Saber Forum

Haven't posted anything in a while, but always been keeping an eye on the forum.

I had to show off my customized Manticore. This has always been my favorite US hilt. Mostly because of that gorgeous emitter.

Old Republic style weathering with some dents and scratches.. A nice gash in the emitter, aged and weathered leather wrap. Topped off with a D-Ring.

New internals, which I wont go into detail as per forum rules, but RGB, 3D printed chassis, bass speaker...

Oh and a nice crystal blade plug, so when saber is on/off, it looks like a crystal chamber visible through the emitter fins.

Enjoy

Before

(https://i.imgur.com/WztVuxj.jpg)

After

(https://i.imgur.com/33dRFCC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Xt32ZKl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SSUzc9L.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ORU9lvf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9hHFpYR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TqGU9H1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/enE8XVL.jpg)

That looks excellent, great job on the weathering and leather. Point to you.

VERY nice and might I add quite tasteful as well. I'd like to know all the details of your internal build but alas, yes the rules lol. Thanks for the share and point!

That is simply superb. Great job.

One of the best aging jobs I’ve seen. Normally my OCD gets cranky when I see scratches on something as nice as that emitter, but this looks perfect. I actually love every gash!

Really nice customization.  I just noticed that this Manticore is presently on the flash sale.

Am going to move your saber thread to the Customization section to inspire others.  I will borrow from your pics a visual imagine of a lighter to moderate distressing and scoring technique for two upcoming gift sabers.  Should be just the right amount of battle wear/effect.  :)

Please share the paint type and brand, if you applied any adhesive to stabilize the leather wrap, and if you used a top coat sealer.  Thanks.


Just thought of the most important question for me.  How did you get the saber to have that dull metal finish ?  I want to remove the shiny pristine look from an Aeon v3 and Sentinel v4.

point  8)

The wrap definitely adds to the look of this.
Excellent work on the weathering as well

Thanks for the kind words guys..

Just for the record, I didn't do any of the work on it. That credit goes to my installer. He has a great eye for weathering. I believe he used aluminium black something... How he did it though I have no idea.

He was able to realise my vision and it turned out exactly how I wanted it..

It also has a small tactile switch on the back under the leather for AUX effects..

@D7 - if you want more details on how to achieve a similar look, please PM me. Happy to assist.

@hazard502 - PM me for specs if you want.

Thanks and will do when my sabers arrive.  I have extensive customization experience but can use all the extra tips that I can get... especially the overall dulling down of the aluminum... which I don't think that the bluing/black will achieve if only applied as a surface layer.  I can't remove the electronic internals to give the sabers a long solution soak.  

You hit the double jackpot with your installer & customizer.  Would really like to see a video clip of your saber... just gloss over the unmentionables if you are able to create one and post it here.  :)

I’ve always loved the Manticore and yours is probably my favorite so far!  I love that crystal chamber effect that you did, looks well thought out.  Do share your aging process because it really looks like it survived the Old Republic era!  I like to point out the carbon scoring that you've added around the top and sides of the emitter. It may be a small addition but it’s effects are huge to me.  Really gives it that relic look and feel. Have a point

Sure. It's due in my hands tomorrow so will do a quick video and try to post later in the week..

It was a combination of aluminium black weathering and paint weathering IIRC..

Thank you.. That crystal chamber blade plug was a last minute decision. Its the standard US blade plug with a crystal mounted inside. Like you said, really adds to the effect.

I don't know the process of how the installer did the weathering unfortunately..

Oh ok. I misread, I thought you did the weathering based on all the mods done to it but you didn’t mention anything so I just assumed.  Great work nonetheless

That's awesome, best looking Manticore I've ever seen. Both the damage weathering and the leather wrap really enhance it, especially the leather.

Based on this statement I'm pretty sure I know what soundcard/set up you have  :)  Fitting internals for such sweet weapon.

This looks wonderful!  Would like to see a video review of this once you get it in your hands.

I'm not one for video reviews but will try to get a video of some sort uploaded.

Thank you.

Unlike most other people here, I never cared that much for the Manticore or leather wraps. But this is one of the most amazing looking sabers I've seen period. Absolutely perfect.

The weather and leather look great, I'm sure it wasn't cheap. Enjoy.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Congrats, that is a beautiful saber!




I kind of agreed, the Manticore always seemed like it should be a staff saber to me. Now, I am starring to change my mind.

 ;)

Thanks.

A Manticore staff, with old Republic weathering? Hmm..

Thanks DS..

I totally agree  ;D

I don't care much for the CE version but I like the regular one with the black grip.  Adding the leather wrap makes to look great and it looks like it should be a staff than a single saber

Nice custom work! It is easy to go overboard with weathering and "damaging" your saber to give it character but this is simple, clean, and believable.

For me the standard Manticore was crying out for a leather wrap. Makes it pop.

I don't think anyone has done a Manticore in a staff config yet, but would look quite good.

I love weathered and damaged sabers, but only the custom ones. Couldn't do that with a hilt that has appeared in movies, TV, games or even comics.

I'm interested in seeing that happened, I think it'll look great as a staff.  To me, it was made for a staff that can split in two

I always have mad respect for someone who takes the dremmel to such an expensive hilt, ya know, being poor and all. Came out really great. It makes me wonder if I have what it takes to weather one of my shinier, more expensive hilts. Good job and choice!!