "here's what's involved with White's", etc, etc? Each discussed individually? Then a recap at the end of the episode comparing and contrasting?
I was thinking just if there tend to be differences in how "custom fits" tend to actually fit coming out of the shops. I imagine the "objective" part of the process, taking measurements, etc is pretty identical between them all, especially if visiting in person, but turning those into a size/last adjustments is the hard part, and there are anecdotes from all three shops of poor fitting custom fits. I'm trying to maximize my chance of success, minimize wasting time money and resources.
Have you guys discussed the more cost friendly Franks Patriot and Drew's boots as good/bad options for people wanting to test the waters with true PNW style builds?
If you've covered this in a video could you advise which one that is?
Thanks
Those boots have definitely been mentioned several times, but not as a specific episode. We could certainly do that.
@cloveroak5492 awesome. Do you need my info for my royalties? 😜😜
Hope you make it. I'd love to hear y'all's thoughts on them
Or pick out things that are different than the normal in boots and your thoughts on why that was done, maybe like a game show quiz
@@MatthewVanderkin we'd need to talk about that more
Brothers in Menswear? 😁
@@averyj.steele1074 BiM! 😂 🤣
I try and watch your videos straight through in my free time over a cigar weather permitting. The long and unedited ranting is great. Shorter and topic specific videos are probably better for you guys in terms of more views and attracting subscribers but you'd lose the laid back conversation atmosphere.
I'd rather see less frequent videos over a longer period of time over burning out.
@@Faux_59 a good cigar sounds really yummy right now.
I'm both strongly Christian and a strict libertarian. Got me pegged there, Mike. I don't get the impression that Stitchdown is super liberal though, except for some of the Discord members. I don't think Ben is particularly political at all either way. Maybe that's just because he does a good job keeping his private life separate, I don't know.
Well, I love PNW boots, and I lean Anarcho-communist. But let's please leave politics out of this channel.
🤣