Ghost of OBC
Well-known member
I just wanted to post a short note about a great experience with Jill and Clyde and Jill Hawk Cases.
I had been using cheap vinyl cases for many years because I couldn't quite find something that fit my eye. A lot of the leather cases have a Harley Davidson/Western vibe that isn't quite to my liking. The Predator-style modern Euro cases are really nice, but a bit modern for my tastes.
I came across their 3 Carats case on this board, and thought, maybe they can help me!
I wasn't looking for a show piece or collectors item, but something functional and understated. Also, a case not too precious to use. I think I said to Clyde on the phone, "I want a case I can leave in my will that will still function perfectly, but show every year of its age." As an example of such an object, I had been looking at Victorian Era English shotgun cases. These cases are more than 100 years old, and will still take your shotguns safely to the field. I also rather like their handles, and lid-type closure.
So, roughly with those ideas, I reached out to Jill Hawk cue cases. After a very nice conversation, we settled on a plan and they started the build. A couple of really cool things happened during the build. Initially we had discussed dying the leather, but when the pieces were cut they looked really good and Clyde suggested leaving them natural. When he messaged me the suggestion, I had been thinking to myself, "a shame to dye that lovely leather..." so we left it natural. I was also skeptical about the shape line on the case. I'm really glad I listened and took the suggestion because I think it looks perfect.
I couldn't be happier with the case or the experience of bringing it into being. I look forward to many years of service and watching the patina develop. If there is any downside, it is that making something simple really well, means having a case that gets a lot of attention.
I'm really grateful to the Hawk's and wish them the best. They are great folks who build a wonderful product.
I had been using cheap vinyl cases for many years because I couldn't quite find something that fit my eye. A lot of the leather cases have a Harley Davidson/Western vibe that isn't quite to my liking. The Predator-style modern Euro cases are really nice, but a bit modern for my tastes.
I came across their 3 Carats case on this board, and thought, maybe they can help me!
I wasn't looking for a show piece or collectors item, but something functional and understated. Also, a case not too precious to use. I think I said to Clyde on the phone, "I want a case I can leave in my will that will still function perfectly, but show every year of its age." As an example of such an object, I had been looking at Victorian Era English shotgun cases. These cases are more than 100 years old, and will still take your shotguns safely to the field. I also rather like their handles, and lid-type closure.
So, roughly with those ideas, I reached out to Jill Hawk cue cases. After a very nice conversation, we settled on a plan and they started the build. A couple of really cool things happened during the build. Initially we had discussed dying the leather, but when the pieces were cut they looked really good and Clyde suggested leaving them natural. When he messaged me the suggestion, I had been thinking to myself, "a shame to dye that lovely leather..." so we left it natural. I was also skeptical about the shape line on the case. I'm really glad I listened and took the suggestion because I think it looks perfect.
I couldn't be happier with the case or the experience of bringing it into being. I look forward to many years of service and watching the patina develop. If there is any downside, it is that making something simple really well, means having a case that gets a lot of attention.
I'm really grateful to the Hawk's and wish them the best. They are great folks who build a wonderful product.
