- Joined
- Nov 9, 2000
- Messages
- 1,219
First off I would like to say hello to some of my old friends here who have periodically inquired as to whether I fell off the face of the earth last year. The answer is no....but.....Eric, Kevin, Mike, Chuck, etc., etc., etc,.....and most of all the Jerrmiester......howdy...I hope you are all well, and thanks for your support during some very tough personal times!
I have been e-mailed periodically, by friends known and unknown to me from these forums, about the "GPB Sheaths". The GPB sheaths were made by a brother (read very close friend) whom I would like to formally recognize here for everyone's knowledge, and potential contact. Therefore, I have secured formal verbal permission from Jerry to make this announcement. Thank you very much Jerry, I sincerely appreciate it!
The GPB sheaths, named so for being introduced here through personal collection sales etc., are made from heavy stock Kydex and Concealex by Brian Wagner (known here on the forums as OKU). His new company "Okuden" can be reached via e-mail at okuden@earthlink.net. Brian was a custom designer for a very well known kydex sheath and holster manufacturer who gave us permission to pursue the custom sheath market. Unfortunately, our plans were thwarted last year by various personal circumstances totally unrelated to the products, or the industry.
The GPB sheaths were design idea collaborations between the two of us, but always brought to life by Brian. Most were structured as Drop Leg Rigs based upon their components, but all were designed to be mounted and worn a multitude of ways including IWB, OWB, Duty Belt Ambi, Dress Belt Ambi, Web Gear Uni, etc. The sheaths themselves are very unique for many reasons, the least of which not being that they were symmetrical, not asymmetrical. The materials were usually the heaviest Kydex, or Concealex available, and some included cammo patterns from woodland, to Advantage, to desert. Some were IWB concealment rigs containing no metal he made for some Busse Stealth Hawks. I am certain some of these designs will become pics in this thread and I very much apologize it was not possible to attach pics due to hardware failures. I know it seems rediculous not to have any to post here, but I am certain some of my pals will accomodate, and they will surface. Brians work must be seen, handled, and used to be appreciated. Many people from these forums who have purchased some of my personal Busse addict collection, have stated to me in one way or another that they are the best sheaths of their materials, they have ever seen, used, or owned. This is by far "not to say" others do not make great sheaths.
Brian himself is the REAL DEAL when it comes to accomodating some of this country's most elite SMALL units and operators. He has designed containment systems, sheaths and holsters for some of the most critical and sensitive equipment carried by our armed forces, not merely weapons. His work is truly in service the world over and includes designs to protect equipment, some of which he is at liberty, and not at liberty to discuss. Like Jerry, this is how Brian earns his living for his family, and not a hobby. Therefore, he takes his business very seriously whether you are a weekend warrior, collector, enthusiast, or one who stakes your life on your equipment!
I have absolutely no personal benefit or stake in providing this announcement, and am only doing so because a.) his work deserves the credit it has earned, and b.)I know if some of you allow him to design a rig for you, you WILL NOT be disappointed, and will thus be very glad this information was made available. Those of you who know me, likewise know my character and sincerity both personally, and here at the forums. Those of you who don't, may ask around and check with people like Eric, thatmguy, 1whobuys, and that total nutcase.....dare I even mention his name..... "STRABS"!:barf: I purposely excluded Jerry himself because he gets enough inquiries each day and I would be doing him no justice augmenting it.
I am a "quality fanatic" about my gear, which is why I use Busse's. Jerry may chime in on that one because its just too inviting (he has gone way beyond necessity to accomodate some of my timetables and nuances). This desire for the best I could get is how I came to meet Brian, and demand his work for all of my needs.
I am certain Brian will provide further contact information either in this thread, or in response to your e-mail inquiries. Take a risk (not knowing him or his work), give him a chance, and I am certain you will NOT be disappointed.
Thank you again Jerry, and INFInite Nuclear Best Wishes to All of You!
Frank
I have been e-mailed periodically, by friends known and unknown to me from these forums, about the "GPB Sheaths". The GPB sheaths were made by a brother (read very close friend) whom I would like to formally recognize here for everyone's knowledge, and potential contact. Therefore, I have secured formal verbal permission from Jerry to make this announcement. Thank you very much Jerry, I sincerely appreciate it!
The GPB sheaths, named so for being introduced here through personal collection sales etc., are made from heavy stock Kydex and Concealex by Brian Wagner (known here on the forums as OKU). His new company "Okuden" can be reached via e-mail at okuden@earthlink.net. Brian was a custom designer for a very well known kydex sheath and holster manufacturer who gave us permission to pursue the custom sheath market. Unfortunately, our plans were thwarted last year by various personal circumstances totally unrelated to the products, or the industry.
The GPB sheaths were design idea collaborations between the two of us, but always brought to life by Brian. Most were structured as Drop Leg Rigs based upon their components, but all were designed to be mounted and worn a multitude of ways including IWB, OWB, Duty Belt Ambi, Dress Belt Ambi, Web Gear Uni, etc. The sheaths themselves are very unique for many reasons, the least of which not being that they were symmetrical, not asymmetrical. The materials were usually the heaviest Kydex, or Concealex available, and some included cammo patterns from woodland, to Advantage, to desert. Some were IWB concealment rigs containing no metal he made for some Busse Stealth Hawks. I am certain some of these designs will become pics in this thread and I very much apologize it was not possible to attach pics due to hardware failures. I know it seems rediculous not to have any to post here, but I am certain some of my pals will accomodate, and they will surface. Brians work must be seen, handled, and used to be appreciated. Many people from these forums who have purchased some of my personal Busse addict collection, have stated to me in one way or another that they are the best sheaths of their materials, they have ever seen, used, or owned. This is by far "not to say" others do not make great sheaths.
Brian himself is the REAL DEAL when it comes to accomodating some of this country's most elite SMALL units and operators. He has designed containment systems, sheaths and holsters for some of the most critical and sensitive equipment carried by our armed forces, not merely weapons. His work is truly in service the world over and includes designs to protect equipment, some of which he is at liberty, and not at liberty to discuss. Like Jerry, this is how Brian earns his living for his family, and not a hobby. Therefore, he takes his business very seriously whether you are a weekend warrior, collector, enthusiast, or one who stakes your life on your equipment!
I have absolutely no personal benefit or stake in providing this announcement, and am only doing so because a.) his work deserves the credit it has earned, and b.)I know if some of you allow him to design a rig for you, you WILL NOT be disappointed, and will thus be very glad this information was made available. Those of you who know me, likewise know my character and sincerity both personally, and here at the forums. Those of you who don't, may ask around and check with people like Eric, thatmguy, 1whobuys, and that total nutcase.....dare I even mention his name..... "STRABS"!:barf:
I purposely excluded Jerry himself because he gets enough inquiries each day and I would be doing him no justice augmenting it.I am a "quality fanatic" about my gear, which is why I use Busse's. Jerry may chime in on that one because its just too inviting (he has gone way beyond necessity to accomodate some of my timetables and nuances). This desire for the best I could get is how I came to meet Brian, and demand his work for all of my needs.
I am certain Brian will provide further contact information either in this thread, or in response to your e-mail inquiries. Take a risk (not knowing him or his work), give him a chance, and I am certain you will NOT be disappointed.
Thank you again Jerry, and INFInite Nuclear Best Wishes to All of You!
Frank
