Luke from the 457th Fighter Squadron reached out to Knockout Designs with the idea to honor his squadron’s heritage and camaraderie with custom tap handles for their field office in Fort Worth, Texas. As part of the Air Force Reserve Command’s 301st Fighter Wing, the 457th is known for flying the cutting-edge F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter. The custom tap marker was designed to reflect this elite squadron’s pride.
Inspired by their aircraft, the Knockout Designs team collaborated with Luke to craft a custom tap handle that would capture the spirit of the “Spads.” We began by shaping a curved, wooden base out of solid hardwood—sculpted into the form of the numbers 4, 5, or 7, a subtle nod to the unit’s designation. Each tap handle was then topped with a custom plastic 3D-printed F-35 jet in a metallic silver finish, adding a dynamic flair that mirrors the squadron’s own cutting-edge aircraft. At the center of the design, we embedded the 457th Fighter Squadron’s round emblem—complete with the iconic Texas Lone Star, red-white-and-blue, and the words “Fort Worth.” This colorful centerpiece makes the tap handles bold, ensuring instant recognition and connection for anyone familiar with the unit.
Using 3D-printed plastic for the 457th Fighter Squadron tap handles offered the perfect combination of functionality and detail. The lightweight plastic kept the tap handles well-balanced and easy to use, even with the added F-35 fighter jet model on top. 3D printing allowed us to capture the jet’s intricate design with remarkable accuracy, delivering a visually striking and personalized element that honors the squadron’s identity.
The final result is a tribute in tap form—custom handles that seamlessly blend function, craftsmanship, and unit pride. These tap handles aren’t just tools; they’re a conversation starter and a symbol of shared service, history, and fellowship among the 457th. It was a privilege for the Knockout Designs team to collaborate with the 457th Fighter Squadron and help bring a piece of their legacy to life.
