The Evolution of Quickdraw
- ari-phillips
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Clearing the Air About QUICKDRAW
With all the recent controversy around the launch and pre-launch of QUICKDRAW on Kickstarter, I felt it was important to set the record straight. I want to share exactly where the concept came from, how it evolved, and why QUICKDRAW is the fastest, most efficient, and refined card holster on the market today.
LET ME BE CLEAR: THIS IS AN EVOLUTION OF DESIGN - NOT A COPY!
Since the early days of GRUM's development, I’ve been designing and producing all kinds of deck holsters — vertical, horizontal, with snaps, Velcro, pen holders, closed designs, magnetic systems, and even versions with holdouts. I added a finger hole early on not initially for speed, but to make it easier to pull cards out of tight leather. Over the years, I’ve created countless variations. I’ve got bags full of prototypes — many of which have never been shown online but have always been available at my convention stand.
Then, during my U.S. lecture tour in July 2024, after a lecture in Greenville, I met Rhett Bryson. He was impressed by my craftsmanship and approached me about collaborating to bring his QuickDraw deck holster idea to life — a concept he originally developed over 30 years ago. - The name too!
I was blown away by the idea. It was fast, smart, and had massive potential.
I agreed on the spot to take on the project. I couldn’t even wait to return to the UK before I began sketching designs and thinking about how we could make this work.
During our discussion, we looked at what was already available on the market — including my models, other designs and the controversial “push-and-go” system — and agreed that there was still room for innovation and that these other models albiet great accesory's didn't offer the functionality we were after. `. Rhett’s “one-touch” idea stood out. I said I’d only take the project on if I could engineer a version that opened fully at the front and could be worn horizontally. This, I believed, would be a major step forward in usability and comfort.
You will notice I had a belt loop in my first versions, which I never have liked actually, the clip is easier to put on and takeoff obviously. You can tell that these old creatures have gone through a lot over the years. The flexible quality of the leather was a drawback as I did not have my shoemaker craftsman make them with water Formed leather.
Here’s why that mattered: Vertical holsters dig into the leg when seated. They take longer to get the cards out and just dont look as classy. Horizontal ones are more comfortable and make card access — especially for switches and handling loose cards — far easier. That was non-negotiable for me.
So, I began reimagining his vertical design into a landscape version. The challenge? Making it in leather while integrating internal metal mechanics made it incredibly time-consuming and expensive. It wasn’t practical for mass production.
I needed to find a way to achieve the open, rigid structure without relying on metal. I experimented — lining leather with resin, laminating card, and eventually wet-forming thick veg-tan leather. That last technique turned out to be the winner: elegant, premium, and functional. The leather prototypes worked brilliantly.
First working prototype of QUICKDRAW
But I wasn’t done yet.
Many customers have told me they love my products but either follow a vegan lifestyle or are priced out of premium leather gear. So, I decided to put my product design degree to good use and began work on an injection-molded plastic version of QUICKDRAW.
To my knowledge, nothing of this quality exists on the market. I also hadn’t seen any 3D-printed holsters at that standard either.
I invested in high-grade commercial 3D prototypes — not the typical rough 3D print, but models as close to final injection molding as possible. Dozens of versions were made, all focused on seamlessly integrating a metal belt clip. After testing recessed, slotted, and concealed options, I developed a solution where the clip is molded directly into the plastic during production. It’s the ideal setup — but expensive to tool and produce at small volumes.
That’s why I turned to Kickstarter — to fund tooling and build a team to produce both the leather and ABS plastic versions to my exacting standards.
Now, almost a year after that meeting with Rhett, we’ve created something truly special: unique, original, and true to its purpose.
With QUICKDRAW, you can access your deck — in or out of the box — instantly. No fumbling. No hesitation. And that’s what makes it superior.
A Final Word on QUICKDRAW
I understand the frustration that can arise when similar products hit the market. But it’s important to separate inspiration from imitation, and to understand the difference between a shared function and an identical design — they are not the same. QUICKDRAW is the result of thoughtful product development, built on a concept over 30 years old and brought up to date for the modern, working magician.
It’s such a shame when jealousy and toxicity lead people to point fingers, make hurtful assumptions, or publicly shame others — especially when they don’t know the full story. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to offer the magic community the best, most refined tools I can. That’s always been my intention.
I truly hope this gives you a clearer picture of the originality and evolution behind the QUICKDRAW holsters — and puts this disappointing and unnecessary saga to rest.
We’re fully aware that QUICKDRAW isn’t the only holster on the market — and it won’t be the last — but we genuinely believe it will become a favourite among magicians for years to come. Because it was built by magicians, for magicians.
QUICKDRAW: Crafted for Class. Built for Speed.
If you believe in what we’ve created and would love to add QUICKDRAW to your arsenal, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support on Kickstarter.Check out the details below, sign up to stay notified, and don’t miss out on exclusive early-bird pricing and launch deals available only through Kickstarter.
Thanks for all your support — it truly means the world.
Ari
Key Facts About QuickDraw:
Original Design & Functionality:
QuickDraw is not just a deck holster — it offers more. It’s designed to hold cards with or without the box, and has 'the original' super quick and easy open finger access which allows a single touch to access all the cards - a key design detail that can be used for deck switches without the box that sets us apart.
Check out the speed of QUICKDRAW. ONE Motion - NO Hesitation!
One touch
I have been developing this quickdraw for over a year and on tour in the USA I met with the lovely Rhett Bryson who had also developed previously 'the original' one touch system in metal and leather that was vertical. I didn't proceed with developing it this way as there is already a 'speed deck ' holster on the market for vertical decks. We discussed how my holsters were perfect for this style and that the key to making it different from ANY other on the market is by having one single opening. I added this but not just by opening up the design, The entire pattern, construction and method needed to be reviewed and re designed from the ground up to enable it to keep its strength and be fit for purpose. I confidently say that both QUICKDRAW PRO and QUICKDRAW LITE have achieved this..
The QUICKDRAW Swift Single Action
No hesitation, no grip change, nothing in the way! A true slick and swift single action!
Construction:
QuickDraw is available in ABS and premium leather versions.
The premium hand stitched veg tan leather is a superior thick leather that has been wet formed to keep its shape. All the stitching is neatly hidden and concealed on the back / base so its not visible and allows more space for personalisation too.
Both models feature an integrated metal clip.
Plastic Injection Moulding (ABS)
While the samples I've shown so far have been produced using a high-end commercial 3D printer, the goal of the Kickstarter funding is to move into plastic injection moulding. This will allow us to seamlessly integrate the metal clip into the casing - eliminating the need for rivets, resulting in a cleaner, more refined design.
We haven’t shown this final version in the campaign yet because we’re being completely transparent about where we are in the development process. What you see is exactly the stage we're at as we launch.
A
Versatility & functionality
QuickDraw is made for additional and different performance needs in mind. It offers flexible carry style, allowing you to have the deck anywhere on your belt either on the side or back of you and even under the jacket for very concealed access. As you don’t need the thumb to grip you can access the deck in a more concealed way from under the jacket. This also aids a much quicker, seemless deck switch when using the deck without the box or a much more convincing steal if performing an invisible deck, omni deck, brainwave for instance.
Be First to Draw — Quickdraw Is Almost Here!
🔥 Get Ready for Quickdraw – The Fastest Deck Holster in Magic!
✨ Quickdraw — the fastest, slimmest deck holster ever made —
is launching on Kickstarter!
Don't just take my word for it. Check out what the pro's are saying. Here is a sneaky preview from the up and coming trailer.
Whether you’re performing with a full deck, partial deck, or even cards without a box, Quickdraw gives you instant access without magnets, flaps, or changing grip.
🎯 Launch Date: Will be updating you very soon!
Add your details below to be notified of the launch date
and Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page
🎁 Early Bird Rewards: Limited and exclusive to early backers!📬 Click here to be notified by kickstarter the moment we go live:
Thanks for all your support—can’t wait to share Quickdraw with you.
Stay magical,
Ari Phillips
Founder of GRUM
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