Many, many years ago, when Ironmind first started producing hand grippers, they were known as “Silver Crush” grippers and I’m sure you can see why — chromed springs and brilliant silver handles. These grippers did not have the numbers engraved into the bottom of the handles, nor the distinctive band, and there were only three strengths available: #1, #2, and #3.
Grip developers have always been popular and the “Victor Master Grip” is a good one from way back, about 1926 or so. It’s got progressive resistance through a full range of motion and you can adjust resistance by the number of springs. You’ll still see this design around today.
Maurice “Rocket” Richard was one of the all time great hockey players. With the Montreal Canadiens, he was the first to score 50 goals in 50 games, the first to score 500 goals in a career and likely the first (and perhaps only) hockey player with a signature hand gripper. Whether this particular gripper helped his hockey prowess is anyone’s guess, but there’s no doubt that extra hand and grip strength certainly does help out on the ice.
Even though “working out” was a relatively new concept in the early 1920’s, when the Lind-Hendrickson “Big Giant” Grip Machine first appeared, people still understood the importance of building a strong grip… something which far too many folks neglect in their training these days.
Ironmind Silver Crush Grippers