TOPIC: SF Customs process

I've decided on getting some custom work done on my next saber purchase but I'm not fully decided yet on what that will be.
I'd rather have some idea before I bug them with something not quite actionable yet.
In the mean time I'd love to hear about others experiences or can anyone point me to or answer the following questions.

For the purpose of my questions I see the order of events being:
idea - concept - design - fabrication - finishing - shipping

At what point in the process should you look to get the customs shop involved? (As early as idea stage or as late as having a finished design in mind)

Is the process collaborative or more like placing a more complex/ descriptive order?
At what point do you pay for the work? Upon initial request, some now some later, or near the end?

How much freedom do you have in the idea stage?
Do you need to start off with a currently available hilt as a starting point or is it more wide open?
Are there any hard limits to be aware of?

If the real answer is just to ask them directly that's fine too. I'd just like to avoid adding to their workload before I have a better idea of what I want and what's possible.

Justin in the custom shop is really great to work with, so I would involve him in the beginning stages of your project. He'll tell you what is and is not possible and offer suggestions along the way. The process can be as collaborative or direct as you want it to be. Keep in mind that things like changing finishes or adding greeblies to an existing model is relatively easy, whereas a fully custom design (i.e. something you drew) is technically possible, but will be quite expensive ($1000+).

Here's what I'd do:

-Get your project firmly in your head about what you want: Finishes, greeblies, other customizations, etc
-Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a basic outline of what you want. If you're unsure if something can be done, start with that first. If what you want is doable, then send them all the details.
-Once you and Justin finalize the design, he'll send you an invoice via PayPal with the full amount and a cost breakdown of each item/customization.
-When you pay the invoice he'll soon begin work on your new saber! He's also really upfront about his wait time.

I can't reccomend the custom shop enough, the stuff that comes out of there is truly epic! (Mine incuded )

Hope this helps and good luck!

For what its worth, I will be engaging the custom shop just as soon as circumstances allow. That's how much I believe in the process, and the folks running it.

It may help you if your custom is based on an existing model, or parts of an existing model. Justin built me an amazing custom with the body of the Reliant and the Shroud/Emitter of a Monarch, but with a solid upper inner hilt (no crystal chamber). It is by far my most favorite hilt. He took time and understood what I had in my minds eye, and brought it to life. He actually suggested using the body of the Reliant because I wanted him to just make the Monarch lower body "wrappable". His suggestion looked better and makes the whole thing come together.

Thanks this is exactly the kinda info I was looking for!!

I have a basic idea in mind now but, I have decided that I should wait for my ASP sabers to come in and become a little more familiar with them before setting my heart on something. I want to learn what I do and don't like about the handling properties of the sabers I already have coming first.

I'd hate to end up with a huge investment only to discover I don't like something about how it handles and have to relegate it to a shelf queen. I'm confident Justin would steer me clear of any major issues I'm talking more about personal preferences.