The shop was originally founded in 1960 by Norman Keith Collins (aka Sailor Jerry). After Sailor Jerry’s passing in 1973, his wife offers to sell the shop to Ed Hardy in honor of Sailor Jerry’s wishes. After serious consideration, Hardy passed up the opportunity to pursue his dream of tattooing in Japan.
Next on Jerry’s list was Mike Malone (aka Rollo) who took the offer and renamed it China Sea in honor of Jerry’s legacy. Sailor Jerry loved sailing the China Sea. In 2001, after 28 years of operation, Mike Malone closed China Sea and moved back to the mainland.
Between 2001 and 2013, the shop went through various types of businesses until Chris Danley made an offer and took over the shop. Keeping up with the tradition of honoring Sailor Jerry’s legacy, Chris decided to name the shop Old Ironside after a radio talk show that Sailor Jerry hosted. Shortly after, Chris Danley approached his good friend Hari Seda with the opportunity of working alongside him at Sailor Jerry’s old shop. In 2014, Chris Danley got into a motorcycle accident which unfortunately took his life away. Since then, Hari has continued the legacies of Sailor Jerry, Mike Malone, and Chris Danley going.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, one of Honolulu’s most historic destinations that attracts locals, tourists, and military personnel alike, this shop and its history provide a magical space that inspires us to push forward and honor the traditions of tattooing.
At Old Ironside, we thrive to keep a great atmosphere and honor Sailor Jerry’s legacy through our “solid, bold, bright, and neat tattooing”.
Our work still speaks for itself.
In honor of the shop’s history and those who have tattooed here before us, we specialize in the traditional style of tattooing. Whether it’s traditional Americana, Japanese, or any kind of motive that can translate into the traditional tattoo style. We’re available everyday for walk ins or appointments. Please refer to our portfolio page to view our artists’ works.
To guarantee the quality of our work we have a few shop rules. We will not tattoo the following areas: from the neck up, hands or fingers, lower part of the foot, toes, or private areas. We also do not do piercings.
