Do you remember the first time you saw a light saber? It was probably the first time you saw Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), if you saw them in order of release. The graflex design was the first light saber ever seen on the big screen, and it sure left a big impression on me! That blue-white light, and that sound! A few moments later when Obi-Wan made short work of Panda Babba, we knew what a light saber really could do! It was awesome, and frightening at the same time, seeing the bloody arm lying on the floor. Nothing by today’s standards, of course, but just the kind of thing that excited a teenager like me back in the late 70’s, and starts them on a life-long path as a Star Wars nerd, with a passion for sabers.
I kind of always knew that I wanted a graflex in my collection, especially once I had the Redeemer, and the Prodigal Son. And while the Saber Forge take on the design might not be 100% screen accurate, it certainly hits the major highlights. The glass eye, the bunny ears, the brass pins, the red faux button, the clamp arm/activation box, and the D-Ring. The weight of the saber certainly makes it feel real, and the blade plug that Saber Forge created just for this saber does the trick nicely.
My original opinion that sabers with activation boxes are more suited to be shelf queens, rather than practical duelers is not diminished here. It is not as uncomfortable as you would imagine, but it would hurt a bit if you, and an opponent were dueling hard. Especially with a longer, heavier blade (which takes the balance point well past the tip of the emitter). This one feels better with a 32” dueling blade, or perhaps a thin-walled blade that was longer would not feel so awkward, but would obviously not be as suited to heavy dueling.
Bottom line, I am very satisfied with this saber, and feel like another piece of my childhood dreams have become a reality.
So, without further adieu, the Saber Forge Double Reveal Graflex!
The finish is, for all intents and purposes, flawless. No scratches, or dings, or scuffs. Just shiny, easy to smudge, and covered with fingerprints. Nothing a soft cloth can’t deal with.
The Medium Blue LED is very bright, and the color is beautiful, and shines very nicely around the blade plug.
To be continued in the next post.