Jack Sap

[TwinOaks]

I made a few paperweights like that a while back....my interior design was a bit different though. I made it two layers with a full thickness welt in the head, and used a full thickness 'runner' down the handle, sewn in place so that the edges were 2 layers, while the core was 3 layers thick. It wasn't nearly as stiff as a spring would be, but acted more like a whip belly. It was stiff enough to stand straight out, but would flex pretty drastically when swung. I used lead shot instead of steel (#9 I think) and sewed a small pouch of denim to keep it all together. All told, it was a little less than 1/2" thick, and about 10" long....but with the over sized head at 2.5" diameter and just packed with the lead shot, it could certainly knock the befuddling out of an unruly stack of papers.

[sinpac]

it could certainly knock the befuddling out of an unruly stack of papers.

I pity that stack of papers if you ever got a paper cut! LOL!

[Bobby hdflame]

I've been following this thread with interest. These little "massage aids" bring back memories when I had a friend that carried one on the PD.

What are you using for the spring steel? I was thinking about some of that metal pallet strapping but don't know if it would be stiff enough.

On the sites that are selling these as "massage aids", how much are they?

Edited August 30, 2012 by Bobby hdflame

[Bobby hdflame]

Well, never mind the question about price. A quick Google and I found them MUCH cheaper than I would make one to sell.

http://www.wildbillw...com/leslja.html

Don't know if anyone has Googled "Leather Slap Jack" but there's lots of pictures for ideas!

https://www.google.c...iw=1280&bih=642

Nice little history here:

http://www.weapons-universe.com/Personal_Defense/Leather_Billy_Clubs.shtml

Edited August 30, 2012 by Bobby hdflame

[rickybobby]

Well, never mind the question about price. A quick Google and I found them MUCH cheaper than I would make one to sell.

http://www.wildbillw...com/leslja.html

Don't know if anyone has Googled "Leather Slap Jack" but there's lots of pictures for ideas!

https://www.google.c...iw=1280&bih=642

Nice little history here:

http://www.weapons-u...lly_Clubs.shtml

Those are some inexpensive saps!! There is no way to compete price wise with that but, I don't try to compete with Walmart belts, wallets, or anything else they have in "leather". I look at it like customers that pick up one of my belts (at $50.00 with no tooling) and tell me they can get one from Walmart for $15.00, go ahead! Something is always cheaper somewhere else. I prefer people come to me because I have a good quality product. The customer and I are both much happier then.

If someone wants a hand made piece they most likely know that quality is more expensive but will last longer. I have never seen one of those Saps in person but if they are production line made they are probably like the production line made belts and may not last.

This gentleman has built quite a business from these. The prices are in line with a custom piece that is hand made.

Check it out at...

http://www.greenmanleather.ca/jack-saps.php

He offers many styles, shapes, and weights.

This is another site that has sold them for quite a while and seems to be getting a good price for a handmade piece...

http://www.shottist.com/saps.htm

I would like to learn more about them, and build a good product. If I find a customer base for the product I would like to offer them. But only if they are of good quality (construction and materials), and profitable. So my research and prototype continues.

[sinpac]

What are you using for the spring steel?

Banding straps off of pallets you know from shipping.

[Bobby hdflame]

Banding straps off of pallets you know from shipping.

I mentioned that the strapping/banding material might be used, but I know it will bend and not spring back. Are you currently using the pallet strapping? Do you use more than one layer of the strap? Thanks.

[sinpac]

I mentioned that the strapping/banding material might be used, but I know it will bend and not spring back. Are you currently using the pallet strapping? Do you use more than one layer of the strap? Thanks.

I am using one layer with no problems as of yet.

[Bobby hdflame]

Those are some inexpensive saps!! There is no way to compete price wise with that but, I don't try to compete with Walmart belts, wallets, or anything else they have in "leather". I look at it like customers that pick up one of my belts (at $50.00 with no tooling) and tell me they can get one from Walmart for $15.00, go ahead! Something is always cheaper somewhere else. I prefer people come to me because I have a good quality product. The customer and I are both much happier then.

If someone wants a hand made piece they most likely know that quality is more expensive but will last longer. I have never seen one of those Saps in person but if they are production line made they are probably like the production line made belts and may not last.

This gentleman has built quite a business from these. The prices are in line with a custom piece that is hand made.

Check it out at...

http://www.greenmanl...a/jack-saps.php

He offers many styles, shapes, and weights.

This is another site that has sold them for quite a while and seems to be getting a good price for a handmade piece...

http://www.shottist.com/saps.htm

I would like to learn more about them, and build a good product. If I find a customer base for the product I would like to offer them. But only if they are of good quality (construction and materials), and profitable. So my research and prototype continues.

Those are both cool sites. I spent some time looking at their products and watching their videos. I really like the "Coin Holder" and the "Key FOB" both are very easily concealable and I think they would make it through airport security for those that travel a lot.

Thanks for sharing those sites.

[Red Bear Haraldsson]

I thought I would resurrect this thread with my two cents.

I had a friend who had permission to carry a sap because his fingers were double-jointed and couldn't hit anyone effectively with a balled up fist (the story I was told anyways).

When he left the department he was no longer allowed to carry a sap, so he made the next best thing, a sap-shaped coin purse. Carried about $20 in half dollars and Susan B's. Suede body, latigo thong at the head, just big enough through the throat that the coins can come out.

Officer, "What did you hit the mugger with, citizen?"

Citizen, "A coin purse."

Officer, "Nice swing you've got there."

[Waylon1977]

Well, I am glad you did, red bear. I had one my grandfather had that was awesome, but can't find it anymore. I have to say that i don't know what spring steel is and I always assumed my sap just had a really taught spring in there and then it had a flat lead weight- similar to a really thick, really heavy, coin in the end. I have considered the coin purse idea- but haven't ironed out all the kinks yet.

[glockanator]

This is one I just finished for a artist friend.

[Itch]

Great thread does anyone have any updates on their projects ..