I work at a movie theater where they're allowing us to dress up for TFA, so I'm wearing my Sith Acolyte costume and displaying both sabers proudly on my hips. ^_^

I don't have a full costume myself, I do have some things to try to get kind of a dark jedi thing going on for halloween at least. Won't be movie accurate or anything but it should do to take the kids around and make use of it in the dark while they trick or treat hahaha!

That's pretty cool your boss will let you dress up for the screning of tFA. You'll have to post some pictures of that with both blades!

Sweet! I'm so glad to know that there aren't any sharp edges or anything. Also, this is the first time I've seen any measurement approximations for one of these sabers (viper, venom, venomous fury) so I really appreciate it! I don't really think 1.5 in is too thick either, I was just thinking of the 00's plastic retractable sabers without light, sound, or anything else fancy, and how they were 2in+ in thickness. At least, my hasbro prequel OWK saber was.

About the D-Ring, is there any way you could post a closer picture of it? I'm just curious about the setup. I've mostly seen pommel-mounted D-rings, and just want to get an idea for the type/size you used.

Thanks!

I can definitely post a closer picture or two.



Top view of D-Ring. This is on the same side as the retainer screw for the blade. This uses a standard sized allen key (I forget exact measurement) to remove.


Side view to show how much of a lower profile this gives compared to the covertec knob. I removed the pommel and the threads reach in really far for it, about the length as the last silver area before the pommel grooves. It's why the covertec is put so far up. Works fine with the belt clip that accompanies this type of D-ring though you will inevitably scratch the saber a bit in the D-ring area when attaching to the clip.

as for sharp edges, I did mention there is points of the claws is pretty sharp and the outter edge of the gets sharper the closer to the points you get. The rest of the saber does not have any sharp edges to it.

Thanks for the pics!
I might do something similar with my saber, when it comes. I guess I'll have to see how the covertech knob feels to me.

I guess I should have said "Glad to know I won't need gloves" or something. But the sharp edges near the tip mean that, if you have the hilt with you, but no blade, you can still stab people for self defense, amirite?

Well, at that point, why wouldn't you just use a knife or something. Still, trying to look on the bright side though

Alright alright. Now that I've had it around for a while and have had time to practice with it and test it out more thoroughly, let's revisit this review!

To be honest, It's real hard to leave this thing just staying on it shelf if I'm at the computer reading or playing a game, hahaha. Tend to hold it and just check out various ways to grip it to see which is the most comfortable. The dang thing just WANTS to be used, but due to bad weather and falling ill it has had to be a bit of a shelf queen. For now.

Anyways, I have yet to charge it and I'm betting I've gotten about 5 hours of battery life out of it so far. It is still astoundingly bright, even with audio set to High and the sensitivity on swing cranked up. The Grenade grip really digs in and holds it in place when doing wide swings, with the choke point just above the switching working real well for spins. Well, what little spins I can ineptly do at this point. But I'm getting better!

Balance without the blade installed is directly under the kill switch, nearly as centered as you can get. It has just the right amount of heft, and when clipped to your belt it lets you know it's there without attempting to drag your slacks down to your ankles. I have not tried the covertec system but personally I do really like the freeswing of a D-ring and clip like in the classic movies.

Using a 37" blade, I've been finding it better and better to use with my old practice maneuvers the more I do it. While the balance point with the blade installed is a couple of inches past the tip of the shroud, it is very easy to maneuver to deflect blows and counter attack. Control is very quick and precise, despite the slight imbalance of weight in the blade up at the front. it has about the same slight weight difference as my katana and broadsword do.

While I have yet to do major contact with the blade besides with my kids' toy sabers, any mild scuffs or marks are incredibly hard to see unless you're really staring at where they are. They are nearly invisible otherwise and absolutely no dents. My kids were swinging about as hard as they could to try to hit me, so no dents are an impressive thing! I have yet to try the magic eraser trick that was mentioned to clean it up but I do plan to try that soon.

So, overall the longer I have it the happier I've been with it. I've shown several friends and they have been really impressed with the quality of work in the hilt and just how RIGHT it feels to hold it, not to say the ease it can be maneuvered. Some of them seen it out in the dark and looked like they were 8 years old again playing with it in the yard.

Guess it's hard for any Star Wars fan to give up the chance of holding a saber, at any age!

Always love to hear accounts of folks that fall more in love with their sabers, the longer they are around!

Actually, speaking to your assertion of folks becoming 8 year olds when a saber is around, I have found that to be true for the most part. However, there exist those Star Wars fans that are embarrassed/ashamed of their love of all things Star Wars. The closet geeks who wish to keep their fandom close to the chest, and refuse to be seen publicly enjoying something like a light saber. They even go so far as to downplay the whole thing. I know...it is hard to envision this, especially here in this forum, but it is true in some cases, none the less. I happen to know a couple of them personally.

I actually kind of feel for folks like that, who refuse to let themselves enjoy the cool geekiness that is owning a saber, learning how to use it (to whatever extent makes you happy), and perhaps even building a cosplay costume around it. Someone like that would see it as being an adult, and not being silly. I prefer to think of myself, and likely most of the folks here as fans who allow themselves to unabashedly enjoy something they love, and opinions be damned!

Did not mean to steal your thread, but it kind of touched on an old thorn in my side when it comes to fandom.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled accolades for a saber well done!

Brax wrote:
I happen to be one of these closet geeks. Although I think I'm getting better at showing my fandom, I still tend to downplay it a lot. For instance, I act like I'm ashamed of spending $400+ on a lightsaber, in the hope that people around me won't judge me as harshly for it.

Hopefully, when my saber gets here and my cosplay is complete, I will let my fandom shine forth in all its glory! The nonbelievers will be blinded by its might, and I will finally feel free! Hopefully.

Though we may wish for something to change, unless we are willing to throw the first rock the wall will never crumble.

You sir, are striking a mighty blow for the cause! I salute you! Now, go out and represent!

nice pick for your first saber and a very good revew can't wait too see what else you have to say about after you play...er test more