Lord of the Rings Sting Sword FX Collectible
07/09/2004
Mfg: Master Replicas
MSRP: $119

Basics

The Sting Sword FX Collectible released by Master Replicas is a fully-licensed and authorized prop replica of the sword carried by Bilbo and Frodo Baggins (and temporarily by Samwise Gamgee) in the Lord of the Rings films. The sword was cast from the same molds used to create the original movie prop and is consequently exactly scaled as in the movies - 27" long, 5.5" wide, and 1.5" thick. While the handle and pommel are die-cast metal, the blade itself is polycarbonate to allow for the glowing FX. The sword also features multiple sound effects including clashing and clanging sounds and a hum when the glowing FX is activated. Included in the package are the required two 3-volt lithium batteries, instructions, and a display base/stand.  Big thanks to Master Replicas for providing the sample for review.

Appearance

Not having any previous experience with any Mater Replicas products, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first saw the Sting Sword announced. I have to admit that my first visions were of items similar to the role-playing toys released by ToyBiz and sold in the toy departments of local stores. I was wrong and very, very pleasantly surprised. With the obvious exception of the polycarbonate blade, the sword does look identical to that used in the film. In some respects, specifically the handle, it is even better and more accurate than the Sting replica released by United Cutlery. The blade itself, while plastic, looks very good and gives a nice impression of metal when the glowing FX is disabled. The raised elvish runes on the blade tend to, in my opinion, make the blade look a little less like metal and a little more like plastic, but it's minor and is well worth the sacrifice for the glowing FX which I will cover below.

Construction

Because the solid (for the most-part) metal handle, guard, and pommel, the sword has a nice heavy feel to it which I was, again, not anticipating. As mentioned before, the blade is made of polycarbonate, is permanently attached, and feels solid but is also slightly flexible and seemingly durable. The battery compartment is housed inside the base of the handle and is accessed by twisting and removing the pommel. While this works once you get the hang of it, I thought removing and replacing the pommel was a little awkward and was worried I would damage something but didn't so I'm probably just being paranoid.

FX

The glowing and sound FX are, of course, the main features of this sword. On the side of the handle is a small switch with three positions - off, sounds, and glow. In the sound position, the sword randomly gives off one of (as far as I could tell) two clashing/clanging sounds when the blade is hit. The quality of the sound is good considering the speaker must be tiny and is completely hidden, but it would have been nice to have had a couple more sounds to add variety. When the switch is moved into the third position, though, is when this sword really shines (pun intended). The entire blade, which normally appears a solid gray metal, glows a bright, even blue from end-to-end and emits a magical-sounding hum. The glow is very bright, covers the entire length of the blade, and can be easily seen even in a well-lit room. Another great touch is that the blade doesn't just abruptly turn on and off like a flash-light, but actually fades in an out when the switch is moved to and from the glow position. The glowing effect is truly amazing given that the blade appears completely solid when switched off. The accompanying hum sound, can get a little annoying since it is a very short clip, and the point when it loops can be heard fairly clearly but that's a minor complaint.

Conclusion

On the whole the Sting Sword FX Collectible is a very nice replica. It looks very much like the movie prop, is constructed well, and has its amazing glowing FX. My only disappointment was with the sound FX which I thought were a little lacking and repetitive. One additional note is that the display stand which was, I believe, originally supposed to look like wood and iron just looks like basic plastic, but who buys a collectible for the display stand, anyway? I'm definitely looking forward to future Master Replicas releases.

Photos

Photos will be added shortly.