What is a Graflex Lightsaber?
"Old is gold," they say.
That couldn't be more accurate when it comes to the Graflex lightsaber.
If you're here to learn more, you're already familiar with the appearance of a Graflex lightsaber.
The vintage appearance, gloss, and shine are a chef's dream!
Furthermore, the allure of the latest lightsaber technology combined with the vintage atmosphere is too strong to resist.
Besides, we should finally address the disadvantages of a fragile lightsaber. Happiness is the erupting joy that comes from knowing that you can finally wield a lightsaber without worrying about durability.
The Graflex lightsaber can, therefore, be used for performance plays, dueling, and sparring!
But what makes it both the strongest and the most beautiful? Can you alter it to your preference?
Learn about the Graflex lightsaber's origins, journey to the Star Wars set, and eventual triumph over the hearts of its followers.
All set?
An unexpected meet!
You must have noticed the Graflex lightsaber right away if you watched the original Star Wars trilogy. It is well-known for being the original lightsaber design created by Luke Skywalker. Even better, Rey Skywalker's distinctive lightsaber has lately been identified as the Graflex lightsaber.
Made the connection. What?
Going all the way back to when the Star Wars production crew began creating the show's props. One of the most challenging obstacles was undoubtedly lightsabers.
The decorator for the Star Wars set visited a store in 1997 to purchase a binocular lens. He kept looking around the store since he was trying to find something that would fit his budget. He requested that the store owner direct him to anything of interest.
A box containing the Graflex speed graphic camera was presented to him. Twenty years ago, photographers utilized the Graflex camera, which is now obsolete. As it turned out, the decorator got an idea from the metal tube that was a part of the graphic camera. It served as the original lightsaber's hilt.
But a number of changes were necessary. One of the greatest lightsabers in the entire Star Wars universe is the product of ongoing improvements!
So, what is Graflex lightsaber?
Since the name's genesis and the lightsaber's demise on the Star Wars set are known to us. It is insufficient. Beyond its illustrious history, the Graflex lightsaber has more to offer.
The Graflex lightsaber is a contemporary lightsaber that is superior to standard tube lightsabers. It has undergone physical alteration to make it more attractive and powerful.
Groves, a contemporary activation box, an AV switch, and a button retention screw that secures the blade are all added to the hilt to better grip.
Graflex conversion kit?
If I had to group all of the previously listed components under one heading, the Graflex converter kit would be my choice. With the kit, you can categorize and alter the hilt.
In other words, the Graflex lightsaber was changed extensively during filming. For instance, the original Graflex lightsaber from "Star Wars IV: A New Hope" and "Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back" differ from one another.
Keep in mind that you can make external physical adjustments with the Graflex conversion kit. You may customize features like screws, grip, D rings, and activation box to your preference. The Graflex lightsaber is more about modifying the original Graflex design to make it stand out than it is about making internal adjustments.
Would you like to construct your own Graflex lightsaber? Let's see what you can do to your Graflex hilt tube so you can show off to your pals!
Graflex clamp?
A metal clamp wrapped around the center of the metal tube that was a component of the Flash 3 Graflex speed camera is called a Graflex clamp. The clamp was stamped with "GRAFLEX" by the manufacturing business.
Did you know that the Graflex symbol was altered to fit the characters in the films, especially Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan, and covered with sticky Mylar tape?
Furthermore, the clamp's initial purpose was to fasten the flash to the camera. It is now altered to serve as a hilt that is attached to the lightsaber blade's base.
I'm not holding back when I tell you that the Graflex clamp is crucial for aesthetics. It can make or ruin your Graflex lightsaber's appearance.
Make your own decision after reading the characteristics listed below!
Parameter specification
Material Nickel plated or Aluminum Alloy
Price Cheaper-Replica or expensive-original version
Modifications to Garflex clamp?
What further changes can be made to the clamp that is a part of the lightsaber hilt?
Often referred to as the "sleeve," the Graflex clamp has a rectangular protrusion known as the "activation box" or "activation switch." Additional features like grooves and bubble strips increase its practicality.
Additionally, you can alter the AV Graflex lightsaber button to a "low profile version" or a "screw version." Finally, further doors for Graflex lightsaber modification are opened by the bunny ears and blade retaining screws.
With these adjustments, you may have the Graflex lightsaber hilt of your dreams.
Let's thoroughly review every component before you start working!
Activation box/ Activation switch
An activation box, a straightforward rectangular projection on the hilt, controls the lightsaber blade energy. It is typically found in the middle or close to the hilt's pommel. Numerous Star Wars characters, including Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader, utilized the original lightsaber activation design.
The switch operates similarly. However, it can be physically altered to become a plate, stud, button, or lever. As the name implies, it "activates" the lightsaber. Star Wars characters only needed to push the switch to turn on and off their blades.
Bubble Strip/ Bubble Card/ Clamp card
These are the ridges on the activation box. The lines, black and golden? Even better, the PCB-lined gold material? It's the clamp cards. They serve as a freebie or final touch to the activation box, aiding in its activation. The aim of these freebies is more ornamental than practical.
In contrast to the Graflex clamp, a less-priced Greeblie is just as effective! Additionally, there are other varieties of Greeble on the market.
To avoid confusion, additional names for the Clamp card include "Bubble card" and "Bubble Strip." These all serve as ornamental elements in Star Wars and have comparable purposes. You can also tell them apart if you look closely.
Luke Skywalker uses a camp card in place of the bubble strip on his lightsaber in "Return of the Jedi" and "Empire Strikes Back."
Still unclear? You'll understand right away if you look at the photographs below!
T Grips/ Groove
The lightsaber will easily slip out of your hands due to the hilt's inevitable slickness from all the shine used to improve appearance.
Either patterned grooves or a more dependable technique can be used to improve the hilt's grip. Like many other lightsabers, the Graflex lightsaber is frequently seen with T grips. The T grips are typically black and have a T shape. Since the T grips are affixed to the adhesive, you can occasionally replace them. They are primarily composed of rubber or plastic. You can identify them if you examine Darth Vader's lightsaber closely!
It is a common misperception that the original Star Wars lightsaber designers achieved the same effect by using windshield wipers. However, the origin and composition of the original T grips remain a mystery to many Star Wars fans.
AV switch
You can use a single touch to control multiple lightsaber typefaces with the AV Switch. This soundboard-connected output controls numerous sound fonts, color effects, ignition modes, and more! The lightsaber's internal functions can be easily controlled using an AV switch.
Two versions are available, which is terrific news. There are two types of AV switches available: lit and non-illuminated. If your lightsaber does not have sound fonts, you can still purchase an AV switch.
Fastening Button
In addition to the activation box or AV switch, the newest and best Graflex lightsaber models come with buttons. Without causing harm to the hilt or the internal attachment screw, the buttons make it simple to connect and remove the blade. Not only that, but you may also select the switch's color. It is up to you whether you want it to pop or blend in with the hilt.
Blade retention screw
The ultimate question that has been bothering you is now answered!
How is the blade fastened to and removed from the hilt? Does the blade also need to be explicitly modified?
A blade retention screw is located at the front of the hilt. You can purchase the screw version or the button version, as was previously specified. If you plan to remove your blade frequently, I would advise you to go with the screw version. If not, choose the button version because it is more decorative and elegant. The screw version is safer because the buttons will deteriorate if you remove the blade frequently.
Specification & Customization?
After reviewing our previous discussion, let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of the Graflex lightsaber.
Below are the measurements of a typical Graflex lightsaber.
Parameter Specification
Length 11.125"
Width 1.55"
Material Nickel plated or Aluminum Alloy
Pommel Removable (MHS compatible)
Blade Polycarbonate Ultrablade
Activation box Low profile anti-vandal button available
LEDs SEOUL P4 or Luxeon Rebel Star compatible
AV Switch (Part 1) Illuminated or non-illuminated
AV Switch (Part 2) Sound no sound
Bubble Strip/ Bubble Card Available
Clamp Card 2 circuit clamp cards
Grip Grooves or 7 ANH T-strips
Screws 6 ESB T-track
Blade attachment Button version or Screw version
Covertec wheel Optional
Thumbscrew Glass eye or red button
D-ring ANH & ESB D-ring
What More?
The components above are essential; without them, your Graflex lightsaber will be lacking, and you won't be able to show off to your competitive fan base.
These components are what you need if you want to add extra thrill and convenience.
Covertec wheel
Covertec wheels are knobs or buttons that are attached to a lightsaber hilt. A Covertec wheel can be fastened to a Covertec belt clip so that you can wear your lightsaber hilt. Belt clips and the D-ring belt clip system are two of the most popular methods by which lightsaber fans hang their swords.
Anti-Vandal switch
When it comes to enthusiasts, those who are overly enthusiastic tend to push the AV switch too hard and break it easily. Other factors might cause your AV switch to malfunction. If you frequently encounter this issue, why not install an anti-vandal switch? Additionally, it removes overload issues, and features like "Flash on Clash" are simple to use!
In the end,
Numerous manufacturers provide Graflex lightsabers with comparable features to those we've included. If you manage to score a decent price, you can even receive an additional soundboard with unique sound fonts.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of offers waiting for you to test out the high-end, contemporary sabers. The Graflex lightsaber is the best tool for taking you back to the beginning of everything. Do you agree?
Learn more about the many types of lightsabers and have fun with your Graflex lightsaber!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Anakin's lightsaber called Graflex?
The first lightsaber is also called the Graflex lightsaber because of the firm name whose parts were used to make it. The Graflex lightsaber is visible even though the name has been hidden.
Is Graflex lightsaber as realistic as FX lightsaber?
The FX kit and the Graflex kit are not the same. FX permits alterations inside the hilt, but Graflex permits adjustments on the outside.
Who used the Graflex lightsaber?
In the first Star Wars movie, Mark Hamill utilized the original lightsaber. It may surprise you to learn that set designer Roger Christian created the first lightsaber hilts using 1930s Graflex camera flash handles, which Obi-Wan Kenobi described as "an elegant weapon for a more civilized age."
Is Graflex lightsaber duel worthy?
Unlike other lightsabers, Graflex lightsabers can be used for battling. The blade attachment is made of standard polycarbonate, and the hilt is made of sturdy material. Furthermore, it is both combat-worthy and beautiful.
Is Graflex lightsaber base lit?
Your Graflex lightsaber may be made to be base illuminated, just like Anakin Skywalker's. Furthermore, a typical base-lit Graflex lightsaber's blade is 92 cm in length (36"), 82 cm "in width (32"), and 72 cm" in width (28").
What kind of blade is suitable for the Graflex lightsaber?
For those who enjoy hard battling, I recommend Ultra-blades composed of polycarbonate. The LED strip is housed in the hilt, which has a built-in light source that provides greater security.
