I will keep this post brief for now and do a more in depth review post move. As many of you might know, I am an avid collector and in particular high end sabers.
I originally got into the hobby back in 2009, after a google image search led me to one of Yoda’s original graflex conversions. Needless to say, I was floored. From there I started my long (and expensive lol) journey of saber collection.
There’s just something special about fan built hilts, a sense of form and functionality a true to essence execution of a timeless and magical fantasy come to life.
The best artists in the craft pour a passion into their works that makes it obvious you are getting more than just a replica prop, but something that is representative of the craftsmanship and commitment to perfection, artistic interpretation and a genuine effort to suspend disbelief in a way that leaves you somewhat speechless.
The hobby for true collectors is one of patience often requiring months and even years to realize a work of art. But for that patience what you get from the true masters of the craft are beautiful recreations both subtle and intricate.
It’s here that we take a break from the philosophy of saber collecting and into the meat and potatoes of my most recent acquisition.
I long dreamed of adding another Yoda graflex to my collection. Previously I purchased a Graflex V replica by Yoda near 10 years ago (one of my first high end sabers). Over the years I watched as the chassis evolved, the intricate designs and functional changes becoming even more awesome than I thought possible. I knew, I had to add a vintage Yoda graflex to my collection and as luck would have it, that day finally came.
A massive upgrade from my 2009 Graflex V US2.5. I added this little beauty just recently and to make it even sweeter, I picked it up in person!
My newest addition, the Graflex VII, Vintage stainless steel chassis #10!
An amazing work of art, pictures don’t do it justice. Here are a few via my phone none the less:
And a few more I will add in the future with a video review.
Couple things that really make Yoda graflex sabers so unique:
-Attention to detail, an amazingly crafted hyper detailed chassis and chamber
-Removable batteries (I prefer this to in hilt recharging as it means more longevity, less risk of leaking etc).
-Durability and overall build quality (incredible execution and care in assembly)
-Small functional details (rice, kill switch, ease of access to SD card etc)
-Some of the best LED and fiber optic setups I have ever seen
-Incredible levels of subtle detail and layering effects
-Synthetic crystal is gorgeous and drilled with fiber optic holders, it’s amazing
-Vintage hilt is immaculate, beautiful and converted flawlessly
-Top to bottom so many small functional and esthetic details that are too many to list atm, for example, beer tab use/ease of change, plastic ring protector in bottom half etc.
So much more I could and will in the future say. It’s incredible, the stainless steel accents have truly leveled up the builds to a whole new caliber.
Yoda is the progenitor of the craft and while there may be many imitators, there is only one Yoda. You know a Yoda built hilt the moment you see/hold it and make no mistake, there is nothing close to it in comparison.
Yoda’s Vintage Graflex sabers are a class of their own, to own one is to own a material manifestation of the very core essence of Star Wars. It’s to me a work of art, unparalleled in its artistic execution and unrivaled in its beauty.