The sap in another thread got me to thinking...

[beach elvis]

...I have one that kept in my stick bag for the "over-exuberant unrulies" at gigs for years.
Found out that (in Ohio, anyway), it's illegal to carry. Came out of my stick bag after I found out.

What gives?

I'm guessing it's another case of a congressman's ol' lady seeing somebody on CSI Miami getting hit by a thug with one.

Any thoughts?

 

[handejector]

"The sap in another thread......"

Oh- never mind. I thought you were talkin to me.

 

[beach elvis]

"The sap in another thread......"

Oh- never mind. I thought you were talkin to me.

"Ba-dump-bump-pshhh!"

Sorry, boss.

I almost wrote, "cosh" or, "slapper" but those terms are so old that I didn't know if a lot of the forummers would recognize them.

Sorry 'bout the confusion.

 

[Pioneer461]

An early attempt at controlling behavior by "outlawing" certain inanimate objects. It is illegal to possess a sap, brass knuckles, etc., but it's ok posess an aluminum bb bat that you use to bash someone's brains in. Go figure.

Note to legislators: It's about behavior, not objects.

 

[greyhawk178]

In the old days, Police trousers all had a "blackjack pocket". It was a deep narrow pocket near the right wallet pocket. Nearly everyone carried a blackjack. They were called "the butcher's tool" because they tended to cause some rather nasty lacerations of the head.

 

[smith revolver cop]

An early attempt at controlling behavior by "outlawing" certain inanimate objects. It is illegal to possess a sap, brass knuckles, etc., but it's ok posess an aluminum bb bat that you use to bash someone's brains in. Go figure.

Note to legislators: It's about behavior, not objects.

Unless you say something unkind when you're bashing their brains in... then it's a "hate crime."

 

[smith revolver cop]

In the old days, Police trousers all had a "blackjack pocket". It was a deep narrow pocket near the right wallet pocket. Nearly everyone carried a blackjack. They were called "the butcher's tool" because they tended to cause some rather nasty lacerations of the head.

Ah, the good old days!!! Haven't been authorized to carry one since '86, when I changed departments. I only used mine a few times, but when I did, it sure was handy to have! When I changed departments, my then-new chief said it didn't portray the right "image." My feeling has always been this: For those that don't know what it is, they won't care. For those that KNOW what it is, it will portray exactly the RIGHT image- don't mess with me!

 

[safearm]

In the first department where I worked, the uniform trousers had a sap pocket on the right seam, about 3 inches below the bottom of the front pocket opening. Every one carried a nightstick and some type of sap or blackjack. My preference was known as a convoy; a rounded, leather-covered lead head mounted on a spring handle. The round head would not cause cuts and the flexible spring handle allowed the head to snap forward and strike precisely. Too bad that expandible batons, the acts of a few mistrained individuals, and political correctness have forced the retirement of saps and nightsticks.

 

[m75rlg]

Ah, but I've seen the Convey require stiches after a good fight.

Funniest story with one I can recall was at a domestic call I took. I'd seperated the parties, and told the husband to stay put while his wife got some belongings to take with her for a cool down period. I'd warned father in law to remain in his car on the side of the road. Well father in law had to start across the lawn and hurle some choice words toward husband as wife was leaving the front door. Husband sprang out of his easy cahir and produced a large boxed end wrench from under the cushion. As he went by me for the father in law, I stuck my food out and tripped him. As he fell I produced the Convey from my rear pocket and drew back for the blow. Husband saw the Convey come out, dropped the wrench and threw his hands over the top of his head while begging "Please don't hit me, Mr. officer." I told him that as long as he didn't try to get up, I wouldn't hit him, and then turned to the father in law and threatened to arrest him if he didn't return immediately to his car.

I'm sure that young man had been leather broke with one of those before, and didn't want a second lesson.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

If you can not carry the blackjack, a maglight would be an alternative.

 

[Polar Boy]

This thread gave me one of those "now that I think of it" moments.

I had always seen the sap (and its pocket) as part of an officer's uniform. After reading this thread I suddenly realized that I haven't seen a cop with a sap (or night stick for that matter) in a very long time. Now I'm going to be checking out every officer I come across to see whether or not they have a sap (or another suitable cudgel). What a shame that the police have been stripped of such useful tools.

I have seen some cops wearing bright yellow stun guns on their belts (why yellow?). But I bet they've been told NOT to use them. The nation is doomed I tell ya. Doomed!

 

[keith44spl]

Ah, but I've seen the Convey require stiches after a good fight.

Funniest story with one I can recall...I'm sure that young man had been leather broke with one of those before, and didn't want a second lesson.

Yeah, once they've saw the light go out...so to speak,

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[handejector]

Around here, the phrase is "leather shampoo" for a sap, or "wood shampoo" for the stick (whether wood or fiberglass or whatever).

Once experienced, most people seem satiated.......

 

[Glock 'em down]

I too miss the "good ol' days" of the sap, slapper, billie and 2nd growth Hickory nightstick.

 

[kennyb]

In the old days, Police trousers all had a "blackjack pocket". It was a deep narrow pocket near the right wallet pocket. Nearly everyone carried a blackjack. They were called "the butcher's tool" because they tended to cause some rather nasty lacerations of the head.

dang!not THAT old of days!

 

[kennyb]

This thread gave me one of those "now that I think of it" moments.

I had always seen the sap (and its pocket) as part of an officer's uniform. After reading this thread I suddenly realized that I haven't seen a cop with a sap (or night stick for that matter) in a very long time. Now I'm going to be checking out every officer I come across to see whether or not they have a sap (or another suitable cudgel). What a shame that the police have been stripped of such useful tools.

I have seen some cops wearing bright yellow stun guns on their belts (why yellow?). But I bet they've been told NOT to use them. The nation is doomed I tell ya. Doomed!

as rare as an officer with a revolver these days

 

[Gun-runner]

...I have one that kept in my stick bag for the "over-exuberant unrulies" at gigs for years.
Found out that (in Ohio, anyway), it's illegal to carry. Came out of my stick bag after I found out.

What gives?

I'm guessing it's another case of a congressman's ol' lady seeing somebody on CSI Miami getting hit by a thug with one.

Any thoughts?

I saw one of the "Gangland" shows on T.V and there was a biker gang that got around it. Just put a 4 cell flashlight in your belt loop. It's just a "tool" along with the bandana in the back pocket that happens to be attatched to a padlock. Both would definitely leave a mark.

 

[imjin138]

I have a few laying around the house, along with a pair of sap gloves that used to be issue too, mostly I see expandale batons. Lots of tasers and pepper spray. I did see one officer with a taser that had white grips made up to look like stag.

There are still a few companies that make saps and slappers.

 

[Major Pain]

I think those that have experienced both would prefer to "ride the lighting" than have the "leather shampoo".--MP

 

[Gary]

I bought one a couple of years ago. I carry it inserted between the riders and passanger seat on my motorcycle. I have never used it but it is comforting to have.