Like a Mailman knocking at your door with delivery of a long awaited package, I here too knock at the virtual door of the Thin Neck Club to submit my entry.
Unearthed: Crystal Shattered Exalted Hero
This Hilt followed a similar path and essentially the same journey as
Fatigued: Verse2|Monarch. It was marked as completed January 26, 2016 as another example of Justin Polachek's extraordinary craftsmanship on
SaberForge Customs Facebook page. This however arrived shortly after the former, some time since its inception.
I was fascinated by the range of Crystal Reveal Sabers and knew I had to make one (another) my very own. Being a sucker for glowy things and shine-throughs in Emitter windows, it just made sense to ogle towards an exposed crystal but one that could be concealed rather dedicated like (what I thought) was exclusive to Monarch. Research (at the time) returned Reviews about the collapsible brass support rods lacking strength and rigidity and this left me apprehensive. (
It's worth noting, that SaberForge ultimately released a newer version replacing the brass with stainless steel to overcome this concern) So with wanting but not knowing if it could be achieved I asked Justin the question. As time progressed and several emails later a solution was reached, he would Custom make one to suit.
The Specs.
SaberForge Quad Cree 6/6/12 Setup: RedOrange/Green/Yellow| Blaster Bolt deflection| Blade lock-up| Hero Tier Spark Color 2| 2W Bass Speaker| Weathered Non-Lit AV Activation| Weathered Non-Lit AV Auxiliary| Micro SD.
With this particular Hilt I again revisited the Shattered Weathering Application but decided to go Medium compared to the previous Light. This Hilt received an alternate integrated part but rather than the Grip being replaced, the Grenade Fore-Grip was substituted.
Measurements:
-Blade Holder Depth = 0.75"
-Hilt Length (Emitter to Pommel) = 12.75"
-Hilt Diameter = 1.50"
-Balance Point (Without Blade) = Centred to the transition of Rear-Grip to Grenade-Grip.
-Balance Point (With 32" V4) = just past the Emitter.
Observations:
The attention to detail (consistent to the last) is outstanding. Again, solidly constructed and reassuringly smooth. There is no restriction to the grip in anyway whatsoever.
No surprise, is ridiculously loud and equally so with brightness when illuminated. I haven't changed any of the settings yet so all are default as arrived. Clash and Swing sensitivity is perfect and the idle hum is generous without being too dominating.
Effortless for dual-hand wield and more so for single hand. I am marvelled by the Crystal Chamber. The 3 windows are generous as not to obstruct the view. The gaps (windows) in the Grenade actually double as a grip enhancement as the fall away serves like an ergonomically customised cavity. Swinging and Spinning, the solid parts of the residual Grenade become brace points.
Conclusions:
I absolutely love and cherish this Customised Exalted. Stunning to look at, remarkable to hold. Having yet to actually duel with (or engage against an unsuspecting hard object) I do remain apprehensive to potentially do so. I can appreciate that SaberForge writes that Thin Neck Blades are designed to ensure a tighter, much snugger fit hence conclusively warranted for duelling. Because of the shallow blade holder being 0.75" (the single retention set screw is less than this) I can't help but be over cautious and conscious of the risk of damage upon impact.
Even if I never actively duel with this Hilt (design concepts were specific for a fixed crystal chamber rather a reveal for the very purpose of duelling) it will still shine with undying appreciation and measure. The following images show some light-bleeding as there is no Blade Plug to filter the flare.
Thank You.