The ANH blade can be removed but it is not designed to be easily replaceable. I've been inside one and it was no fun. I have mixed feelings about removing the blade. If used for dueling, it may fly out and injure someone. Personally, I got hold of a defective saber for cheap and gutted it so I have a belt hanger if needed. If you want the blade to be removable for costuming purposes, IMO the removable blade doesn't help anything because you have to figure out where to put the blade. :angry
Anyone have problems with the grips falling off their ANH vader? Every one of mine did and I lost two. I just took the rest off and did a Yoda's House upgrade.