I would imagine that out of the unreleased LOTR swords, Guthwine is the most requested. I see it all over the place on the UC Facebook page.

jnicktem wrote:I would imagine that out of the unreleased LOTR swords, Guthwine is the most requested. I see it all over the place on the UC Facebook page.

Kit continues to maintain that sword has little to no chance of being made by UC this late in the game, and if anyone knows, it's him. That whole Facebook fiasco thing was a cruel poll that popped up the moment Indy started taking names for his Guthwine project. I don't think UC ever intended to seriously ask how many people wanted that sword. Indy has just over a hundred people on his list, but with the crazy cost of steel these days, UC would probably be barely breaking even on a run of thirty times that number in theoretical sales.

Asking fans and collectors what they want to see made or brought back to the line was 'cruel joke'? ....wow.

Deimos wrote: So which sword/weapon was the best seller?
Or maybe just list all the re-issues, most popular (by sales) to least popular.

I don't have their sales data, I just saw the two at the bottom. Boromir's sword was the other one, which was a disappointing because for about three years it was the #2 most requested sword to be reissued. I had heard pre orders were very low on that one before they ever arrived though, so it was not really unexpected, then the factory put the markings on the wrong side which did not help. The rest looked like they are selling though well.

Asking fans and collectors what they want to see made or brought back to the line was 'cruel joke'? ....wow.

jnicktem wrote:I would imagine that out of the unreleased LOTR swords, Guthwine is the most requested. I see it all over the place on the UC Facebook page.

The Facebook tally I posted here last year showed it #1.

double post

Oh I am not saying that I am expecting UC to make Guthwine- just stating that UC probably knows it's a much requested sword- but UC has to weigh their chances and they probably think it's still too much of a risk.

There would have needed to be strong data showing both old and new LOTR collectors would have been interested in it. I had hoped strong Herugrim sales would have led to Eowyn's sword being reissued, and if that had done well...then maybe the third. It seems the popularity ranking order from the original LOTR period has not changed - we are in the minority. Hopefully Indy will get his version made at some point.

Phew...

Well, let me just say that this thread has been a great read. It took about 4 hours, but I made it through!
Thank you all very much for keeping the discussion and updates going for so long, and thanks to Kit for being such a great ambassador!
It looks like I popped back in at just the right time, what with Kit just announcing UC has renewed the license.

So, after seeing all of the pictures and reading the discussion... I wonder what are the consensus 'must haves' from the Hobbit lineup?
Orcrist is #1 on my list.
It sounds like the bows turned out great as well.
Sword of Thranduil seems like a good buy especially with the frog possibly in the works.
Any other recommendations from those who have the items in-hand?

I can't wait to see Bard's sword.

Kit, my apologies if I have offended you, but my comment was not without precedent and basis in some facts. I'm guessing you forgot (or missed) what happened some time ago around when Indy started making his sword. A particularly malicious individual who had been banned from this forum began a personal vendetta to sink Indy's project and stop his Guthwine from being made, citing it as illegal. He threatened that he would contact UC and it appears that he did, though the outcome was not what he hoped for. The whole thing was rather ugly and he ended up being banned from Shadow and Flame as well, as the whole thing dragged across that forum as well and onto UC's Facebook page. It was the timing of UC's Facebook guy posting the picture of Guthwine and asking people if they knew what sword that was that prompted everyone to start asking again that UC make the sword, which was an action that played right into that individual's hands: if UC would actually signal interest in making it, Indy's project would have been effectively dead. In the end, it doesn't seem UC was interested after all and you've said a few times that they would need about 3000 in confirmed pre orders to make a profit on this blade.

That is why I said that so-called poll was a cruel joke, because of the way it came about, and due to the fact that it accomplished nothing ultimately except to give fans false hope that UC would make it, and endanger Indy's project in the process. You can read whole thing over at Indy's thread here starting around page 5. Unfortunately the S&F part of this ugly situation is gone because S&F lost their database.

Anyway, I don't want to bring this whole thing back up because it makes my bile rise thinking of what happened, but I owed you a clarification for my comment, which was made in a moment of anger for the reasons mentioned above.

My issue never was and never will be with UC trying to find out what fans want, but rather with the very fishy timing of that Facebook post and what was ultimately behind it all.

You are talking about something different than what we are. I'm referring to the actual poll that was on United's Facebook page early last year, not one of those "who wants to see this made" posts the BudK people put up. It was a request for what reissues people would like to see. I instigated it, informed people here and elsewhere, and I posted the results here. People posted anything and everything they wanted to see made, not just reissues, and there was a huge response. Probably the biggest response to anything they ever posted on their Facebook page and a main factor in the reissue reissue sword selection, the Anduril scabbard reissue, and getting them to look at Guthwine and a few of the others top requests.

Yes, we are indeed talking about two separate events, and I was suspecting as much as soon as you inferred in your first reply that you had something to do with the poll and I was certain you had no connection to that first situatuon. I'm glad we cleared that up... I do so hate it when I say something that gives you pause.

I remember BOTH of those things happening separately and yes you are talking about two very different instances. I was repeatedly contacted by that malicious individual via PMs on the Flame. He wanted Indy shut down because he hates happiness and creativity and wants the world to be seen behind the glass of a museum case. He contacted the UC Facebook page.

Kit, youe poll was a much later and much better circumstance.


Oh and Draven, you want those Tauriel knives.

Fingolfin wrote:I remember BOTH of those things happening separately and yes you are talking about two very different instances. I was repeatedly contacted by that malicious individual via PMs on the Flame. ...

Why did he contact you personally about Indy's [proposed] Guthwine?
Did he think you had some sort of privileged power that could stop Indy's project?

Well, I picked up the new Gandalf staff (with pipe & nail) and its really awesome. I actually like it better than the earlier staff with the somewhat hidden "white" staff inside that I also own.

I also picked up the (reissue?) of Boromir's sword. I missed this back in the day so I was thrilled to pick it up at a fair price. It's really cool that UC is re-releasing some of the old classics!

I may have missed it but do we have any idea when the black arrow will be released? Do we have any sneak peaks of that one?

Thanks Kit for all the openness with the fans. It's really cool to have someone involved with the whole process so active on a thread like this!!

Deimos, he was schmoozing me up, trying to make an ally for himself; someone with real taste who would sympathize with his noble pursuit.


Darth, how is the weight of the new staff compared to the BOFA staff? That thing is a beast compared to my Radagast staff.

Ah yes, I have a vague memory of that being discussed here. I don't think it was ever determined if the Canadian who kept emailing United over and over about making it was the same person you guys are talking about.

Regarding the weight, it's not feather light like the Weta Radagast staff, but about half the weight of United's AUJ staff.

Nasnandos wrote:Ah yes, I have a vague memory of that being discussed here. I don't think it was ever determined if the Canadian who kept emailing United over and over about making it was the same person you guys are talking about.

Not to belabor this buried and sordid affair, but the individual in question was most definitely not Canadian although he was fond of using multiple identities and nationalities to trick people. Possibly it was him that was pestering UC to make Guthwine, but not for any noble or selfless intent, of that I can assure you.

Anyway, this person has already gotten more attention than he should ever receive in a million years. I'm sorry I ever brought this up, and like Fin, I'm very grateful for the helpful poll you did much later.

Just out of curiosity, who has final say in what gets made as a result of these polls/meetings? UC or BudK? Is there even a rep from BudK present at these meetings?

By BudK, do you mean Clint, the owner of both companies? He has the final word, but those are usually decisions made by he and United's product development department.

Yes, I suppose I mean Clint, though I figured he might have someone else handling these day-to-day things. I had no idea he was such a hands-on owner, but then that's the best way to ensure your company is doing exactly what you want.

Nothing is confirmed yet, but it looks like getting that last G staff made has moved from unlikely to possible now

Holy Moly! It's almost like a potential dream come true! Hope it gets done as it's many peoples grail piece (mine included!)

Mine as well. If it works out, I'll be sure the crystal is removable as well, and be sure it is the accurate shape, unlike the one in the Noble replica.

That would be cool to have it removable and also with an additional one with an embedded LED to be lit up.

That's awesome news, Kit. Any folks dropping over 1k for that Noble staff are going to be mightily upset.

Please make sure the folks at United don't forget the G rune this time.

Nasnandos wrote:Mine as well. If it works out, I'll be sure the crystal is removable as well, and be sure it is the accurate shape, unlike the one in the Noble replica.

Is this what the crystal is supposed to look like? I found some screen caps taken from the DVD prop photos on flickr.

Yes, that is one of the prop master photos. It's that exact shape in FOTR, or the half sticking out is. In a few parts of the movie it looks different, but I think that was because the light up version was sometimes placed on there crooked.

Valkrist wrote:That's awesome news, Kit. Any folks dropping over 1k for that Noble staff are going to be mightily upset.

It's more like 2.5k to 3k now!

Valkrist wrote:Please make sure the folks at United don't forget the G rune this time.

Ha, ha. That was me, not United. It was not in the BOFA prop reference photos I had, so I removed it from the FOTR prop, to be accurate! The Moria staff has two of them.

Fantastic news! I've wanted that staff for a long time. Yay!

I am looking forward to seeing more information on this . I agree this is a holy grail item for me as well ! ! !

I have a prop coming that needs some serious clean up, and I have the green light to start on it. As with any of these things, there's no guarantee it will actually happen, but if it all works out it may be on the market mid next year. Hopefully with a light-up crystal, or at least an LED in the bottom of the hole for the crystal to illuminate it.

Cool to know things are moving forward. I would prefer the crystal be lit up by its own and not have the the electronics embedded in the staff. That usually involves some sort of battery access somewhere that is scene on the product and takes away the illusion of being "real". Just my preferrence.

I agree with you N2 , would be better if the crystal lights up itself. I will however just be happy with this staff at all ! !

Oh so would I! Beggers can't be choosers.

But we can continue to be dreamers ! ! !
Especially for a dream that may be close to reality

Valkrist wrote:That's awesome news, Kit. Any folks dropping over 1k for that Noble staff are going to be mightily upset.

My thought exactly...and in one case it was $1600 (USD)

Edit: $2.5K now for the NC version???? omg.....well, I think the bottom is close to falling out of THAT market .
And with Kit's news, it's already too late for any of the owners to sell at a profit.

Valkrist wrote:That's awesome news, Kit. ...

So, val, any idea where/how you are going to display it?
Did you leave space for it on the off chance it might be made?

The only problem with having the LEDs in the crystal is that it is supposed to be almost transparent, making everything inside visible. The size of batteries that will be able to fit inside it will be limited to those little button cell types - but I have some ideas to make all that work without seeing the guts. Worst case is that is will simply have a pocket in the bottom of the hole for the crystal for a self contained LED light. Basically something removable, in a tubular case, about the size of a typical keychain LED flashlight.

One change I may make is to do the paint finish duller than the prop. It's quite a bit shinier than the other staffs, but duller seems to work better when reproducing these wood colors and paint washes in the factory.

Deimos wrote:So, val, any idea where/how you are going to display it?
Did you leave space for it on the off chance it might be made?

No idea for now. I'm on the other side of the world from home right now so I can't even go into my collection room and begin visualizing this. I basically had zero hope UC would ever have a chance of making this thing, and I knew I would never be nuts enough to pay asking price for the Noble version. My one staff spot left is reserved for the pipe staff. Then there's the elven polearm, which is also long and displayed vertically. I still have to figure that one out, but I don't care, I'm getting this staff and that's that, even if I have to use the ceiling like Kit keeps suggesting.

P.S. - It's a good thing Gandalf's cinematic adventures are over. Between the six movies, the old boy goes through four staves. Way to save the trees Gandalf, the eco-unfriendly wizard.

I'm very excited about this staff. I have long harboured the idea of having one each side of my (to be created) feasting room in my (to be found) new house.

Lighting up the crystal would be cool but how to do that without making the crystal look fake. That would be perhaps impossible.

So wait.... You mean to tell me that I just paid $4k for the Noble version for NO reason!??

GAH!

I was thinking of something super small and easy to turn on, like one of these.



I also like the idea of the flatter sheen. The paint job on the Weta Radagast staff is extremely well done and looks like wood. The newer Gandalf staff with pipe is also a big step up from the earlier AUJ staff in the paint department so I think they are getting better.

Those LED lights are a bit small for the illumination needs. I tested a compact light this afternoon with a 3 LED board inside. Fits right in the space available under the hole for the crystal, and illuminates it pretty well. I used a clear acrylic block about the size of the crystal and cut some facets and grooves in it to scatter the light.

It's not as bright as the halogen bulb used in some scenes in FOTR, but it is as bright as the one in these shots.

I'm pretty confident that what ever you come up with will work just fine. Even if it dosen't light up I'd be more than happy. I'm sure it will be displayed off 98% of the time anyway. Where did you happen to aquire the prop your going to be replicating from?

The prop source probably does not want the name revealed, so my lips are zipped on that. I'm just happy I was able to get one to make a casting. No crystal though, so I'm sculpting that.

No problem, I was more curious if it was a Weta prop or not. I look forward to hearing more.

Actually it was the Three Foot Six prop department that made these staff props for LOTR, not Weta. Weta was primarily weapons and armor.

I always forget about that as Weta is so well know for all there work on these films, and Three Foot Seven on the Hobbit films. I think the Hobbit Chronicles books show both items and really help blur the lines on who makes what.

What was the eventual fate of that staff? I was imagining that it shattered when Gandalf cast his spell on the bridge, but I seem to recall him still having it when the Balrog steps onto the span. At that point, I guess it just fell into the Deeps of Moria and lies there to this day.

He lost it when the Balrog pulled him off the bridge, so presumably it is at the bottom of that chasm in Moria. It was never shown being shattered, and he did not have it when he was falling with the Balrog. Although he did have Glamdring when he was falling, which he also dropped with the staff. Must have used the force to pull that one back to him in mid air.

Given that there was a lake at the bottom of that chasm, not an even an expedition in the Fourth Age would have been able to recover that staff. As for his recovery of Glamdring, when I watch that scene it makes me think that Gandalf must've taken some sky-diving lessons off the back of Gwaihir with the way be tucks his arms and legs in and arrows for that sword. Love it.

While we're on the topic of Gandalf gear, Kit, do you have any clear prop photos of that sword that he took into Orthanc? I know some screen caps were posted some time ago, but you can only see the hilt and part of the scabbard. Curious what the blade actually looks like.

It's online in a few places, but the images are bit fuzzy. You can see it clearly in the Gandalf design gallery on extras disk of the FOTR EE. Very similar guard to the Strider sword. I don't think they ever made a complete sword, just the hilt on the scabbard to use on the horse.