Origins - Shadows of History by Rick Davidson

[Stockholm17]

guilding is awesome!

be aware of industrial guilding, in my opinion it is quite a bummer. you see the marks of the industrial process. At least this is what I saw so far
great job with this deck!
cheers

[TGunitedcardists]

Yes a small limited edition run is something I'd love to do. The USPCC were pretty inflexible on quantities for the original Origins decks and cost for the standard deck specs already isn't cheap. But there are other options. Dates - I'm waiting on quotes and production times which is dragging on a little. Hope to have things nailed down in the next couple of weeks. End of year is rapidly approaching.

What's the general feeling on gilding? And here's a question for you, outside of the USPCC how do you rate the competition? Have a personal favourite for quality?

Currently experimenting with shading options - flat colour / shaded.

Legends or EPCC all the way. People aren't going to buy unless it's got the Bicycle logo. Some people might be disappointed, but those same people are still going to purchase. The quality of Legends and EPCC are both excellent. Your profit margin will also actually be better. King's Wild went with EPCC with it's latest project. Stockholm 17 is going with EPCC with their Gemini cards. Didn't hurt them in the slightest. Won't hurt you either. The fact you don't have to purchase/accept plus or minus 10%, it's probably cheaper than USPCC and you're able to offer backers a reduced price...and the registration is superior also plays into, I would think...

And there are many of us who prefer EPCC and Legends than USPCC!

[vasta41]

Legends or EPCC all the way. People aren't going to buy unless it's got the Bicycle logo. Some people might be disappointed, but those same people are still going to purchase.

You described me to a tee! I'd still prefer USPCC.

[shermjack]

Yes a small limited edition run is something I'd love to do. The USPCC were pretty inflexible on quantities for the original Origins decks and cost for the standard deck specs already isn't cheap. But there are other options. Dates - I'm waiting on quotes and production times which is dragging on a little. Hope to have things nailed down in the next couple of weeks. End of year is rapidly approaching.

What's the general feeling on gilding? And here's a question for you, outside of the USPCC how do you rate the competition? Have a personal favourite for quality?

Currently experimenting with shading options - flat colour / shaded.

LOVE the shaded version...softens things a bit, yet adds character...either way, am definitely looking forward to this project!

[PrincessTrouble]

And here's a question for you, outside of the USPCC how do you rate the competition? Have a personal favourite for quality?

Legends FTW!

[Räpylätassu]

My vote for the shadowed version too, the queens face looks much better.

Oh and Legends. With Classic finish.

[RichK]

Yes a small limited edition run is something I'd love to do. The USPCC were pretty inflexible on quantities for the original Origins decks and cost for the standard deck specs already isn't cheap. But there are other options. Dates - I'm waiting on quotes and production times which is dragging on a little. Hope to have things nailed down in the next couple of weeks. End of year is rapidly approaching.

What's the general feeling on gilding? And here's a question for you, outside of the USPCC how do you rate the competition? Have a personal favourite for quality?

Currently experimenting with shading options - flat colour / shaded.

Did USPCC fix their gilding machine? I know JR and Edgy Bros. had to have the Texas and Royal House gilded elsewhere. For me gilded means more money for same deck as standard. A gilded upgraded deck is worth more to me and worth paying extra for.

Print them with MPC!

I love the flat coloring, red and blue, but the shaded has much needed skin tones. Any way to combine them? The all red body, not head gear, has too much red to me but the shading looks great.

[PrincessTrouble]

I love the flat coloring, red and blue, but the shaded has much needed skin tones. Any way to combine them? The all red body, not head gear, has too much red to me but the shading looks great.

Yes, this! The shaded version with more blue.

[rousselle]

I like both (shaded and not so shaded). Offer two different decks, and I'll buy them both. Om nom nom.

As for printers, I'm very much fond of LPCC/EPCC's quality. Not sure which finish is my favorite.

Given how expensive gilding is, I'd really like to see a non-gilded (and, therefore, less expensive) option available, because I do intend to buy more than just a deck or two of each style you make available.

Just sayin'.

[sinjin7]

Honestly, I've been over gilded decks for a while now. Granted, its a pretty look, but only when a deck is unused and unshuffled. Once you use the deck, the shine eventually wears off - literally. When the deck is in actual use, whether in a poker game or cardistry, it becomes almost un-noticeable. And don't get me started on the negative affect on handling. I just feel that playing cards are meant to be played with, and there's something to be said about the satisfaction of being able to touch, feel, and handle these wonderful works of art we all love so much.

The ultra-premium option I'm most in favor of is Metallux/foiled cards. Give me shiny foil on the back of every card over a gilded deck any day! I find myself passing on paying the high premiums for gilded decks, even Uusi's gilded decks (which are by far the best in the industry), but if it's a well done Metallux or foiled back, I'm all over it.

As for the coloring, I'm going to side with the name of the deck itself - Shadows of History - and vote for the shaded colors on the courts.

In regards to printers, there will be some who will not want to admit it, but the USPCC is still king of the hill and all others are just trying to catch up. But if you have go outside of the USPCC, I would suggest getting in touch directly with the Taiwanese printer that EPCC/LPCC and others use. Set yourself up as the Davidson Playing Cards Company and negotiate directly with the Taiwanese printer and cut out the middle men (EPCC/LPCC).

[rousselle]

Going to have to second Sinjin here on preferring metalluxe or other excellent foil options on the card over gilding.

And, while I do favor EPCC/LPCC decks, USPCC decks are likewise the boss and they work great for me.

I don't know if the Taiwanese factory that EPCC/LPCC works with will deal with you directly; RJ Tomlinson tried that, and they balked. However, we know of a couple of deck creators who live closer to Taiwan who have managed that trick. YMMV.

[jerichoholic]

Here's a thought, if a majority of collectors don't open decks what is the point of gilding or even art inside the tuck case?

I don't bother with gilded decks myself anymore unless it's a different deck or color. I like USPC, Legends, and Expert myself. If going with Taiwan I would prefer the Damask finish myself.

[chach]

Once again, Sinjin hits the nail on the head. Though I'd still like a hand applied gilding, a Metaluxe back would be incredible and doesn't impact handling.

Also, put me in the column of those that prefer USPCC over all others.

[TGunitedcardists]

I really liked how Jackson Robinson had display decks for $5 with the blinged out limited editions etc. That was one of my favorite campaigns. I got the limited deck and bought a bunch of decks to use and show to my friends and give away. I wish more Kickstarter projects did that. I think it was a USPCC project. It would be nice to see if Legends or EPCC do the same.

[sms69x]

Fantastic work as always Rick. Wish you do more than one deck every couple of years, but then I bet the quality would be lower (we have seen this with some of the top designers out there)...

As for the Gilding, that's a big NO, bring in foil, as others mentioned, and you will have a winner. Speaking of foil, if you decide to do so, then go with USPCC, their MetalLux technology is light years ahead of EPCC/LPCC foiling (which will show through the front of the card and that's is uggly)...
As for the colors, Shaded for sure.

[SuicideKing]

The shaded one is beautiful and fits better the first edition. I still prefer USPCC (except the registration). And I don't think anybody already did a Metallux on Bee stock... that would be something!

[Bikefanatic]

Gilding is old. I been a foil man so that or Luxe can work.

So if you're putting out two decks, how about one have foiled backs and the other deck Metalluxe faces, vice versa. Metalluxe backs and other deck foiled faces.

We have yet to see a fully Luxe deck so somebody, make it happen.

[RickDavidson]

Thanks everyone, great feedback as always. Fits with what I've been thinking. Chatting with manufacturers atm, get this thing rolling.

[Bruno]

Yep, Bee stock is a beaut stock, way to go !

[rousselle]

I've seen one deck with metalluxe on both the backs and the faces, and on Bee stock. It was the Premium Bee's made for the China market. They are sweet.

This deck would do them sweeter. Oh, yeah.

[Bikefanatic]

I've seen one deck with metalluxe on both the backs and the faces, and on Bee stock. It was the Premium Bee's made for the China market. They are sweet.

This deck would do them sweeter. Oh, yeah.

I know of the blue deck you're talking about but still the deck backs don't look as Metalluxe as the faces are to me. You're right but it'll be a deck that make it pop out more.

[dcmcalirep]

Been almost three months with no news..... Has anyone heard anything about these? They're on my short list of "must buys!"

[ecNate]

If anybody missed it, he just posted an update - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ri ... ts/1790608

Saturday March 4th!

Trailer
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/assets/015/ ... 4_high.mp4

Key excerpt:

And so, the Shadows of History deck is set for a planned launch on Kickstarter on Saturday 4th March, US time. The deck features updated art throughout in full colour, and a brand new premium quality tuck case design.

The goal again is a deck of the highest quality - with an eye on the new and luxurious MetalLuxe™ backs. Of course creating a deck of this level is ambitious and expensive, so I would love your support.

I'm also planning to include a second unique deck. Carefully redrawn from the original historic sheets, this special deck is a recreation of the source of the playing card pattern we know today - the Rouen deck of 1567 by Pierre Marechal.

With close attention to detail, and valuable feedback from the most excellent card historian Paul Bostock, the Shadows project has been another labour of love. And I'd like to invite you once again to take a step into the shadows of history, to help create a special deck to collect and enjoy.

[chach]

Where's that, "Shutup and take my money" meme when you need it?

Really looking forward to it.

[RichK]

Wow! Those are incredible.

[shermjack]

March 4th can't come soon enough! Can't wait

[rousselle]

Shut Up Take My Money.jpg (158.54 KiB) Viewed 2193 times

[sms69x]

I can't wait for it!
Everything about this deck is top notch! Love the use of colours, the design is beautiful, and that Rouen reproduction looks just out-of-this-world!

Terrific work by Rick Davidson! I can see the best deck for 2018!!

[montecarlojoe]

I have to agree - the refinement on the original Origins deck is great on its own - but the restoration / reimagining of the original design adds a whole new dimension - I cant wait!

[Mike Ratledge]

Rick did a shout-out in his latest update on KS mentioning that he's been selected as the deck artist for the UC2018 decks, so let's all be sure that we are solidly behind this endeavor. Not that I need to ask anyone to get behind this one, of course - these are fabulous! - but don't let the door hit you in the rear.