In a tool composed mainly of energy, lightsaber hilts contain all of the physical matter that permit a saber to function. From standard to curved to double-bladed, the Star Wars universe has shown us many different lightsaber hilts that each serve their owners in different ways.
The earliest lightsaber hilts necessitated backpacks for power, before becoming the all-encompassing designs familiar to fans today. With so many different hilts showcased in the film franchise and extended universe, it can be difficult for cosplayers to decide which hilt is right for them.
Let’s take a look at hilts in detail to determine what you need to know before choosing your own.
What lightsaber hilts contain
A saber hilt contains all of the technologies which power a saber. A force user assembles each part of their saber themselves, attuning to the force to ensure each element is in harmony with the other. Many Jedi or Sith do this through meditation and telekinetic force use. The main elements a Jedi must assemble are as follows:
- Blade emitter and shroud – this also includes a blade length adjustment instrument
- Energy modulation chamber – this is where the crystal’s energies are controlled.
- Main hilt – this is often decoratively designed around the specific wielder’s tastes. With our Power Battle Saber, you can use a wrap to customise and make it your own.
- Focusing ring – this is where the power of the crystal is concentrated.
- Crystal chamber – this contains the crystal, mounting and focusing crystals.
- The pommel – this contains the power cell and conductor, which passes up to the crystals and through the focusing ring.
Unique lightsaber hilts
Throughout Star Wars, we see examples of unique lightsaber hilts that are designed specifically to highlight the strengths, personalities and styles of their wielders.
Curved Lightsaber Hilts
Sometimes called a duelling saber, these hilts were favoured by those who used Form II combat. Wielded by Count Dooku, the curve at the top of the hilt allowed for more precise movements with the saber when engaged in saber-to-saber fighting. The angle is a tricky thing for a combatant to face: which explains why Anakin and Obi Wan are surprised and quickly bested by Dooku in their battle. Curved saber hilts were more challenging for new Jedi to create due to having to align the crystal with the curved emitter. A curved lightsaber was less suitable for blaster deflection than a non-curved variant.
Double-bladed Lightsaber hilts
Perhaps the most famous non-standard hilt, we first witnessed dual bladed lightsaber hilts in Episode I, wielded by non-other than Darth Maul. Influenced by staffs, this hilt is far longer than other models and has beam emitters at each end. Originally invented by the Sith, double-bladed sabers have been used by both sides. Double-bladed sabers are less precise than their single-bladed cousins but allow a wielder to overpower and out-fight many opponents who were not expecting it.
Interlocking/Paired Lightsaber Hilts
One moment you’re fighting a saber staff wielder and the next, you’ve been sliced in half! That’s the reality of the paired saber, which act as two separate sabers that can be joined together at will. This opens up a number of opportunities for wielders – allowing them to essentially transition between double and single saber attacks at will. Cal Kestiss in Jedi Fallen Order uses this style of saber to inflict huge damage and surprise opponents.
Our Power Battle Saber can be used with an interlocking attachment feature that allows you to create a double-bladed saber by simply buying a second saber. You can also use these are paired sabers for more dynamic cosplay. For those seeking unusual hilts, we also offer some famous models in our Inspired Sabers section.