Hello, saberforum. It has been a little while, but I'm back and here to show off my latest acquisition, the Menace. This saber was just released this past Wednesday and I am very fortunate to be one of the first owners (and first product review?). Ever since forum member Julmax received a prototype as a raffle prize (link to her comprehensive review:
http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=21703.0) I knew this would be my next saber purchase. I hope this helps anyone still on the fence to see the beauty of this saber.
This saber design is offered in a plethora of options with black, silver, red, blue and nickel plated finishes. The emitter underlay (covered in more detail latter on) is available in black or silver with the option of windows or a solid piece. And of course, the control knobs can be order in any of the above finishes as well. This saber is 10.5 inches long, which is a nice deviation from some of the longer, more massive hilts available.
Now, let's get into the details of my order...
I ordered the Menace CE with nickel plated finish (oh how I love the nickel plating) with Obsidian sound in BR with silver FoC and a red AV switch. I chose to get mine with a black underlay with windows (gotta love the windows). I also decided to keep it canon and got alternating red and nickel control knobs.
As you can see the saber has a beautiful design, and is probably the most intricate design to date on an Ultrasaber. The level of detail and craftsmanship is phenomenal and the resemblance to its namesake inspiration is uncanny. As a canon design, it shines remarkably among its peers. Something to note is the alternating diameters of the saber body from top to bottom, ending in the slight slope of the pommel. This gives the saber character and sets it apart from others.
The standout feature of this saber is definitely the emitter. It has a unique design unshared by any other emitter I have seen, which breaks down into three parts: a main body piece, flanged top, and grill overlay. The windows in the main body piece are circular rather than the expected rectangular shape, but this works to its benefit because it makes lining up the grill overlay easier since the windows are larger than the slats in the grill.
The next key design feature for keeping true to its canon origins is the addition of control knobs along the body of the saber. On the canon version there are 4 knobs alternating between red and silver, larger and smaller. Smartly enough, US replaced the second knob from the top with the switch for the saber. And with an AV switch, the design change is minimal and welcome. With a non-illuminated AV switch, the change can practically go unnoticed, but I like to contrast the red AV switch adds to the style. Not only are the control knobs present, but you may also notice small "accent lights" (they do not light up), button screws, and machined details along the body, further solidifying its sense of detail and accuracy.
The pommel is small and slightly sloped, with the same vent pattern found on the Consular pommel (no doubt a nice nod to its foe's saber). It is a nice finishing piece.
An interesting departure for this saber from other US is the position of the covertec wheel. Here it is placed nearly opposite the switch, at a high point on the saber. This at first seems bizarre, but actually allows it to be carried with a longer blade when affixed to your belt.
Though this would be a fine place to continue to marvel at this saber, I must cover some downsides as well. The design features are its crowning achievement and its biggest curse. The addition of all the design elements, from the accents to the control knobs and placement of the covert wheel make it hard to find a comfortable grip higher on the saber. The choke point below the emitter is accessible for spins ,but gripping the saber lower comes at a cost to balance. This of course makes it even more suitable in staff form however where this saber is expected to shine.
All in all this has quickly become one of my prize possessions and I will cherish it as a part of my collection. I will now leave you with some size comparisons, some additional images of pommel swaps with my other CE sabers, and a final image to honor the canon it was inspired by.
Menace CE vs. Manticore CE
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/16224411519_28fdf946a4_z.jpg)
Menace CE vs. Graflex CE
![](https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8591/15790596703_756f0f2d99_z.jpg)
Menace CE vs. Guardian CE
![](https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/16222987468_d2f9b4e742_z.jpg)
With Manticore CE High Pommel
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/16224413849_f9189600f1_z.jpg)
With Graflex CE Pommel
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/15788157864_1df5ba8596_z.jpg)
With Guardian CE Pommel
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/16384656146_0c4eda167c_z.jpg)
Final pic in honor of the duel of the canon sabers (unfortunately I do not own the Consular to make this a trifecta):