Going away gifts for the squadron... custom bottle opener!
 

I've been doing my homework on a going away gift for the squadron. I'd like to keep the cost down under $500 total and though these were a great idea. I'd have the squadron logo on one side and everybody's individual callsign on the other.

I found the one below at http://www.barproducts.com/ and it's gonna be about $5 each with the engraving and black anodizing, which is within my budget after the setup costs as I think I'll only need about 80 units.

Anybody have an online source for this kind of thing or maybe a local company they go through.

Sam, find something on http://www.customimprintsyourway.com/ and ill see what i can do for you.

I think this is the one, anodized black would be awesome. This is one of the few steel ones I saw... aluminum models are plentiful but doesn't have the "feel" of opening a bottle with a big piece of steel.

http://www.customimprintsyourway.com...84&pSRVC_Id=65

On one side, it'll be the squadron logo like pictured below.
On the other side, each opener will have a guy's callsign... which means each one will have to be run through the engraver a second time... definitely will raise the costs.

That would be totally badass.

Offset the cost with making up some miataturbo.net one's and selling them here for a profit. I'd buy one!

each one being different might pose a problem...as well as being anodized black. Let me see what i can find out.

Don't know about pricing, quality or otherwise from this company. May have some good ideas for you though.

http://www.cymba.com/

That was one of the other places I saw... their products are very cool, but out of my pricerange in the end.

Laser engraving individual names is something I might be able to do here locally once I've got all the uniform ones... will check into the cost of that myself.

Here's the logo that needs to go on one side:

If you get them w/o the names engraved there's usually a stand or store in most malls called "things remembered: or something like that, they do custom engraving and the more you do the cheaper it gets...

Check with your local trophy shops for the laser engraving. Might be able to buy the product you like with the right finish one place and take it to a local shop for the engrave.

Cymba did look spendy but I liked them for ideas. Good spot to see the look of powder coat vs. rubber dip vs. plain + laser vs. stamping vs. screened.

They'll remember you for sure, especially if you leave a positive legacy as a commander. IMHO you ought to be the one getting souvenirs, but I'm guessing you'll get something for a going-away trophy.

The minimum qty to order is 100 pcs; after screen printing the pricing would be: $ 1.66 each plus a one time set-up charge of $ 50.00.

If you wanted them laser engraved the pricing would be: $ 2.47 each plus a
one time set-up charge of $ 40.00; Production time is 10-12 working days plus shipping time.

I don't believe you can engrave each differently....I still need to double check that. But the initial cost would only be around $216 plus shipping and you could do the engraving yourself locally.

That's a great price.

How is the durability of screen-printing? If it rattles around in a utensil drawer for a few years, will it get all scratched to hell?... maybe laser engraving is more lasting? How many colors will the screen-printing get me at that price?

Let say I wanted the included logo above but also wanted some wings done in gold? Or maybe some lettering in addition to the logo written down the length.

I assume as long as it's all in one color and done on the same side, the price is the same. Same side + multiple colors probably just an additional charge for the additional color? We'll go with both sides not possible for now.

http://thebrownshoes.org/images/NavalAviatorWings.jpg

screen printing is durable but not indestructible. i'd say it's about as good as thin powder coating.

multiple colors are basically adding the whole screen printing cost per color because they make individual screens for each one. figure another 50 per color plus almost the full 1.66 per each.

I think dark anodize plus laser engraving would be the most durable and awesome.

Scott, is there any way you can give me your contact number for them so I can work out the specifics and still get whatever "deal" you usually score?

Most of those products on that site we don't typical deal with, so we keep having to go back to the vendor to figure out the specifics. Call 1-800-772-0008 ext. 329. Debbie Slack. She can help you move forward and figure out exactly what you can do. They will do laser engraving at .50c for each name.

If you plan to move forward with it, I'll order it under my name and save you 10% (IIRC) off the final cost, something like that.

Sam -

Try this:

http://www.mountainofpromos.com/products/main/5795

Can be engraved on either (both) sides and easier to carry in the wallet...

- L

I've seen those and are definitely neat items... but I'm looking for something substantial. Those larger speed-openers are fairly large/robust pieces of steel. They're 7" long and heavy... that's what I want. But thanks for the link.


Sorry man, didn't see this post a week ago... must've missed it. I'll call Debbie on Monday and see what can be worked out wrt my design. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger with another company but I always do my homework. Thanks.