Scott D's "Graflite Challenge" Custom Lightsaber (The "Darksider")

Scott D

Sr Member
Have you ever seen the clip of George Lucas in the TPM behind the scenes footage where he says...


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...after watching the rough cut of TPM for the first time? Well, those were the words going through my mind when I was doing the final assembly this one.

The inspiration began when Panaflex posted pictures of his military surplus black Graflite custom Lightsaber and I totally dug the look of it.

Graflites don't get a lot of love and I'm already not a fan of aluminum flash tubes, but I thought it still might be worth an attempt.

When an Ebay seller recently put up five 3 cell Graflites for $25.00 each, I bought one and I know SethS purchased one, as well. He called it "Taking the Graflite Challenge" and came up with an interesting design for his. Now it was my turn.

The original plan was to make a 100% black custom Lightsaber, but as you can see, it went in a different direction. Way different.

I see it being a "battlefield pick up." Something Lor San Tekka (Max Von Sydow's character in TFA) might have found during his travels throughout the galaxy. I consider this to to be a saber that belonged to one of the "bad guys." Not too sure if he would hold onto an item like this this. Too many darkside vibes.


There's a slight homage to Luke's Holiday Special version and to Vader's ROTJ version. The rest was more or less one big accident and I learned that Birchwood casey Aluminum Black can do really weird things.

It isn't my usual handiwork, but at least I took a chance and let this project turn into something...unusual.

So...is my entry in the Unofficial RPF Graflite Challenge a win or a fail?


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This is amazing. I love the relic quality of it. Did you take pics during the build? I really like the emitter assembly.
Details man, details!
Outstanding weathering.

Oh, definitely a win.
 
I like it! .. maybe a bit too much with the bolts etc, lined up at the top, but I would put this in my collection in a second.

Any kind of build log? I'm curious about some of the pieces.... I'm guessing you scratch built a lot? Not found parts?
 
Win win win! All the win! :thumbsup

A breakdown would be cool, (which parts come from what). It looks kinda like a Graflex clamp, and the emitter looks Graflex-esque. I'm not an expert in flash guns, is that how the Graflite looks originally? I mean the curved end of the flash tube, not the cylindrical piece inside.
 
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Very well done! What did you use for the Vader ROTJ style emitter?
 
Holy **** snacks!!!

I-- What-- How---

There is NO challenge if Scott is involved. Automatic win!

This thing is amazing. It IS overkill-- but that's why I love it. It's like a cool version of the ROTJ Vader saber that was found in the wreckage of the second Death Star. Obviously, as I go to build a "relic" saber I am green with envy. I am in awe of your skill.

I think your Canon Y, Peaks and Brute are amazing works of art-- but this one really shows off all your creativity and skills. Amazing job. Part of me wants to just trade you all my raw materials for your finished sabers-- but a bigger part of me just wants to do better and get myself to your level!

Just stunning.
 
Love it! Little bit of everything in there, with some character added. The finish is amazing.

Man I dig those grips too.

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As I said in Panaflex's thread, I don't usually like non-OT sabers, but I liked his and I like this one too. Looks cool. I like all of the rust.
 
Now if this was Kylo's lightsaber in TFA ... true to being all vintage parts and thus a result of his love for his grandfather ... I could really appreciate it :love

Chaim
 
Total win! Probably the best, and most OT respectful custom saber that I have seen. Very well done!
 
Wow, that is the nicest Graflite I have ever seen. Well done.

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Big thanks to everyone with the kind compliments. :thumbsup

I was thinking about what happened during the refinishing process and decided it might be because the Graflite is made out of a low-grade aluminum, perhaps? I've dunked Bobadebt scope brackets and flash hiders in the past and didn't have this kind of result. Just a theory.

I did indeed make WIP pics, Let me get them uploaded and I'll do my best to answer all questions.
 
Um, yeah, that's a big win. Damn, man. So good.

If I had to say anything about it, I'd say I might like to see one or two small bright details break through the monochromaticness (which is fantastic btw) like the red button and the teeny screw beneath the shroud do.

Also it is very long, which usually bothers me in a custom build, but it totally works with this one for some reason. It still feels visually balanced. That's key. Kudos.


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