Yesterday I recieved a brand new N6A Houston from The Fire Store. First, they lost my order after charging my credit card. Second, after they finally sent it to me 2 weeks later, I opened it and found that the craftsmanship was mediocre. Dont get me wrong, I love the way it looks and fits, however there are large spots of discoloration on the rear brim, and on the underside of the front brim. To me they look like burn damage from either the brim press or when they take a blow torch to it to burn excess fibers off. Also, the skull is off center on the brim. Is anyone else noticing these types of issues? I understand that it is a completly hand made product, but im surprised there isnt more consistency.
has anyone tried the Royce leather? it looks similar to the Cairns but more customizable. Without OSHA or NFPA ratings, I agree its a litttle risky but I'm curious as to what people are saying.
Matt I know this is months Later so therefore Moot .. but 1) did you call the Fire store? I am assuming you payed Big Money.. that being said, I would also consider writing Cairns..lets Face it Cairns/MSA is not Cairns MSA in the 70's used to stamp out the topguard which Johnny & Roy wore in emergency they were 15 bucks a pop 5a's were 60 bucks a pop (with custom front) Cairns wanted to get rid of the leather because they were Labor intensive NFPA was just looking to get involved in regulating gear so they went to the manufacturers to put forth committees (self interest Committees) and Cairns decided a penitration test of XXX lbs per sq inch would fail any leather and they could cease making them in favor of some plastic wheelchock or tuperware ,, naturally no one was going to have that so we pitched a bitch and forced the issue... eventually cairns sold they're souls to the devil > MSA they're biggest corporate enemy they moved the equiptment south.....
I would have sent it back called THE Fire store and said you wanted another shipped right away ,.. period