Wedge/ Buckle.......latest project, LOL

[golfluvzme]

I was asked by a very good customer, recently to convert the head of a brand new Vokey wedge into a belt buckle. It seems that the "AK" buckle that Anthony Kim sports, had finally gotten the best of him and he was looking to make a look of his own, .

Well, I knew that it could be done, but really was not positive on several details. Thankfully, I had a perfect project wedge head on the shelf and it became the sacrificial lamb, so to speak. Off with the hosel, fab up a loop to hold the stationary end of the belt, create a pin to hold the belt, then off to the welder. It sounds like a very fast process, but there was a ton of "whoopsie's" and WTH's involved and now the welder is firmly in my sites.

Not sure just what type of finish will look best on this one, when it is completed, but you guys tell me some ideas and we'll go from there.

Thanks,

LaMont in AZ

 

 

 

 

[Shambles]

You don't think that head is too heavy ?

 

 

Shambles

[Miboy62]

Looks sharp

[golfluvzme]

I have some rodeo buckles that outweigh this one, easily, but yes, it will have more bulk than the average buckle. Please remember, this was the very first attempt and any comments will help with the future, if there is any, making of this type of project.

It may be that I need to mill out a large amount of material in the groove side of the buckle to bring the weight into line.

Great observation, I will take it to heart and you'll see a difference in the next one.........if there IS a next one, .

Thanks,

LaMont in AZ

[Sandy Koufax]

That looks sweet. I agree though, I'd be more likely to "game" this baby if you milled out the material on the groove side! I would love to sport one of these with black nickel finish and a white leather belt!

[Matt Saternus]

I think it's a real cool idea. I'm eager to see what the finished product looks like.

[CliffJ]

I want one... How much are you charging to make these???

[CliffJ]

Perhaps recycling all of our old 1 and 2 irons would result in a lighter buckle...

 

 

You don't think that head is too heavy ?

 

 

Shambles

[PGAShowPMP]

Great idea! Looks great - should do the PGA Show! Get that bad boy out to the golf world!

[RookieBlue7]

I'd have made the end where the belt attaches (not the pin end) where it was hinged and could move freely. What size is that stock too? Looks kind of thick and could pose problems with some belt manufacturers. I also like the cup milling idea on the non exposed side. It'd lighten it significantly. That said it is beautiful and he should be pleased.

 

Finish? Well it's a bling buckle, gotta go chrome with candied paintfill, either candy red and gold or something similar. Of course with chrome you could also go translucents. Chrome versus oil can or black oxide makes it more versatile in regards to what one could wear it with too.

 

Reminds me of the J. Lindeberg and Miura belt buckles as well as gripmaster's. But this one is custom.

[Prast]

great idea. will be the only one who use that buckle in here.

[Justin66]

RB7's got a good point on the finish; a person wouldn't be using a clubhead as a belt buckle if they didn't want people to notice it. But if it were me personally, I'd go with the Ping look: a little tumble in a vibratory. It be there for all to see, just a little understated.

[jamo]

Interesting idea. I think I would have gone with a 1 iron to protect against lightning though.

[TWShoot67]

Interesting idea. I think I would have gone with a 1 iron to protect against lightning though.

 

Problem is if the idea takes off there's only [27] 1 irons left on the planet! LOL!!!!

 

Jack and GOD bought up all the rest ever made!

[cheymike]

Dats ok... just substitute a modern 3 iron for yesteryear's 1 iron. Same thing. LOL!

[fozcycle]

How much $$$$ are you going to give Titleist/Vokey for selling their wedges as a belt buckle?

[Shambles]

There's a chance the club manufacturers would not bother you if you were using their heads and not making replicas. If you cast replicas, you would probably be safer asking permission.

 

I think the idea is worthy but I expect a wedge head is in the area of 300+ grams and a standard belt buckle can be 50 to 100 grams so we are looking at a lot of material that needs trimming off.

 

 

Shambles

[golfluvzme]

How much $$$$ are you going to give Titleist/Vokey for selling their wedges as a belt buckle?

 

Foz,

Thanks for that chuckle. I hadn't checked in here for a few days and noticed it on MyGolfSpy's FaceBook page. Had no idea that he had put it up. Thanks for that posting, MGS.

As was mentioned, I don't see Titleist or Vokey having any issues. It is simply taking a club that was on its way to the dumpster and giving it a new life as a totally different article.

This one stalled out as I dove back into my putter work, but I need to get it out and get it finished up. Getting a lot of requests to go white with black or bright fill. May go that way, or may go with this finish that was an accident recently while trying to preserve a totally different look on a putter by using a heat cured clear coat.

Any thoughts?

LaMont in AZ

[TWShoot67]

Dats ok... just substitute a modern 3 iron for yesteryear's 1 iron. Same thing. LOL!

Actually it's the olther way around todays 3 iron is like the old 5 iron. Not vice versa

 

Unless ofcourse you mean no one is playing a 3 iron anymore.... But size wise there's no comparison.

[cheymike]

oopsss!! my bad... yer right.

[Justin66]

oopsss!! my bad... yer right.

 

 

If you're meaning lofts, then you're kind of right, Mike... today's 3i is 19-21*- the 2i was 20* pre-'76 and the 1i has stayed 16-17* for a long time (pre- '76 til its demise). Pre- 1976 it was 24*, from '76-'87 it was 23*; from '87-'96 it was 22*. Pre-'76, the 5i was 32*. Of course, if we're talking shape, that's a whole 'nother ball game and T-Dub's right.

 

The only reason I'm knowing this is because I just re-read that section in Maltby's "The Complete Golf Club Fitting Plan". Yes, I'm that big of a nerd .