@ zephiel:
Based on what? More years of experience?
I'd say the more likely choice for what Escape was basing his statements on - which would be what we've seen demonstrated from each of the two combatants, and how much more is known on what Count Dooku has done (opponents, descriptions, etc.). Of the two, Malak and Dooku, Dooku shows more signs of superiority.
Experience, while still important, is hardly something to base a decision on, especially when dealing with powerful opponents, who are considered by some to be "on par". Escape is already aware of this by his arguing that Anakin > Tyranus in lightsaber combat. So, I doubt he was implying that experience is the end all, be all solution to determining the victor.
Until I see proof that “Count Superman” spent each waking day after his time as BM perfecting Makashi…I remain skeptical.
Skeptical of what exactly? Count Dooku's superiority? Really, Malak's skill with a blade has not been shown to be on par with that of Count Dooku's, from what we know. It's the "don't know" that puts a major hinder in the argument for Malak being on equal footing with Count Dooku in terms of lightsaber combat (or being able to overcome him rather). He's better than the Jedi of Old from his respective era, alright. How good are the Jedi of Old? I've yet to see any relevant quote to Kavar's dueling power, much less the majority of the Old Republic during Revan's time.
Just to note: the "Count Superman" moniker is pretty asinine. It's definitely not appropriate, relevant, or even implied. It's like me calling anointing Malak as "The Jawless Wonder", even though that is somewhat appropriate, it's nevertheless irrelevant and seemingly demeaning.
Much of those “years of experience” after his time as a Jedi could have been spent in politics and scheming, in which case those “80 years” does not automatically translate into “80 years of combat experience”.
Your point? I would have extreme doubts that Escape made his posts about Tyranus and Malak based on pure experience. Probably from deducing from what we know, as I've already relayed. Darth Malak's displays of dueling prowess have really nothing strong supporting them that I've seen.
Of course, if there's a quote, feat, or something that prove Kavar - or anyone for that matter - could match Tyranus, then I'd probably agree that Malak would rival Tyranus.
Malak, although younger spent the majority of his life in battle, and we know it.
I'd like to question the meaning behind this statement. What do you mean by "in battle"? If you mean in war, then you are incorrect on the majority part, unless by some twist of fate, Darth Malak is only thirteen years old (z0mg).
His actual war experience is only limited to around seven years at most. If you recall, the Jedi didn't get involved in the Mandalorian Wars until later, and after Revan and Malak defied the Council to join - it was only like, three years until the war's end.
As for his life prior to the Mandalorian Wars, where has it been stated that he's even left the Jedi Temple? As my KotOR knowledge is limited and I only vaguely remember my play through, I don't recall him said to have done anything that isn't inclusive of a normal Jedi Knight's duty (most likely a mission here or there, etc. or maybe not).
He was the one actually executing Revan’s plans with brutal precision on the battlefield. Not only in the Mandalorian wars, but also in the Sith/Jedi war, where he defeated the leader of the Jedi Guardians, the best duelist of the Jedi Order.
He also got his jaw lopped off by a Jedi in a lightsaber duel, and this was after he became a Sith Lord.
For that matter, by what basis do you go by when you say that Dooku actually defeating someone , say Sora Bulq, translates into him defeating the one of the best duelists of the KOTOR era?
Well, despite the fact that "one of the best of the era" is mainly an unknown factor your dealing with (as I have yet to see any comparisons drawn on Old Republic Jedi to anyone familiar in later eras in terms of lightsaber combat, nor any displays of real power against foe's that aren't unknown), it's what we've seen displayed, and what we know of Count Dooku's opponents.
What actually correlates into Malak being anywhere near Count Dooku's level of dueling, if I may ask? We know Count Dooku is an adept and exceptional duelist, consummate even. What of Malak? Where would his level of lightsaber skill be placed in comparison to those of the Prequel Trilogy era? If you dare say "Count Dooku", I'd like to know why. Simply because he's better than the Jedi Order of Old (and still got his jaw removed despite this) doesn't mean he's anywhere near the level of Count Dooku. The question proposed is: how good of duelists are the top dogs of the OR to the PT?
Now, in the singular sense, how strong is Kavar again (quotes, feats, anything)? Anywhere near the level of someone even like say, Sora Bulq?
As for your statements on Force skills, you'd have to take into consideration that, among other things, Malak was empowered by the Star Forge, was he not? Which from what I've gathered, is said to apparently boost your powers and/or give you new ones (or something to that effect).
Some of his powers may have a slightly less powerful feel to them without the amplification of the Star Forge aiding Malak. And while you could make the argument that he already had these powers (lightning, etc.), I've yet to see anything specify what it gives - so, we don't know. Therefore, making a conclusion that Malak is as able a Force user as we've seen demonstrated throughout KotOR wouldn't be quite correct.
Of course, if another source would state the opposite of my response regarding the Star Forge - I'd gladly concede. Things regarding KotOR are hardly my strong point of debating, as I despise the games hence I stray from many things that stem from it. I'm just basing an argument off of what I've gathered from different sources on KotOR.
As far as a lightsaber duel goes, I can see Count Dooku winning, albeit with resistance. And I'd say the same outcome would be applied to fit an all out duel.