So, got my first of many sabers in today, and right away, I was impressed. I mean, look at the condition of this box!!
It's like, brand flippin' new!!! That never happens! WAY TO GO USPS! I give them some serious, major kudos for this.
Then, I opened the box. Ahhhh. The loveliness within... words cannot adequately express, and I'm sure that most, if not all, of you will completely and utterly understand when I say this. When you open that box, and pull out the saber, and it is perfect, in every way, every part included, every piece in place, the saber itself flawless, exactly as you wanted it... and you grip it that first time... it's a piece of magic and wonder, it's not just a toy, it's not just a fancy flashlight. In that first moment, that one moment when you grip that hilt and know immediately "This saber was made for me".... it's just... indescribable.
That aside; this saber is the new, redesigned 2015 Gladius, fully ASP compatible parts, etc etc... and before I show any pictures, I want to go a little in depth on my feelings on this design first. When I first saw it, I hated it. I didn't like it at all. I didn't think it was a good idea to redesign the Gladius, a known successful design, one of their staple designs, a beautiful, simple, elegant design that handled perfectly and flawlessly... BUT. I kept an eye on it, and watched others' views and opinions on it. And, when some more pictures came out, I started to see the positive sides of the new design. Then, I found out a key item; the LED retention screw no longer required a "canyon" machined into the back of the hilt... no more catching the skin between my thumb and finger in that and knicking it all to hell! This design instantly jumped up a hundred notches... and now, now it's mine.
It is GORGEOUS. The weathering, so perfect. The wrap complements it beautifully, as well as the LED color... it's just overall a stunning saber. And, on the LED retention screw point...
Both screws are a little more "hidden" than on the previous designs. They sit in a bit more, aren't as obvious. I love this aspect of the new design... not the most, but it's definitely a nice overall touch. The design itself is beautiful, intricate. The detail and depth of the work on this is truly amazing and impressive... I mean, just look at some of it:
Even the design around the emitter really sets it off another touch:
Overall, I cannot say enough GOOD about this saber, and this redesign. It is flawless and amazing, comfortable, intricate, detailed, well-balanced (I got the 32in blade, for reference on the balance) and just... so beautiful. I love this saber. It's a great piece to restart my collection.
Stay tuned... Phoenix will be in tomorrow for another review, and a custom piece next week, followed by a Consular and the new Bane!