Bucheimer, a prominent American leather goods manufacturer, was well-known for its slapjacks (also called saps or blackjacks). These flattened, weighted leather impact weapons, often with lead or steel cores, were popular for self-defense and law enforcement.
Bucheimer was perhaps the most recognized producer of slapjacks, with models like their “Police Slapper Sap” appearing in catalogs as early as the 1970s. These were typically sold to law enforcement officers and distributors.
The use of slapjacks, including Bucheimer’s, peaked in the 1960s. However, by the 1980s, their use by police departments declined, and many states began prohibiting their possession, leading to their eventual obscurity. While the original Bucheimer company is no longer in business, its legacy in these historical tools continues.
