We at the Men’s Room are proud to announce David Doerr and D3 Protection as our official sap/jack/leather maker!
Welcome aboard David.
David Doerr, like many true craftsmen, is inclined to work with his hands. David’s hands have done many jobs over the years from working as a metal heat treater, to a machine shop worker, to a leather factory employee, all the while gleaning valuable information along the way and always honing his skills at his given professions. While toiling away at the leather factory, David began to craft hand made leather saps at night to earn a little extra money, until he finally reached a point where he no longer needed to work at the leather factory anymore.
This wasn’t the end of David’s affair with leather as his designs and saps began to spread in popularity, his reputation began to grow as well. So David started D3 Protection, maker of fine leather impact weapons and custom leather gear. Now his name is synonymous with the best saps and jacks in the business, and he even does his own website to boot. David is simply the kind of guy who sees a thing that needs to be done and makes it happen.
Everything David makes is done by hand, one at a time, and he refuses to take shortcuts in the custom fabrication of his leather goods. David only uses Herman Oak leather for his items. Herman Oak leather has been using the same liquor and tanning process to prepare its hides since 1881. David feels that no other leather comes close to the quality of Herman Oak, and refuses to use anything else. Herman Oak leather might cost a bit more than other comparable leathers on the market, but David is willing to spend a little more to ensure his customers get the best products money can buy. David says, “people notice the quality, and it matters. If I get less profit so be it. I pride myself on the knowledge that I make a quality product that will be around long after I am.”
All of David’s designs are one off originals where the process was developed through a series of trial and error until he was satisfied with what he had created. He uses only high grade steel for the springs and other internal parts and an ancient sand casting method to melt the lead he uses for the saps, and joins it all together using molten lead poured into the sand mold. It may be an ancient method, but if it works, you don’t fix it.
David doesn’t just make saps though. He also hand crafts many other amazing items such as belts, key chain fobs, wallets, leather coasters, hand turned hardwood batons, and bags. If it can be made from leather, David Doerr of D3 protection can make it. David is a true artisan and a craftsmen of the kind you just don’t see around much anymore. He uses ancient tried and true methods to create his products, and the quality and dedication to the old ways of quality and customer service really show through on everything David makes.
Be sure to check him out @: D3 Protection
Below is a rare glimpse into the world of the D3 protection workshop. Enjoy!
Old Fashioned Wood Casking Flask:
Below, a Texan Being Prepped For Molding in Lead.
“Notice how I make sure the springs go from end to end, You wont find that in the chinese saps for 15 bucks, They use springs that only partially go into the head. I feel That extra bit of metal makes it really stout and the head will never bend when you hit something.”
The Texan Comes Out of The Mold Below.
Below is the Only Power Tool David Uses In His Operation:
(Note the Oxblood Texan Ready to be Finished Sitting on The Table)
This is David’s Great Grandmother’s Hand Cranked Singer Sewing Machine. Talk About Old School.
Below: Tools of The Trade.
David Hard At Work.
David Hand Dyes and Finishes The Hides Himself.
Now Feast Your Eyes On These:
