Curved saber - Mantis CE customization with several pictures

[nathanielreykun]

So this is a Christmas present for my wife (which I may give to her early for the Rogue One premier) that after many hours of strenuous work (and her frustrations that she had to stay in our bedroom pretty much all night a few times while I worked on my "art project" for her) is finally completed. She has a Reaper in VA with Obsidian Lite, but it is way too big for her, as she is quite petite, and since getting it, I got my Sentinel LE V4 in SY with Obsidian V4 and the yellow illuminated switch, she liked a lot of my features and wished she had them for her saber. Also, she is learning Makashi, so a curved saber would be beneficial. All this in mind, I wanted to make a saber that reflected her other one, but would suit her needs and stature much better. So I ordered a Mantis CE in VA with Obsidian V4 and an illuminated switch (that was set to the side--but more on that later!), an Archon pommel, and some MHS parts, and voided the frick out of my warranty. 😉 So without further ado, here she is!



Here is the full thing in all its glory!



This part was by far the most difficult. The grooves were a nightmare to paint, especially for my first saber paint job, and they will probably get more work later on, but for now, they will do. Also, notice I got a different covertec button. While I like to stay US, I won't shy away from a cool design on accessories.



As you can see, I kept the sleeve used on the Mantis emitter, because, as the Mantis is a hulking monstrosity (in a good way), the LED rests very high up, and I needed that extra length. I actually had to file down part of the inside so it could go just a little further in and stay straight. Also, the purple thumbscrew is a dream.



And turned on...



A nice look at the top. I LOVE the contrast between the silver and black.



Remember how I said I bought an illuminated switch to be laid to the side? Here's why. US doesn't offer purple as a color for illuminated switches, so I had to get crafty. Also, I didn't want to have to set up that wiring from scratch, so I can just have an extra for a while. Never hurts, right?



And finally, a look at the blade plug from the front, lit up for all to admire!

So what do you think guys? I know it's not perfect, but she'll love it. Gives you that warm Christmas and Star Wars feeling inside, no?

[RevanReborn]

Very cool!  Really unique hilt- she'll love it!  Great work . 

[nathanielreykun]

Thanks! 😁

[scifidude79]

Wow, that is really cool.  I like what you did with the hand grip section and the painting looks good.  The Archon pommel really completes the look. 

[Jeadus Teal]

So this is a Christmas present for my wife (which I may give to her early for the Rogue One premier) that after many hours of strenuous work (and her frustrations that she had to stay in our bedroom pretty much all night a few times while I worked on my "art project" for her) is finally completed. She has a Reaper in VA with Obsidian Lite, but it is way too big for her, as she is quite petite, and since getting it, I got my Sentinel LE V4 in SY with Obsidian V4 and the yellow illuminated switch, she liked a lot of my features and wished she had them for her saber. Also, she is learning Makashi, so a curved saber would be beneficial. All this in mind, I wanted to make a saber that reflected her other one, but would suit her needs and stature much better. So I ordered a Mantis CE in VA with Obsidian V4 and an illuminated switch (that was set to the side--but more on that later!), an Archon pommel, and some MHS parts, and voided the frick out of my warranty. 😉 So without further ado, here she is!



Here is the full thing in all its glory!



This part was by far the most difficult. The grooves were a nightmare to paint, especially for my first saber paint job, and they will probably get more work later on, but for now, they will do. Also, notice I got a different covertec button. While I like to stay US, I won't shy away from a cool design on accessories.



As you can see, I kept the sleeve used on the Mantis emitter, because, as the Mantis is a hulking monstrosity (in a good way), the LED rests very high up, and I needed that extra length. I actually had to file down part of the inside so it could go just a little further in and stay straight. Also, the purple thumbscrew is a dream.



And turned on...



A nice look at the top. I LOVE the contrast between the silver and black.



Remember how I said I bought an illuminated switch to be laid to the side? Here's why. US doesn't offer purple as a color for illuminated switches, so I had to get crafty. Also, I didn't want to have to set up that wiring from scratch, so I can just have an extra for a while. Never hurts, right?



And finally, a look at the blade plug from the front, lit up for all to admire!

So what do you think guys? I know it's not perfect, but she'll love it. Gives you that warm Christmas and Star Wars feeling inside, no?

Very nice custom. Maybe cut down the blade plug so it fits nicely into the emitter. Otherwise well done.

[nathanielreykun]

Very nice custom. Maybe cut down the blade plug so it fits nicely into the emitter. Otherwise well done.

Yeah, I might do that. I'll let her pick out a plug of her own, I just got a free plug with the Mantis, so I used it here.

[Lord Bladewraith]

Wow, that's a sweet setup. Nice work! I'm particularly fond of the idea you had to use a purple knurled screw to match the VA blade. What a nice touch! Your wife will adore that masterpiece, I'm sure. Congrats and +1 for sharing your work with us!

[Jediseth]

Cool! Where did you find a purple thumb screw? Looks great on that!

[Corwyn VonBeck]

Sweet! nice work man!

[RevanReborn]

Looking at this again- I'm really loving the way the fluted 3" extension looks with that black, and with that cover tec it really sets it off.  Also love the black purple lit av on the silver.  The whole look is awesome! 

[Lord Bladewraith]

Cool! Where did you find a purple thumb screw? Looks great on that!

TCSS has them. They have other colors, too, like red, but a lot of them are sold out all the time.

[Jediseth]

I see, thanks!

[nathanielreykun]

Thank you a so much for your comments, it means a lot!

By the way, I gave it to her before we went and saw Rogue One tonight (AWESOME, by the way), and she loved it!



*Featuring our son's feet and right arm plus some forehead*