I have finally... "ascended"... to the realm of high-end lightsabers.
This is my first Crystal Focus-equipped lightsaber, and my first Ascend. It is from the run of CF6 Ascends from earlier this year, #10. Thanks to Jedicri and Aginor for making this happen. (more on that tomorrow, it's a surprise! 8))
It's AMAZING. The craftsmanship, the weathering, the EVERYTHING. It's everything I've ever wanted in a saber. The way the saber presents itself just sits it apart from anything I've ever held in my hands.
Also, I apologize for being quiet and sorta "Silly"- didn't get much sleep and was still tired from working on the railroad (all live long day yes i typed this just so i could crack the joke, the guys at the yard hate me for that) and my dad just got home from the rails as well. xD
But it is an honest window to the sheer joy and amazement at holding this saber in my hands. It's a dream years in the making come true. I've been in the saber hobby community since 2006 I believe, and we all know how rare Crystal Focus soundboards were back then. They were the "top of the top" to me. To a newbie like me back in the day, the features the CF had were things of dreams. And now... the day has finally come where I have one in my hands. :D
Rob, your work is amazing. Top notch. Blew me away the instant I got the bubble wrapping off. I know that more Ascends are in my future. (and my best friend's future as well, his birthday next year will be his best :D)
May I present to you: "THESE AREN'T MY GLASSES, OR: A Honest Reaction to an Amazing Lightsaber"
First reactions to an Ascend, and Crystal FocusAnd now... Review time! :))
As the story goes, the CF6 Ascend run came and went. At the time, I didn't have a good enough job to justify getting one, so I had to pass on the run. :(
A couple months later, after joining up at BNSF and working my butt off in the summer heat, Pfockerchief posts his amazing video and topic about his CF6 Ascend, and that leads me to a realization: I can actually AFFORD one now!!!
I look around, nope, none are for sale. So I decide to go all out, and message EVERYONE from the run list. Everyone unfortunately declines, citing "this saber is way too amazing to let go of." I can't blame them!
Then, it happens. I get a message from the Gentleman and Scholar that is Aginor- he's willing to sell the #7 clean version. Score! Right place, right time, it seems. We arrange for payment and shipping, and it's underway.
And then, another great thing happens. Jedicri had his CS Ascend for sale, and I was talking to him about it. I had to pass on it, due to me being on the hunt for the Legendary CF6 Ascend. We got to talking, and I told him that I had found #7, and that it was now mine. I had posted a "Wanted" topic about wanting to buy a weathered version Ascend from the run. I bought a clean version, as no weathered ones were available. He congratulates me on a hunt finished, and added "Well, I've always wanted a clean version from that run, I have a weathered version... So, if you'd be interested... Trade, your clean for my weathered?" SCORE 2.0 YOU CAN (ABSOLUTELY) GET WHAT YOU DREAMED OF.
So, hats off to both Aginor and Jedicri for helping make this happen. And now... onto the review!
I've only had MR's and Ultra's up to this point, and I already knew that the Ascend was something special. As you've all seen in my video, my first experience with an Ascend was MAGICAL. It's so... Thin! (whoever gets the reference wins a cookie from the "future" ;) ) It has a very nice comfortable weight to it, and it's a glorious saber to handle. The choke point is in the perfect spot. The overall appearance of these sabers is PHENOMENAL- the Ascend is amazing by itself, but add the shroud and the powder coating and it just makes it a whole 'nother beast.
I still like the weathered version better... but the clean version is also awesome. I just *might* have to hunt one down sometime... Or just have my own custom Ascend 8)
In conclusion, Ascends are one of the greatest saber choices out there. If you're on the fence, GO FOR IT. You will NOT be disappointed. The craftsmanship and overall quality of this saber is phenomenal. It blew me away the instant it was in my hands, and it continues to amaze me just how great and versatile this saber it. You collection is not complete with an Ascend (or two... or three... ;D)
Pictures to follow in another post.