It just occured to me that sometimes terms which a more seasoned chipper is accustomed to using in conversation with other chippers may not be understood by those who are not as well versed in the hobby as others. This happens in many occupations as well. When we speak with co-workers we use terminology that is readily understood among people who have simliar interests. However, it may not be so clear what one is talking about when conversing with someone outside the group.

A couple of recent posts in a slabbing thread regarding the term "air-tite" comes to mind. I wish my scanner was working so that I could show everyone who doesn't know what an "air-tite" looks like and what it is used for. Jill showed her $5 Harrah's chip that was housed in an "air-tite" holder. "Air-tite" is not a derogatory word to be confused with Air-head. "Air-tite" is a brand name (much like band-aid) that describes a clear, two-piece round acrylic type snap holder that is commonly used in the coin hobby to hold and protect a coin. These relatively inexpensive holders are also very suitable for protecting more valuable chips. Some "air-tite" holders are available in a universal size that also comes with a foam-type round, usually black inert filler material in the shape of a life saver that will surround the round object that is inserted into the plastic holder so that it does not rattle around in the case. "Air-Tite" holders can be opened with the same ease that a protective plastic case housing a silver strike can be opened. The thinner, more delicate "Air-Tite" holders do not have that little square opening in the edge of the case that allows silver strikes to tarnish occassionally.

A "slab" on the other hand is a sonically sealed thick two-piece rectangular plastic holder in which an object such as a coin or a chip is permanently sealed in order to protect the integrity of the grade assigned by a grading/slabbing company so that another similar chip or coin of a lesser grade can not be substituted without physically breaking apart the case (cracking-out)with a hammer.

I hope this little primer helps those who were confused by the two terms.