Official Umbrella aficionados thread

[konstantis]

i’ve ordered a kirchtag solid stick.

not an easy process right now, but new website coming in a month or so, apparently.

many, many exotic and unusual stick choices. available in two lengths : 100cm or 93cm. i don’t think anyone else in the world uses quite this range. lengthy process to prepare their sticks, too.

these are the solid sticks currently in stock according to what i was told this week. higher price is for larger size. some woods more expensive than others. see their website for pictures of each.

Apfel / Apple 380 / 350 euro
Birne / Pear 380 / 350 euro
Eiche / Oak 350 / 330 euro
Esche / Ash 350 / 330 euro
Hickory 350 / 330 euro
Kirsche / Cherry 350 / 330 euro
Nuss / Nut 380 / 350 euro
Ulme / Elm 350 / 330 euro

don’t know if this selection is affected by the seasons or because they just get used up from time to time. should be clearer with a new website.

frames and parts apparently from britain, italy and germany.

some of this can be translated from their website which is german only.

you choose fabric from website pictures (and state code when ordered) and metal parts colour (silver or brass) when ordered too. payment via phone or bank transfer, around two weeks turnaround, paid when sent if by card.

very helpful and patient. understands its slow with their old website. mr kirchtag speaks better english on phone than when answering emails.

postage to me in england at 55 euros.

ive chosen apple at 100cm, with aluminium parts and navy blue polyester fabric. will post pics.

May i ask the reasons that yyou decided to purchase a kirchtag solid stick.? Thanks

 

[logboy]

May i ask the reasons that yyou decided to purchase a kirchtag solid stick.? Thanks

no chinese parts, unusual woods. tired of english makers not declaring where their materials are from, or refusing to answer the question, or simply stating chinese despite the high price. too many makers here trying to maintain a price point despite compromised qualities caused by downturn in british industry (closed frame makers) and rise in cheap chinese steel.

there’s a certain amount of unavoidable ‘flying blind’ to this process, but it comes from small companies, old websites, niche interest.

also ... brexit. it’s now or possibly never, as prices will rise by 20% as of january 1st next year. importation will be prohibitive.

 

[ojaw]

Thanks, bookmarked Kirchtag.

 

[konstantis]

no chinese parts, unusual woods. tired of english makers not declaring where their materials are from, or refusing to answer the question, or simply stating chinese despite the high price. too many makers here trying to maintain a price point despite compromised qualities caused by downturn in british industry (closed frame makers) and rise in cheap chinese steel.

there’s a certain amount of unavoidable ‘flying blind’ to this process, but it comes from small companies, old websites, niche interest.

also ... brexit. it’s now or possibly never, as prices will rise by 20% as of january 1st next year. importation will be prohibitive.

Did they confirm you that the frames aren’t Chinese ?

 

[logboy]

Did they confirm you that the frames aren’t Chinese ?

yes. Also in German on their website.

 

[konstantis]

yes. Also in German on their website.

That’s nice. They aren’t cheap although.

 

[logboy]

That’s nice. They aren’t cheap although.

No, not cheap, but not made cheaply.

 

[konstantis]

No, not cheap, but not made cheaply.

Send us pictures please.

 

[logboy]

Send us pictures please.

Will probably post in thread when I have it.

 

[konstantis]

Will probably post in thread when I have it.

Do you know where the frames of MAGLIA are from ?

 

[ojaw]

Pretty minimal website, how much are they?

That is, Kirchtag.

 

[logboy]

Do you know where the frames of MAGLIA are from ?

Permanent Style

Francesco Maglia umbrellas: Past, present and future

www.permanentstyle.com

"As an example of how much Maglia stands alone, it used to source the ribs of its umbrellas from an Italian factory, where it had been a customer for 120 years.

In 1991, that maker - the last in Europe - finally had to close. Maglia was the only client left and their orders couldn’t justify new investment required in machinery.

“When they shut, they gave us the technical patterns for all their parts, and helped us find a supplier in China,” says Francesco. “They wanted to see us carry on.”"

i have two magma's. both fit-ups. both unused - not been in my rotation - so i may sell one. i didn't know the frames were chinese when i bought them two years ago. live and learn.

 

[logboy]

Pretty minimal website, how much are they?

That is, Kirchtag.

i've already posted the prices for the sticks currently in stock. check back through the thread to see.

 

[konstantis]

Permanent Style

Francesco Maglia umbrellas: Past, present and future

www.permanentstyle.com

"As an example of how much Maglia stands alone, it used to source the ribs of its umbrellas from an Italian factory, where it had been a customer for 120 years.

In 1991, that maker - the last in Europe - finally had to close. Maglia was the only client left and their orders couldn’t justify new investment required in machinery.

“When they shut, they gave us the technical patterns for all their parts, and helped us find a supplier in China,” says Francesco. “They wanted to see us carry on.”"

i have two magma's. both fit-ups. both unused - not been in my rotation - so i may sell one. i didn't know the frames were chinese when i bought them two years ago. live and learn.

What about Talarico ?

 

[ojaw]

Nevermind, saw your post in the Kirchtag thread.