Harold's Smoke Shop - ASM Labeled Semi-Customs (1 Viewer)

[btbmason]

This is a semi-long story, so feel free to scroll down to the cliffs and the few photos I have provided so far.

*This thread is for an unfinished product, and will be updated as new progress is made.*

Naturally as soon as I started receiving some casino sets in the mail, I took a gander at all of the custom sets being made by people around here and thought it would be cool to do some day. I didn't really have a theme in mind, and that's always been my problem with creating theoretical custom sets. If I'm going to pour a bunch of money into customs, I wanted it to be something with personal meaning instead of just a random design I thought was cool.

My wife's favorite person in the world was her late grandfather, whose name is Harold. She tells me all the time that I am very much like him in a lot of ways. One of those ways happens to be an affinity for poker. I moved with my wife to her childhood hometown from the big city so we could be closer to her family. It's a pretty small town, and the nearest casino with live poker is about 2 hours away. There isn't much gambling here, outside of a few home games that are kept pretty private among friends and family.

We play small poker games with her family and a couple of friends, 5 cent ante dealer's choice around the dining room table. We use paper cards, and actual nickels, dimes and quarters for chips. Buy in is usually about $5 per person, no more than 6 people. I was an addition to this game that has been running since before I was around, and I didn't want to be the one to make suggestions to upgrade what we were playing with. I was told this is how they always did it. Eventually my wife revealed to me that her grandfather did in fact have an old set of chips (most likely plastic) that he used for poker nights with his friends and family. This was my in, and the opening I was looking for to introduce chips into this game. Not only that, my mother-in-law bought a round folding poker table from a friend, and while it's not fancy it has a felt playing surface and some padding.

So that led me in wondering which direction to go in. I wanted to make something that had meaning, and present it as a gift to my wife's parents for use in their games with us. I had seen some old Harold's chips before (Harold's For Fun) but putting together a set of those would be expensive, and putting chips like that into play for small stakes would always make me a little nervous. Full customs are expensive, and for this game would be a bit overkill. There's always ceramic which is a little cheaper, or labeling some plastic chips or even china clays would be an option too.

Someone here posted that they found a lot of 395 milled ASM H-mold chips on eBay, and the seller eventually came forward on here as well. Harold's chips also used this manufacturer and mold at one point, so this seemed like as good of a spot as any to pick up some cheaper chips and make something personal for my wife's family (...ok and for myself.) I scooped them up, and they've just been sitting in my office for a while in chip boxes. I still wasn't sure about an inlay and I hadn't run the idea by my wife yet. Hey if she didn't like the idea, more chips for me!

We got to talking about it and she loved the idea. She told me more about her grandfather, and said he used to play in a private game located in a smoke shop here in town (which may or may not still have games.) I had my theme, and the idea of Harold's Smoke Shop was born.

This will be continued with a 2nd post a little while later. I have some more information to share and even an inlay mockup. Thanks for reading!

Cliffs:

- Envious of custom chips
- Play in a game with paper cards and actual change used
- Wanted custom chips as a gift for my in-laws to use in this game
- Found cheap milled ASM chips I could label
- Developed an idea around my wife's grandfather
- Harold's Smoke Shop
- More to come

 

[btbmason]

*This post will be updated with label and inlay designs as progress is made.*

This is going to be the part where most chippers are probably not going to agree with this set. Luckily it's not falling into the hands of a chipper, and it's about the sentimental value!

I like to think I know how to compose a good set, and the breakdown needed for a versatile set and growing game. I know which denominations are never needed together in the same set. This set will contain one of those situations.

These chips are taking the place of nickels, dimes and quarters. The two most common bets in this game are a nickel and a dime. This set will have both a nickel and a dime. We don't need to go nickel, quarter, dollar as this is a set for a 6-max, $5 buy-in game with very few rebuys. If it comes down to people needing more, we can put dollar bills into play.

My wife was adamant that the inlay include something about flannel as her grandfather wore flannel all the time. Her aunt even makes flannel teddy bears out of his old shirts for every new baby born into the family. This is a very important pattern and part of her family history.

I'm not a big smoker or fan of smoking, so I liked the idea of building around this instead of emphasizing that the game took place in a smoke shop. That being said, somewhere along this journey I also decided that this was going to be the theme for my custom set down the line, but I'll have a lot more freedom. This is subject to change, of course.

With that out of the way, let's get to labels! I wonder who the man to go to is for labels? Why, @Gear of course! He also offers design services and covers the first hour in the purchase if you are buying a decent amount of labels from him. Perfect! I decided to have some labels done to make Horseshoe quarters as well, so I was waiting to have them all done at the same time. Unfortunately it took me like a month of buying racks of chips to find exactly what I wanted, and I even ended up building different Horseshoe set than I originally intended. That, however is for a different thread.

My wife and I decided we wanted a simple inlay, no photos or pictures, just text and focus on the denomination with a flannel pattern involved. I also wanted some element of color matching between the chip and the design. I sent Chris a message with a description of what I thought my wife wanted. I missed something in the translation, and he basically just did his own design which was FAR FAR better than how I explained it. I showed her the first mockup and she absolutely loved it. Right now we are awaiting the next step which is seeing what he comes up with for the other two chips, and suggesting any changes (if necessary.)

Cliffs:

- Yes I know this set doesn't need both nickels and dimes, but it has them, deal with it
- 5c, 10c, 25c denoms
- Must have flannel pattern
- @Gear is the obvious choice for labels
- Took me too long to start this process because I was picky about another project
- I am bad at describing what I picture in my head based on what my wife says, but luckily Chris is great at this

*Updated 2/7/17 with current mockups - design finalized*

 

[btbmason]

Reserved

 

[duffman]

Got those exact spotted ASM's from Apache years ago. Always wanted to have them either hot-stamped or milled. Good luck with your project. :coffee:

 

[btbmason]

Post #2 has been edited and the thread is now current to where I'm at

 

[AfterTheFact]

Looking forward to how this turns out.

 

[btbmason]

Looking forward to how this turns out.

They were your chips weren't they?

 

[AfterTheFact]

Yup. I was going to use them to supplement my Sahara set but decided to go after the real deals.

Glad to see they will be used.

 

[btbmason]

I added a mockup to the 2nd post, and am now trying to decide between making this a 300 chip set or the full 395 chip set.

Harold stored his chips in a carousel, which are pretty commonly found for 300 chips but not for 400. I also have to be wary of ASM chips fitting in this type of holder as they are a small bit larger than standard chips. There's always the custom option, but that may prove to be more money than I paid for the chips so that's a last resort. I have found a 400-chip rectangular wooden holder, but it doesn't rotate.

I should be labeling them all regardless of the intent, the extras can always be kept as backups or just momentos to give to other family members.

I'm open to other suggestions, or if anybody has links they want to share for cool carousels that fit 300-400 chips please shoot them at me! I'm not looking to break the bank with this part of the set, but also don't want to have them in a cheap plastic case. I'm going to spend some time going around to Goodwill and other secondhand stores as these are pretty common to find with some old plastic chips in them.

 

[upNdown]

I'm going to spend some time going around to Goodwill and other secondhand stores as these are pretty common to find with some old plastic chips in them.

You'd think so, wouldn't you? I've been looking at thrift shops and yard sales for a carousel and just can't find one.

 

[btbmason]

New mockup added to post #2 along with previous versions. The current version has the red denoms.

Here are close ups of the 3 right now. The 25c inlay was mocked up as Peach but I feel like the spots may be Dayglo Arc Yellow and I don't have an ASM/CPC sample set to confirm. I sent a message to Chris and he will let me know what he thinks, but feel free to weigh in with what you think the color may be (or if you happen to know since these chips have been available to others, please comment!)

 

[RowdyRawhide]

Not sure how much driving around you are doing searching economy shops, but there are several available for $25-$30 shipped on eBay. just search chip caddy

As far as the inlays I like the different color matched flannel on the white background of the forum, but on the chips only the black looks right to me. Perhaps find a common flannel that looks good on all of the colors and then maybe color match the denom to the chip. Or the maybe put a white or black ring around the outside edge of the inlay to set it off front he chip. I like color matched inlays but they just look too busy the way they are now.

ETA: another thought may be to reverse the colors on the color matched inlays so the spot color is the predominant color on the inlay....maybe that would set it off a little more. another thought would be use the spot colors as part of the flannel color and use another color common through all of the inlays and use the solid as the denom color

 

[btbmason]

Or the maybe put a white or black ring around the outside edge of the inlay to set it off front he chip. I like color matched inlays but they just look too busy the way they are now.

Just a random note, I 100% appreciate all feedback on the design, but just know that any and all changes have to go through my wife as well

Here is a mockup with a white ring. I don't like the idea of a black ring just because the black chip is already black, so I don't think that'll do much for it.

 

[Kyle]

Very cool project. And having @Gear help with labels is the only way to go.

Thanks for sharing.

I would be interested in a sample set if you do indeed have extras. Just let me know with the price. If that is something you would do.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[btbmason]

Very cool project. And having @Gear help with labels is the only way to go.

Thanks for sharing.

I would be interested in a sample set if you do indeed have extras. Just let me know with the price. If that is something you would do.

Thanks,
Kyle

Unfortunately I don't see a sample set being in the cards for this one as I'll need all of the dimes and quarters for the set. I may have extra nickels if I cut the set down, and if that's the case I'd be glad to send one out. It's not as cool without the other chips probably, but those would be the only extras I'd envision having.

If somehow I do run across more of these chips, there's a possibility for a small add-on or making extras for a sample set. I will definitely make sure to have extras when I build my next set though. Thanks for the interest!

 

[Kyle]

Unfortunately I don't see a sample set being in the cards for this one as I'll need all of the dimes and quarters for the set. I may have extra nickels if I cut the set down, and if that's the case I'd be glad to send one out. It's not as cool without the other chips probably, but those would be the only extras I'd envision having.

If somehow I do run across more of these chips, there's a possibility for a small add-on or making extras for a sample set. I will definitely make sure to have extras when I build my next set though. Thanks for the interest!

Completely understand. These chips will be awesome for you and Family.

 

[duffman]

That's a nice deep recess. What mil thickness are you going to go with for the labels? I would get some different thickness samples from @Gear to get the label and chip as even as possible.

 

[Gear]

I would get some different thickness samples from @Gear

Unfortunately that's not really an option. We offer unlaminated labels which are 4 mil, and laminated labels which are 8-9 mil depending on the finish. Laminated labels are strongly recommended over unlaminated for jobs like this, i.e. milled chips or chips with their inlays or labels removed.

 

[btbmason]

That's a nice deep recess. What mil thickness are you going to go with for the labels?

Laminated labels are strongly recommended over unlaminated for jobs like this, i.e. milled chips or chips with their inlays or labels removed.

I am going with the laminated labels, as he also made this recommendation to me when I first brought up this project to him. I was considering being a cheapskate and getting unlaminated ones since the chips wouldn't be in play often

 

[duffman]

Unfortunately that's not really an option. We offer unlaminated labels which are 4 mil, and laminated labels which are 8-9 mil depending on the finish. Laminated labels are strongly recommended over unlaminated for jobs like this, i.e. milled chips or chips with their inlays or labels removed.

My fault

I am going with the laminated labels, as he also made this recommendation to me when I first brought up this project to him. I was considering being a cheapskate and getting unlaminated ones since the chips wouldn't be in play often

Nice...I would go with the textured laminate. Since the chips are in such good shape, it would go well with the crosshatching.

 

[btbmason]

These are the final 3 mockups of the design, 1 of these will be chosen. The only change will be the color match of the spots on the black chip. Please let me know what you think! Larger images of the design only have been added to post #2.

*Important Note* - Per Chris, designs with an outer ring will contain labels that are not perfectly centered due to the production method. He didn't say not to do it, but just wanted to make sure I was aware that the ring outline may not be uniform on the labels.

Option 1 - No ring around pattern

Option 2 - Off-white ring around pattern (white was too bright)

Option 3 - Edge spot color ring around pattern

 

[btbmason]

My wife has eliminated the white ring as an option, and is leaning towards not having a ring at all again. I think I can get behind that because while color matching is really good from Chris, I'm sure there is at least some amount of noticeable difference between the color and the label. Also as @duffman mentioned it is a deep recess, so the additional height of the mold/chip may give enough contrast to offset the color of the inlay from the color of the chip.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

[mkiefer009]

I

These are the final 3 mockups of the design, 1 of these will be chosen. The only change will be the color match of the spots on the black chip. Please let me know what you think! Larger images of the design only have been added to post #2.

*Important Note* - Per Chris, designs with an outer ring will contain labels that are not perfectly centered due to the production method. He didn't say not to do it, but just wanted to make sure I was aware that the ring outline may not be uniform on the labels.

Option 1 - No ring around pattern

Option 2 - Off-white ring around pattern (white was too bright)

Option 3 - Edge spot color ring around pattern

View attachment 80588

View attachment 80589

View attachment 80590

I like 1 or 3

 

[Mr. Cheese]

I like option 1 the best

 

[RowdyRawhide]

I like 3 so far. the white is too white for sure, would almost be interested in seeing a grey or charcoal ring. but I also know the saying happy wife too

 

[duffman]

While I do like the outer ring, I think I would go with option 1 to keep them looking as close to center as possible.

 

[btbmason]

Decided to go with option number 1 without the ring, but it was nice to have the options and take a deeper look into the possibilities.

Now I just have to anxiously await receiving them and applying several hundred labels by hand. I'm also still on the hunt for a case. Thanks everyone for your feedback!

 

[btbmason]

Scrapping this set and will be designing full customs instead, labeling did not work out well. Thanks to all for input and suggestions. This thread can be closed/locked if a mod comes across it.

 

[btbmason]

I know this didn't really generate much interest, but for those who were following...

Based on events that happened after I decided to move on from this set, I don't have the funds to replace it with full customs anymore. I did not end up canceling the order for these labels, and they should be shipped out to me soon. Once they arrive I'll get all of the labels applied and post some photos.

I did buy a carousel case for the set, and bought it despite knowing it won't fit all of the chips. I liked it though, so I'll figure something out for the rest of them.

 

[Poker Zombie]

I just came across this thread, and it's been an interesting journey.

I'm curious as to why the label project suddenly hit the brakes, but I am glad it's moving forward again. While some may poo-poo the nickle-dime-quarter denoms, I agree 100% with the idea. For a micro-stakes family game, what could be better than a "useless" chip that costs 10x the face value? This is about a tribute and classing up the game. Three colors is the way to go, and you have a great concept.

I of course, would have gone with a green quarter, black dime though. But if the labels have been ordered, then you may as well ride it to the finish line.