22 replies to this topic

[stage1350]

For those that don't frequent Puttertalk.com, I thought I'd share photos of a recent putter acquisiton.

It's pretty well known that I'm a huge 8802 whore.  So to get me to buy an Anser style putter, it has to be something special.  I thought this one fit the bill.

These putters were milled about 15 years ago, long before anyone was even thinking about working with Damascus.  Tad Moore was way ahead of his time with these.  The Damascene material is a fusion of 303 and 304 stainless steels.  According to a conversation I had with Tad (Majic on GolfWRX) a while back, the milled heads would be immersed in a very strong acid that would only etch one of the two metals.  This is what brought out the grain.

The lines on this putter are incredible and it has a very thin face, which was the style at the time.  The putter gives a very positive click at impact.

Shaft is the legendary YSC shaft, same as used by Byron Morgan and Cameon in his 009 putters.  It's a very soft shaft with long steps, the Anser eqiuvalent of a "head speed" shaft.  It's topped off with a Golf Pride underlisting in the same profile as the Pro Only (Pingman) grip and a leather "Peach Putters" strap.

I don't know the exact production run of the Damascus series, but it was not a lot.  There was an Anser style, an Anser X style (face balanced, no hosel) and an IMG5 style.  The IMG5 models are virtually impossible to source and this is the first Anser style I'd seen with a hosel come up for sale.

Enjoy a little piece of history from a master putter maker.  Tad is the shizzle!

Edited by stage1350, 18 February 2013 - 03:13 AM.

[freddyottawa]

Wow, that is a great looking putter. Have you rolled any with it yet?

[PutterHo]

Lucky #11.  Very nice addition.

[MNLH11]

NIce score Stage.  Very nice.

[Chappie]

Wow, that's fantastic.


Was the putter only bathed up to the head?  I noticed the neck has no grain and is polished.  Very unique piece, especially considering Tad doesn't get enough credit around here anymore.

[Graymulligan]

Am I the only one that doesn't like the weird "metallic tie dye" that's going on there?  

(and yes, I realize it may in fact just be me...I don't like it)

[Dead Solid Perfect]

Great looking putter, I love the finish but I'm not sure I could putt with it a little distracting.  I would like to hang that on the wall.

[khannah42]

Great looking flapstick. I am a big fan of the Damascus putters.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

WOW Stage ! very sharp...!! You're right, Tad doesn't get enough credit for what he brought to the table...very under-rated!!  Have owned a couple of TM's in the past and loved the feel and the quality!!

I expect to roll that next time you are in town!!

[thegooddoctor]

how would you know the acid would do that?

[DigDugDig]

That Sir, is a beautiful putter.

How does it roll?

[majic]

The Damascus material is made up varying types of stainless.  Some were of the hardenable type.  These will etch with acid.  The other stainless is unaffected.  I was taught the process by the steel maker.  After the head was made it was very high polished by Kia Ma's company and then shipped to me where i performed the acid dip.  It was amazing as it just looked like a brilliant putter head until you put it in the acid where the beautiful pattern would show up.  The feel of these is very unique and i feel superb.  Like many things i tried i guess i was ahead of my time as people thought they were to expensive.  About 50 of thee were made and less then 100 of the PRO 1 X and only 13 of the IMG 5 which I think is the most beautiful.  Tad

[Dscvrr St Louis]

That is why I love this site..when the MAN himself can chime in for us regular folks!!

Thanks for all the innovation you have brought us Tad.

[Chappie]

majic, on 19 February 2013 - 07:44 PM, said:

The Damascus material is made up varying types of stainless.  Some were of the hardenable type.  These will etch with acid.  The other stainless is unaffected.  I was taught the process by the steel maker.  After the head was made it was very high polished by Kia Ma's company and then shipped to me where i performed the acid dip.  It was amazing as it just looked like a brilliant putter head until you put it in the acid where the beautiful pattern would show up.  The feel of these is very unique and i feel superb.  Like many things i tried i guess i was ahead of my time as people thought they were to expensive.  About 50 of thee were made and less then 100 of the PRO 1 X and only 13 of the IMG 5 which I think is the most beautiful.  Tad

Tad, do you have any pictures handy of the IMG 5 style damascus? I have never seen one come up on the internet.

[majic]

I get this asked a lot.  I am trying to get one for all to see.  I am working on 4 new models of putters right now.  A few pictures are around.  i am trying to get a person i know that has one to take some pic's and maybe trade me it back.  Tad

[Chappie]

majic, on 19 February 2013 - 09:33 PM, said:

I get this asked a lot.  I am trying to get one for all to see.  I am working on 4 new models of putters right now.  A few pictures are around.  i am trying to get a person i know that has one to take some pic's and maybe trade me it back.  Tad

That's awesome to hear.  Amazing that someone hasn't snapped up a picture already to show off.

Can't wait to hear more about the new stuff by the way.  

[NHauss]

Cool thread, thanks!

[g_olson10]

That design is gorgeous! great find there!!!

[enis750]

pretty awesome stage
gamer or wall hanger?

[SheriffBooth]

Sweet stick, Brad.

[rustyputterguy]

Sweet, sweet putter. Thanks for sharing the pics and all the info.

[stage1350]

enis750, on 20 February 2013 - 01:53 PM, said:

pretty awesome stage
gamer or wall hanger?

I don't putt Anser style putters often.  I'm much more comfortable with 8802 styles.  So this one won't see a whole lot of time in the bag.  That said, NOTHING I own remains new in the plastic.

The other good news is that I play with a lot of golfers that are Anser lovers.  Therefore, I'm sure I can find some volunteers to try it out and see what they think of the feel.

[joekelli]

stage1350, on 21 February 2013 - 09:25 AM, said:

enis750, on 20 February 2013 - 01:53 PM, said:

pretty awesome stage
gamer or wall hanger?

I don't putt Anser style putters often.  I'm much more comfortable with 8802 styles.  So this one won't see a whole lot of time in the bag.  That said, NOTHING I own remains new in the plastic.

The other good news is that I play with a lot of golfers that are Anser lovers.  Therefore, I'm sure I can find some volunteers to try it out and see what they think of the feel.

If your still in Ohio when the weather breaks, I am in!!!!!