This isn't the first Graflex to be held in possession and shared nor will it be the last. It is however one that I can call my very own and have wanted to own since seeing others approximately 5Months ago. It remains highly recognisable. This iconic piece is another Commission I had with Lord Dottore Matto (LDM, similar to the MKVI-e) using a Parks Graflex 2.0.
There are essentially three versions that this piece features it's highlighting debut's: ANH, ESB and TFA. Of the three, I gravitated towards ESB as whilst the differences are subtle, ESB IMO demonstrated more symmetry with accenting buttons repeated both topside and underside.
Not just for its iconic stature and presence, the design is quite unique and independent to other Hilt designs available. For this reason and as a Star Wars enthusiast it becomes a very piece that needs to have a presence in anyone's Collection. It is and will remain a debated Hilt as you'll either love it or hate it or even aren't really fussed over or by it. Whilst I have it as part of my Collection now it does hold measures of value with notoriety. Admittedly I was with the latter as mentioned above. Didn't love it or hate it and was one I never paid any attention to. Over time though this gradually changed. Maybe with TFA being released and prompting a higher frequency re-watch of Episodes 1-6 contributed to it. What actually happened though was a once *meh* looking Hilt soon became a *must-have*.
Some Specs and Measurements:
Tri Cree Blue/Blue/White| FoC| Blaster Bolt Deflection| Blade Lockup| Swing & Motion Sounds| Crystal Shard3.0| Currently has Dagobah Font| 7/8" Blade Holder| Blade/Emitter Plug| Pommel D-Ring| Standard Finish| TouchPlate Activation and Auxiliary| Underside Red Button Blade Retention Primary| Bunny Ear Clamp Blade Retention Secondary.
Blade/Emitter Holder Depth= 3.75"
Hilt Length= 10.75"
Observations:
Graflex is a Heavy Hilt. Whilst I haven't weighed it, I find it comparable to my US Crimson Scorpion, sharing similarities in poor balance and an unnecessary heaviness associated to the lower half. Most of my Sabers are 'She's' and it's as-if she's got a fat-arse (or for accuracy a 'phat' arse, nice to look at; difficult to handle ). Whilst it's creative genius that many Owners have unique names for their Sabers, I adopt a more simpler approach and much like the elusive List of Cars in the Movie Gone in 60 Seconds, my Hilts are similarly named.
This all of course without a Blade. As a Hilt alone it is very bottom-heavy which means to grip it, seems logical to do so over the T-Grip Section on rear body. It is comfortable enough and my hand can easily close over it into a closed grip. With other Hilts once you add the Blade the balance tends to shift further along the Hilt in an attempt to naturally level out. Even with a 'moderate-walled' thickness 7/8" 36" Blade it still remains bottom-heavy but because of the extension (with the blade and regardless of how deep the socket is) wielding it over the T-Grips like a relay-runner doesn't seem practical and is actually awkward.
Gripping it between the Switch Box and Buttons is the only other surface area to do so however is very obstructed. I don't believe I have large hands (or small one's for that matter) as with open palm the total width of my hand from thumb to pinkie=8.50". From a Topside vertically aligned point of view, the Switch Box sits on RHS and during wield I believe it to be natural to have the Bunny Ears facing towards me rather away from because otherwise it's like I'm holding it backwards and not in a reverse grip way which is more awkward still.
It seems like it's designed for Left-Handed use when maintaining the high grip position however doing so when transferring to my primary hand, Bunny ears are facing out. On both scenarios the Switch Box still gets in the way. This was interesting as there have been many debates (and preferences) over the placement of Switch/Control Boxes and how they affect single-hand wield. Comparably to MKVI-e (ROTJ) or even MKIII-re (OWK|ROTS or SF Redeemer) the grenade section provides ample gripping space and the Box actually has little noticeable significance and hindrance.
Whilst I can appreciate the aesthetics and beauty of this Hilt it doesn't sit high on my favourites solely on the practical handling merits (or lack of) that it has (doesn't have).
Simply stunning to look at, the sound is rich, deep and surprisingly loud. Nothing to dismiss about the blade illumination and evenness as it is distributed down the length. I like this Hilt however it's not one to say that I love it.
With some real criticisms made it remains a respected Hilt, highly admired for what it is and what was sought now becoming owned it will eternally hold a prominent presence amongst my others.
**more pictures to follow.