What's next for my 70's / 80's blades collection?

[Yacho]

Hey everybody!

 

I've just recently picked up the game, but was immediately intrigued by the beauty and simplicity of the classic blades of the 70's and 80's.  While others are busy drooling over the latest forged offerings from Mizuno, Miura, and Honma, I've gravitated towards the carbon steel of years gone by.  That is not to say that the latest models aren't amazing and alluring in their own right, but there's just something nostalgic and powerful about the classics that draws me in, and I do subscribe to the belief that these clubs can score just as well on the course as anything made today (as far as blades go, at least).  Even though I do hang 'em on a wall while they're not in the bag, I'm of the mindset that these are well-crafted golf tools that are meant to be played.  I love taking these things out for a spin, and each set I own sees action at least 3 times a year.  So without further ado, here's my current stable of old-school thoroughbreds:

 

'76 Wilson Staff (bulletbacks)

'81 Titleist Tour Model

'82 RAM Golden Ram Tour Grind

'83 MacGregor Jack Nicklaus Muirfield

'88 Hogan Apex (redlines)

'89 Spalding Greg Norman signature (stainless)

 

I'm looking for opinions on what to keep my eye out for next!  What out there fills a gap in this list in your minds?  What sets just put a smile on your face every time you load them up in the bag?  Which 4 iron were you holding when you hit that pure golf shot that you'll never forget the feel of, the one that set the standard by which all subsequent shots for the rest of your life have been held to?

 

I'm not a "forged" snob, but it certainly doesn't hurt!  Currently on my short list:  Taylormade EL-1, Haig "The Haig" (script), Cleveland TA 588 sq. groove

 

Cheers!

Edited November 10, 2022 by Yacho
edited for bad punctuation

[Bigarch]

I also like the clubs from that era and here are 2 more to consider that are a little more obscure.

 

I was lucky enough to find a set of Founders Club 200 series.  They are just a fantastic looking blade.  Next on my wish list are a set of Daiwa DG 273... The blade that teenage Tiger made famous.

[Yacho]

34 minutes ago, Bigarch said:

I was lucky enough to find a set of Founders Club 200 series.  They are just a fantastic looking blade.  Next on my wish list are a set of Daiwa DG 273...

 

Two solid suggestions right there.  Interesting history with the Daiwa's as well... an old ad for those states that "...the 273 Grind is the first iron on the market to be investment cast in carbon steel."  I wonder what they feel like.

 

You game the FC 200's much?

 

 

[NRJyzr]

I'm thinking a set of Australian Blades would be a nice addition.  The TM-92 might be at the top of that list IMHO, but I think any of them could do.

 

Powerbilt Scotch Blades are another nice choice.  Also Spalding Tour Editions from the 80s are quite lovely.

 

[Yacho]

11 minutes ago, NRJyzr said:

I'm thinking a set of Australian Blades would be a nice addition.  The TM-92 might be at the top of that list IMHO, but I think any of them could do.

 

I've certainly heard of the MaxFli Australian Blades, I just didn't realize there were so many different models until now.  The TM-92's are what I've seen talked about most, but there's something cooler to me about the DP-30's.  Maybe because the font and model name reminds me of an 80's analog synthesizer.  Any love for the early Dunlop version Austrailians?

[SteveNZ]

53 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

Any love for the early Dunlop version Austrailians?

 

Yup 🙂

[rgk5]

Look long and hard but find a good set of 1966 Golfcraft Cintinentals.  It will be difficult but worth the effort.

 

[Yacho]

Oh man...  those Continentals are just oooozing class al over the place.  They look best served with a fine Cuban cigar and a single malt scotch.

 

I think I should stay within the last 50 years though, otherwise the list is gonna get ridiculous...  Spalding Bird on Ball, Hogan Precicions, Mac Colokrums, Wilson Dyns, etc, etc....   oh my!

[cold_war_era_golfer]

You sound like me two years.  Almost exactly!!  
Enjoy the journey/collecting. 

I had a few great mid 80s Wilson Fluid Feel Staff sets that aren’t on your list. 

‘84-86

‘87-88 

Were the ones I liked the best.  
 

Let me warn you.  It’s a slippery slope. I don’t have anything newer than 1965

currently but the 80s equipment got me started in the downward trajectory to the even older stuff.

[Yacho]

2 hours ago, cold_war_era_golfer said:

Let me warn you.  It’s a slippery slope

 

Warning heeded.  But seriously, those '88 Goosenecks....   I mean, c'mon!  C'mon!  They have a literal goose stamped onto a forged iron, how can you resist!

 

BTW, nice tobacco burst strat in your profile pic.  Don't think I wouldn't notice...  🤩

Edited November 11, 2022 by Yacho

[Bigarch]

22 hours ago, Yacho said:

 

Two solid suggestions right there.  Interesting history with the Daiwa's as well... an old ad for those states that "...the 273 Grind is the first iron on the market to be investment cast in carbon steel."  I wonder what they feel like.

 

You game the FC 200's much?

 

 

I get the Founders Clubs out a few times each year.  Like all blades, they feel fabulous when you hit them well.  The legend on these irons is that they were forged by Miura before that became a well known thing.  So maybe that's why they feel so great.  

[ssp]

Tourney Custom 985's were great.

[Brewski_golfs]

Another strong contender would be Palmer, either Tru-Matic or Standard.  The Tru-Matic blades date to the 60's so they may be too early for your criteria, but I own a set of 64's and a set of 70's and they are some of my favorite blades.   Palmer The Standard muscleback blades date from the 80's and get rave reviews.  Don't have a set yet but will likely acquire one at some point. 

[NRJyzr]

3 minutes ago, Brewski_golfs said:

Another strong contender would be Palmer, either Tru-Matic or Standard.  The Tru-Matic blades date to the 60's so they may be too early for your criteria, but I own a set of 64's and a set of 70's and they are some of my favorite blades.   Palmer The Standard muscleback blades date from the 80's and get rave reviews.  Don't have a set yet but will likely acquire one at some point. 

 

100% agree on Palmer Standards

 

[Yacho]

Man!  All these beauties that have been flying under the radar that I’ve never seen before.  I guess my collection is pretty boring and mainstream right now… time to branch out!  
 

Topping the list for me right now of what’s been mentioned here is the Founders 200’s, especially if the Miura birth story legend is true.  It’s always fun to have a tale to tell that lives with these clubs as you pull one out in front of your friends on the box, like “yeah, Jerry Pate won the U.S. Open with these in 1976”, or “Tom Watson had these in the bag for his second green jacket”.

[SnowbirdTom]

I have got to stop reading this section.  😅 
 

So many good looking sets, it’s tough to make a call what’s next.

[Bigarch]

These are the Palmer Standards that I have.  I don't think they are the best looking of the different Standard blades, but they are my favorite just because of the signature on the back.

[SnowbirdTom]

I’ve recently taken a liking to my ‘73 Haig

Ultras.  Just a wonderful feeling with a good strike and immediate feedback if it’s even slightly off.

 

[DCCarpenter]

I know you have some Wilson blades already ,  but I highly recommend the Wilson FG17s.

 

I’m a fairly new player as well and they are fun to play with. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jiggered]

I don't know if the Ben Sayers Mentor made it to the US but these are a lovely set from 1983.

 

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

51 minutes ago, Jiggered said:

I don't know if the Ben Sayers Mentor made it to the US but these are a lovely set from 1983.

 

Now those I really like!😍

Square toe, but not stupidly so, and a little bit of extra weight on the sole always helps. 

 

Are those yours, and if so, have you made a video with them? If so, I don't believe I've seen it yet.

[Jiggered]

4 hours ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

Now those I really like!😍

Square toe, but not stupidly so, and a little bit of extra weight on the sole always helps. 

 

Are those yours, and if so, have you made a video with them? If so, I don't believe I've seen it yet.

 

They are and yes:

 

 

[bcstones]

5 hours ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

Now those I really like!😍

Square toe, but not stupidly so, and a little bit of extra weight on the sole always helps. 

 

Are those yours, and if so, have you made a video with them? If so, I don't believe I've seen it yet.

check out his website that is at the bottom of his posts....

[Swingingk]

8 hours ago, Jiggered said:

I don't know if the Ben Sayers Mentor made it to the US but these are a lovely set from 1983.

 

I'm not sure about the US but they definitely made it to Canada.  I have a 3-pw set and have seen a few others.  They are a beautiful blade to my eyes and do play very well.  I have them paired up with a big brown Ben Sayers bag and it's a sweet classic combo.   

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

7 hours ago, Jiggered said:

 

They are and yes:

 

 

 

Ah, I had watched that before, because I remember the birdie (and the accompanying dramatic music).

Incidentally, I played with a graphite headed 3w back in the day. I think it was made by Yonex. Good club, but it eventually cracked right around the hosel after I hit one very heavy on the sixteenth. 

[Swingingk]

Okay, what the he!!, I'll throw in too.  😄

 

Wilson Fg-17, any Tour Blade, and my personal favorite:  the '71 Buttonbacks.  Anything Hogan Apex with a special nod to the 72's and 1980ish cameos.  Mac Muirfields, VIP's, and anything FC4000 coated.  Hagen Ultradyne and "The Haig" or just "Haig".  Golden Rams of course.  Spalding bird-on-ball amongst others.  Let's just say anything pro-shop or "Staff" from 1958 through 1992 should cover it.

 

You're in it now.  Might as well enjoy the ride/sickness!  😁

[BIG STU]

On 11/11/2022 at 10:12 PM, Yacho said:

Man!  All these beauties that have been flying under the radar that I’ve never seen before.  I guess my collection is pretty boring and mainstream right now… time to branch out!  
 

Topping the list for me right now of what’s been mentioned here is the Founders 200’s, especially if the Miura birth story legend is true.  It’s always fun to have a tale to tell that lives with these clubs as you pull one out in front of your friends on the box, like “yeah, Jerry Pate won the U.S. Open with these in 1976”, or “Tom Watson had these in the bag for his second green jacket”.

What the bad part is these days unless the person you are talking to is an old fart like us they have no idea who Tom Watson or Jerry Pate is. Kinda like in the main threads if one refers to a JP wedge they think you are talking about one of those high dollar glitzy James Patrick wedges not an Wilson Joe Phillips wedge. I got into one of those discussions one night on one of the main threads and had to explain Joe Phillips and the fact Tiger never played Ram equipment. Then there is the debacle of people including manufacturers today calling an Anser style putter a blade. Yep I figured I was too damn old and showed myself out.

[BIG STU]

On 11/12/2022 at 12:27 PM, Bigarch said:

These are the Palmer Standards that I have.  I don't think they are the best looking of the different Standard blades, but they are my favorite just because of the signature on the back.

Never owned a set but I liked the Palmers with the "AP" on the back I am thinking they were First Flight brand

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

6 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

Then there is the debacle of people including manufacturers today calling an Anser style putter a blade. Yep I figured I was too damn old and showed myself out.

 

I see that quite a bit as well, and I have no idea how anyone can think an Anser-style putter is a blade.

Are they thinking that any putter that isn't a mallet is a blade? 

Very strange.

[BIG STU]

5 hours ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

 

I see that quite a bit as well, and I have no idea how anyone can think an Anser-style putter is a blade.

Are they thinking that any putter that isn't a mallet is a blade? 

Very strange.

What is bad on that is supposedly educated people like the folks at Taylor Made are calling Anser style putters blades. I gave up on trying to educate those folks like that long ago