A look at making hand-crafted cowboy hats
Smithbilt Hats in Calgary uses 100-year-old equipment to make 20,000 to 30,000 hats a year.
Many hats ready to receive their finished shape at Smithbilt Hats in Calgary.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
An employee in the process of making a cowboy hat at Smithbilt Hats. Some of the equipment is 100-years-old.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
Smithbilt makes approximately 20,000 to 30,000 hats a year. Hats can cost buyers between $25 to $900.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
One of the tools used to give cowboys their shape.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
Larry Glasgow uses steam to put a final shape to the brim of the hat.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
Larry Glasgow shows the hat before (right) and after he uses steam to give it its final shape.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail
An employee inspects a cowboy hat at Smithbilt Hats in Calgary.JARED SYCH/The Globe and Mail