Crystal Fallen 12W+ Indigo Champion, Heavy Shattered Weathering
Apparently, the interpreted method of enduring a Wait is to Order more via SaberForge's Quick-ship Model of Etsy. Whilst I still frequently headbutt the wall waiting on a Jan 21 Order from Main Site, the following demonstrates (by momentarily pacifying) the readiness and efficiency of Etsy. Well Done SaberForge, I am weak and in order to maintain enthusiasm to a pending Order, I went ahead and committed to another and received delivery of a motivational Fallen.
This was Ordered from Etsy June 23 and confirmed simultaneously. The issue of Tracking Number was virtually immediate and before I knew it (with a delayed Tracking Check) it had already landed in the destination Country of Australia and I ultimately received it June 30. Not bad and quite impressive actually for an International Order and from past experience taking anyway up to 3Weeks just for transit.
Admittedly, Fallen was a Hilt I had never seriously considered before. This was until a Limited Edition Offering was presented on Etsy as a highlighted Listing. Born from SaberForge Customs Shop by the hands of Daniel Lane it had undergone an extensive and rather 'experimental' treatment with an extraordinary attention to detail, consistent to Works by Customs, having Four of them already. Feeling rushed with pondering potential Ownership (as there were limited numbers available) proceeding with may have been an impulsive buy but definitely absent of regret.
Some Specs and Measurements:
Champion Tier 12Watt+ Indigo| Sabercore2.0 Viridian| 37"Infinity V4| Brass Covertech| Brass Elite Blade Socket Plug| Low Profile Mini-Tactile AV Switch with Target Themed housing plate| New Low Profile SF Branded Kill Key| Permanent Crystal Chamber| Heavy Shattered Weathering| Gun Metal Powdercoat.
Hilt Length: 11.60"
Blade Socket Depth: 2.75"
Observations:
Having Ownership of some Hilts from SaberForge already I had decided long ago that of the two Fonts available with Sabercore2.0, Crimson would be the preference and always first choice regardless of whether the Saber was intended as a Lightside or Darkside Hilt. I made efforts to Note this request however it wasn't accommodated and ultimately shipped with Viridian. This may be due to the Listing not having any dropbox options available like Tier Choice, LED Colour etc like the other Etsy Listings. At first unboxing's ignition (to ensure all was well before plugging-in for a complete charge) I was underwhelmed and prematurely disappointed with hearing the Female Voiced Boot Sound. This soon changed.
I prefer Crimson because of the depth and raw brutal themed energy from ignition to swing sounds. Not so much for Viridian because of the Auxiliary Sound which IMO is *meh*. After approximately 2Hours the Charger showed Green and I was good to go. As an after-evaluated conclusion, (this time) it worked out well having the Viridian Font as it offered a nice contrast and difference in ignition sound compared to my
Crimson Reborn. Whilst the LED Colour between the two is shared by Indigo, Blade illumination, even-ness and consistency proves more favourably using a 32" over the 37".
It was interesting studying the aesthetic effects of the Heavy Shattered Weathering. I have
Light Shattering with Monarch and
Medium Shattering with Exalted with now the heavy completing the Trio. The surface scoring, gauging and chip-away is done more heavy-handed with a section of the milled windows surrounding the Crystal Chamber chiselled with a 2mm separation. The Gun Metal Powdercoat is very similar to Black Chrome with the noticeable difference being a lighter shade. This has been finished with a clear coat that provides a light sheen so while it looks like a battle damaged and worn Hilt, still presents itself as a clean Finish.
There is balanced effectiveness of the Brass band on the Emitter, Brass Blade Socket Plug, Brass Covertech with the Ashed-Grey and Black Anodised recessed accents. The Crystal Chamber itself features 3 Stainless Steel Support Rods evenly spaced with a small (observationally, about 1/3 the size of Monarch) Crystal. Very easy to handle either single-handed or dual and is remarkably balanced.
The Mini Tactile Switch was a sore-point for me initially. I did find that it proves to be much easier to ignite when in a completely darked room (fumbling for the switch) however doesn't get accidentally triggered during spins and grip transitions. The New Kill Key is neither here or there. Aesthetics aren't compromised because of it and during use it's pulled anyway. Could a Brass knurled Kill Key heighten the top surface appearance consistent to the other Brass parts? Maybe, but IMO it's enough and it may appear overused.
A great addition to My Collection as an individual Piece able to stand its own and an even greater companion piece as the Twin to Reborn.
**more pictures to follow..