The important of custom work

We take all shades of custom work here at Blastersmiths and we actively encourage people to send us commissions and work.

We're at the end of a very, very busy period here and having people submit custom work has probably saved our sanity. When you're working on the same production items, day in, day out it can get a little numbing. Custom commissions are like life's little surprises and they give us something to mull over on our lunch or machine servicing breaks.

For example, a veteran BUZAN player recently approached us and request some equipment that would extended his carry capacity and general longevity in combat. We've known the chap in questions for a number of years, since most of our staff are two year BUZAN veterans themselves so we were able to get a handle on his play style very easily. Highly mobile, famed for punching through lines and generally one of the society's best, he were a little cautious about equipping him lest the BUZAN moderators tell us off! :)

Anyway, we recommended a standard MkII holster and 2 point quick release sling to start with. Enhanced magazine carriage without too much coverage was also requested so we developed what we call a tactical bolero:

Worn at the top of the back, this MOLLE panel allowed for attaching magazine holders to the back for ready access. Addition of a featherweight dump pouch to the system (the one that the player in question had helped to develop originally, no less :D) round off the set up.

The key element here was to take into account the player's main needs. We were fortunate to be able to pull much of the equipment off the shelf but it was nice to be able to adapt what we had according to need.

Elsewhere, we've been asked recently to make a concealed carry Firestrike holster for an cos-play character. I've not uploaded any pictures of that because, frankly, I think the customer would like to surprise people a little with it.

Other commissions have included a Barricade cylinder holder on a MOLLE bandolier for quick access under fire. This one is particularly challenging since it requires balancing a reasonably large load atop a comparitively narrow strap. Some out of the box thinking has resulted in getting the design down and now we just need to put it into production.

Lightweight Shoulder Rig

Of course, there are times when the customs become the production items. The best example of this is our Lightweight Shoulder Rig. We were commissioned a very similar variant back in June by a customer. We passed it around our testing base and it proved very popular. Indeed, it's our best selling rig so far (controlling for the number of days on the market, of course).

So keep throwing us your custom stuff, guys. If it's made of fabric, we'll do our best to make it. Our production team are a very talented bunch with experience in cos-play on top of making our tactical gear. We're a British company so you won't pay an arm and a leg in shipping or hidden taxes and our work is not as expensive as you might at first think. If you've got an idea of a commission you'd like making, email customs@blastersmiths.co.uk and we'll have a chat.

First Look: MkVI Chest Rig

The fact it has a 6 in it suggests that the chest rig we have is one of the more developed items we have. That's mostly true but it benefits more from new insights and machine techniquees as they become available because as a system, they're huge in terms of resources and so we need to constantly review their design to improve them.


To that end, I offer the MkVI for sale. As of now, it completely supersedes the MkV which will no longer be for sale. All outstanding MkV orders will be filled or be changed to the MkVI pattern at the customer's request on the proviso we've not started cutting yet.

So what's different? Well, not much in terms of functionality. We've removed all of the double layers of Cordura that were in the MkV and replaced them with foam and mesh for a more breathable item - no more boil in a bag Nerfer! :)

We've also removed the belly panel pockets as our initial specifications are incompatible with the products had intended for them. Additionally, they were a faff to sew and really caused a number of headaches for our team so won't be making a reappearance any time soon.

MkVI.1 Rig, the Cordura at the back has now been replaced

The big thing that's changed, however, is the construction and shape of the rig. I mentioned we've swapped out double Cordura for a Cordura and mesh foam sandwich. Well, that makes for a lot of changes to the feel of the rig. It's now much stiffer and feels a lot more secure under load. It holds its shape much better and is generally nicer to wear and look at.

Since the above photo was taken, we've elected to further refine the design and remove the last double Cordura layer. We've sourced some lightweight foam for the back plates and will couple that with mesh for the perfect combination for your upper back. We've also changed the way we sew the shoulders. The method used previously was a little ugly and had some problems with load. The new system is much tidier and sits better on the shoulders. With the constant change and development, it's a wonder that any two of our items can be said to be the same at all. :)

Just a final note, there will be a price increase in these rigs effective when our website goes live in September. The price of materials has gone up and margins need to be readjusted after the acquisition of a new, more potent sewing machine. Not to put a downer on things. :)

Hopefully, the MkVI will remain a staple for a little while longer than its predecessors did: development cycles mean things are constantly changing and we can't help that. Making new stuff is exciting and what we do. For those that are interested, there will be pictures of the MkV on our website for a couple of days or our Facebook from our development threads in March and April.

Rigs, vests and other carriage solutions

Externally, we've had a couple of quiet Fridays but rest assured, we've been hard at work. With the new academic year fast approaching and the convention season in full swing, we've needed to reassess a few of our product lines.

Currently, we have our Tactical Chest Rig designed for HvZ players and the like but it does have its faults. The nature of the rig makes it difficult for our production team to efficiently manufacture it and mistakes are frequently made in the production leading to frustration and longer than necessary build times. The fundamental design is sound, there just need to be some tweaks made to make things a little more efficient. We've found that our new approach of using AirTex polyester mesh and foam instead of a second layer of Cordura fabric is lighter and much more breathable than the original so we're planning to rejig the back panel, shoulder strap and belly plates to be built of that. Closed cell foam in the shoulder straps and belly plates for maximum strength while a softer, mesh foam in the back plate will maximise breathability.

Beyond that, we've the designs and pattern down for our new vests. Actually producing a prototype is proving difficult, however. We're a little busy right now so it's a case of getting the machine time to do it. The new pattern is aimed mostly at LARPers and the seriously committed HvZ player. Its development has involved looking at sources as diverse as Starship Troopers and Black Hawk Down. The thing we're looking for, and it's something that's lacking at the moment, is a proper LARP safe armour for the future warrior. The Juliet Pattern is what we've come up with and we're hoping that it fills that nice.

The Tactical Chest Rig and the 'Juliet' pattern Tactical Vest will serve as a the top end of our carriage systems. Our Lightweight Shoulder rigs form the middle and our bandolier and belt systems the bottom. All of our kit is interchangeable so you'll always be able to use your old kit in conjunction with our other equipment. We will consider offering things like the TCR and Juliet without their respective belts so you can use your belt if you're upgrading from a belt system With the new website,that sort of thing ought to be trivial.

I can't do photos because all we've got is patterns on paper and paper mock ups (no, really) but imagine US Army IOTV meets Eagle Industries plate carrier meets Battleship Troopers armour.Never fear, we're working to get you shiny new things in the coming weeks, just watch this space and we hope you like it!

Choices: Colours and Fabrics

We stated in our first post why we went after 500D Cordura for our products. It's hard wearing, waterproof and cheaper than its 1000D cousin. We're proud of the black items we've produced, the MkII holsters, clip holders and slings are awesome but as we grow there are more and more requests for other colours. Black is all great for our core HvZ student groups but the LARP groups we've contacted and the military simulation nuts out there want so much more.

We've fought and struggled to get 500D camouflage variants but we run a small, bespoke operation and simply don't have the room to store whole rolls of niche and unusual fabrics. Additionally, we've looked to source from the UK whereever possible in order to keep our supply lines short and to support our fellow British businesses. We've found several UK based companies that are very happy to work with us to supply our needs for 1000D Cordura. While it's strictly over kill, it's the only thing we can get and we'd rather that than nothing at all.

We've got access to a selection of 1000D camouflage patterns and block colours. We've also been able to source a supply of 500D Genuine Multi Cam. The only difference to our customers will be price and you'll only pay for what you want. We plan to add gradations of variation from a simple body fabric swap for a small fee to matching straps and buckles or even camouflage backed strapping for maximum concealment.

We've just acquired a new heavy duty machine for our workshop so as to effectively sew 1000D and various canvases. It'll take a couple of days to bed in and then we can really start the prototyping purposes. 1000D is a different beast, it's much stiffer and durable. Onwards!