OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Hello OOAK community!

I recently published the following over at TTD, but wanted to be sure to include this forum as well, as I have benefited from this forum's conversation's during my learning process, and would like to extend the offer...

I have been handmaking my own blades for over a year now, selling them locally, and on Etsy with good success, and nothing but positive feedback from those who have bought them. I started making them as a "quest to find the one blade to rule them all", though on my quest, it became sort of an obsession, and I did not want to stop making them once I found "my one". This notion of "my blade" struck me as analogous to a wand from Harry Potter, where the seller of wands (Ollivander for those who like specifics), describes the act of choosing a wand as, "the wand chooses you". That being said, there are a plethora of combinations of woods and composite materials available, though most do not exist on the market (especially in the commercial market). For these reasons, I have just finished setting up "LILYPAD PINGPONG", as an official company, and will launch an actual website soon (I use the Chinese characters for Ping Pong in the name/branding which are "乒乓").

I have started an Etsy discount code that will be active for the next two weeks (see code and links at the end, expiring Feb. 11th, 2024). I invite anyone to use the code, and, if you could, please review the product with whatever feedback you may have while I'm getting the website up and running. All of my blades feature unique, laser engraved, identifying markings on either side of the forehand handle. These markings will always feature a "BS" on the left side, which serves a dual purpose as stating that the blade was made from a "single batch" of selected woods (i.e. one at a time), and that it was made by me (BS being my initials); κόλλα (ancient Greek word for "glue"), will be added to any blade that was made with hide glue, along with its gram strength. The right side of the handles feature a unique blade number, which are made in sequential progression, as well my "MADE IN FLORIDA" marking, indicating where I handmake everyone of my blades.

Below I've attached the links to my Etsy Shop, and Instagram (where I've made it my "diary of blades"). Let me know if anyone has any questions, or wants any further details. Thanks for reading, and for your support!

https://starkcreationsdesign.etsy.com?coupon=LILYPADOOAK25
https://www.instagram.com/lilypad_pingpong/
25% OFF ETSY CODE: LILYPADOOAK25

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"Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddat meliorem"

A lot of nice design/idea there. Keep it up and good luck!

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instagram: rokphishtt

Some of those are too beautiful to cover with rubber...



Iskandar

Thanks iskandar! I'm always on the lookout for highly figured slabs/veneers for the surface plies for that added aesthetic. (go ahead and cover it up, it'll be there when you take em' off) Lol. They are all pre-varnished, so that should help with any rubber removal, and help keep the blade from any stripping.

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"Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddat meliorem"