Introducing Rebel General: A Drahcir Custom Standard Issue v3 (picture heavy)

[Drahcir]

So, some of you may remember me mentioning I had wanted to create General Rahm Kota's Lightsaber out of a Standard Issue.

After a bit of debate, a conversation with Emory, a spur of the moment purchase, and working my magic on the hilt I present to you...

Rebel General : Rahm Kota's Lightsaber

Actually...
First a progression of the hilt.

It started as you Basic Standard Issue with one key difference - After some convincing I had Emory move the button to the opposite side of the hilt.
(Fairly sure he thought I was crazy with that request as he was sure it wouldn't look nice)



Then I cut off the point of the Standard Issue's slanted emitter to be in-line with Kota's saber.



Then a bit of sanding and a custom paint job.



Round 1 of weathering - battle damage and dulling the colors.



Round 2 of weathering - filling in the grooves of damage



Proof of concept with temporary leather wrap, showing off the Tri-CG LED setup



Round 3 of weathering - adding brown, brasses, and grays as well as the final cloth wrap weathered by me



Adding a Red Knurled Button from Sedstiskyfaller to again be true to the hilt

And now, the Final Result:

Rebel General : Rahm Kota's Lightsaber

If you look at that second image you may notice a bit of green in the cloth wrap section, I turned the original button hole into a damaged crystal chamber.
The light from the Tri-CG setup reflects on the metal in the hilt to create a glowing window into the hilt.

I had originally planned on doing a true tsuka ito wrapping on this hilt, but it being round instead of the usual oval shape made for a really bulky feeling. I settled on this modified style wrap that still achieves the same look while being comfortable to wield. And yes, this thing can still be wielded. 

This hilt will be one of a kind, short of super bribery I'll never be making another one of these.
Many hours went into its creation and I'm very happy with the outcome.

[magik0012]

Excellent job, Drahcir! Darth point!

[Drahcir]

Thanks magik!

[sedstiskyfaller]

Amazing! Once again you have proven your skill. My favorite part is the emitter section with its battle-worn aesthetic. The leather wrap looks great too! Glad I could contribute something, even if only a small piece 

[Drahcir]

Thanks Sedsti!
When you sent that piece I knew exactly what I would do with it.
 

[ThreadJack]

Awesome! Something about that hilt, maybe the overall simplicity and "katana" look, always appealed to me. Very nice job.

[Drahcir]

Thanks TJ!
Yeah, the simplicity of the hilt design has always struck me.
Kota's hilt has been one of my favorite sabers ever since I first saw it.

[JediXIX]

Another excellent job my friend +1     And I really like the reversed switch and crystal chamber, great idea...... 

[Dauntless Seven]

Drahcula... mercy me and you just keep torturing us less talented and less imaginative with more artistic magic.  Emitter cut down looks good.  Like how you styled that black leather strip wrap.  Did you have to cut it yourself or purchase it thin and flat.  Also the brown leather around the switch looked fine.  Did you darken the cheese cloth with steeped tea ?  Eww I'm not touching that... a few too many coughs and sneezes prior to applying. 

Will give you a sloshy wet point before I dog paddle my way back to the shore.   

[Drahcir]

Another excellent job my friend +1     And I really like the reversed switch and crystal chamber, great idea...... 

It just made sense to me and it was true to the hilt! Emory told me it would look terrible and I was like well, if I left it plain aluminum - sure.
 

Drahcula... mercy me and you just keep torturing us less talented and less imaginative with more artistic magic.  Emitter cut down looks good.  Like how you styled that black leather strip wrap.  Did you have to cut it yourself or purchase it thin and flat.  Also the brown leather around the switch looked fine.  Did you darken the cheese cloth with steeped tea ?  Eww I'm not touching that... a few too many coughs and sneezes prior to applying. 

Will give you a sloshy wet point before I dog paddle my way back to the shore.   

You always have kind words D7.
It's a specially purchased very thinly cut strip of leather, I bought a variety of things - some pre-cut, some I cut myself and this version was my favorite.
I switched out the leather for the cloth because I liked the contrast better and it felt more true to Kota's hilt. Also don't you worry, I used actual dye and paints on it.
 

[Dauntless Seven]

Just noticed where the old switch hole is.  Wonderful damaged crystal chamber and surprised that the emitter LED is so deep that some light leaks backwards.  Agree that the switch looks better there.  This is one of the few Standard Battle Issues that I actually like.   

[Drahcir]

I definitely prefer the switch on this side of the hilt.
If you're not doing a mod though it wouldn't look very nice.

I'm not a huge fan of how plain the Standard Issue usually is, but this gave it a lot of character.
 

[darth tratus]

Wow! Very awesome job on that. I always loved the Kota saber

[Drahcir]

Thanks Tratus

[Kouri]

This has got to be one of the cleanest photos I've seen you take. Kudos on the marked improvement. Details are clear to see, flash isn't overpowering. Just a really nice picture of a seriously nifty saber.