Whatever Fred came up with, it would be "the best damn" and "revolutionary"! I miss Fred, I'm an ex-student of his weeklong Vermont get-together. Fun fellow if you took him with both humor and respect. I know he was controversial (and he enjoyed that), but I learned a LOT from him.
The "looks" of gear can get one in trouble, one more "Tom story". Many years ago I was working for a good buddy as an assistant on a location photo job (museum store catalog) at a major Jewish organization. We drove into the underground parking and started to unpack (lots of stuff, back in the day of shoot 4x5 film for a catalog). Even in Los Angeles, major Jewish sites have security concerns. At some point while unpacking we realized there might be a problem. My friend loves a bargain and had bought most of his location cases at an Army/Navy surplus store.
We figured we would have to explain ourselves when we got off the elevator.
Apparently they had cameras in the underground parking. When the elevator doors opened we were met by about 10 VERY big security guys in a tight circle around the elevator door. I felt like I was facing the lineup of a football game!
I've got one, Fred said it was the best damm holster made, but that was then and that was Fred. I wonder what Fred would be inventing if he were alive today, maybe the best damm TSA holster around?