Blades - Private Card Club (3 Viewers)

Poker Zombie said:
I'm thinking a barrel of each, a barrel of 1/4 blood, and a barrel of mostly blood - but that's me, not my wallet talking. ;)
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Hi PZ, do you mean a barrel each of #3 and #4 :), as per Sean's response below (sorry for confusion :) )? Would having the two inlays on the one chip be ok (lighter blood/darker blood)? Or do you envisage two separate chips in the sample set? Thanks for your interest mate :).

Redbelly said:
Huge Bond fan (but only the movies!) My parents took me to my first Bond film when I was 5 (Diamonds are Forever) and it's been said that my mom's crush on Sean Connery led to my first name... At any rate, I think that watching Bond movies has had an impact on my draw to casinos and in particular the poker table! I think I will begin on the Bond books in the very near future!

This is another great example of a solid passionate idea getting bounced around among equally passionate people in areas of theme, colors, edge spots, etc. and having the end product become a "classic"!

I have been happily following the maturing of this set and woke up to the unveiling of the "007" chip and the discussions on blood patterns and darkness... Absolutely great idea and Zombie's idea on 1/2 and 1/2 (#3 & #4) solves the dilemma that I was having with choosing between 3 & 4!

From chips to cut cards to felts to ANYTHING you have a winner! Congratulations!

I'd be thrilled to be included in the Samples list!


HD
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Cheers Sean, really appreciate your comments and interest. My congratulations on your setup mate, just amazing. I recommend reading the books, particularly in the correct order starting with Casino Royale. I think Octapussy is my first Bond film - love the min-jet in the intro. Even after seeing Bond as Connery, Lazenby and Moore, I was able to picture an entirely different face when reading Ian Fleming's description of Bond. I have never pictured any of the Bonds when I read the books. I think that speaks volumes as to Fleming's writing (and perhaps my disinclination to picture Roger Moore in his later turns :) good as he was, in his own way). I think if people read the books, they may re-evaluate who their 'favourite' Bond is :).

Glad the '007' chip is being well-received. I am just trying to decide on #3 or #4, or as you have said, PZ suggests two barrels (one of each) :). I think #3 looks cool (a little macabre even :) ), but #4 is a little closer to what the Bond intro does, as the blood is still fairly transparent. I'll see what David (CPC) says about numbers and likelihood of lining up the inlays and make a decision. Thanks.

links_slayer said:
I've really enjoyed watching these evolve too. They're going to turn out great!
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Thanks for your interest Links, I love the design process and the banter back and forth with everyone. It will be great to get them done :).

RowdyRawhide said:
I really like this idea. But instead of all 1/2 pies you might try a 1/4 pie chip with bottom 3/4 charcoal and the top 1/4 red. Then you could have an inlay that is about 1/4-1/3 covered on blood and another with the 1/2 pie that is approx 2/3 covered in blood. Obviously there would ultimately be a 50/50 mix of these in the final set. The new inlays with the extra drop in the center look much better IMHO. Of course, as stated before, it's your wallet we are all playing with.
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Hi RR, thanks for the input, but I think I will try to keep it simple. I did have a look at a couple of ways, but I visualised the half-pie and when I mocked it up, it was as I hoped :). Cheers.

bivey said:
I'm in for a sample set of these! Good stuff!
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Cheers Bivey, you're on the list :).

Junior24xx said:
What a freakin beauty of a set. The 007 chip is phenomenal!
I'd love a sample of them if they are co into canada
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Hey Junior, thanks mate, much appreciated, glad you like the 007 chip. Will throw your name on the list.

Mental Nomad said:
I like 1 and 3, lean towards 1.
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Hey MN, thanks for that ;-), now I have to go back and look at #1 :). So you're a fan of the darker grade as well. Cool. Appreciate the interest and input mate. Decisions.

I think perhaps PZ and Redbelly have a way around it, just need to make sure it can be done (I'm sure it can). I am leaning towards only one though as it is a Limited Edition, but ...
 
I definitely like #1 the best. Both the gradient and the multiple drip bumps/channels seem to most closely mimic liquid falling down a surface.

To be clear, none of them are bad (the ltd. editions, nor the denoms) :) Definitely interested in samples.
 
Hi all,

Firstly, many thanks for the kind words, advice and input. It has been great and definitely helped me get to the final (I think) line-up. It really helps you stay on track when you set a clear picture of what you want and you guys keep that focus too :). I think the final set does look classy.

I especially appreciate your support for my Limited Edition '007' Chip. I went back and watched most of the Bond gun-barrel sequences to get the right feel and noted that in all but a few, it 'dribbles' as opposed to a wave. Further, it is usually one constant red shade as opposed to graded. I have noted that both styles of blood have been popular and I have come to a sort of compromise - defined dribble, less darker grade (but just a smidge). For those that would appreciate a sample set with the 007 chip, I hope it will come out the way we hope :).

I have spoken with David, and he said that the good folk at CPC will endeavour to ensure the inlay is lined up with the join, give or take a smidge (it has the potential to move a little under the enormous pressure). I think it will be fine. He indicated a 'small quantity' would go some way to ensuring a higher level of success - hence the Limited Edition :). He will get back to me soon with a figure (I imagine 20-30).

I have noted those who are interested in a sample set and will get a final number before I place the order in the coming weeks. If you would like a sample set, please add your name as we go :). I will update the list before final order with the names and prices etc...

So, here is the final line-up at this stage. Comments are still welcome, of course ... :)

Blades (Final Line-up).png
 
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David got back to me and indicated that 30-40 Ltd edition chips could be done under the conditions of aligning the inlay to the half-pie (give or take a mm) :).

Right, just going to finalise numbers of denom chips I require, and then start a thread for sample sets (and perhaps cover/cut cards and maybe a dealer button), then I guess, place an order with CPC.
 
Ok, I am close to ordering now and will update the sample thread with payment details soon. However, I was just looking at the 500 again and just wondered ... Don't get me wrong, I love it as it is simple and muted, the look I am going for, but, it is Level 3 and it occurred to me there are other Level 3 configs that could be as simple and subdued. Instead of 4DS I could make a 3DS for the same effect really (Level 2). But, I figure, I am keen for a Level 3, and I am paying for Level 3, so did a few more just to see.

I am at work and did not have the '500' inlay available, so used the obsolete '5' for effect. Let me know what you think (particularly those already keen for a sample set). Keep it the same or pick another?

Cheers,
Adam
 

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  • Blades (500).png
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3d14 is also a choice.

image.jpg


I'm not a fan of the retro Lav color. I think if you add a different spot color you need some more contrast.
 
stocky said:
3d14 is also a choice.

View attachment 15998

I'm not a fan of the retro Lav color. I think if you add a different spot color you need some more contrast.
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I thought about the 3D14 mate. I like the single spot types though. I am not sold on the different spot colour and would be okay with no.2, a 614 with only purple (not mocked, d'oh :-() or the 414. I still like the retro lavender for some reason, but will have a look at some other colours :).



Jeff said:
I like 2,4 and 5
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Thanks Jeff. I am leaning that way too. Keeping it simple, but if a second spot colour is used, keep it to a minimum with the 3DS.
 
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Phantom said:
Hi all,

I have been looking for a theme for a CPC custom set for ages, and although I obviously like the Phantom, I wanted something more sophisticated. As well as being a Phantom phan, I am a James Bond fan (particularly the novels). Without starting a "who is the best Bond" argument ;-) , I actually believe Timothy Dalton was an accurate portrayal of the Bond character in the novels. The Daniel Craig stories (except Quantum of Solace) are quite entertaining and his potrayal is adequate :).

My previous sets of China Clays have carried a 'Phantom' theme and a 'Phantom-Bond' theme repsectively. The latter was called "Casino de Bangalla". It was a tribute to the Phantom's homeland and the Casino de Isthmus City from "Licence to Kill" (see attached pics).

View attachment 15361 View attachment 15362 View attachment 15363

However, it is the fictional, exclusive London Gentleman's Club 'Blades', that I wish to base the chips on. Established in 1776, it is considered the finest of all the Clubs and boasts fine dining and high-stakes card games, including "a round poker table under a central chandelier where different variations of poker are hosted".

Unfortunately, money is an issue for me, plus shipping to Australia, so I cannot go for the extravagant spot-patterns or large numbers of chips. By the same token, I won't skimp on presentation for the sake of a few extra dollars. However, in any case, I believe that 'Blades' would would have chips with a more simple, and subdued look, and be less likley to have bright, gaudy colours and a variety of spots. It is a conservative Club with a rich history of members who are either statesmen, military heroes, or nobility.

We play poker once every 6-8weeks at the moment, and the stakes are 10c/20c (NLHE20). We would have a usual table of 6, sometimes 7, but I am happy with 6. The 3 denominations I usually have are 5, 25 & 100, but thought a 5, 20, 100 would be fine for 10/20, thereby limiting the number of 5's required (I still like having a third chip :)).

At the moment, I have done the sums and believe I can budget for the following;
60 x 5c (Level 1);
325 x 20c (Level 3 - because it is going to be used the most and I thought, what the hell); and
60 x $1 (Level 3).

The colours are not set in stone, although I do like the 20c at the moment. I would be pleased to receive any comments or suggestions as to how I could best represent a 240-year old club.

View attachment 15364

5c - 'Navy Blue' ('M', Bond's boss is an Admiral and Bond is a Commander in the RN) and 'Gold' for the sheer opulence of the Club;
20c - 'Gunmetal Gray' (Bond's Walther PPK), 'Battleship Gray' (Bond's Aston Martin DB5), and 'Scarlett (The blood spilt by Bond, but also the predominant colour in the 'Blades' gambling room); and
$1 - Purple for nobility (royalty) and the lavender for a subdued look.

The labels: I wanted an aged look. Comments welcome, but I am pretty happy with how they came out.

Thanks for reading. Any comments welcome.

Kind regards,
Adam
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This set is badass! love the inlay and the Diamond B mold! Love your original colors! Ship it...
 
After playing around with the chip tool, the 2 combinations I liked the best were your #1 and #2, but in the 1/8 spot. The thin spots are refined, yet add some "stand out" abilities - like pinstripes on a suit.

Without checking prices, I know this would put it up a price point. If you are really against the wall on cost, I would stick with the 1/6 spots, as the difference is fairly minimal.
 
Poker Zombie said:
After playing around with the chip tool, the 2 combinations I liked the best were your #1 and #2, but in the 1/8 spot. The thin spots are refined, yet add some "stand out" abilities - like pinstripes on a suit.

Without checking prices, I know this would put it up a price point. If you are really against the wall on cost, I would stick with the 1/6 spots, as the difference is fairly minimal.
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Hey PZ, I like that look, but yeah, the price would be getting a bit much for a chip I would rarely use :). Perhaps I am just thinking out loud and even nervous about pulling the trigger ($$$), but, I will stick with the line-up as is :). Cheers mate.
 
One-time expense, spread out over the lifetime of the chips, is minimal. Get what you want -- you'll thank yourself long term many times over.
 
What a wonderful idea to make this set. I really like what you have been brain storming over so far and hope I can help. My favorite part of these threads is not so much the final product but watching the creative process unfold.

One of the harder parts I think was making the label look old without looking like it is trying too hard to do so. I think you have done a good job so far with the stone look.
(labels too small for me too see much detail) Is it a stone or parchment look? Regardless, good job.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but I really dig the seal on the chips. Could you post a close-up of it and give some background on where you got it?
All the old British clubs have a seal. The Brits love seals. The whole gentry thing I guess.

I suppose it is safe to assume that you wish to make a set that would have been used in the 1950's when the novel Moonraker was written, and not from the club if it were still open today, so I will start here.


I think the simpler, the better. I like your attitude on saving money and keeping the chips from being too gaudy at the same time.

The mold I think works brilliantly.

The edge spots on the 25 seem too busy when I think 1950's British high-society.

Once again, the simpler the better imo. The larger spots make them seem more important than the 100.
Beautiful design though. Trying to imagine them in a splashed pot and they sort of stick out to me.

I really like the mock of the white 100 with the maroon spots. These are what I would expect from a high-class joint. Fleming described Blades in Moonraker as having these wonderful dark red curtains and red silk lamp shades, and I can't help but imagine all the white marble.
If you do decide to go with the white, keep the molds for sure due to the label clash with the no mold like someone said earlier.




  • The biggest issue for me personally is seeing the date on the chips.

One reason, Im sure, is that I am an American. The year 1776 is so ingrained in our minds for such a specific event in our history.

However, the most important reason that I feel the date on the chips doesn't flow well is due to the British fashion of not putting "established in" dates on things that are not old by their standards.

I first thought this was just something I was just assuming, but after looking up a few British organizations I found it to be true.

I could not find anything from the 18th-19th centuries with a est. date on it, although I am sure someone could find one if they looked hard enough. (speaking in terms of the seal of the organization or on the buildings of businesses, etc). Boodle's, Buck's, Caledonian Club, Portland Club, and the Savile Club stood out to me as ample evidence.

The clubs that did have an est. date on them were all from the 20th century.

I know its a fantasy set and the date lends itself to the story but it just did not seem right. Of course, what to put in its place I do not know. The way the label stands, there needs to be something separating the name Blades on left and right. Of course, you do not have to have the club name printed on the label twice.

It would be neat to have it say Blades around the top and London printed in small font (the size you have the date) at the bottom of the label. But then this throws off the denom. Ack! Maybe something to toy with at any rate.


  • Another issue to consider is the lack of a pounds sterling symbol.

£5, £25, £100, seems more legit imo. I cant imagine a club like that not having a currency symbol on there cheques.


I know the denominations serve a practical purpose for your home game, but have you considered some higher denoms too? Im envisioning you designing plaques at some point lol.

The club requirement of being able to show £100,000 in cash to be a member and that Bond beats Drax out of £15,000 makes me think it would be cool to have higher denoms.



Anyhow not sure if any of this helps but hope it helps in some way.


Best
 
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Stocky - Thanks for your interest mate. I did actually start with a light parchment background, but thought it lacked character. When I searched for 'aged paper', one of the images that caught my eye was the background I have used. It is actually paper. The club is 240 years old, but I confused the issue I am sorry. The chips aren't meant to look that old :). The chips are for a classy-ass club :), but the labels are to have a 'yester-year' look. Having said that, another style of parchment with character could be possible, but for some reason, I just like that look. However, even though the club is 240 years old, the labels probably wouldn't look that 'dirty', as the club would change them out regularly to maintain a high standard. I appreciate your comments regarding the grey chip not fitting that style. I am considering all input, otherwise I would not have asked for it :). I think the white could go well with an alternative set-up.

sorry just read this.

Agreed with the place not allowing dirty chips. The author mentions the club ironing all the newspapers for the members lol.
 
Hi 10cent,

Sorry, missed the post as I haven't got the thread on 'watch' anymore. Thanks for your interest :). You raise some great points and I have considered a few of them during the last couple of weeks. The idea has been around for a few years, and developed over time with the help of my late uncle (died horribly of cancer last year aged 47 - only 9 years older than me :-(). I thought about putting 'London' and the 'Pound' sign on it, but as you say, I don't live there :). I don't think my crew will stretch to bigger denoms or plaques, but I did have a Casino Royale set at one stage with the plaques for tourney play. They were a big hit. 1776 is a red-letter day for you guys :). Apparently Blades was established between 1775 and 1777, so I just went in between :). It was a day of interest for the British as well I guess ;-).

Cheers mate.
 
Phantom said:
Hi 10cent,

Sorry, missed the post as I haven't got the thread on 'watch' anymore. Thanks for your interest :). You raise some great points and I have considered a few of them during the last couple of weeks. The idea has been around for a few years, and developed over time with the help of my late uncle (died horribly of cancer last year aged 47 - only 9 years older than me :-(). I thought about putting 'London' and the 'Pound' sign on it, but as you say, I don't live there :). I don't think my crew will stretch to bigger denoms or plaques, but I did have a Casino Royale set at one stage with the plaques for tourney play. They were a big hit. 1776 is a red-letter day for you guys :). Apparently Blades was established between 1775 and 1777, so I just went in between :). It was a day of interest for the British as well I guess ;-).

Cheers mate.
Click to expand...

I use plaques in my starting stacks for my tourney set. Most players really like them.
 

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