My Mannkrafted Custom- turning tragedy into a triumph...

[newmann driver]

I had previously posted "progress" pictures of the lefty Bank-Bar Mini LaMont Mann was making for me in the thread "The never ending question, which custom maker?" If you have not read the thread, I can save you some time by telling you it did not have a happy ending.... So very close to the finish line, LaMont's hard work fell victim to an individual with a moral deficit... my putter, along with many others, were suddenly gone, and it suddenly became painful to look back at the pictures of what I almost had.

 

LaMont and I texted back and forth most of that friday, and not once, did he complain about the monetary impact of the theft....... rather, he seemed to be most upset that his creations were gone. Like losing your grandfathers' watch, an heirloom... not just stock on a store shelf, or a representation of income.... he was upset / shocked because his children were taken. I'd get a new text every so often saying "just realized this one is gone too.."

 

Now I've only met a few of the custom builders, but I've been dealing with golf product providers for decades....... yes, decades. Most dealers could care less about their product, and even less about you... most want a quick sale (even if it clearly isn't what you need), and so, if you aren't buying...see ya later....

 

Of the guys I've met, each and every one appears to have a genuine interest (and pride) in their work, and the satisfaction of the buyer is paramount. Of the other builders, each is reported to share these traits by their loyal fans or from (even more incredible) their competition.. The next time someone at the course asks you with a dumbfounded expression, "why would you pay hundreds of bucks for a putter?" you can reply, "because it's several hundred times better than what you're using.."

 

Sorry I made a short story long, but I wanted to say more than... "he started again" since it was so much more than that... I had the chance to make a few changes although I would be elated to purchase the first attempt should it surface later. The only thing better than having one custom "Mannkrafted" stick, would be two.... Here are the new "in progress" pics.

 

Thanks LaMont, I really appreciate the effort and look forward to getting this in play..

[jdhallissey]

I agree lamont is a good buddy of mine. It sucks that the putters got stolen. He will bounce back, he is doing pretty good on getting them back to the people who are missing.

[jashton88]

I feel your pain, mine was one of the putters that got stolen. Some really sick people out there.

[newmann driver]

[attachment=2102951:lm1.png][attachment=2102953:lm2.png][attachment=2102955:lm6.png]

[newmann driver]

a new face for number 2

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[newmann driver]

we opted for a "more square" symmetrical look than before

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[newmann driver]

and his signature mill...

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[simple36]

That is truely beautiful, like every putter I ever liked blended into one and then turned lefty so I could never use it...that's torture!!!

[newmann driver]

this was at the exact point where we lost the last one... Please note that I am considering asking LaMont if I can provide sentry duty at this point.. I shoot much better than I putt...

[newmann driver]

[quote name='simple36' timestamp='1394080832' post='8809159']
That is truely beautiful, like every putter I ever liked blended into one and then turned lefty so I could never use it...that's torture!!!
[/quote]

It's funny you say that.. I only putt lefty... swing right handed and despite what others say, there are just not that many good options for left handed putters. Thank God for the custom guys that have mercy on us....

[simple36]

I have been thinking of going custom for awhile but this may have just pushed me over the edge. I might have to go make one right now!

[newmann driver]

[quote name='simple36' timestamp='1394081275' post='8809215']
I have been thinking of going custom for awhile but this may have just pushed me over the edge. I might have to go make one right now!
[/quote]

I put it off for almost 30 years.. which is just as stupid as it sounds. I never understood the vast difference between the OTR models and a custom [b]until I tried one. [/b]It was mainly due to the fact that there just are not that many offerings for lefties and my arrogance of being able to use a lesser product to accomplish the same task. I was a scratch golfer for 15 years, stopped playing, returning about 6 months ago. Used a 2 ball for the first months and eventually got my scores back below 80, but I just was not making many birdies... Picked up a "better" putter, and in the last month, I haven't been above 75... Instead of eeking out decent scores with par saves, I'm making 4-5 birdies a round again..... and I'm no longer missing the "knee-knockers".... well, almost never. Custom is the only way to find everything you want... for me that is wide, heavy flange, flow neck with no offset, minimal alignment aid. For a lefty, that's hard to get OTR. Odyssey makes 137 models, but only offers 56 in left hand. If you don't like a plumber's neck or a head the size of a battleship, the choices diminish quickly.
I putt (or try) SBST and even many of the custom guys don't offer every model as a left handed option. I've wanted a Piretti Matera since first sight.. but I can't get it because they don't offer it in left hand, even from the custom shop...
Choose wisely my son, not all custom is really custom. I know LaMont and Lumpy start each putter from a billet, straight to the customers' design.. Don't put it off, I wish I had made this decision a long time ago... They will discuss your requests, offer suggestions and give you exactly what you want... Both of them will tell you that there are other great makers out there and give credit to them for helping them improve their craftsmanship. I personally like the products from Gene Nead, Tom Slighter, Lumpy (Xenon) , but LaMont's designs are my favorite... Give them all a look and pull the trigger...

[Snufles]

Yeah I love the MiNis and this is cutie pie for sure. Lamont really does excellent work and like you said they were his children. I will get one made from him in the near future for sure. Lamont and Lumpy are by far my two favourites in the custom putter market, they create one off unique little gems that are just awesome to stare at and putt around with. It is great when the first pic they send is a small pile of rubble and then it begins. I really like the grooves on the putter like those platinum bars you see in a couple movies. Sexxxy for sure.

Just picked up a MiNi Damascus and 84 Damascus from Lumpy today. These things do get addictive so be careful. and enjoy.

[newmann driver]

[quote name='Snufles' timestamp='1394151614' post='8814989']
Yeah I love the MiNis and this is cutie pie for sure. Lamont really does excellent work and like you said they were his children. I will get one made from him in the near future for sure. Lamont and Lumpy are by far my two favourites in the custom putter market, they create one off unique little gems that are just awesome to stare at and putt around with. It is great when the first pic they send is a small pile of rubble and then it begins. I really like the grooves on the putter like those platinum bars you see in a couple movies. Sexxxy for sure.

Just picked up a MiNi Damascus and 84 Damascus from Lumpy today. These things do get addictive so be careful. and enjoy.
[/quote]

Did you post the mini Damascus pics?... I'd really love to see that...

[newmann driver]

updates on the progress.. a wonderful weld job on the neck, closer each day..

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[newmann driver]

and a few more angles..

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[thegooddoctor]

between lamont, nead, and byron morgan you have the 3 best creators of "mini's" alive each with very unique touches. Some of my best days on the green were with a mini brahma putter from lamont and a 8802 (that basically was a mini) from gene nead. If anything I feel this style is easier to use than full size, as the sweet spot seems larger.

Great looking putter,
Evan

[newmann driver]

I'm intending this to be my day to day gamer, but Lamont has a brass mini blade (8802) on deck for me... Got a text earlier about the stamping.. not much further now..

[rymail00]

I dont own any of Lamonts putters, but he has done some refinishing work on other putters that i have. He did an awesome job on both.

He is truely one of the best...people and putter builders.

[Mikey Town]

[quote name='newmann driver' timestamp='1394080378' post='8809109']
a new face for number 2
[/quote]

No more squiggle pen face

[newmann driver]

[quote name='Mikey Town' timestamp='1394672636' post='8859479']
[quote name='newmann driver' timestamp='1394080378' post='8809109']
a new face for number 2
[/quote]

No more squiggle pen face
[/quote]

I know, I'm sad about it also in a way. But when LaMont sent a pic of this as an option, I just had to jump on it. Let me state again, for the record, I would be very happy to buy the squiggle face mill if it reappears. It really hurts my feelings to look at the old pictures.. I can only imagine how LaMont feels about it...

[Mikey Town]

^^^
I can completely understand every bit of that thought process.

Congrats to you, and kudos to LaMont for getting back up and running so quickly after falling victim to such a senseless act.

[newmann driver]

and if anyone was wondering what was up with the circle on the sole.

.[attachment=2119603:sole1.png]

[newmann driver]

I just cannot wait to see how the stampings pop after paintfill and torching. Speaking of torching, it also got some heat last night.

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[mattuop]

My putter was also stolen. I didn't speak to him until a few days after the theft, but I was shocked how upbeat he was about the whole thing. Can't imagine how upset I would be if someone stole that much time and effort from me. But he only speaks about the future and making them better the second time around. Good guy to deal with.

[newmann driver]

I totally agree. Has he finished with your putter yet? I think mine is virtually finished except for shafting, a grip and shipping. I'm waiting for updated pictures right now, but I think barring another disaster (God forbid) I should actually get it sometime next week.

[T.Wedge]

Beauty - design is a bit like a scotty cameron squareback but with a hosel right??

[newmann driver]

[quote name='T.Wedge' timestamp='1398357821' post='9161071']
Beauty - design is a bit like a scotty cameron squareback but with a hosel right??
[/quote]

In a way.. mine is really a mid mini, the blade length is a bit short of 4 in and a nice wide footprint. I had a SC squareback before ordering this (and still do) but they roll nothing alike. It's hard to describe but this putter just feels so much more solid than the SC, I haven't picked up the squareback since it arrived. I just realized I have not updated the pics since it made it to NC.. will do that now....

BTW, Lamont is almost finished with my 2nd and 3rd putters.. a brass 6266 and a #9.. Pictures of the blade (and it looks great) are posted in the other forum.

[attachment=2192077:sole design.jpg]

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[newmann driver]

a picture in its' matural habitat..

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[smeech8000]

[quote name='newmann driver' timestamp='1394667808' post='8858903']
I'm intending this to be my day to day gamer, but Lamont has a brass mini blade (8802) on deck for me... Got a text earlier about the stamping.. not much further now..
[/quote]

I would love to see this when it's all done.

Great looking mini BTW! I see you had the shoulders smoothed out from the milling; I kinda liked the Mayan look you had going on it with all the steps.

The "2nd lap" on the heel is a fitting, albeit bittersweet, touch.