GrandMaster 2015 was the very first SaberForge Hilt I discovered, lusted over and was determined to order to eventually call my very own. This was the first to be ordered, back on December 13, 2015 (
included with Reborn) via Etsy and became my fourth SaberForge Hilt to be delivered.
Similar to Reborn (
Verse3) this Hilt arrived on Star Wars Day inside the infamous Toblerone (unlike
Verse1 & Verse2-Exalted & Monarch respectively) which arrived inside a brown rectangular box.
This Custom Hilt was Previewed and Posted as Complete April 28, 2016 on SaberForge's Custom Shop Facebook page,
here.
Ceremonial: High Polished Nickel Plate over Acid-Etch Grandmaster Single.
This is my most favoured and cherished Hilt from my Collection. The standard Finish it is offered in features a remarkable aesthetic with design intricacy, characteristics I look for with Hilt Ownership. Research had directed me to the process of Acid-Etching onto the Grip Body to heighten the look more. Discussions with Justin Polachek and Khal Jahromi returned a grey-scale weathered treatment and whilst the results definitely increased fascination, I wanted something that was truly unique and hadn't been ventured into (yet).
Some Specs & Measurements:
Champion Tier 12Watt+ Deep Blue| Sabercore 2.0 Viridian| 32" Infinity V4| Deleted Covertech Wheel| Silver Non Lit AV Switch| Polished Silver knurled Kill Key| Custom Acid Etch by Khal Jahromi of KR Sabers.
Blade Holder Depth=2.75"
Hilt Length (Emitter - Pommel)=13.00"
Rear Grip Width=1.50"
Observations:
This Hilt leaves me overwhelming Numb. The look has been perfectly achieved exact to what I initially sought, customising further an already extraordinary Hilt design. There is generous weight without being heavily set and is symmetrically balanced. As a one handed Hilt your grip naturally tucks under the fore-grip greeblie that supports the struts that continue into the Emitter. Even when adding a second hand to the Hilt your Primary (dominant) hand accommodates the other with a gentle shift-up where it cradles over the Body strut-mounts without feeling uncomfortable. I share this same comfort with gripping the 3 body spines on Reborn.
The Etching has been meticulously done with some gentle tarnishing at the lower end just above the Pommel to simulate the 'handled' effect rather promoting the 'keep behind glass' connotation (however still makes a perfect candidate if it does go behind glass). The acid weathering process has been perfected by Khal in that there is generous separation between the negative space and the raised textured swirl patterns whilst remaining subtle.
The narrow window slits on the Emitter provide a great accent and paired with a pretty capped Blade Plug, it's like the tied-bow that completes the package. The symmetry of the 3 sets of Emitter windows is stunningly beautiful and when ignited becomes blindingly bright as the illumination desperately searches for areas to weep from. Love it.
I have made it known in my Reviews that I am a sucker for Windows and Shine-throughs.
Conclusions:
My mind is actually blown (still). There is difficulty with identifying any flaws to this Hilt. Maybe in time it may become more evident, maybe not. As a show piece it ticks the box. As a handling piece it ticks the box. With Sound generously loud (even on low setting) as it resonates through the vented Pommel, deafening and startling. Chills every time it is ignited. The illumination brightens the room and makes it so much harder to capture on camera simply to (inaccurately) share with you what I see. I'd go as far to say that it's Perfect.
Befriending Hindsight:
This Hilt is a Single and doesn't form a Staff. I had a vision during the initial concept stage and remained uncertain with if the end result could be effectively and successfully achieved. At risk of getting two and taking them down a customising road and end up with something flawed, I conservatively banked on making the journey with one and diverted the 'Funds' allowance towards another Hilt.
There are heaps of Pictures that will be following.... Thank You.