Edit: Oh my, wall of text :O. Pardon the sleep deprived ramblings.
So I just arrived back in England today, after a whirlwind visit to the United States. My fiance and I hit 7 states in two weeks, meeting relatives and friends and the whole ordeal has left me pretty exhausted (not to mention the 30 hours of travel I just got done doing) but there was one bright spot in all of this, sitting at my door when I walked back home were two boxes, roughly saber shaped.
I was originally going to do an unboxing video, but my tongue is practically incapable of forming words in this state - so just a few notes to start, once I get some sleep and it gets dark I'll head outside and really put them through their paces.
First up, my SS Raven in VA (quick disconnect included, with a CG MLS but it appears to be defective. I'll look more closely at that later - I could be doing something wrong) w/ obsidian.
My first thought when lifting it out of the box was "This is significantly lighter than I anticipated". I originally had an ultraedge heavy grade blade on it, but swapped it out to a regular midgrade, because I liked the color better, but could still swing it rather comfortably with one hand, and pull off some basic spins. That being said, it is exceedingly fun to use two handed, and I tend to duel that way anyway.
I love the obsidian, and look forward to messing around with that later.
I love the look, the SS pommel really ties things together nicely and lends the whole thing a very gothic feel.
I strongly dislike how much the hilt rattles when you swing it around, and will probably look into a work around for that.
Still, highly recommended - I look forward to getting to swing this thing around with a bit more conviction.
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Next up, a pair of stunt sabers I picked up for dual wielding practice. An Aeon V3 LE and Initiate V2 LE. DVA and SY respectably - currently both sporting initiate blades.
These things are beautiful. Solid in your hands, very well balanced and light and quick. I simply cannot stop twirling these things around.
I'll update this thread tomorrow with pictures / video.
All and all, a couple of annoyances, but still a very satisfied customer. Satisfied enough to put in an order for a Dark Prophecy in BR. Last saber for a while. I swear.