Originally posted by ((The_Anomaly))
Have you held the Dooku saber? I have a replica of it, its much more annoying to use. You always have to keep your hand in the right position for it to work right. It doesn't give as free range of motion as a straight saber hilt. Although IF you do have your hand in the right spot then the balance is a little more natural and better then a straight saber hilt.But overall its more annoying to use.
It all depends on your particular style. For someone who fences in the European Style (Form II), then a curved hilt offers much greater precision when manipulating the blade, and although the grip itself is somewhat limited, it would be equally limited with a fencing saber, which is designed to be used single-handedly. If your fencing is more like Japanese fencing, then the straight hilts are the best to use. However, trying to fence in the Form II style with a straight hilt (and keeping the blade in line with the forearm) is extremely taxing on the wrist. I made a saber with a lower curved hilt and a straight upper hilt, so it could accomodate both kinds of fencing, and for sheer practicality, it is my favorite. However, my latest saber (shown above) was made to use up left over materials from other sabers, so I didn't have access to any curved parts, which I would have used, if I'd had the choice...