You were the chosen one... (ANH/ROTS replica graflex)

[Vereous]

Hey builders!! I'm so excited, my May the 4th orders all arrived! Now I get to build a saber that I've wanted for fourteen years.

Let's get over the first hurdle: the prequels hold a special place in my heart. I was nine when phantom menace hit theaters. I was in high school for revenge of the sith. Ill gladly admit they have many problems as films, but they gave me something I desperately wanted: the origin of the greatest villain in cinema.

So when this may fourth sale came around, something just clicked. It was time to make my first graflex.

My build so far:
The Graflex Shop flash handle replica
Tcss replica blade adapter and chassis disks
Anakin clamp card from Slothfurnace
Gold button replica from Shameem (sorry dude, i forgot your forum name)
Anakin rots pins from tcss
Textured lure tape i picked up a while ago for this build and labeled "someday" (not pictured)

anhrots graflex.jpg

The Graflex Shop flash handle itself was discounted due to a blemish (and the only reason i could afford it), an inch long scratch just below the beer tab. Im hoping i can buff this out on the road to a near-chrome shine. Even my crummy cell phone camera can see the scratch, so i have a feeling it'll take a bit of work.
blemish.jpg

On the subject of a near-chrome shine, my lower grip is much shinier than my upper grip. I hope that's visible with my phone camera.
shiny lowgrip.jpg

I have not yet decided on electronics. Id love to have a crazy reveal with a metal 3d printed chassis, maybe neopixel, but im not made of money, so we'll see. This is already going to be a shelf queen, and may end up being a long term build.

Things to do:
Im planning on using the seven grips from ANH, and im keeping the beer tab because... i like it.
I dont know if im going to color the red button or just keep it red. Probably just going to keep it red.
Gold leaf or paint the clamp lever.
As much as id like to put my switches in the clamp, i dont want to alter/ruin Sloths beautiful card.
Find a solution to get a momentary switch in place of the slide switch if i need a two button build.
Gotta try buff out the blemish. If its too stubborn i might weather the hilt like its post Mustafar.
Eventually decide on a chassis, get something printed or try my hand at something crazy.
I need to trim a few screws for a better fit and finish, like shave down the screw for the beer tab.
Find the courage to drill and tap into the lower grip, either for a d ring or the convertech. Haven't decided which.

I hope to have more to show you guys soon. Till next time!!