A note concerning some of the rumors flying around...

[Master Nero Attoru]

I'm currently discussing this peace with the mods of FX-Sabers of behalf of Ultra Sabers. This is a very delicate process and only time will tell where it leads. For those of you who support Ultra's movement of peace, I thank you. And to those still fighting, I ask you to honor a truce while negotiations are made. No more smear campaigning. No flaming. Either on here, or anywhere else. Have patience.

It's very noble of you to take on this responsibility.  I wish you the best of luck in these negotiations.

If there is one thing we can all agree on (at least on this side), it is that a speedy peaceful resolution is the best and most desirable outcome.  I will strive to maintain the peace over here and hope for progress in this area.

[Scott40]

I also spoke to Caine. He's really hurt and now just wants to ignore everything and leave it between Nova and Ultra. Though I do agree with him, I remember a time where Caine had Ultra's back. I'm hoping that friendship can be repaired as well.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

I also spoke to Caine. He's really hurt and now just wants to ignore everything and leave it between Nova and Ultra. Though I do agree with him, I remember a time where Caine had Ultra's back. I'm hoping that friendship can be repaired as well.

That would be ideal.  The feud serves no one and only drives us all apart.  We should be the most easy going group in the Galaxy for goodness sake!  We're dudes who like to play with fancy flashlights (I know I know).

If the peace can be brokered I'd like to see it happen.

[Taun Telon]

I just wanted to say that I am very new to sabers, as well as all of this "drama" (it sucks, but that's what it is, a rose by any other name and all) and I have done my best to try and understand both sides of this (even though FX has apparently removed a lot of threads regarding it).  BTW, I understand the sound-font conflict, but my opinions on that aren't relevant to my post.

As a newcomer to the saber market (and in turn a neutral party), I feel like UltraSabers is one of the few trying VERY hard to take the high road.  Something did go down, whether it was right or wrong or both, and even if I disagreed with one side or the other, I HIGHLY respect how US is publicly handling this issue.  Almost for that reason alone is why my first sabers I buy are going to be coming from them (the main reason is the active forum community, praise, and proof of product).

I have caught a few things here and there on other boards, and seen how the general saber makers handle their craft.  I see how other boards will ignore UltraSabers mods, customs, or any posts on their sabers.  I do not judge individuals for a communities mob mentality, but overall, the "anti"-US front are acting extremely immaturely, and get no points from me on that.  I am an intelligent buyer, and in doing my research, I notice and account for those things.

I enjoy other boards, the overall environment is great, and the saber community is nothing if not helpful (here and other places).  I think the saber building art has become something that many small custom builders are afraid of, or that they cannot keep up with, and they want it to stay their own, small, elite group.  These feelings are not unjustified!  But the way many are handling it is very unprofessional and generally unrealistic.  If you have a small, exclusive, cool hobby, it will grow-and it will eventually grow into something past your control.  But, I digress, those issues are not concerning UltraSabers... it is just an opinion based on the general community, especially the ones who fight the loudest against change and modernization of the hobby.

In summary, my industry research (and intense board lurkage  ) has given me the impression that UltraSabers is the only supplier providing reliable, high quality, battle sabers for every man as well as the high roller.  I was afraid I would have to spend 500+ just to have a sounded, bladed, lightsaber... but not here.  I appreciate what UltraSabers is providing the Star Wars enthusiast.  Especially us fans who want something fun, quality, authentic, and priced for the side hobbyist.

[Amanita]

I've said before that Ultrasabers fills an important niche in the saber/cosplay market. Not everyone can afford $500-1500 for a saber, or wants to wait for their turn on a long work queue. It's nice to have alternatives. But I guess there's folks out there who consider that an affront or a threat of some sort.
Recently I was doing research on sound/driver boards- there's a special effect I really want to achieve, and I also want to be able to customize sound. Unfortunately even mentioning I've got a saber with an obsidian board in it got people's hackles up. I'm not a groupie or a sycophant, I just want the best sabers I can get for the best prices, bought or made.
Such drama only frustrates me- as a customer getting into unfamiliar territory, nothing is worse than feeling like you've stepped into a virtual biker bar when all you wanted was info or clarification.

[Scott40]

I've seen this type of behavior just today. It seems that some people don't want this drama to end. When they caught wind of my attempts to mediate a peaceful resolution to this conflict, I was met with severe hostility and was told that because I apparently know nothing, I should cease my campaign to end the hate coming from all sides. I have no intention of doing this because like most of you, I see the importance of each and every person in the saber community. We are all peas in the same pod, and because of this, I will not rest until we all can go back to the time where we all saw each other as I do.

[directorcass]

I have been an active saber enthusiast for quite a while. I started out with buying most of the MR FX sabers as they were released. I converted a lot of them, I built a Graflex with an US sound board, I have owned a few US saber stunts, I'm currently building an MHS saber, and I used to be a Mod on the FX Sabers forum. So, I do have a lot of experience with many types of sabers and communities. I got out of the hobby around the time all this went down, but still checked in on the other forum from time to time. That's when I found out something was going on. But of course no info could be gained from over there except what they wanted you to hear it seams. So, I started lurking here and found out the other side of the story. It is sad that this hobby has taken this turn. I applaud Ultra for taking the stance he has. Hopefully, one day both groups will be able to openly talk and share ideas, topics and members.

I'm on a budget and after I finish my MHS saber I have no clue when I will be able to buy/build another saber. But when I do it will probably be an Ultra Guardian. Unless Hasbro comes out with something cooler this year. Just being honest.

[Manroon]

I've said before that Ultrasabers fills an important niche in the saber/cosplay market. Not everyone can afford $500-1500 for a saber, or wants to wait for their turn on a long work queue. It's nice to have alternatives. But I guess there's folks out there who consider that an affront or a threat of some sort.
Recently I was doing research on sound/driver boards- there's a special effect I really want to achieve, and I also want to be able to customize sound. Unfortunately even mentioning I've got a saber with an obsidian board in it got people's hackles up. I'm not a groupie or a sycophant, I just want the best sabers I can get for the best prices, bought or made.
Such drama only frustrates me- as a customer getting into unfamiliar territory, nothing is worse than feeling like you've stepped into a virtual biker bar when all you wanted was info or clarification.

I know exactly what you mean. First time I went to TCSS and started researching to build the custom saber I eventually want to build, or have built, I mentioned that I was thinking I'd like to throw an Obsidian Board with FoC in it. I was met very quickly with replies, otherwise great, mentioning that Obsidian did not have a FoC feature last they had heard, and if it did, FoC was not an acceptable term for any board other than a PC. I was also given a heads up by one member there that talk of Obsidian would likely get negative responses from most of the members there, as would any talk of US in real depth.

Now, I understand, that is the forum of another store, and certain manners should apply as such, but I was a little dissapointed by that type of reaction to the mere mention of an Obsidian FoC board. I mean, Ultra has never had a problem with us mentioning the TCSS parts many of us buy to add to our Ultrasabers, and I've even spotted him using some of their parts in his custom builds from time to time. I fail to understand why there must be animosity in the saber community. But of course, this has all really been said, and I'm just repeating my earlier posts and the posts of others beyond this point. lol But it is a sad thing, and the day it is finally resolved the hobby will be better for it, and I know many of us will be happy about that.

[Taun Telon]

Before everyone's hackles get in a bunch over this whole thing, especially now that emotions are being expressed... I want to comment, especially since I was addressed.

But you don't know what he has threatened or why, all you see is your blinded view that Alex wants you to see.  You see everyone else as anti-US when in reality, Alex's ego trips and mouthy pm's and posts none of you saw is what led to this, NOT a bandwagon of people out to flame him.  He started it, he gave the threats, and that is why.  Ask Mike, ask Tim, verify for yourself if this is true and what the reasoning is behind it, instead of just being ignorant blind followers making assumptions on what you do not understand.

Even if everything you say is true... it still shows how I chose my opinion that UltraSabers is taking the high road.  In my extensive experience with drama-mongers, they ALWAYS end up being the ones to air their dirty laundry, and usually do it trying to make them look in the right.  They may BE right... but immaturity breeds many other bad qualities, which I have no patience for.  US has expressed mature public messages on this issue.  Maybe he is a master deceiver, but I highly doubt it.  I am extremely unimpressed with any public hate, down-talking, and condescension... and so far I have seen very little (if any) from the current owners of UltraSabers.  THIS FACT ALONE is what garners the most respect from me, and therefore my business.  I do not care what has been said in PMs, private channels, or personal conversations.  I can NEVER know what the "real" truth is in these manners, simply because I am not present.  Therefore, I cannot take sides via hearsay and "he said she said".  I am left with my own set of moral code, and can therefore only judge people/companies by that.  I am in no way "taking anyone's side" in this post, and really the only people who are entitled to "sides" are the parties directly involved.  All YOU and anyone else can do is let the industry speak for itself, and right now, many people are doing it a disservice.

[Scott40]

In closing, I want to applaud the person that is trying to broker the peace deal.  Good luck.  You are certainly better than I am.

Thank you! That simple comment really makes all the difference to me.

[Manroon]

Reminds me, in my last post, I meant to give you mad props and a lightside point for that, Scott. Well, I remembered the point, but you know.

[Ultra]

FYI, all our sabers are made in America.  The hilts are machined in Arizona, the blades are made from US manufactured polycarbonate, and the sabers are assembled in California by American workers.  Obsidian is made in Europe, not China.  Even the heat shrink we use is genuine 3M.  The only things made in Asia are literally things we can't get made in America, like Seoul P4 LED's and certain electronics (like switches).  More of your Ultra Saber is made in America than all my Harley's.  If that means anything to you, great.

Well I have tried to end all this bickering in the hobby and hopefully the major players will take notice.  There are only a handful of people who actually run a business making sabers and they have been mostly silent.  The vocal naysayers don't truly have a vested interest in the hobby, they mainly just speak on the behalf of some rumor they heard somewhere.  If I can get others to work together to put an end to all this, then that would be good for everyone.  After all, none of us owns the Star Wars IP, so really, all this bickering is like two fleas arguing over who owns the dog they live on.  It would be unfortunate if the true masters of this dog decided to step in and settle matters themselves.

Those who care about the future of the hobby will stop this nonsense right now.  We want it to stop and I've spoken on the phone tonight to others who will also try to bring this to an end.  Think about every other hobby out there, like RC Cars.  Do you see the CEO of Traxxas being personally attacked by the CEO of Tamiya?  Of course those companies have rivalries, but they win these battles by trying to out-do each other in the market place by releasing better products, not by trash talking each other on Facebook.  That's how it should be in this hobby, too.

The reason why professional businesses do not engage in this trash talk behavior is because it is ultimately self destructive.

More and more new people enter this hobby every day, and they are not concerned with squabbles of the past.  They care about the best value for their dollar TODAY.  They will see people who talk trash about the past as the kind of group they do not want to be a part of.  If you force them to choose sides, they will choose the side that does not place pressure on them to choose a side in the first place.  Over time, the attacking group will become smaller and smaller through attrition.  No one wants to join a side that is founded on old grudges.

Over time, no one will remember who invented what first or who said what on some forum 7 years ago - nor will they even care.  Does anyone care who actually made the first semi-automatic paintball gun? Or the first variable speed transmission for the RC Car?  Nope.  Many different people claim those accolades and whine as they might, the customer does not care!

The only thing that will matter is the state of the product in it's current form.

Regardless of who you are, you have to admit that the current state of Ultra Sabers products is pretty damned impressive for the money being charged.  And frankly, you ain't seen nothin' yet, it's only going to get better.

Ultra Sabers will out-last this drama and will ultimately prosper from it, but Emory and I care for more than just the health of the company.  We care about this hobby and we don't want to see the community that we helped build implode on itself over a situation that is entirely preventable.  That's why we are willing to work things out.

The first thing that needs to happen is all the online attacks need to stop - a cease fire.  There can't be any negotiations while shots are still being fired.  That's Diplomacy 101.  Then we need to get people talking to each other like civilized human beings.  I'm offering this opportunity for peace right now.  If my offer of diplomacy is rejected, then I don't know what else I can do.

[Amanita]

In regards to the video that another sabersmith took offense to and considered an attack, it's the Guardian promotional video, on the front page of Ultrasabers.
You can hear Emory say "Why wait 6-8 months and pay upwards of $1500 to get your hands on a saber design like this when you can shop here at ultrasabers and get one for a tenth of the price, a tenth of the waiting time, and ten times the quality?" "You won't have to pay $250 for this pommel"

I watched the video and didn't see any "attacks". Only referring to the cost of other versions of this saber.
The offended smith sent me a PM on another forum I'm on stating that the video attacked him personally.

[Manroon]

I saw that video and had a feeling someone would get hot headed about it, but really, I don't think it was meant as or could at all be called an attack. It's advertising, and it's true. You CAN get a similar saber elsewhere, but nobody else will sell you that style of hilt for a comparable price, with comparable features, and comparable quality and durability (that I've ever heard of anyways), and the cheapest I've seen that style pommel anywhere else was about double what US charges for theirs. The main thing is, you can get a similar saber elsewhere, but every quote, price, or etc that I've seen on one says it's either Hasbro, or a lot more expensive than US. Too bad that's being taken as an attack by someone, but as I see it, that's just business. Try to make the best you can, and balance price, cost, and the like to try and sell as many as you can to make money.

[The_Night]

i don't think that was meant to be an attack but i do see how that could be offensive to him. especially the "10 times the quality" part. thats essentially calling all his work rubbish.  and ill go ahead and say it, the run he was doing was probly higher quality. i can't say for certain since i own neither, but if the product costs that much its going to be better quality. just plain and simple  

thats not to say the US guardian is bad quality. if it was people wouldn't buy it and it looks like a nice saber. just not a 1500 dollar nice saber.  again, i don't think any offense was meant by it, but i definately see how it could've been interpreted that way