RICHARD DAVIS OBIT - domainedemanville

Remembering Richard Davis: Inventor of the Modern Bulletproof Vest

Richard Davis, the entrepreneur credited with inventing the modern concealable bulletproof vest, passed away on December 10, 2023, at the age of 81. Davis’s impact on law enforcement and personal safety is undeniable, and his innovative approach to protection saved countless lives.

Early Life and the Evolution of Second Chance Body Armor

Born in 1942, Richard Davis was a former Marine who ran a pizza business in Detroit. A near-fatal shooting during a robbery attempt sparked his determination to create better protective gear. Frustrated with the bulky and uncomfortable body armor available at the time, Davis began experimenting with nylon and other materials. He founded Second Chance Body Armor in 1970, revolutionizing the industry with lighter, more concealable vests.

The “Shoot Me” Demonstrations

A key element of Davis's marketing strategy was his willingness to publicly demonstrate the effectiveness of his vests. He famously shot himself in the chest over 190 times wearing his Second Chance armor, a bold and risky tactic that garnered considerable attention and established the credibility of his product. These demonstrations, while controversial, proved pivotal in convincing law enforcement agencies to adopt his vests.

Success and Controversy

Second Chance became a leading manufacturer of body armor, saving an estimated 3,000 lives. However, the company faced significant challenges. Changes in materials to Zylon, a high-strength synthetic fiber, lead to vest failures and numerous lawsuits when it was discovered that Zylon degraded rapidly under heat and humidity. This event effectively bankrupted Second Chance, though Davis remained a figure in the firearms and self-defense community. More information on Zylon can be found on Wikipedia. richard coudenhove kalergi

Later Years and Legacy

While the Zylon controversy tarnished his initial success, Davis remained an advocate for personal safety. He continued to innovate in the field of self-defense and firearms. He also featured in the documentary “2nd Chance” about his life and career. His initial contribution to body armor technology remains significant. richard cunningham obituary Davis's legacy rests on his pioneering work in developing concealable bulletproof vests, which undeniably enhanced the safety of law enforcement officers and others in dangerous professions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Richard Davis known for?

Richard Davis was best known for inventing the modern concealable bulletproof vest and founding Second Chance Body Armor.

How many times did Richard Davis shoot himself?

Richard Davis shot himself over 190 times to demonstrate the effectiveness of his vests.

What happened to Second Chance Body Armor?

Second Chance Body Armor faced lawsuits and ultimately went bankrupt due to issues with vests containing Zylon fiber, which degraded over time.

What was the "Shoot Me" campaign? richard e byrd diary

The "Shoot Me" campaign was Richard Davis's marketing strategy, where he would publicly shoot himself while wearing his body armor to prove its protective capabilities.

When did Richard Davis die?

Richard Davis passed away on December 10, 2023.

Summary

Richard Davis was a complex and controversial figure who nonetheless revolutionized the body armor industry. His invention of the concealable bulletproof vest saved thousands of lives. Though his later business ventures faced challenges, his initial contribution to personal safety remains a lasting legacy.