Some new stuff...

Well, Krampustime is nearly upon us, so I've decided to stock up on lumps of coal for everyone's naughty list.  I'm just beginning, but I plan to have a good amount of the more popular style saps I make available in time to get them out for the holidays.

I'll be posting what's currently available in my Etsy store, please check it out here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/raymonddesmarais 

If you a question about ac ustom order, you can message me directly.  Thanks, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Info About Orders: Please read.

I am currently taking orders for my saps.  Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

1.  What kind of materials do you use?  The ONLY kind of sap I make is leather, filled with lead shot.  I stitch these by hand, and for the time being, I do not cast lead, or put springs in the body of the sap, owing to the limitations of my equipment and experience. There are other excellent makers out there who are more qualified to make flat saps and blackjacks.  

2.  Are these legal to carry?  The saps I make would be legal to own just about anywhere, but carrying one on your person might be considered an offensive weapon, it varies a lot from state to state.  It is your responsibility to know the law regarding weapons where you reside. I sell these as collectibles.  Seriously, that's not just me covering my ass.   I would never recommend my saps as a primary means of personal protection. They could be used as an impact weapon by a skilled fighter, but there are lots of better options.  I make these for people who simply appreciate hand crafted goods and the nostalgia factor.  They make nice paperweights or massage tools for those qualified in various types of bodywork.

3.  How do I order/ How much will it cost?  Please message me directly at  r.desmarais@netzero.net.  Let me know the following:

- What length sap you want, 6.5-9 inches. 

- What color sap you want.  (I always have black, brown, saddle tan and oxblood.  I often have other colors too, just ask.)

- Whether you want it to have a strap or no strap.

I will respond to your inquiry to confirm I can fulfill your order, then accept payment via Paypal accordingly.  My lead time on orders is approximately one week.  This is subject to change if I have to travel, I will let you know.

The cost for a basic sap is $70 shipped within the USA .  Custom designs or other sizes may cost more. I do not currently ship outside the United States.

If you have a request for a special design or some sort of embellishment, feel free to ask me about it. If I cannot do it myself, I will do my best to refer you to someone who can.  Please direct any questions to me directly, rather than the comments section, as I will get the message faster.  Thanks.

New Orders On Moratorium.

I could have just said "on hold"  but this sounded more badass.

I have a few custom orders that I am working on as time allows.  If you've placed an order in the last couple of weeks, I will still fill it, but I am currently not accepting new custom orders for the next couple of months.

My leather work is something I do only as a part time hobby, and my full time job has become more demanding on my schedule in recent months.

I do appreciate everyone's feedback and support over the last year, but with my current schedule, I need to step away from the workbench for a while.  I will post items for sale if I have time to make any extras, and I hope to try my hand at some new projects in the future as well, so check in from time to time.  When things slow down and I can take new orders, I will post accordingly.  Thanks again, stay safe out there.

Orders closed for 2013

Hey, y'all, I hope everyone's having a great holiday season.  Thanks for all the orders, I will be out of the shop for the week of the 23rd through the 29th.  I will also be away from the internet for a portion of this trip, so bear with me if I don't reply to messages or order requests for a few days.

Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate it, and best wishes to everyone.  I'll be back in 2014.  Happy New Year!

Christmas orders, place them while you can! One day left!

Hey folks, just checking in to keep you updated for the holiday season.  Currently, the lead time on custom orders is one week.  I will be away from the workshop the week of December 23rd.  Thus, the deadline to place an order to be completed and shipped in time for Christmas is December 13.  I will do my best to fill orders in less than a week, but it's not always possible.  (I have a real job besides this, believe it or not.)

PLEASE NOTE: If you contact me to place an order for a sap, I need the following info:

1.  The length of the sap; 6, 7 or 8 inches.
2.  The color or the leather : Black, dark brown, dark tan, oxblood, red, green, blue, or navy blue.
3.  The color of the stitching: Natural off-white and white are available, if no color is requested, I use black.
4.  Strap or no strap.

The cost for basic saps is $60, which includes Priority shipping within the USA.  Additional features or materials may cost more.

I will also post items that are ready to ship as they become available.  Thanks for stopping by, e-mail me directly at r.desmarais@ netzero.net to order, or if you have any questions.

Like my saps on the Facebook!

Hey y'alls.  I finally joined the 21st century and got around to putting up a page on the Facebook machine.  Here's the linky-dink: https://www.facebook.com/leathersaps

If you've got one of my saps and like it, feel free to leave some feedback!  Thanks for all your support!

I'm squealing with delight on the inside.

Currently Available Turkey Thumpers.

Well, the holiday season draws nigh, and it's never too early to get some shopping done.  Here's what I have on hand, ready to ship:

Dark Brown 7" Sap with loop strap: $60

Dark Brown 8" Sap With Loop Strap: $60

Black 6.5" Sap With Loop Strap: SOLD

Prices listed include Priority Shipping within the USA.  International rates vary.  I will update this blog as new items become available.  Current lead time on custom orders is 1 week, contact me directly for custom orders.  Thanks!

But seriously, new saps...

UPDATE:  9-4-2013:  The saps pictured below are all sold, but I'm keeping the photos up so people can see the design.  Check my most recent post for what's currently available, contact me directly with custom order requests, thanks!

Owing to the popularity of key chain saps I've made in the past, I've made some larger pocket-sized sap with the D-ring configuration.  I'll include a split ring as well for use as a hefty keychain, but it can easily be removed or replaced with a lanyard if you prefer.  As one customer pointed out, they're a bit large to have dangling from your car ignition, but they're a great size for pocket carry, or just to have hanging by the door at home.  Here they are!

Large Keychain Sap #1: SOLD

Weighing 9.25 oz. and measuring 7 inches, this is made with factory dyed, waxed oxblood leather. Hand stitched and riveted with a large D-ring, includes a split ring.  

Large Keychain Sap #2: SOLD

Weighing just shy of 9 oz. and measuring 7 inches, made with factory dyed waxed oxblood leather. Hand stitched and riveted with a small D-ring. (Split ring included, not pictured.)

Large Keychain Sap #3: SOLD

Weighing 8 oz. and measuring 6.5 inches, made from factory dyed tan leather, hand stitched.  The D-ring is attached with a rivet screw.  (Split ring included, not pictured.)

New Year, New Saps, New Everything!

Hey Y'all!

Thanks to everyone who ordered leather work from me over the holiday season.  You've helped me turn something that started as a labor of love into a semi-professional endeavor.  I've gotten a lot of encouraging feedback, and it's greatly appreciated.

I will still produce one-of-a-kind  projects as time allows. However, I've also taken note of what designs have proven the most popular based on customers' requests.  To that end, I'm going to produce a stock of those designs to have on hand, to make the purchasing process easier.  I'm also exploring options for a more professional website, and I will keep you posted as that develops.

In the meantime, check out my other posts and contact me directly if you want to make a purchase.  Thanks, and have a safe and happy New Year!

TO ORDER:  Please e-mail me at r.desmarais@netzero.net, and tell me what style of sap you want to order.  If it's a specific sap posted here, describe it. If you want something custom, describe it, and I'll get back to you with a quote.  I prefer to take payments through Paypal.  Current time on backorders is about one week.  I will do my best to fill custom requests, so hit me up!