I figured that's what you had probably done. I was just speaking of the visual effect that you were able to accomplish. As you said, you didn't overpower the overall look of the helmet with excessive battle damage. Everything is very well balanced.
That's what I was trying very hard to achieve, balance!
It's one of those things where it's soooo easy to over do it. Too much in one area, too little, two sides looking too much alike, or just too much all together! Every spot that I carefully painted P.J. on was thought out and planned. For every mark that I put on the helmet, it was a mandatory requirement to know what caused it or how it got there. It drives me crazy when I see markings that don't make any logical sense.
But this could easily be me being waaay over critical
Dave. Your descriptions of "awe struck", "exciting", "having to stop and stare", "I made that", "Odd feeling" ... are the exact feelings that I felt when I completed and donned my suit for the debut and release of Halo Reach. There simply is no single word to describe those feelings. Other words that I would add would be: Fantastic, Awesome, Unbelievable, Jaw dropping, Eye popping, WOW, Wonderful, Fabulous, Amazing, Inspirational, Motivational, Masterful, Professional and the list goes on.
However, there is one word that needs to be stated on its own. Its a word that took me several months to realize that I felt it and understood it. "PRIDEFUL" If anything I hope that this is what you are feeling, because you really do deserve to feel it. I can really see the pride in your work. Its there and well deserved.
Dave... Thank you for your hard work and time in crafting this master piece and for sharing it with the 405th community. I hope to see more builds from you.
Congrats on a fantastic piece.
BTW: I have requested to have this moved to the Elite Showcase. Very well deserved!
Kevin Hickman
Thank you Kevin!
Prideful… I like that word. That about sums it up! I don’t imagine that I feel it to the extent that you have. I don’t think it would be possible until the day where I am able to fully suite up and “walk a mile in the shoes” so to speak. I am anxious for that day to come, but I will humbly wait for my turn.
As far as my “hard work” goes;
“Hard work” would be the last thing that I would call what I have done. At no point has this ever felt like work, it was always a pleasure and approached with a smile! To date, I have never struggled a single day with this build, I view the obstacles that I encounter as lessons learned and experience gained. It honors me that you hold this piece in such high regard as you yourself Kevin have a masterpiece of your own!
As far as more builds go… I already have 2-3 more builds I wish to fulfill, once The Master Chief is complete.
Once again, thank you for your kind words and praise, they are very well received!
Dave.
This is one thread that I feel terrible that I didn't catch earlier, to be able to watch it progress as it happened!
Although the plus side of being so LTTP was that I got to cruise through all 13 pages at once just now.
What an amazing helmet! Seems rare now to see so much love shown to the classic Mark VI helmet. Sure we see lots of great builds with detailing and smoothness achieved, but not the amount of reshaping and careful matching of lines, grooves, and subtle curves that this one has.
And the fact that you shared so much of the process in such explicit detail brings it one step further. Reading through this thread made me want to get up from my desk, go home and start working on something- anything - immediately!
Very inspiring stuff. Very excited to see what you build in the future.
Moving this into the Elite Showcase.
Hi Ruze!
I’m delighted to know that you like the build so far, it’s been a pleasure to do and I am eager to move forward! No worries about being a late comer, I would imagine you guys have your work cut out for you! As far as how much of the process that I share, I wouldn’t have it any other way. People have been kind enough to share their time and methods with all of the 405th, it is my duty to do the same! This thread was designed and executed in a way so that when complete, members will be able to come and reference a completed set of armor that has gone from A to Z without missing a beat, and to provide some motivation for anyone who is in need of it!
Thank you for your praise!
Having been moved here is something that I look upon with great honor!
Dave.
Gratz Dave, tis 'bought time
You are more than worthy of this move your work is outstanding!
Thank you kindly sir!
You should know that your work stands in no shadow!
Dave.
Great job on the helmet. Congrats on the move to Elite.
Thanks man, much appreciated!
Way to go Dave! I knew it was just a matter of time. Such awesomeness cannot go unrecognized for very long!
Thanks a bunch man!
I figured I'd ask them to move me here to keep you company!
Cheers,
Dave.
Grats Dave!!!!!! you truly deserved every bit of this
Much appreciated Mustang!
Thank you!
congrats on elite status!!
Thank you much!!
Knowing that many people felt that I belong here among the elite; with some of the greatest craftsmen I’ve ever seen... is simultaneously empowering, uplifting and humbling!
This build at its core is nothing more than a by-product of what happens in an environment that surrounds you with; motivation, inspiration and kind and interesting people, all with common passions, interest and goals.
Thank you all, members of the 405th. You have all inspired and motivated me more than I could ever convey. All that I’m doing now, is paying it forward the best of my ability!
Cheers to all of you!
Dave/Cereal
NOW GET OUT THERE AND BUILD SOMETHING FRILLY!! 
