Saber Forum

So, as some of you know I recieved a Initiate V5 for my raffle prize. I was not happy with the claws invading my choke point and I prefer a dark saber. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice saber and I love the new grip pattern and the emitter and pommel are awesome to look at, just not the most practical for easy handling.

So I went ahead and trimmed its claws and put a base black coat on it as I decide if I will give it some weathering, or silver accents, or  color highlights. It now is much easier to spin and I love it. Just can't decide if I'll use the pommel it came with or something different depending on the customization I go with.

Before:
(https://i.imgur.com/cGEzF0M.jpg)

After:
(https://i.imgur.com/fbZsTtV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IQnbCWj.jpg)

Looking good so far. Also the Dominix with the catalyst pommel looks excellent

Looking good there, DBTD! I like how you’re not afraid to make it yours and began painting it. Following this thread carefully as always since I’m eager to see what your plans are for it.  Looking good so far, expect anothermpoint within the hour.

Just got that dominix in my grab bag…That pommel DOES look great

To me this looks like what the V5 emitter claws should have been, great customization for sure.  I'm happy to see you got that sweet choke point back to utilize.

He’ll ya brother!!! Super sweet!!!

Thanks all, I agree haz, this to me is how they should be especially since the previous Initiate/Dominix lines are super spin friendly and their choke points are the highlight of the sabers.

Off to a good start

Very nice looking! That's a really cool looking metallic paint. So is the pommel end completely as wide open as the concept photos show it to be? 

I really like what you did with the claws. I'm looking forward to seeing it as you continue to customize it.

Yup

(https://i.imgur.com/XvWSh9k.jpg)

Wowzer, now that's a hole... I think it's time for US to jump on that pommel-insert wagon.  ;D

Not just to keep things in but any kinda debris outta there, plus an insert is just a nice stylish touch.

Great job with the claws! Looking good.

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Thanks for the info. I was actually considering this one too

Point. I like it.

Very nice work knocking down those claws bro!! Has the appearance of the claws never being existent!! DrkSydPt

I like the pommel choice

Appreciate the love all. Went ahead and did some light weathering to get things started in the right direction. Deciding what to do with the grenade grip and still not sure if I want to use the stock pommel or
(https://i.imgur.com/SRVRWqF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zolabEm.jpg)

That looks really nice. :)

Very similar to the weather I want to do on the Dark version I have. Good job so far.

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sweet!
P.0.1.N.7.5

Man, it’s coming along nicely, DBTD! 

Yup that is sweet looking.

I tried something different, didn't pick up my Dremel or a piece of sandpaper. Since it was paint and not anodized, I used that old pocket knife which was super fast since I haven't clear coated yet. It was actually very precise and since it's not super sharp it kind of pulls that little bit extra off to give it the weathered look.

Weathering looks real good, US should take note of what you did with the claws, I think that is a great improvement over the current design.  Point for this

Thanks EB, what I like about these claws is that they prevent your hand from slipping up the emitter like mine sometimes do on my V4. I wish they put the claws facing up towards the blade.

How does it spin, DB?

By trimming the claws I like it more than the V4 for the aforementioned reason, but the V3 is still the spinning business. Truthfully it's a modified V4, with the  grip changed ( I love it) and claws added. Once you pop a claw off you can see it when you put it side by side

So you can pop the claws off? How hard or easy was it? Did you have to do anything special?

Yeah, instantly I knew it was an updated V4 with a new grip and claws. Still looks nice

Some excellent beginnings there

I like it. I really like what you did to the claws.

Haven't had much time lately on here (or anywhere except work), but I do like to work on my sabers for at least a 1/2 hour a night.  I've finished stage 1- clip claws, sand and paint & Stage 2- accent and light weathering. I like the way the grip came.

(https://i.imgur.com/APOS5BE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/52VgCPi.jpg)

Now onto the final stage- choosing a pommel (I don't want to use the pommel that came with it) and a little dressing up.

That grenade grip looks perfect for weathering. That weather pattern you did looks super realistic. Love it.

The claws looks so much better now and I love your weathering work, DB!  Pointage

DB,

When you painted the saber, how much sanding do you usually do? I have a Dominix LE v3 that I'm working on and I'm trying to figure out how much sanding is enough? Just to dull it a little? What is everyone's stop point for sanding before painting?

I really like your mod, especially the 'claw reduction'!  And the weathering is rad, too ;D

I just lightly sand or use steel wool to dull it. I use a primer as well or a paint with primer for good adhesion. I'm about to clear coat it when I get home from work.

Ok...I guess I went for the "overkill" method and I sanded the living tar out of it yesterday with a pretty abrasive sand paper. My paint had primer in it and I have given it 2 coats...fairly pleased with the results! I'm waiting for it to finish the curing (which I think takes a day or 2 to be really safe.) I will clear coat when I'm done painting and weathering...and maybe even damaging.

Weird question for everyone:

Do you notice that when you begin this process and start customizing a saber that it starts to "talk" to you and thus changes in your plan start to happen? Have I inhaled too many paint fumes? :-\ ;D

Having been around too many graffiti artists. I would say the answer is yes, and yes.

Oh yes, my sabers talk to me when I work with them and plans change on the fly.. Like this one. I really like it the way it is now and just need to figure out the pommel.

It’s all about listening to them

Let the Force flow through you man  :P ;D

I hope I'm not the only one who thinks it's utterly fantastic that the way we mod and create our sabers mirrors how the Jedi/Sith actually did theirs. Talk about being connected to a franchise...

No words, bravo!

(http://media.giphy.com/media/a0Lgc1JvbfS4o/giphy.gif)