TOPIC: Monarch hero for combat

Hi, I'm happy 'cos I just aquired a second hand SF Monarch

I just have 3 questions before put it into a duel:

- When I put the blade in and fix it with the screw seems that the is some movement in the blade. It does not stand absolutelly still. It's normal?

- The cristal also is a little loose.

- I don't know if I can cut off the blade a few inches to adjust perfectly to my height. What kind of tool can I use?

Thanks!

The Monarch isn't duel worthy, they are just now coming out with crystal chambers that supposedly will handle dueling.

Neesh Kedoo wrote: Well Good on You with successfully getting yourself a Monarch and a Pre-Owned one at that. Other than external measure I have no idea what condition it is in from your receipt or what condition it was in when the Former Owner Sold it to you. Be sure to throw together some pictures when you get a chance because a Monarch is always good to look at nonetheless.

In an attempt to answer some of your questions:
- I wouldn't say it's normal or go as far and say it's abnormal. Depends on the Blade length you got it with and the Infinity Version. The socket depth is quite generous as it is at about 2.25". With a 37" Blade the top heaviness will create a slight movement and subtle 'clinking' against the Shroud. You can pack it if you want to marginally increase the blades thickness but (presuming) it's a V4 the blades in there pretty solid and it ain't going anywhere.

- Define loose? The Crystal's usually secured between both Holders with glue, but as you plan on making a DIY Chamber Shroud that you referenced here, during down-time it should be fine.

- There are several ways you can cut the blade down from: using a hacksaw, PVC Pipe Cutter, Copper Pipe Cutter to name some. Hacksaw won't give you the cleanest cut and will required additional sanding afterwards. The sawing motion also risks the film with crinkling. PVC PC works however as it uses a 'squeezing effect' to slice the blade through, the cut won't be as clean and the risk to the film is still present. I've personally inserted a wooden dowel prior to cutting to minimise the squeezed effect and once the polycarb tube is cut, snip away at the film to your desired length. Copper PC will give the cleanest cut. But because of the twisting motion of the tool be careful not to stray from the initial score otherwise as you wind, it will spiral up/down the blade.

As for Duel worthy. All Hilts and Blades are Duel worthy. Warrantied for Duelling is something different. This was addressed in the referenced link. As long as it's blade on blade you're fine. If it becomes blade on Hilt or blade on Crystal, well.. you're not.

Hope it helps.

I hate to say it, but my Monarch is not loose at all. Might be something going on there, but it shouldn't be loose. You can carefully readjust the height of your crystal chamber by unscrewing the retaining screw above the crystal and sliding it down a bit and then retightening it. It might give the blade more depth in the hilt. Also make sure it is the blade. Mine had an issue where the hilt had some give and all I had to do was tighten it by screwing the hilt down between the shroud and the body. Again, do these things at your own risk.

Hi, I've just made a video for the crystal chamber
Here it is:


You can see a slight movement on the crystal when I touch it.


For the blade, I don't think it's going to jump off the shroud or something like that. Only I have the feeling of some looseness when doing fast movements, but seems that it's stongly attached. I'll try to make a video of that too.

And some pics just for fun

I had a similar blade wobble issue with my Venomous Fury. I wrapped the base with two layers of boxing tape and the problem was gone. I just received 3 blades from the etsy store and immediately applied boxing tape to them since it worked so perfectly with my VF.

RotundChap wrote:
Thanks for the idea RotundChap, I've done it and with just one layer worked like a charm

I removed the 4 rails along the body from my Monarch yesterday and I have to say the comfort level improved quite a bit. Just something to considering if you're going to be dueling. I'm pleased with the result.

HotRod wrote:
I always wear gloves to duel so no problem with the rails. In fact I think they provide more grip if you wear gloves.

But for bare-hand spins and handling the monarch it's not the most comfortable hilt.

The main problem I encountered is that I accidentally unscrewed a bit the cristal chamber/led while dueling and spining. I'll probably replace the head screw of the led for a screw without head...

Neesh Kedoo wrote:
That's a really good idea. I bet you can find something that looks great as well.

Oh man, I tried to replace the bottom (led) screw with a 4mm self-made headless screw



But did not worked because the "thread pitch" (not sure if this is the correct meaning in english) it's not the same. My screw enters the hole but can not twist it till the led

Do you have the specs for that screw so I can find the same in a hardware shop or internet?

Neesh Kedoo wrote:
The threads are going to be #8-32

Idea:





Objectives:
- improves barehand handling without taking damage
- add some protection to crystal-chamber without covering it all
- demonstrates that Galen Marek learned something from Kota

Any opinions?

Neesh Kedoo wrote: Looks good and clever thinking by applying Katana Wrap (*insert official term here*) as grip and Chamber protection. From your previous Post, since you're planning on replacing the LED Thumbscrew with a set screw for lesser obstruction perhaps removing the faux Box as well?

I can't speak to the wrap for being duel ready as I don't duel with mine, but I wanted to at least show what a Monarch looks like without the rails. The comfort level is greatly improved.