Unseen In The Worse Places [Blackjacks & Saps]

[Paul Gomez]

The thread concerning shoulder holsters got me thinking about blackjack and saps. In times past, the blackjack or sap was as common a 'pocket implement' as a jackknife, among certain social circles. :cool2:

Does anyone know of current sources for traditional blackjacks, saps or brass knucks?

 

[zeus36]

Can't seem to find any suppliers, you may need to go to a police equip. store.

Here is a link for more info:

http://www.donrearic.com/sap.html

there is also a parent link on the above page to get you to the self defense forums.

 

[Badluck Brody]

Cool page

Almost feel like I was a young hoodlum again!

Brody

 

[aliados]

I just joined this post, and, apparently, judging form the "where do I get . . ." questions, there's no one here from Chi or NY! Blackjacks and brass knuckles used ot be common in many Chinatown (NY) shops, and, while down in Orlando, FL a couple of months ago, I found them -- and switchblades -- in every flea market.

Some of the on-line knife stores have "paperwight" or "belt buckle" brass knuckles, as does eBay, but a good, OLD FASHIONED blackjack is hard to find! I shoulda bought the 1890s San Fransico Police blackjack I came across in an antique store in Connecticut!

Charlie

 

[IndianaGuybrush]

Whatsa matter with you mugs, a sock fulla pennies too good for ya?

 

[aliados]

I remember how impressed I was when an actor (either Ray Danton playing Geroge Raft, or Raft in an old movie), sitting at a restaurant table, casually made a sap out of a linen napkin and a saltshaker!

 

[Feraud]

For blackjacks try Cheaper Than Dirt.

 

[Andykev]

Ya and you'll get the slam in Liberal Kalifonia, Arnold

The thread concerning shoulder holsters got me thinking about blackjack and saps. In times past, the blackjack or sap was as common a 'pocket implement' as a jackknife, among certain social circles. :cool2:

Does anyone know of current sources for traditional blackjacks, saps or brass knucks?

Possession of any of those items, in California, constitute a FELONY.
Of course, if you are a licensed collector, or historical film maker.......

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Brody...

Back in the 80s my Dept. still let us carry saps and blackjacks. I never liked the little things, not enough reach for me. Like my "Pale Rider" friend Clint once said...."Nothing beats a good peice of Hickory."

 

[shamus]

I believe they are illegal to carry. That being said, I did find a great blackjack in a thrift store display case for $5.00. At first I didn't believe it was just sitting there, then once my brain made the connection to what it actually was, I was five dollars short.

 

[Badluck Brody]

Not like I would carry it.....

I'm just thinking prop or something!

Brimstone

 

[Biltmore Bob]

It's probably not against the law for a cop to have one of those things.

 

[Feraud]

I have been meaning to pick up a sap. I have a switchblade, for historical interest of course!

 

[matei]

How about a roll of coins?

I once knew a fella in NY that would use a roll of nickles. He'd put it in his fist and suprise the bejaysus out of bruisers much larger then him when he'd connect.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I carry my sap, brass knuckles, sawn off shotgun, switchblade, and machinegun for fun and self defense purposes only.

 

[FinalVestige79]

Well

If there is still any interest in these I have a very reliable and reputable source for both blackjacks and saps that are of unmatched quality and very affordable for being well under a C-note. Each one is made entirely by hand, either ready-made or by custom requests.

Blackjacks - An impact weapon with a molded lead head of varying oz that is molded directly onto a coiled spring and then wrapped in leather by either braid or stitch.

Saps - Impact weapon of a flat nature with either lead shot or a molded chunk of lead also in varying oz, in the head wrapped in leather with not spring. Also called a slapper.

But the 2 names are synonymous.

There are groups of collectors of enthusiasts who sell, buy and trade these weapons. They have become highly collectible in recent years because of their craftsmanship, notoriety, and nostalgia.

They are made by 2 Brothers in NC, one makes Blackjacks and one makes saps. They come in lots of flavors.

Here are some examples of their blackjacks -

And some of their saps -

EDIT : I do not have any monetary interest in this company. I can only vouch for their quality because I have seen them in person.

You can also find them on - Southord.com - Can't vouch for their quality they look good tho come in 2 flavors, 8 oz and 14 oz.

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

 

[Geesie]

Possession of any of those items, in California, constitute a FELONY.

Someone needs to start a National Knife and Club Association. It's pretty absurd that you can carry a pistol but not a knife or brass knuckles.

 

[Warbaby]

Here's a photo of my early San Francisco blackjack, c.1900. It's solid brass, nickel plated - a real killer. From the amount of plating that's worn off, this baby has seen some use.

 

[Viola]

I might make a pair of weighted gloves at some point. I can't use brass knuckles, my hands are too small and it'd just hurt.

My younger sister hit me with our dad's sap once when we were kids. I was pretty mad at the time.

 

[FinalVestige79]

Here's a photo of my early San Francisco blackjack, c.1900. It's solid brass, nickel plated - a real killer. From the amount of plating that's worn off, this baby has seen some use.

That is absolutely beautiful Warbaby if she could tell stories.... You can see my blackjack in the picture above, its the 2nd from left the russet looking one next to the white one. It was modeled after the Bucheimer Convoy, but it doesn't weigh as much the head is about 9oz with the total weight being about 10oz. I was surprised how well made it is.

Viola: I can't use them either, most people cant without breaking their hands, the brits made the best knuckledusters, they actually out thought into how they fit and felt. If you do make the gloves use bird shot it makes for a wider dispersal pattern, it hurts the user less, and does a good enough job.