Wanted; Your Opinions On Saber Length.

[Loachri MacTalabh]

Turns out my first saber will be 13 1/4" long. Thats sounds a bit long to me(without being a double bladed hilt). What are some of your opinions? My signature is a rendition of it.

[polarcupz]

Turns out my first saber will be 13 1/4" long. Thats sounds a bit long to me(without being a double bladed hilt). What are some of your opinions? My signature is a rendition of it.

Personally, anything over 12" is too long of a hilt for me...even though I am working on a 40" hilt...haha;)

[Rafalema]

My first hilt was over 14", and it's a great spinner and when gripped with two hands, it makes a good dueler.

[Azmaria Dei]

my first hilt was almost 15" before i cut it down and made it about 12". it was a bit too long for me, but i also wield it one handed and use sweeping strikes and spins.

[mihunai]

This is how i see saber-lengths:

Long saber (13-15"): 2-hander. For controlled swings. Power comes mostly from you.
Normal saber (11.5-13"):You can fit two hands on there, but not really a two-hander. For spinning. Power comes from the blade's momentum.
Short saber (x-11.5"): You just might be able to fit two hands on there, but basically a one-hander. Same as above. Usually used as a Shoto, or for dual wielding.

This rules do not always apply, since the type of blade you use and the internal setup (and the materials of the saber ofcourse)
all determine the point-of-balance of your saber, which in turn determines how your saber is balanced.

P.O.B. Above you usual hand-placement: Blade/Emitter heavy. Good for spins.
P.O.B. At your usual hand-placement: Balanced. Not too awkward to spin, but mainly good for control.
P.O.B. Below your usual hand-placement: Pommel heavy. Good for control.

So basically, the saber length depends on your internal setup and saber material, and whether you want control or spins.

Hope it made sense :-P

mTm

[dgdve]

Personally 13.25 is not overly long and if you ask for other opinions I think its not as effective as doing one simple thing. Go get a papertowel tube or maybe some wrapping paper tube(since it was just the holidays.. maybe) cut it down to 13" and grab it where the grips would be... play with it for awhile, toss it on the stand or hold it up to your belt.. then decide.. Everyone will say to big to small.. but its relative.. if your 6'11 maybe 13 or even 14 with the 40" blade just isnt that large for you.. but if your shorter then normal maybe you should do something different.. and its your saber so I say if you like it, 13.25 is perfect(plenty of room for resonance, ask anyone thats 51% of the experience). I hope that helps.

[Loachri MacTalabh]

It seems it is all personal preference, thanks everybody.

@mihunai Thanks for the P.O.B. that will help a lot.

@dgdve That is good advice, I will do exactly that.

[boshuda21]

Interesting topic. I was just about to post a similar question. I've been working on designing a set of Starkiller TFU2 sabres. According to my reference material and working with MHS parts, I was estimating a 14" hilt, which seemed too long, but seemed necessary to include the elements in the reference pics, whilst having enough room for my hand and it not rubbing against the pommel or box.

Personally I would feel better if I could trim it down to 12-13".

[Loachri MacTalabh]

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb399/Laochri/3e53db8d.jpg
The average hand is 4" wide, In this picture Luke's two fists = 8". Looks like there is another 4" from fingers edge to end of Emitter, and 1" or so for the pommel. Lets do the math; Each fist-4"x2=8"+4"(for Emitter)+1.36"(length of MPS Pommel style 3 v2 from store)=13.36". So thinking 13 1/4/" is average length.

[cardcollector]

The best saber length for you depends on the style of fighting you use...

For example, I use two hands for broad sweeps and for defense. However, I use one hand when fast parrying and blade manipulation takes place. This has led me to enjoy a 10" saber the best, with a 36" blade.

My friend however, uses only his right hand in battle, this lends for a much shorter and lighter hilt. Around 8" and a 32" blade...

My advice is to get some PVC and start swinging it around till you are comfortable with the length of the pipe. Then wrap electrical tape from one end up to where you are comfortable holding it. You should he able to get a fairly accurate comfortable length for your hilt.

[Azmaria Dei]

and sometimes your fighting style doesn't easily fit into these categories - i mainly use only 1 hand and prefer an 11-13 inch hilt. i grip it close to the emitter and use the rest as counterbalance and momentum for the blade...

[Skottsaber]

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb399/Laochri/3e53db8d.jpg
The average hand is 4" wide, In this picture Luke's two fists = 8". Looks like there is another 4" from fingers edge to end of Emitter, and 1" or so for the pommel. Lets do the math; Each fist-4"x2=8"+4"(for Emitter)+1.36"(length of MPS Pommel style 3 v2 from store)=13.36". So thinking 13 1/4/" is average length.

The Luke ROTJ saber is approximately 10.5" in length. I have one, it doesn't feel that short to me. Top hand, I wrap my thumb around the lower choke and the rest of the hand on the grip section, and my lower hand grips below the box.

[Loachri MacTalabh]

Thanks Cardcollector, That is what dgdve said to do. Well, sorta I have been doing that. I made this PVC sabar mostly to find a comfortable blade length.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb399/Laochri/06aaf408.jpghttp://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb399/Laochri/6f92f7a3.jpg
The blacd is 32", the wrap is 8 3/4". The P.O.B. is 1 hand above the wrap, making 11".
I put 6" of led in side the PVC under the the wrap. I guess I can make a hilt with the next size up and glue it together
Everybody Thanks for your advice/input. I appreciate it.

[dgdve]

Sounds as if your well on your way, I'm super glad that helped!(keep us all posted on your build) and good luck