Classic Blades - What is your must have?

[Bogie_Nights]

^^^Sure.

I'm not sure their proper names were v-cuts. Maybe it's just ironfinder's description of them...

http://www.ironfinder.com/Individual-Irons/palmer/tru-matic_ap_(in_double_v-cut)-68.htm

[Bogie_Nights]

7 iron from the Wilsons I'm trying to restore:

[Bogie_Nights]

Now that I've figured out how to do it, I'll add some pictures of the Staffs and The AP Tru-Matics.

[Bogie_Nights]

Here are the Wilson Staff irons; 3-9 are matching and 2 was bought from ironfinder.

All 8 irons have the original leather grips, and only one iron is missing the original end cap. The ferrules are so-so, the faces are, chrome, and backs are pretty good with a few nicks here and there.

This is my first club project--you guys feel free to make suggestions.

[Bogie_Nights]

And the Arnold Palmer Tru-Matics from the early 70s...

The grips are kind of thrashed but I love the fact that they're original. Also, a couple of the shafts have a Arnie stickers on them.

I've included pictures of both. This set is also 2-9, matching serial numbers. And while I'm not sure that these are "classic must-have blades," I think that they're pretty cool but don't get much mention (not sure why).

[Cloran]

Must have?

'58 DynaPowers.

[Fade]

Nice thread, but there aren't enough pictures in it.

 

I just had to have a set from the year I was born. For no good reason, I just though it would be cool.

 

I went with the 1967 W/S X-31s. I am not sure that they qualify as 'Classic Blades', but close enough I hope.

 

I didn't get them to just hang them on a wall (they are not in pristine 'collector-quality' condition). I have played them 3 times and I really like them. They would still be in my bag if I could get along with the leather grips better. I will try to give them some TLC this winter. I would hate to cut them off.

 

Here is a picture:

 

 

Note the 'blade on flange' design, quite obvious in the shorter clubs. This works well for me, my home course is often quite wet.

[Johnny Hack]

Here you go Fade, these are pics of the two sets of Classic Blades that I am rotating back and forth between, I think my favorites are the Aussie Blades, but being a Jack Nicklaus Superfan, i cant go without playing the 20ths, every 4th or 5th round. I am going to rechrome the 72 Buttonbacks I have pictured as well.

 

My Aussie Blades 2-PW

 

 

My 20th Anniversary Muirfields 2-PW

 

 

 

 

My 72 Buttonbacks

 

 

[Fade]

Thanks. Beautiful! I am a bit of a sucker for older W/S sets. I love it when I see [b][size=5][i]'pitching wedge'[/i][/size][/b] spelled out in full on the sole!

[craniac24]

Noticed a few people that mentioned they'd like to get a hold of a mint set of FG17s. Well here you go. They're not mine, but I'm happy to pass on the info.

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1[/url]

[craniac24]

And to answer the original question, I'd REALLY like to find a set of Wilson Fluid Feels circa 1987 in new condition. Saw one on the bay last month but missed out.

[guisician]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1354079791' post='5988187']
Noticed a few people that mentioned they'd like to get a hold of a mint set of FG17s. Well here you go. They're not mine, but I'm happy to pass on the info.

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1[/url]
[/quote]

Dream blades from the past; thanks for the link. FWIW, I've purchased a number of items from this eBay seller; good guy, combines shipping.

[stixman]

[quote name='guisician' timestamp='1354080363' post='5988219']
[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1354079791' post='5988187']
Noticed a few people that mentioned they'd like to get a hold of a mint set of FG17s. Well here you go. They're not mine, but I'm happy to pass on the info.

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1"]http://www.ebay.com/...=item3a7c15a2a1[/url]
[/quote]

Dream blades from the past; thanks for the link. FWIW, I've purchased a number of items from this eBay seller; good guy, combines shipping.
[/quote]
+++1 on Billybaroo

[Blade Junkie]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1354079791' post='5988187']
Noticed a few people that mentioned they'd like to get a hold of a mint set of FG17s. Well here you go. They're not mine, but I'm happy to pass on the info.

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-Tour-Blade-FG-17-Forged-Irons-2-P-Golf-Clubs-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189895841?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15a2a1"]http://www.ebay.com/...=item3a7c15a2a1[/url]
[/quote]

Plus the same seller has matching woods for anyone that wants a brand new "All Wilson" classic bag. Add an 8802 or an 8813 , and the 80s remake R90 SW and it's good to go !

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980s-Wilson-Staff-II-Tour-Block-Woods-1-3-4-5-New-Old-Stock-in-Box-/251189919621?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item3a7c15ff85

[tembolo1284]

My god in heaven just some gorgeous blades that mankind has developed in its history. That alone justifies our species' existence on this planet.

[dalehead]

[quote name='Son_of_Sahm' timestamp='1351307992' post='5853065']
[quote name='NRJyzr' timestamp='1351305060' post='5852841']
[quote name='Son_of_Sahm' timestamp='1351302617' post='5852701']
Arnold Palmer Tru-Matics Double V-Cut 1968-1969?

So my buddy gave me a 2-9 set, and I love the way they look... I think they're sexy--the beginnings of the Bridgestone J40 (or the tourstage before it).

How come I can't find anything on this forum about them? Was this a cheap set back in the day?

They feel great when I hit them on the range and pure them. But I won't take them to a course because I'm a 20+ capper.
[/quote]

Don't let the 20+ capper thing stop you. I first demoed blades as a 20 hdcp, in 2000. MP14s. Hit them absurdly better and more accurately than my own GI irons; spent the better part of a bucket dropping 5 irons on a target green. You know, the sort of thing a 20 capper isn't supposed to be able to do. LOL

I switched to blades and my hdcp dropped to 13 that year.

Not saying it will happen to you, just don't listen to all the truisms about who can and can't play what clubs. They may work for you. They may not. You won't know until you try...
[/quote]

Yep.

Usually when I mishit, it's because I hit 2 inches behind the ball. So I'm screwed whether it's a blade or shovel.

Back to the thread, does anyone know about the APs I'm referring to?
[/quote]

Arnold Palmer clubs of that vintage were produced by the company Palmer founded. iIRC correctly 1964 was their first year of production and Arnie won the 1964 Masters with a set of irons made by his company. They were a quality, pro shop only line. Remember this was before the days of Golf Galaxy and Internet retailers. Manufacturers only sold their top line clubs through on course pro shops.

Arnold Palmer Golf was an independent company for only a few years before becoming part of Pro Golf whose brands included First Flight and Hotze golf bags. Not sure of the timeline on this.

The reason you don't read or hear much about the clubs is because they were almost impossible to find. I was a big Arnie fan as a kid and scoured the pro shops in my area to find a set of irons. The best I could find was a shop who showed me their catalog and offered to order them for me. Being on a kid budget there was no way I could afford them but I was hoping to find a set to hold and waggle in the shop. Never did find them.

[NRJyzr]

[quote name='dalehead' timestamp='1354119461' post='5989697']
Arnold Palmer Golf was an independent company for only a few years before becoming part of Pro Golf whose brands included First Flight and Hotze golf bags. Not sure of the timeline on this.

[/quote]

According to my Maltby Club ID Guide...

1964 is when Palmer was released from his contract with Wilson. He ultimately decided to go through Professional Golf Co (who became Pro Group in the 70s), to produce clubs for his own company.

In 1972, due to a downturn said to be partially related to Palmer selling product off course, Arnold Palmer was acquired by Pro Group, the company that was also First Flight.

In 1992, Palmer led a group of investors who took control of Pro Group. Ultimately, the company changed their name to Arnold Palmer Golf Company, in 1996.

Brief history lesson from a book.

As for the Tru Matics, they were from the original incarnation of Palmer's company, before being acquired by Pro Group. It could be they were tough to find because, while they were Pro Line clubs, many pros were unhappy with the company's decision to sell a department store line of clubs, and may have not carried Palmer clubs for this reason?

[tembolo1284]

I'll post up some of the more classic sets I've had refinished later on. Here's a set of Titleists I just got back to put in play again.

[attachment=1436367:680sBack.jpg]

[attachment=1436369:680sAddress.jpg]

[attachment=1436371:680sTop.jpg]

[attachment=1436373:680sAllHeads.JPG]

[Shallowface]

[quote name='Johnny Hack' timestamp='1353808004' post='5974525']
Here you go Fade, these are pics of the two sets of Classic Blades that I am rotating back and forth between, I think my favorites are the Aussie Blades, but being a Jack Nicklaus Superfan, i cant go without playing the 20ths, every 4th or 5th round. I am going to rechrome the 72 Buttonbacks I have pictured as well.

[/quote]

Johnny, you might want to be careful getting those Buttonbacks rechromed. The buttons tend to get lost in the process.

I was able to get some replacements for free from Wilson, but that was probably 20 years ago. They had the red fluid feel plugs as well. Wouldn't be surprised if they still did.

[NRJyzr]

[quote name='Shallowface' timestamp='1354297577' post='6000579']
[quote name='Johnny Hack' timestamp='1353808004' post='5974525']
Here you go Fade, these are pics of the two sets of Classic Blades that I am rotating back and forth between, I think my favorites are the Aussie Blades, but being a Jack Nicklaus Superfan, i cant go without playing the 20ths, every 4th or 5th round. I am going to rechrome the 72 Buttonbacks I have pictured as well.

[/quote]

Johnny, you might want to be careful getting those Buttonbacks rechromed. The buttons tend to get lost in the process.

I was able to get some replacements for free from Wilson, but that was probably 20 years ago. They had the red fluid feel plugs as well. Wouldn't be surprised if they still did.
[/quote]

There was a time you could get that kind of thing from GolfWorks, also. Not sure if they'd still have them, though...

[Shallowface]

[quote name='NRJyzr' timestamp='1354310124' post='6001665']
[quote name='Shallowface' timestamp='1354297577' post='6000579']
[quote name='Johnny Hack' timestamp='1353808004' post='5974525']
Here you go Fade, these are pics of the two sets of Classic Blades that I am rotating back and forth between, I think my favorites are the Aussie Blades, but being a Jack Nicklaus Superfan, i cant go without playing the 20ths, every 4th or 5th round. I am going to rechrome the 72 Buttonbacks I have pictured as well.

[/quote]

Johnny, you might want to be careful getting those Buttonbacks rechromed. The buttons tend to get lost in the process.

I was able to get some replacements for free from Wilson, but that was probably 20 years ago. They had the red fluid feel plugs as well. Wouldn't be surprised if they still did.
[/quote]

There was a time you could get that kind of thing from GolfWorks, also. Not sure if they'd still have them, though...
[/quote]

I had some of the Golfworks version too. If I remember correctly they were longer than the ones I had from Wilson and needed to be trimmed to fit. Since Golfworks still does repair and refinishing work they still have some things that aren't necessarily listed in their catalog. One would need to check with their customer service dept.

[guisician]

[quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1354280692' post='5999259']
I'll post up some of the more classic sets I've had refinished later on. Here's a set of Titleists I just got back to put in play again.

[attachment=1436367:680sBack.jpg]

[attachment=1436369:680sAddress.jpg]

[attachment=1436371:680sTop.jpg]

[attachment=1436373:680sAllHeads.JPG]
[/quote]

Thanks for posting the pics. Sweet refinish of those heads; came out mint!

[tembolo1284]

One of my top 5 blades of all time:

[attachment=1440831:back.jpg]

[attachment=1440833:bottom.jpg]

[attachment=1440835:address.jpg]

[attachment=1440837:topView.jpg]

[craniac24]

Did you black ox those?

[tembolo1284]

[quote name='craniac24' timestamp='1354593014' post='6015329']
Did you black ox those?
[/quote]

Yap.

[Titleist-Golfer]

Just bought a brand new set of Curtis Strange VIPs. All hand ground by Don White (I'm told) to Curtis Strange's specs.

[attachment=1441351:VIP CS.png]

[attachment=1441353:VIP CS faces.png]

[rebby]

I'll post up some of the more classic sets I've had refinished later on. Here's a set of Titleists I just got back to put in play again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the 680's! Here are mine;

 

 

 

 

[tembolo1284]

I'll post up some of the more classic sets I've had refinished later on. Here's a set of Titleists I just got back to put in play again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the 680's! Here are mine;

 

 

 

 

 

These are just stunning sir!!!!!!

[tembolo1284]

Alright now I'm getting a bit fancy. This set is in the top 3 of my all time favorites.


[attachment=1441611:back2ApexII.jpg]

[attachment=1441613:faceApexII.jpg]

[attachment=1441615:addressApexII.jpg]

[attachment=1441617:topApexII.jpg]

[attachment=1441619:backApexII.jpg]

[tembolo1284]

Ah what the heck...another one in my top 3:

[attachment=1441621:back3Redline.jpg]

[attachment=1441623:back2Redline.jpg]

[attachment=1441625:top2Redline.jpg]

[attachment=1441627:addressRedline.jpg]

[attachment=1441629:topRedline.jpg]

[attachment=1441631:backRedline.jpg]