Q: WHAT ARE "WICKED GRIPS"?
A: "WICKED GRIPS" ARE CUSTOM, HANDMADE GRIPS... CRAFTED TO A LEVEL OF QUALITY THAT WE FEEL OUR CLIENTS DESERVE. WHEN WE TAKE AN ORDER FROM A CLIENT... OR MAKE A SET FOR IMMEDIATE SALE... THAT SET STARTED OUT AS A PREMIUM, HIGH GRADE PIECE OF WOOD (OR EXOTIC MATERIAL) THAT HAD TO BE HUNTED DOWN FROM VARIOUS SUPPLIERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, PIECE BY PIECE. WE ONLY USE THE BEST.
NEXT... WE DONT "MANUFACTURE" GRIPS. THERE ARE NO JIGS HERE.. THERE IS NO "ONE SIZE FITS ALL" MENTALITY HERE. EACH SET IS MADE, ONE SET AT A TIME, BY HAND.. METICULOUSLY HANDFIT TO REAL GUNS OUT OF OUR LIBRARY OF 1911 FRAMES, TO ASSURE THE CLOSEST POSSIBLE FIT FOR OUR CLIENTS.
NEXT... WE WORK WITH EACH CLIENT, USING OUR STAFF OF ARTISTS TO DESIGN YOUR THEME. WE CREATE THE ART FIRST, FROM SKETCH, TO INKED TEMPLATE... TO MOLDING... TO CASTING. IT WOULD BE CHEAPER, QUICKER, AND MUCH EASIER TO SIMPLY OFFER A MENU OF CATALOGED ARTWORK "CHOICES" TO PICK FROM... BUT THATS NOT "CUSTOM".
NEXT... EACH SET IS FINISHED BY HAND. ITS TEST FIT NUMEROUS TIMES ON ACTUAL 1911 FRAMES (NOT JIGS)... THE SCREWS ARE INSTALLED TO ASSURE UNIFORM DEPTH AS WELL AS PROPER FIT. EACH LINE.. ANGLE.. AND RELIEF CUT MUST BE TIGHT & TRUE. IT WILL NOT LEAVE OUR STUDIO IF IT DOESN'T MEET OUR STANDARDS.
Q: WHY DO THEY COST THIS MUCH?
A: SIMPLY.. BECAUSE YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. QUALITY IN MATERIALS.. TIME.. AND LEVEL OF FIT & FINISH COSTS MORE.
IF YOU WANT CHEAP & QUICK... I'M AFFRAID I CANNOT HELP YOU.
WE DONT MASS PRODUCE GRIPS FOR QUICK SALE... EACH SET IS A UNIQUE, ONE OF A KIND SET, MADE TO THE SAME HIGH STANDARDS WHETHER MADE FOR THE "GRIPS FOR SALE" PAGE, OR A CUSTOM PROJECT FOR A CLIENT. WE USE ONLY THE BEST MATERIALS WE CAN FIND.. MATERIALS WHICH ARE EXPENSIVE TO USE.
WE DONT CUT CORNERS.. USE LESS EXPENSIVE WOODS... OR MACHINES TO RUSH THE PROCESS. EACH SET GETS THE SAME LEVEL OF ATTENTION.. THIS LEVEL OF QUALITY COSTS MORE.
Q: HOW DO I CUSTOM ORDER GRIPS?
A: Please see our "CUSTOM" page for details!
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE CUSTOM GRIPS?
A: Due to demand, the CURRENT ESTIMATED turn around time for a custom orders IS RUNNING AT 3+ months for 1911 exotic non inlayed wood, and 12+ months for custom projects, including custom Inlay projects. TIME LINES ARE ESTIMATED...
Q: WHY DOES IT TAKE THAT LONG TO MAKE MY GRIPS?
A: Demand. We refuse to compromise on quality, take shortcuts.. or cut corners in order to speed up the grip making process... so, due to demand, there is a wait time for us to work thru the orders.
We do greatly appreciate the patience our clients show when waiting for their grips.... and we know waiting can be hard when you are excited to get them, but please, rest assured that they are taking this long to make, because we refuse to ship you anything but our best. And the best takes time.
Q: HOW MUCH DO CUSTOM GRIPS COST?
A: Cost will depend on the level of detail & work needed for a particular theme. The more detail in the theme... wording & lettering... the higher the cost, and the higher the relative time needed to complete the project. Please see the "CUSTOM" page for details.
Q: HOW DO I CARE FOR MY GRIPS?
A: There are a few simples rules to follow when dealing with any of our grips...
1. Never overtighten the grip screws... this can cause cracking is MOST exotic materials. Just snug them up!
2. Always remove your grips for cleaning... do not soak, or use gun cleaning chemicals to clean your grips. Do not oil your grips. Do not allow oil to soak into your grips.
Fairly common sense, but it needs to be stressed that a certain level of care be taken when handling grips made from exotic materials. Drops on concrete... exposing them to extreme heat... tightening the screws like you're tightening a lug nut... Dipping it in "Dunk It" cleaners, ect... are not good for your grips!
If you show reasonable care, your grips will last for generations!
Q: I DONT WANT TO WAIT FOR CUSTOM GRIPS.. WHAT CAN YOU OFFER ME?
A: For those customers who do not want to wait for a custom order, we offer grips for immedaite sale on the website. Please see our "GRIPS FOR SALE" and "SEMI CUSTOM" pages for the newest grips available for immediate sale & shipment.
Q: HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR INLAYS?
A: Without delving into trade secrets.... the majority of our inlay pieces are sketched out by our Staff Artist, turned into inked "templates".. which we then use to create the custom silver & gold inlays you see on most of our grips. This is an inclusive process, involving the client, so they are part of the creative process. The Client always gets final approval before we make the inlay pieces.
This is a TRULY custom operation.... if you can imagine it.... We can make it a reality. You want your favorite Tattoo turned into a new set of grips? No problem.... several examples of this can be found on our "Gallery" pages!!
Many of the grips pictured on this website.. started out as a client's "idea".. in their head.. that we made a reality. So... if you have an idea.. a picture.. a vision... ect... of what you want to have CUSTOM MADE for your grips... we can make it happen.
Q: DO YOU OFFER CHOICES OF WOODS & FINISHES?
A: YES... We are happy to work with you, to find the right wood.. and finish for your grips. The grips you see on the website are to give you ideas... and show you what certain woods look like when finished. We can discuss your needs via the "CUSTOM" page when ordering.
Q: WHAT OTHER GRIP MATERIALS DO YOU OFFER?
A: We can also make your grips from Horn... Damascus steels... Ivory & Ivory substitutes... We're happy to discuss the options with you when you order!
Q: WILL YOU MAKE PLAIN WOOD GRIPS..WITHOUT INLAY?
A: YES! We do offer plain exotic woods without inlay. We do try to list some on the "Grips for Sale" page on a regular basis. Check out our "Mailing List" page for more details.
Q: DO YOU MAKE GRIPS FOR OTHER GUNS?
A: Yes, we're happy to make grips for other guns.. we even do work on rifles... but market demands do limit the models we offer, or the styles available... PLEASE contact us via the "CUSTOM" page for details.
Q: WHAT KIND OF FINISHES DO YOU USE?
A: We use laquers as well as penetrating oils... Tung oil amongst others... to finish the wood grips. Depending on the wood type... and grain... the grips may be finished to a jewel gleam.. or finished in a warm satin glow.
We use several techniques to achieve the right "feel" for your grips, depending on the gun you plan on putting them on. Certain gun finishes tend to play well with certain wood finishes. We dont just want to sell you a set of grips... we want the grips on your gun to look like a "package"... and not just an afterthought.
Q: DO YOU SHIP OVERSEAS?
A: Yes, we are happy to ship to Canada... as well as overseas!
Q: HOW DO I PAY FOR ORDERS? INSTANT PURCHASES ON THE WEBSITE?
A: You have several payment options:
1. Credit card payments for CUSTOM ORDERS are accepted via our online payment service "PAYPAL"... you do not have to be a member to use this service. Just let us know when ordering whether you are a member or not, and we'll create the appropriate invoice for you.
2. Our Shopping cart system... just click the "Add to Cart" symbol, and when you are finished shopping, go to checkout to make immediate payment via your credit card. Again, you do not have to be a paypal member to use this checkout system.
3. Checks & Money orders via our street address.
Q: I DONT LIKE PAYPAL... WHAT OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
A: I will also except personal checks & money orders made out to "Wicked Grips" mailed to our street address. Just e-mail us to place your order... we'll then e-mail you the quote & address info.
If you dont see your "FAQ" here... and need more info, PLEASE e-mail me.. I am quick to respond, and will address your concerns promptly!
wickedgr@wickedgrips.com
© 2004-2008 by Wicked Grips
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