New Stainless figure-8 swivels in the style of Melville, Schnell, Little

[JakeMessinger]

There are falconers that have been around long enough to know these swivels when they see them. I have one that was passed on to me that has been in constant use for more than thirty years and it still looks like new. They don't break. There is little if any wear, and they are super slick. I own and have used every other kind of swivel safe to use for hawks, and these are my favorite.

Unfortunately, they haven't been available for decades. The idea to provide quality figure eight swivels has been rolling around in my head for years, but the realities of undertaking the task has always kept me from it. The cost in tools, time, and materials is quite large not to mention learning how to properly tig weld stainless steel, selecting the right stainless for strength, machining ring and spacers, etc.

But I finally did it, and I'm very happy with what I've made. The old boys used what are called william's washers for their spacers, but unless they are specially ordered, they can't be had in the size I'd want for swivels anymore. I decided to machine mine out of bearing bronze on a lathe. This way, I have been able to use a material that is machinable, will last for generations, is super slick, and looks really good too. I will make these in small, medium, and large as long as I get orders for them. The price is 34.99 and I am making these to order just like a hood. If you would like to make an order, pm me and I'll give you paypal instructions. I will have a website up this week that I will provide a link for. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you give my swivels a shot.

-Jake Messinger
Idaho

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/falconrytraditions/swivel%201_zps1ufd6yu0.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/falconrytraditions/media/swivel%201_zps1ufd6yu0.jpg.html)

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/falconrytraditions/swivel%202_zpsudnrcst9.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/falconrytraditions/media/swivel%202_zpsudnrcst9.jpg.html)

[JakeMessinger]

To answer a few questions I've gotten, The sizes are 12mm rings for small, 15mm for medium, and 20mm for large. The total approximate length is double the ring diameter because of the flattened ring and spacer. I really like these sizes for a broad range from merlin to the largest Ferruginous. I actually like the large 20mm rings for thicker jesses and leash like you'd have on anything around 1000gms and over. The 15mm is great with a jess extension for anything from a coopers hawk to gyr hybrids. Thank you to all of those who have made orders! My website will be up tonight and I'll post a link.

[JakeMessinger]

I just wanted to get on here and thank those of you who have sent in orders already. I am hard at work filling them all, so rest assured that they're going out in the order that they've been received. I'll send shipping notifications when they go out. If I didn't get an address with your order, I'll request it from you as I finish your swivels. My website is up but my secure checkout page isn't operable yet. That should be ready tomorrow. Feel free to open it up and poke around if you'd like. Thanks again.

http://falconrytraditions.com/

[JakeMessinger]

The website is up and running! Everything takes longer than you plan. Thank you for all your support and your interest in these swivels. The "contact us" page works great too so feel free to use that. The orders have been non-stop. I am sorry for the website delay, but it should all be much easier now to make an order. Now, I have to get back in the shop but keep the orders coming! www.falconrytraditions.com

[JakeMessinger]

Just got out of my shop to give those who have made orders an update. I received so many orders that instead of making them one at a time like I had done before, I am now making them in batches. Frankly I did not expect the volume. This will speed things up tremendously for me. The last batch from orders this week will go out Tuesday priority usps mail.

Also, I just checked my website and I noticed that I'm getting a lot of visits from the UK today. To send one swivel to the UK will cost just about the same amount as a swivel so I have not made an option for the UK or Europe. So, for my cousins across the pond, if you come up with a group buy, I'll get it done if you're interested. Just send me a pm if this sounds like something you'd like to do. I can send a usps international box flat-rate so the more orders, the better deal on shipping for you to divide up. Just an idea to consider.

Thanks,

-Jake Messinger
www.falconrytraditions.com

[JakeMessinger]

Just an update that all orders that have been placed up to this point have been shipped. If you have not received your swivels yet, they will arrive within a few days. Here is a photo of the latest batch sent out today showing the size comparison between 15mm and 12mm. The one on the quarter is a 12mm.

www.falconrytraditions.com
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/falconrytraditions/swivels%2015%20and%2012_zpszaagwhma.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/falconrytraditions/media/swivels%2015%20and%2012_zpszaagwhma.jpg.html)

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/falconrytraditions/swivel%2012mm_zpsxw3c7h7k.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/falconrytraditions/media/swivel%2012mm_zpsxw3c7h7k.jpg.html)