White Whale AND predict the grade! New scan, let me know what you think!

JoeBanzai

Just got done cutting this panel down to size in preparation of sending it in to PSA. I am CERTAIN it will get a grade, even with the imperfect top left edge (bought it that way, I was SUPER careful when I trimmed it), actually "c" clamped it to a table beneath a steel ruler and used two new cutter blades to do the job.

Wanted to share it with the group and see what everyone thought. I was a little worried about cutting off the words "cut along dotted line" but I have added a link to an auction with a similar panel that graded a 9.

I am hoping for an 8 or better! Hope to get it graded and added to my set before the awards deadline.

Kudos to Mike at BMW cards AMAZING job on packaging and he shipped it overnight at no charge! Thanks Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



PSA 9 Bazooka panel

Any and all feedback appreciated!

Joe

DanBessette

I didn't know you were working on the Jackie Jensen master set. That's exciting!

In all seriousness, the type of card I know the least about is hand cut. But I wish you the best of luck! Post your results when they pop

tyweb1

That is a nice panel. I think it will get a 6 due to the unevenness of the top.

JoeBanzai

I was thinking of working on the top edge but was afraid of messing with it too much and making it worse.

1954

Joe
Nice card you have there. I am not sure how or if they will give it a grade to be honest with you. I have seen PSA be extremely hard on these issues for grading. I wish you the best of luck on getting it graded.

Shane

A761506

I'd re-cut it before sending it in. Right now you're looking at a 7 at best.

They will assign a number grade to a card with evidence of the dashed borders. Since the upper left edge is already cut down to the dashes, I would cut all 4 sides evenly, right down to the dashes. I would not used an exacto or clamp it, a high end scissors (Gingher) works best and that way you won't get the typical exacto flair out in the corners at the end of a cut. I've cut tons of these and consistently get all 9's and 10's. There's no reason to think you shouldn't be able to get at least a 9 on that panel if you cut it better.

mrmint23

If that is a crease/wrinkle on spahn's chest(tomahawk) then a 4...possibly authentic if the right border is cut below dotted line...Good Luck

stown

Great looking panel, Joe. I have absolutely no clue how PSA will treat Spahn's top left dashes. Prior to submission, reach out to members that have done the same and go with the majority opinion.

Good luck!

dytch2220

If you do decide to re-cut, it has been my experience that if you place another piece of stock similar to what you are cutting underneath, it is less likely that the blade will track the irregular cut on the edge of the target card and will stay on true course. At least I find this is how it works with a paper cutter (slide type). Once I figured this out I could cut extremely thin slivers of paper off the edge of a card to correct a misplacement of the blade on a first run or cards I have picked up with a bad cut. The cutter I use has a guide wire so once you get warmed up it is easy to land the cut exactly where you want it. You might want to practice on something else of similar stock, trying to cut a sliver like that before you attempt this, if you go that route. I agree with others, I think the top edge is going to have a significant effect on the grade because it is uneven. Similarly, the border on the edges needs to be visible and even on all sides for the best grade. I'm definitely not the most experienced hand cutter on the board, I've just played around with it a little. I've read some from PSA's website, spoke with PSA customer service and gotten good advice from a couple of other cutters on the forum. Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.

JoeBanzai

Thanks a lot for the feedback!

Last year I bought a lot of Bazooka panels and used my method to trim them down to size. I had pretty good luck, getting 9's and a 10, so I am pretty happy with the razor knife system, however I have almost ruined a card once when the entire panel shifted. Now I use a new blade more often.

Shane, I am amazed at the results I have seen from PSA in BOTH directions. Personally, I have found that as long as there is any of the dotted line at all, PSA is pretty forgiving. Please see the example I supplied a link to. That panel got an awfully generous grade for being pretty poorly cut.

A761506, Scissors? I would be terrified to use a scissors on anything like this. I used to work at a place where we had to do some fine cutting and am used to using an "exacto" type of blade. They dull very quickly, but I have found that when sharp they will cut very well. Not saying you are wrong, I just would be to afraid to try any kind of scissors. Perhaps I will buy a pair and practice on something a little less valuable.

mrmint23, held panel up to both a high intensity light and bright sunlight, surface has absolutely no creases/wrinkles or surface imperfections that I can see.

dytch2220, I would like to know the exact cutter you use.

After reading your feedback, I did a little more surgery and here's the FINAL result.



Thanks again for the suggestions guys. Am hoping for an 8 or 9!

edited to add; I will post the results when I get them.

JoeBanzai

bump for opinions on the trim job.

DanBessette

I think it looks great Joe!

mrmint23

Good Job..second scan does not have wrinkle at edge of tomahawk...probably just the scanner...good luck

JoeBanzai

Thanks guys!

Allen

That top edge looks much better. Good luck.

DanBessette

With this piece and the PSA8 transogram, you're on quite a roll with hand-cut!

dytch2220

Nice improvement on the re-trim. I sent you a PM with info on the cutter I use.

A761506

Nice job on the re-cut. I think you've got a lock on an 8 minimally.

stown

<< <i>That top edge looks much better. Good luck. >>



+ 1

bishop

Good luck Joe

JoeBanzai

Thanks for the responses, you guys are THE BEST!!!!

Joe