Saber Forum

Updating a US Monarch to be an ancient/older looking hilt. Empty hilt show. Will update electronics next.

(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/2ad52f5b-9833-4bda-8a72-f9dc5b9ea991/de3v1a5-d085ddb2-6f81-4dce-a4a2-9222f1b5dc0d.jpg/v1/fill/w_1280,h_960,q_75,strp/ultrasabers___ancient_monarch_wip1_by_richmbailey_de3v1a5-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD05NjAiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC8yYWQ1MmY1Yi05ODMzLTRiZGEtOGE3Mi1mOWRjNWI5ZWE5OTFcL2RlM3YxYTUtZDA4NWRkYjItNmY4MS00ZGNlLWE0YTItOTIyMmYxYjVkYzBkLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD0xMjgwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.AePnAST0ASQDpzdFojxGH2COjnx3vbGLNZVrOe07F2g)

See, when someone ELSE does this, I think it looks fantastic, but I’m too cautious to deliberately do something like this to my own sabers.  I have very little faith in my “arts and crafts” abilities.

Seriously, this looks really good!

Not too crafty. I just sanded, used some small files to nick it up some. Then painted with black, then gold metallic, then black again. Once dried, I sanded to give that layered affect. Then clear coat with matte.

Drilled a couple of holes and added the jewel and 10/32 hex screw to add some greeblies. Next, I'll install a new soundcard/LED. Nothing crazy on this one.

Nothing crafty...


[proceeds to list several steps, each of which would make me incredibly nervous about the outcome]

Nothing crazy on this one.


LOL.  You truly do not understand my lack of faith in my own skills.

I watched many videos on weathering props (many on Youtube), scale models and even furniture. I used some old parts in my garage to practice on. Takes a few tries but eventually you can develop your own skills needed. Weathering should look natural so its never going to be perfect. Some mistakes I've made turned out to look amazing since it was unintentional, which is the point of weathering.

If you are hesitant, use scrap pieces to practice on so you are not doing on your hilts until you are ready. :)

Well, think of it this way: If you leave out the paint effects, you are really just accelerating what would be normal wear and tear.  A file adds scratches.  Corners and raised edges will get the most attention.  Same with sandpaper.  whack it against the face of a hammer (do NOT whack the saber with the hammer).  attack it with scratchy things in your junk drawer, then use fine sandpaper to smooth down any rough bits. 

Paint is nice because it adds patina, but it does take practice and some skill to achieve an authentic looking finish.  So hold off on that.  There are some really good dry brushing videos out there, but I prefer authentic patinas.  I will be ordering some chemical aluminum darkener soon.

But you can’t hit CTRL-Z to undo a mistake, or to put back material you wish you hadn’t removed; you have to get creative and figure out a way to work with whatever it looks like now.  I’ve had decades of experience telling me that even when I try VERY HARD to do things JUST SO, it won’t look the way I want it to.

I will definitely be following this thread because not only do I have a dark monarch, but it is one of my favorite hilts.  I love what you have done so far.  Are the accent lights just pure asethics or will they actually light up?  Keep this posted with any and all updates.  May be I will get brave and try this on mine.  Great work so far brother!

I added a new post with the finished photo and short video (Ancient Monarch Finished Plus Video). The jewel is only aesthetic.

This looks fantastic, great job!

Not sure if I posted the final product. Here is a quick video of the finished hilt.

https://youtu.be/l5yIhu2i_FU (https://youtu.be/l5yIhu2i_FU)

That Monarch is FANTASTIC! I really like the finished product. Like Cyclops said, I would never have the guts or the skill to do that myself. Very nice indeed.

It's getting better and better! Looks great, thanks for sharing.

Gorgeous.  Also I LOVE that sound font. Great work!

Point! My feelings exactly xD