My Deck Collection (Batch 4)

 This is the forth post / photo batch of my deck collection. 

 

 

Gonz and Hensley (reissues): I never had either of these decks when I was younger. If fact, I was off-put by both of these when they were current. However, with age I have gained deeper and deeper appreciation 1980s Gonz and Matt Hensley. I got both of these to occasionally ride, and as sort of a “lost tribute” to two skaters who “went over my head” during their time. 

 

 

 

Any Means Necessary (Alien Workshop): This came out right out after the Wall St meltdown in 2008. It was the first deck I ever bought, just for the graphics with the intention of hanging on the wall, during its contemporary time. The artwork, and message, speak for itself. 

 

 

 

Max Hesh / REAL shop deck: REAL made these special “shop decks” for a number of skate shops. Max Hesh was one of my favorite shops, ever. It was also local to me, and I was one of their shop team riders (in my mid-40s, even!). The shop lost their lease, and went out business in 2017. I have great memories of the shop, and met many great friends there. Indeed, home is where the heart is. 

 

 

 

Black Knight (original): This is from the mid to late 1960s. It was one of the first mass-produced skateboards ever made. Some claim it was also the first board with “real” graphics on it. This was also the first board Neil Blender had. I need to do more research on the history of these boards. I got this recently as a tribute / memento to early days of skateboarding, and also as a nod to my Polarizer.  

EDIT: Tommy Guerrero recently hit me up on IG, and informed me that this was also his first skateboard. I had no idea it was Blender's (or TG's) when I decided this was the "really old school" board I wanted to add to my collection. Now, it seems rather fitting that somehow managed to pic the first board two of my favorite skaters had.