Ma Shu - The Ancient Saber

[FenderBender]

Hello Saberland!

Over the last year or so, we've gotten quite a few requests for SKII concept sabers, or sabers with that emitter. It is also very similar to the TOR Jedi saber from those trailers. So, with all of those customers in the build log, we had a small run of highly detailed, extremely accurate SKII Concept trailer emitters made. You won't find a more accurate or detailed emitter of that style anywhere. I am so happy with the way they came out and can't wait to show off the replica sabers when they are completed :D

This customer wanted that emitter, and after several design changes, wanted the body to be inspired by the rusty grenade of the Obi ANH saber and pommel. He wanted the whole saber to have rusty weathering on it, to look neglected and ancient. He also chose the Ventress FX board. Under normal circumstances, I would not use this soundboard. However, with the theme that this saber is done in, the Ventress actually complements the design. With the double ignition/retractions, odd clashes and angry, ancient sounding hum, it really helps sell the "age" of the saber.

Aside from the uber detailed and cool emitter, the rest of the saber is pretty straight forward and spartan. The customer wanted no bling, no lighted blinkies anywhere and wanted the only light on the saber to come from the blade. The devil was definitely in the details with this build. I tried very hard to look for ways to add my own finger prints to this saber with no artsy shrouds to cut, no cool blinkies to add etc. So I did things like the handmade activation card, a nice recessed custom switch incorporated into the box ( it wasn't originally designed to hold....anything). I also spent several hours on the weathering. First applying standard weathering that I do with the Alumi-black, then using PastorJedi's rust weathering tut', I spent lots of time getting that just right. Applying the oxide surface and trying different curing times before adding the rust agent to achieve different looks/styles of rust. From the flaky surface rust, to the deep, porous corrosion style rust, it's all here in this saber.

Quick Specs:

Custom SKII Concept style emitter
Handmade activation card
Custom switch in box
Heavy, ancient rust weathering
Asajj Ventress FX board
P4 Blue
4.8V NiMh battery pack

Pics:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_011-38.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=011-38.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_024-17.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=024-17.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_027-22.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=027-22.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_029-24.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=029-24.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_016-27.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=016-27.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_017-29.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=017-29.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_019-16.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=019-16.jpg)http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/th_013-32.jpg (http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/AJFenderBender/?action=view&current=013-32.jpg)

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVI4EPMLJkU

[Ty_Bomber]

A great departure from your usual fare. After seeing so many shinnies, another heavy-weathered saber is refreshing. Another great work of art, bling or no bling.

[Boj-Vaati Mau]

That's real sweet, Fender. It looks like it came out of a tomb or burial mound...

[Crystal Chambers]

Love it. Nice to see something so different from you. The weathering makes it look like it's been lost and corroded by the elements. Looks like it would be a good spinner when held high up on the hilt.

[Sloda Foade]

That is so cool, the soundboard really compliments the aged look. Makes me want to build a background story on who the previous owner was and how they lost it. Love it.

[Knighthammer]

Looks great Fender - I really like the BH design.

[Vlad Doon]

As a big fan of heavily weathered antic lightsabers (and of your sabers as well), I really love this one. What a great blade holder. I'm going to have a look right now at the technique. Great great job, as always