Michigan Airsoft
Michigan Airsoft => Airsoft Discussion => Topic started by: luke213 on September 12, 2016, 12:22:07 PM
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So guys we've talked in the past among the staff about offering a patch, and from what I understand some guys did a patch a few years back. But it's sort of been on the back burner for a while now. I wanted to get a feel for how many guys would be interested in an MIA patch. It would also be a way to support the forum and hosting costs etc.
I don't have pricing, since that's all depending on the size of the patch, the design and the number of patches ordered etc. Ideally though it would be fairly inexpensive since no one wants to pay a fortune for a patch. Also color wise something that looks good with most camo would be my vote. But if there is enough interest then we'll setup a contest with designs etc. if we don't get enough designs then we'll just do something decided by the staff for the design.
But at the end of the day it all hinges on whether or not you guys want patches, since no point in spending the money to have them made if there isn't enough interest.
So pick an answer in the poll and feel free to explain in a post below.
Take care!
Luke
PATCHES AVAILABLE HERE: http://adamsholsters.com/MIAPATCH
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I'd probably take a couple depending on price.
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I'd love to see the price around $5 and depending on the number of people and whatnot I think that's possible. Though I'm in the same boat as you, I'd like to have several and if they are around $5 I can do that. If they are $10 a piece then I'm likely only buying one for myself.
So no matter what happens if we do a patch I'm going to shoot for any way we can keep it cost effective and still pay for the site etc.
Luke
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MI 6mm did one a few years back.
I'd definitely pick up a current one if it was offered.
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I'd still get at least 2 at $10/ea if it helps the site. I'm not a fan of Facebook, so this is literally my only airsoft "go-to".
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I own a few of the old ones and wasn't a fan of the design. We can come up with something a little better looking I'd be interested.
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Well my theory of the patch is something simple and depending on how well it goes over maybe we'll do more patches going forward for MIA. Personally I think it would be pretty cool to have several different MIA patches, maybe some that aren't nearly as obviously MIA based, but Michigan based or the like. But initially I think it would be best to start with a simple MIA patch, something that is subdued colors and goes with most any camo pattern etc.
We'll see though very likely how well this goes will determine what we do going forward. We've talked about this between the admins/mods several times over the last 2 years and we're all pretty interested but I'd love to see more community input on it before we toss the money out to make them as well. Since it's not super expensive but if there isn't enough interest I hate to waste money as well. And my wife will then complain;) Really she doesn't but if I go spending money on patches that don't sell she might give me the evil eye for a little bit;)
Take care!
Luke
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I would totally be interested in getting a few
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I wanted to bring this back up, since this is still in the planning stages but I'd like to get some more feedback from guys before we move one direction or the other with this;)
Luke
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I'd probably be interested. Do you have any designs yet?
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Not yet, right now something simple maybe the MIA logo or something along those lines, maybe something more complicated. Likely more to come as far as options. If guys like it and it works out, then maybe we'll make a couple to sell via MIA.
Luke
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I'd buy a pair of patches, that way if I go to a out of state game I'd still be representing.
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Would definitely love to grab a few patches.
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id get some. I think a logo contest would be cool.
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I'm down to whip something up. Maybe a contest? With prizes? Seriously though I'm coming up on some serious downtime, I'll mess with designs.
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Feel free anyone interested in making some designs have at it. If you come up with something send it to me and I'll get things around for a contest or something along those lines.
Take care
Luke
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I'd like a patch that says "MiA" or Michigan Airsoft on it.
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Well I might have a cool option available shortly, guys who aren't familiar I'm a holster maker that's my day job so to speak. I do leather holsters, and I generate a fair amount of cut offs basically from my holster production, good leather but odd shapes and such. Well I ordered a laser engraver/cutter for the shop today. So once I get things dialed in and see what kind of things I can make it do. I might do some patches with that out of leather likely stitched to velcro since I've got the equipment to do that part fairly easily. Should be very durable and pretty dang cool looking. If it works out I'm sure you guys will see me posting examples and whatnot here. I will say I don't have a clue what cost will be, depends on how much time they take to make, and that sort of thing. Since I've never used the equipment anything I throw out would be a guess. But if I can do it, they should be very durable and a bit different than most other things out there. It would mean it could be very intricate, but only two tone or a mixture of color since it would be leather color dyed or natural, along with dark color for the burned area from the engraver.
Either way we'll see how it shakes out and if guys are interested, since I'm buying this for other stuff in my shop and if it works for both things great, if not I still have a million other things to use it for in the shop.
Luke
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Wow, that sounds great. A leather patch won't really wear out and lose its color. Would definitely be a head turner.
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I think in natural leather it might be pretty cool too, mostly because it will take mud/dirt etc over time and weather which should give it a cool look over time.
Yeah it's going to be interesting to see how they shake out, if they turn out good I'm sure we'll do some stuff with them going forward;)
Luke
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Natural leather sounds sick I'd love to have a few
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Hopefully I'll get some tests in before I go to Irene if not shortly after I should have some examples.
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Alright guys a little progress, got the laser engraver in today. NOTE this is super early, I know nothing about laser engraving, so it's a learning process to say the least. The good news is I'm pretty quick learning tech stuff;)
None the less I got this machine around noon, and I've spent a few hours setting up the cooling system and assembly and a couple hours doing tests and images. So I tossed MIA's logo on a piece of leather and cut it out to see how it would look. The quality of the image directly effects the quality of the engraving. So note this isn't a super high res or vector image which will make it much more detailed. But it works;)
So here is a quick example of natural leather with oil and nothing else. And this isn't necessarily the logo/design for the patch. A variation of this might become a normal patch but I don't like the shape etc for a patch, so there would be significant changes as well.
Either way wanted to post it but also note that it's super early in the fact that I've engraved like 5 things;)
(https://s21.postimg.org/pnvtdpcv7/IMG_20161012_172507520.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/pnvtdpcv7/)
Take care!
Luke
EDIT: I've done a bunch more stuff since posting this earlier testing various things on wood and leather with the machine to get an idea what it can do and more importantly how to do it. So I need some designs, if you guys have designs for patches etc that I can fiddle with and test shoot them my direction. I can covert them from JPG or pretty much any format. A note on designs Black is the color that is engraved, some stuff close to black dark grey and such seems to go with a lighter power automatically but line drawing is ideal. So hard edges etc, but it's capable of some pretty impressive small detail work so it doesn't have to be simple like say embroidery would have to be. @VooDoo you mentioned working on stuff hit me up if you have any progress;)
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That looks awesome, I can't wait to see what the finished product looks like.
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I like where is going. Very unique.
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Thanks guys likely going to be a bit before I have "finished" stuff but designs are step one. But I figured I'd share some of my other tests yesterday. Some wood, leather, and cardboard. The punisher skull is one of my favorites really shows the level of detail the machine is capable of, that image is about the size of a patch.
(https://s9.postimg.org/rvncvtx23/14678117_10207560989646455_1580690912_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/rvncvtx23/)
(https://s9.postimg.org/82b934job/14689253_10207562352000513_495285987_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/82b934job/)
(https://s9.postimg.org/8gcl2q3rv/14724218_10207562351320496_1609398611_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/8gcl2q3rv/)
(https://s9.postimg.org/ayya3epi3/14689919_10207562345440349_730053652_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ayya3epi3/)
I'm sure as I spend more time with it I'll figure out more of what it's capable of and get a bit better so more to come;)
Luke
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Those are awesome! Looks like a VERY cool toy to have at your disposal.
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I love that punisher skill... Dude nice work.
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Yep it's something I've been thinking about for a long time to do some cool holster related stuff. We'll see how patches and whatnot work with it. But at this point there are just allot of cool things it's capable of doing once I get everything really figured out end to end with it.
We'll see as I do more prints etc how I like it all but so far it's fairly easy to run once you get past the basics;)
Luke
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What strength is the laser you are working with? I was thinking of picking up a 1,000mw laser engraver myself to do decals on my plastic magazines.
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This one is a pretty big machine 40 Watt CO2 laser with a pretty good sized bed, since for holsters and that sort of thing I'm going to need allot of space. Actually could use more than I have;)
On engraving on mags, I put my initials on mine last night to keep from mixing them up at Irene.
Luke
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And I've been working on a whole lot more stuff, though admittedly not MIA patch stuff I've done a few more tests but honestly I haven't hit on a design that I've tried that I really felt was good enough for the patch. So as mentioned before guys hit me up, I'm happy to run a design through the laser and take a look at it and put it up for other guys opinions etc.
But on the laser I put my first holster out using it today, it was a test piece for me I wanted to see a completed rig run through this, so I came up with a Tribal pattern since I sort of see this as tattooing leather. And this was the finished rig:
(https://www.miairsoft.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fadamsholsters.com%2Fforumimages%2Finstock-tribal-3-51911.jpg&hash=a3846c238c642c911692b595c76b1b538e767045)
So that gives a bit of an idea what this machine is capable of and really this is just scratching the surface I'm sure I'll have some really interesting things coming off it in the near future with more time to put into designs and testing.
Take care!
Luke
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Ok ok I'll help you out. I'll try out a demo holster for a Raging Bull. Just saying haha.
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Another "patch" to share that I made this morning. I had a request from a guy I play with for one and I made this off his idea.
(https://s21.postimg.org/ici44pjgz/getoffmylawn.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ici44pjgz/)
Luke
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Just a reminder for guys who've got ideas or designs for patches shoot them off to me, I've got a design I've put a little time into but I'd like to have several options that guys can pick from for this years patch. And then going forward we can always pull designs from the past etc.
I think it would be a good idea to include a year on the patch, then we know approx. when it was made and then we can release a new patch each year. This patch I'd do as either 2016, or 2016-2017 or something of the sort. In my design right now it's 2016 just by itself. I also am not saying release a new one Jan 1st. Just sometime during 2017 is the plan I think right now.
Either way designs and ideas send them over since I've done a ton of new stuff with the laser and I'm getting it figured out pretty dang well at this point. I do need to order velcro in bulk before I actually start making these to send out since I'm planning to glue and stitch that to the rear of the patch to make sure they last long term. But the sooner we've got designs and can work that side out the sooner they can be available for you guys;)
Take care!
Luke
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Pm sent in case you missed it
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I ended up on hold today for nearly two hours, so I did the natural thing of working on the patch design. This is what I've come up with so far. This is version 3, likely not the finished version and this obviously isn't cut into a "patch" just engraved onto a piece of scrap to test. The outer circle would be the cut path but I didn't have my air hooked up to do a cut through this thick of material. Also likely it will be a bit wider there, because unless I come up with another plan I'll be stitching the velcro to the leather around the edge. So I'll need enough room to be able to run the machine down the outside.
(https://s18.postimg.org/c4yyslrp1/IMG_20161103_173904949.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/c4yyslrp1/)
And I am going to delete my previous post, and post this rather than editing just so guys don't miss the picture etc.
Take care!
Luke
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I like it!
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Looks nice, if you decide to go with that design you should hang on to the original.
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You mean the original logo style or the first patch? If logo I would like to rework it some but keep it around. Maybe make it slightly more like the old logo we'll see;)
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I'd wear that
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Any updates?
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Haven't forgotten at all and I've been doing a ton more with the laser since the last post. But this time of year I'm swamped with shop work and of course the whole family has been fighting the flu;)
Plan at this point is early new year doing them in batches of maybe 20 or so and putting them for sale. Then making more as needed. But likely after the holidays things should be a little easier to plan some time to work on this.
Take care
Luke
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i'd buy some of those patches, just to show my support
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How many we thinking? I'd like 3or 4
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Well time wise once I get all the bugs sorted and get a process nailed down it shouldn't be super time intensive to make them. But I really won't know until I get some time to do the whole process along with cutting and stitching the velcro etc. Since I'll be doing this on the side to support the cost of MIA hosting etc, it's unfortunately not paying my bills;) Just more so making it so the hosting fees aren't coming out of my pocket;)
Either way I suspect I should be able to batches of 20 pretty easily and if they sell etc, I should be able to keep a fair supply coming as needed. But I'll plan on trying to get something setup process wise early next month. Right now shop time is just insane, my wife has been using the laser for her business, which means I'm helping and trying to get orders out the doors etc. Just insanity around here at least for the next little bit, heck I haven't played airsoft since Irene since I've been too dang busy;)
Either way though I'll keep you guys posted with what I find and how it comes together.
Take care!
Luke
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No rush I just wanted to make sure it was still a thing. Family comes first so take your time
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Yeah right now focus for me has to be on the shop at least for the next little bit. I'm just a little pissed that I've had so many things come up and I haven't been able to get this done and going already:)
Tis the way it goes with youngin's and this time of year;)
Luke
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Just an update and a question. So today I took a few minutes and did some more work on the design and cut a few test pieces etc also swapped the year over to 2017 since of course we're into a new year;) And what I found was it's going to be somewhat more time consuming than I thought, and there are some things that could change that. I'm going to walk through the process of making one below for an example for guys not familiar with it.
So process as it stands is laminate the velcro to the rear of the leather, since I'm a leatherworker I'm using Barge contact adhesive which should form a good long term bond(it's used to install soles on shoes etc). But that means putting adhesive on each side and waiting until it gets tacky then sticking the two together. Then I toss that piece in the laser engraver load up the image, and do the engraving of the image which takes around 5 minutes or so. Then I open up my cut path for the laser and hit go and it takes maybe 30 seconds to cut through the outer circle around the patch. Then I take that patch over to the sewing machine and stitch around the outside edge to attach the velcro to the leather which takes a few minutes.
Now that's the first portion of the process here is where it could deviate. So now I've got a "complete" patch though the edges are a little rough etc, from the cutting and whatnot. If this were a normal project of mine say a holster I'd go ahead and finish the edges by burnishing them, which takes another 5-10 minutes or so. Then oil the leather, wax it and buff the top, then I could clear coat it or leave it wax finished. I'm leaning towards wax finishing since they will show a bit more wear and tear over time and I think will give them a very cool look over time where clear coat may take away some of that feel of the leather. But that said I'm open to either way neither seems easier at this point.
The edging and that part of the finishing is where the question comes in. So my work typically is absolutely trying to build the best holster I can no matter the cost time or money wise. With this I'm trying to figure out if guys are interested in having the best patch or if cost is more of an issue. I don't have a problem leaving the edges somewhat unfinished since at the end of the day it's a patch. But my nature because of what I do is to finish everything to a higher level.
So what do you guys think, I'm leaning towards $12 for the unfinished version or less finished and around $18-20 with the edging and whatnot. Also this could drop over time as I get quicker and better at making them. Since it's a hand process there are always places to improve as I figure out better ways to do things. This would likely be for the first 20-50 and then from there I may have ideas on how to make things faster and easier which may change pricing etc.
So shoot me some input, right now the sample is a finished version which has a few more steps time wise to be complete and ready for pictures but those will come soon as well.
Take care!
Luke
EDIT: Here is the finished version which awesomely I put the wrong velcro on;) Somehow I managed to put loop on this one rather than hook not sure what I was thinking, just grabbed the velcro I had bought to attach to my old helmet and used it rather than the black I had bought for patches;) So this one is a scrap piece at this point, but it still mostly looks the part;)
(https://s30.postimg.org/4fbmkaecd/mia.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4fbmkaecd/)
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That looks awesome and I'd gladly pay $20 for such a premium patch. I'd say go with whatever will last the longest and stand up to wear and tear but I like my guns clean and factory new.
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That looks outstanding. Is the one in your picture of edges finished or not?
Either way that is worth the higher price you have listed. I, personally, would be good either way. I think it would wear/age well and come out great.
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That one above is finished edges, I've done a couple more tests since then and I'm leaning towards finished edges etc. It just looks better to me;) But like I said I'm used to everything being finished, there are allot of leather products out there without finished edges and the like it's become common over the years. But I generally do things the long way when I'm doing something.
I think the way I'm going to go with this is finished, and then if guys decide they would rather something without that finishing for a cheaper price I'll tackle that when/if it happens. Also I could do these without the velcro if guys wanted to stitch them or apply adhesive etc. That would make it a bit cheaper as well since it cuts out some of the material as well as some of the steps.
Either way I think we'll go forward with this as it is, and I should have a few ready to ship here in the next couple days. And then from there I'll see how long it takes me to stock up 20 of them etc. Also I'm planning on running them through paypal for payment and shipping, but I've gotta get a little time to setup that portion of my paypal since I haven't used it for that in years. Typically I just take direct payments through there, so more to come as I get it all setup.
Take care!
Luke
EDIT: Alright I took a look and paypal is actually already still setup since the last time I used it for my business, and do note at the top of the link to pay it will say Adams Holsters since MIA doesn't actually have any sort of legal entity so the funds are going to me basically via the business for the hosting as well as the patches etc. If we get to the point that things change and say there is enough demand that more money comes in through this than the cost of hosting etc, then I'll see about setting up something specific to MIA IE some sort of legal entity but at this point I don't think we need those extra complications. Mostly just trying to keep the site from directly coming out of my pocket and give guys cool patches in the process;)
None the less the link is here: Click here to buy the MIA patch via paypal (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3T37AZX24VYUJ)
Also as I mentioned above I've got 3 done and ready to ship, if I feel like we get more orders coming in for patches than I can keep up with in a reasonable time frame say a couple days from cleared payment till shipping. Then I'll pull the link down, and start doing batches. I'm still planning on shooting for 20 this first batch, but I'm not sure if 19 guys are going to order tonight etc;) So we'll play it by ear, if for some reason I got 100 orders overnight or the like I'll just refund those guys and we'll go directly to the batch system but it's going to require more setup and I'll likely have to run things through my actual site and shopping cart so I can do inventory management etc.
So any questions shout, you guys that want a patch sooner than later click the link above;)
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Dibs, could always consider adding a batch/serial number or have them signed by someone if they become more popular for an additional fee.
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Well we'll see how this first bunch goes, I did realize a minute ago while working on a fourth that my first snag will be running out of velcro;) I've got enough leather on hand to pretty much handle anything, but since I ordered velcro just to test with I only bought a yard wide enough. So we'll see how many I can build from my yard then I'll pull down the link unless my next order gets here in time.
That said, I've had a pretty big response so far and we're past what I currently have built. So I'm going to spend a bit more time tonight and make a few more to try and keep up with it. But like I mentioned if I can't keep up we'll change to batches etc, but for now I'm not too concerned;)
Thanks to the guys putting in orders it's appreciated and certainly will help keep MIA funded;) I should also note because I've told other guys though I'm not sure I've posted it here, even without patches MIA isn't going anywhere. I'll fund it if necessary but it's great to see guys willing to help out.
Take care!
Luke
EDIT:(https://s24.postimg.org/ezci4cbjl/IMG_20170207_225542705.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ezci4cbjl/)
10 done and quite a few already spoken for, this is the end of my first batch of velcro. So I've got some coming in around a week and I'll actually put in another order for a bit more to make sure I won't run out again. But this will get things started.
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I have ordered one, even though I no longer live in MI :P
MI is still my airsoft home :)
Thanks
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That's pretty damn sweet. Be a nice addition to my MiA patch collection.
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Thanks guys;) I should have enough velcro to put together another oh around 50 so that should hold us for a while for sure coming this next week I'd say. I'm also planning some other patches out of leather just for kicks so I'll likely eventually put it up on the site etc, once I get around to doing that part of things and put the MIA patch through the same system. But since it's going to take some time I don't have to do it;) It's likely going to wait for a bit. So for the time being I'm just going to keep doing these small scale and go from there.
Guys that ordered patches they should be out the door tomorrow, we've had some snow stopping the mail this week. Should be coming today though I haven't seen it yet, so they will likely go out with the mail tomorrow for you guys.
Take care!
Luke
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Ok can I still order a patch or do I need to wait now? And is it the $19.99?
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Yep and yep, right now I've got 6 more that I can sell via MIA. I've got a bunch of local guys that have claimed some as well like another 6-7 however they are picking them up a game on the 4th of next month here at my field/shop. So I will have more materials and build theirs out before they get here to pick them up. I had planned to sell them ones out of this batch but once they pretty much sucked up the rest I decided I'd keep these just for shipping;)
Also guys who ordered yours went out in the mail today you should have them in a day or two so call it mid next week or however fast USPS is running. I sent them via standard mail which I never do for holsters etc, so I don't have a clue how fast that runs to lower Michigan from up here. But if for some reason you don't see them by end of the week shoot me a note and I'll ship out a new one or something for ya.
Take care!
Luke
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Ok then, paid haha.
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Got the money should be going out tomorrow for ya, but so far the wife is shipping them rather than me;) So I'll say likely tomorrow;)
Luke
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Received mine yesterday. Looks great. Definitely recommend this to everyone.
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Everyone who has ordered a patch in the last oh couple days ish they are all going down to the mailbox today, from what I hear it's a postal holiday so they will be picked up tomorrow and heading your direction. One took a few more days had some health issues pop up(stupid tooth abscess) but I'm back in action and working again;)
So I've got a few more left of this batch and I've got enough velcro to make quite a few more. As I get a little time I'm going to change over the order process so that it's easier for me to track incoming patch payments etc, but so far in small scale this is working fairly well.
Take care!
Luke
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These look great, I look forward to receiving it!
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Heading your way tomorrow, should have it within a couple days;)
Luke
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I got mine a few days ago and just haven't had the time so here goes. This patch is absolutely beautiful! SOOOO much better in person! I actually wish I would've bought 2 haha. If work didn't keep me so busy I'd try to get some pics to show it off. Amazing job, please keep it up!
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Thanks sir glad to hear it made it and you dig it;)
I haven't started the next batch but likely will this week since several guys want them at the game I'm hosting this weekend. So more to come and I'll try and get a few more pics up as well;)
Take care
Luke
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Luke sorry for taking so long to say this but... This is my #1 patch right now.
Thanks!
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Glad to hear it ;) I'd been meaning to post one of these days an update but I've just been too busy ;)
There are a few more left and I can always make up some more as needed.
Take care
Luke
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So I added these to my site though not within my normal "store" basically they are available via this link: http://adamsholsters.com/MIAPATCH
So if anyone else is interested they are still available.
Take care!
Luke
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Hey Luke, I'm going to place an order for one of these things this weekend. Really like the way they look!
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Happy to do it, I've got a couple still on hand from the last batch I made. Planning on making more but until these sell no hurry on my end;) But whenever you order I'll get one in route for ya. I dig the way mine are looking after some use/abuse;)
Luke