TOPIC: Graflex 2.0 ESB LDM|Story so far.Pt VI

This isn't the first Graflex to be held in possession and shared nor will it be the last. It is however one that I can call my very own and have wanted to own since seeing others approximately 5Months ago. It remains highly recognisable. This iconic piece is another Commission I had with Lord Dottore Matto (LDM, similar to the MKVI-e) using a Parks Graflex 2.0.
There are essentially three versions that this piece features it's highlighting debut's: ANH, ESB and TFA. Of the three, I gravitated towards ESB as whilst the differences are subtle, ESB IMO demonstrated more symmetry with accenting buttons repeated both topside and underside.





Not just for its iconic stature and presence, the design is quite unique and independent to other Hilt designs available. For this reason and as a Star Wars enthusiast it becomes a very piece that needs to have a presence in anyone's Collection. It is and will remain a debated Hilt as you'll either love it or hate it or even aren't really fussed over or by it. Whilst I have it as part of my Collection now it does hold measures of value with notoriety. Admittedly I was with the latter as mentioned above. Didn't love it or hate it and was one I never paid any attention to. Over time though this gradually changed. Maybe with TFA being released and prompting a higher frequency re-watch of Episodes 1-6 contributed to it. What actually happened though was a once *meh* looking Hilt soon became a *must-have*.



Some Specs and Measurements:
Tri Cree Blue/Blue/White| FoC| Blaster Bolt Deflection| Blade Lockup| Swing & Motion Sounds| Crystal Shard3.0| Currently has Dagobah Font| 7/8" Blade Holder| Blade/Emitter Plug| Pommel D-Ring| Standard Finish| TouchPlate Activation and Auxiliary| Underside Red Button Blade Retention Primary| Bunny Ear Clamp Blade Retention Secondary.

Blade/Emitter Holder Depth= 3.75"
Hilt Length= 10.75"







Observations:
Graflex is a Heavy Hilt. Whilst I haven't weighed it, I find it comparable to my US Crimson Scorpion, sharing similarities in poor balance and an unnecessary heaviness associated to the lower half. Most of my Sabers are 'She's' and it's as-if she's got a fat-arse (or for accuracy a 'phat' arse, nice to look at; difficult to handle ). Whilst it's creative genius that many Owners have unique names for their Sabers, I adopt a more simpler approach and much like the elusive List of Cars in the Movie Gone in 60 Seconds, my Hilts are similarly named.

This all of course without a Blade. As a Hilt alone it is very bottom-heavy which means to grip it, seems logical to do so over the T-Grip Section on rear body. It is comfortable enough and my hand can easily close over it into a closed grip. With other Hilts once you add the Blade the balance tends to shift further along the Hilt in an attempt to naturally level out. Even with a 'moderate-walled' thickness 7/8" 36" Blade it still remains bottom-heavy but because of the extension (with the blade and regardless of how deep the socket is) wielding it over the T-Grips like a relay-runner doesn't seem practical and is actually awkward.

Gripping it between the Switch Box and Buttons is the only other surface area to do so however is very obstructed. I don't believe I have large hands (or small one's for that matter) as with open palm the total width of my hand from thumb to pinkie=8.50". From a Topside vertically aligned point of view, the Switch Box sits on RHS and during wield I believe it to be natural to have the Bunny Ears facing towards me rather away from because otherwise it's like I'm holding it backwards and not in a reverse grip way which is more awkward still.

It seems like it's designed for Left-Handed use when maintaining the high grip position however doing so when transferring to my primary hand, Bunny ears are facing out. On both scenarios the Switch Box still gets in the way. This was interesting as there have been many debates (and preferences) over the placement of Switch/Control Boxes and how they affect single-hand wield. Comparably to MKVI-e (ROTJ) or even MKIII-re (OWK|ROTS or SF Redeemer) the grenade section provides ample gripping space and the Box actually has little noticeable significance and hindrance.

Whilst I can appreciate the aesthetics and beauty of this Hilt it doesn't sit high on my favourites solely on the practical handling merits (or lack of) that it has (doesn't have).



Simply stunning to look at, the sound is rich, deep and surprisingly loud. Nothing to dismiss about the blade illumination and evenness as it is distributed down the length. I like this Hilt however it's not one to say that I love it.

With some real criticisms made it remains a respected Hilt, highly admired for what it is and what was sought now becoming owned it will eternally hold a prominent presence amongst my others.
**more pictures to follow.

**more pictures to follow

That is so beautiful! Congrats. I hope one day to own a custom Graphlex inspired by an Episode IV / V hybrid. It just seems like there is so much to know and to build it's a bit intimidating to me. I am thrilled for you as this is quite an accomplishment to take hold of one of these.

Thank you HotRod. Whilst I did write about the poor handling ergonomics of the Hilt, it still remains a first to look at Hilt and one that is frequently picked up. Maybe over time I'll find a comfortable gripping position but so far it hasn't changed or become obvious. The ghostly echo of OWK saying 'you will go to the Dagobah system' creates chills of awesomeness everytime and without fail, simply have to hear the ignition sound to follow.

Very nice OvrcAHst. Exquisite. I said I couldn't wait to see what you come up with next and you did not disappoint my friend. What else can be said about the iconic Graflex except that it's a must have. I know I want one and don't give a damn about the ergonomics of it. Congratulations on a truly beautiful piece.

Greysider wrote:
I love your perspective here (and on this hilt, I agree).

I want to say the SF graflex as metal grips instead of the rubber strips, so I'm betting OvrcAHst's Graflex is more comfortable than the SF version (not to say I wouldn't take a SF Graflex in a split second). They're all beautiful.

Thank you Greysider. Looking at my (so far.) Collection so far and reviewing those that are still incoming and yet to be delivered I am openly admitting to having a problem. I may have foolishly hoped that a presence in the Forum would curb my enthusiasm to recognise a limit however it seems to have exacerbated my fascination resulting to the desire to expand the Collection further, to embarrassingly stupiculous numbers.

HotRod, whilst optimistic, this perspective is a dangerous one to have.

The measurement of comfort is difficult to describe and define. With writing that I can close a grip over the T-Grips and do so comfortably, not having a metal T-Grip for comparison, it's still not something to withstand over a long period of time. ASP Body7, 'pineapple grip' (Custom Monarch) is unquestionably comfortable and sits high on the List. Whilst you and Prowl have recently written about the sectional grenade on Exhalted being a sore-grip point, I find it very comfortable on my MKIII-re and Custom Exhalted. The ROTJ grenade grip (MKVI-e) is even more so and rates even higher IMO over the Exhalted type. Graflex is still further down the List for me but on opposite ends for looks.

Agreed, they're all very beautiful.

HotRod
Actually, the SF metal T section is way more comfortable than the Flex plastic ones. I initially thought it was a daft idea to have metal t grips, but SF did a good job keeping them not as pronounced and smooth. If you want to duel with a graflex type hilt, go for the SF. If you want accuracy LDM, Romans or Korbanth are more to that style

Enjoyed reading your report. What a beautiful Graflex, it looks so movie like.

How heavy is it, relative to say your Grandmaster or some common reference point for comparison?

You are fast building a most impressive collection of (at least) the canon sabers!

SUbS, Interesting bit of trivia, Thank you. A SF Graflex wasn't an available option at the time as it's only outlet was via ASP and from what you write, the aluminium T-Grips that SF uses (I could be wrong) look to be lower peaks and flatter which should make gripping substantially more comfortable. It wasn't so much for complete accuracy with going for ESB as I'm sure there are likely noticeable imperfections and inconsistencies that would challenge the scale. Still, maybe ignorance is bliss?

Ex66, Thank you Sir. Lucky for you I have a portable digital scale handy. Just needed to wipe down the surface for traces of powdered residue.

As I wrote, comparably measuring it against cradled hand guesstimates:
Graflex at 10.75" Long= 650grams (22.928 Ounces)
US Crimson Scorpion (excluding Claw) at 15" Long=945grams (33.334 Ounces)
GrandMaster at 13" Long= 593grams (20.917 Ounces)

GrandMaster is relatively slender and well balanced with weight quite centralised.
Crimson Scorpion is like a brick shithouse with weight being top heavy.
Graflex has a fat arse with weight being bottom heavy.

The Collection is undoubtedly building strength and gaining Numbers. Echoed as I replied to Greysider, I have a problem.

What did it for me was a mix of weight and multi-piece design. A solid heavy hilt is great, but having it be in multiple layered pieces adds to the realism in the same way an airsoft or prop will never feel quite like the real thing, even when the weight is right.

This observation I don't disagree with. I'm not an avid dueller or frequent participant by any measure, so whilst ergonomic discomfort is noted it isn't with high priority to me however measured into consideration nonetheless. Hilt aesthetics I rate the highest (with what appeals to me) and the suggestions of realism (regardless of referenced accuracy to actual Props) provides the separation and distinction from a smooth surfaced aluminium tube. Some I appreciate where design intricacy is subtle others with conservative flamboyance.

I watched a YT Video Review of Shameems last night for a Chrome Polished Modified SF Exhalted with extravagant greeblieporn. While I am a sucker for greeblies (and sometimes extra shiny and pretty like my Custom GrandMaster), the Showcased Hilt IMO was too much for my liking. I had thought I'd forgotten it however you have just sparked a reminder.