Sap, Blackjack & Slungshot History: Gonzales 415 (D3 Protection Reproduction)

[@davek5027]

I was a Deputy with the LASD for 28 years. I carried a Gonzales 415 in my uniform trouser’s sap pocket almost daily for that time. The last 10 years or so, I carried the D3 Protection version of the 415. You are incorrect however, when you say the 415 has no flexibility.... after carrying it in the pocket, sitting on it, handling it, etc over a period of just a few weeks or months, the handle softens as the leather breaks in, and it becomes extremely flexible. It’s also very, very effective, especially in close-in spaces such as hallways and automobile interiors. I still have two of the original Gonzo 415s, and also a 245. They cost a whopping $12 at the police supply shops back in the 80’s!

[@ObjectHistory]

Great info, thank you. I would love a vintage Gonzales but they are really hard to come by.

[@davek5027]

@@ObjectHistory I’ve never seen one for sale anywhere online or in person. The last time they were sold in police supply stores was 1989, maybe 1990. Haven’t seen any since. I’m leaving mine to my sons.

[@ObjectHistory]

Awesome. I spoke with a man from Idaho on the phone who apparently made saps with Mr. Gonzales. He still does but I’ve never been able to get him back on the phone or em to buy one.

[@davek5027]

@@ObjectHistory I sent you an email containing photos of my Gonzo saps. Let me know if you received it.

[@WeaponCollector]

Great Video Robert, i like the looks of this one, i always find the designs from people who actually use these items very interesting, they know exactly what they want, i bet that sap would hit like a beast.

[@ObjectHistory]

Glad you liked it. These are a strange cosh mini-tradition over here. There’s probably never been more published words written about them than a few paragraphs in 1986 (not counting my book).

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

Good to see you Mike!😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@GrumpyOldGuy777]

D3 makes some great saps. Great videos btw!!

[@ObjectHistory]

Quality maker for sure.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I learned quite bit about these. Thanks!

[@gunthandthewunderlichers]

Dude so cool just bought your book

[@ObjectHistory]

That is most deeply appreciated. I absolutely slaved over it. Please review it on Amazon if so inclined when finished. Those really help. Thanks again regardless.

[@kingzsoltan2915]

Bucheimer had their 14" version called Big John, which was loaded with a semi cylindrical lead slug in the head. Foster Brothers make their version which looks impressive. I should order one just to check it out.

[@ObjectHistory]

I own a vintage Big John! Will definitely do a video on it at some point. Todd Foster's saps are excellent.

[@julesthurongi1223]

Great video brother!! You did the piece and all the pertaining history/ethos justice!!! I do so wish that David hadn’t pulled his videos off of KZbin.... possibly got in trouble due to his country’s restrictive laws, or perhaps some other trouble.... But I think the lead/leather impact community is worse off for it...

[@ObjectHistory]

Thanks man. Totally agree... Dave is a great resource.

[@paullytle246]

My friend had one of these back in the day

[@ObjectHistory]

Cool. It is hard just to find a picture of a vintage one online (I did though). There are some in the Black Belt article I mention in this vid, that I'll show next time. But seriously, even for saps and jacks this is extremely rare wildlife.

[@paullytle246]

@@ObjectHistory oh it wasnt legit he saw a picture in a catalog and went to a saddle guy

[@ObjectHistory]

Ah! Still cool LOL. I salute him.

[@paullytle246]

@@ObjectHistoryi had a pair of sap gloves and pocket sap made by the same fellow

[@maoil6525]

is the outer most layer of leather thinner than the inner layers so that the metal weight can be felt through? What is the weight/thickness of the outermost layer? Could you make one with 12 oz innner layers and 4 oz outer layers... or is 8 oz better for outer layers?

[@ObjectHistory]

I really don't know. There's a Facebook group called Blackjacks, Saps and Knuckledusters that has a lot of quality sap makers on it... you might want to join up.

[@joenewton2021]

There was an old episode of Cops where a female deputy used a sap on a guy in bar and he went DOWN..

[@ObjectHistory]

I’d like to see that clip! Will have to look for it.

[@jodyperalta8795]

I carry a