New Sucker Punch Seat

[leatherjunkie]

The seat looks great.

However, when you dyed it back according to the picture the word "salies"(spelling bad) seams to be a little hard to read. but it may be the picture.

someday i will have to bite the bullet and attempt to make one of these seats.

[bustedlifter]

Hey, Dave, could you add an unsure to the poll?

[David]

Leatherjunkie,

I agree with you about all the lettering. The word Sallys became harder to read....but that's true any time you dye the leather black. Especially when you must Neat-Lac the seat to prevent the crocking that always results from black dye. This seat became rather difficult to photograph due to the shiny nature of the Neat-Lac

Thanks for looking.

Dave

Final poll 29-2 in favor of liking the design

[abn]

Looks great, David, even in black. Glad to hear your folks at SPS agreed.

[BillB]

Dave,

I agree with an earlier comment in the thread that the birds look Disneyish. If you had used some Celtic Bird designs I think you could get the same affect and have a unique look.

BillB

[leatherhead]

Dave love your work ! big fan, seen your work before i found the site ! What a treat to do the seats for Sucker Punch ! I know others don't like the birds but you give the customer what they want , and there old school . Your colors are always awesome but when your building bikes black goes with everything i'm sure you know thats why they always ask for black . Your stitching and braiding techniques are BAD A$$ !! they are saddles for steel horses . Keep up the great work and all the info ! Raleigh

[David]

Thanks to all who have responded,

Perhaps it is time to add a little history to the symbolism of the Nautical Star, birds, and also the flaming heart and flowers which also appear on many Sucker Punch seats.

These are all symbols of Nautical tattoo art that go way back to the early age of sailing ships. They are all religious in nature and the actual appearence of them is taken right from the pages of history. Many sailors of the era wanted to express their religious feeling and preferences without reference to the traditional churches of England and Europe. Hence all of this symbolism. These symbols have been passed down to the current practitioners of tattoo art. They represent God, the Holy Spirit, the pierced heart of Christ and the Rose of Sharon.

So while the birds, (they are actually swallows, as evidenced by the split tail) may appear Disneyish to some, it was probably Disney copying the the tattoo artists rather than the other way around.

To those of you who don't like the birds; I'm afraid you'll have to tell those tattooists of the 14th-18th centuries (now that is Old School) when you meet them. Everyone is simply copying them.

Thanks again for taking a look,

David Theobald

[Jordan]

Finally figured out that it is the placement that makes the birds stand out more(on top rather than more incorporated in the other photo) in my minds eye. I do enjoy your seats and have seen many examples of the older style tatts. SPS being the customer gets what they want and my disney comment really doesn't amount to a hill'o'beans as I don't foresee ever being able to afford one of thier masterful creations. LOL

[David]

Finally figured out that it is the placement that makes the birds stand out more(on top rather than more incorporated in the other photo) in my minds eye. I do enjoy your seats and have seen many examples of the older style tatts. SPS being the customer gets what they want and my disney comment really doesn't amount to a hill'o'beans as I don't foresee ever being able to afford one of thier masterful creations. LOL

Hey Jordan,

You weren't the only one to feel that way about the birds. And I did not take offense at any of it. I was just explaining where the symbols came from and what their significance was. I doubt that most wearers of tattoos are even aware of what they are wearing. To most they are probably just cool biker tats.

SPS prides themselves in affordable bikes so you never know...there may be a Sucker Punch in your future too.....

Thanks for looking friend.

Dave

[Jordan]

Got my sights set on another 60's BMW to restore. I had so much fun with the first R69s I am going to do it again, but I think I will keep it rather than sell it. Man I miss that bike. Maybe one of your seats is destined for the next one!

Edited January 27, 2009 by Jordan