Lightsabers are not all created equally. In the original trilogy, the only lightsaber customisations were in the hilt design and blade colour. Now, however, as the franchise has grown and expanded, there have been many different types of lightsaber featured across games, books, TV and film.
One such example is the Darksaber, which not only features a unique black-blade, but also emits its blade in a more sword-like shape due to its strange hilt style. Another is Darth Maul's lightsaber, which was the first to feature double-blades. In this article, we'll take a look at all the types of lightsaber we've seen across the Star Wars universe and help explain what makes each style unique.
Warning: don't confuse types of lightsaber with hilt variations. Though some of the sabers on our list feature unique hilts, its their intended purpose that classes them as a different type.
Are you ready?
Standard lightsabers
Like our own Power Battle Saber, standard lightsabers are composed of a hilt, blade emitter, pommel and of course, the blade. The hilt is typically 26-30cm long, enough for a Jedi to place both hands comfortably on it.
Duelling sabers
The curved hilt style debuted by Count Dooku in Episode II: Attack of the Clones, is an example of a duelling saber. The curved handle allows for more finesse over the blade and for Jedi or Sith duellists to feint and create openings. This favours Form 2: Makashi - which explains why Dooku, a huge fan of Form 2, is the first to be seen wielding a curved hilt.
Saberstaffs
Saberstaffs are also known more commonly as double-bladed lightsabers. Our Pro Rage Darth Maul replica lightsaber is an example of a saberstaff, with a far longer hilt that is actually two blades coupled. Double-bladed sabers shot to stardom as a result of Darth Maul in Episode I, but have since been seen across the franchise in various forms.
Crossguard sabers
A crossguard is a traditional sword enhancement that is used to parry other attacks. Because a lightsaber can cut through any metal, most duellists don't have crossguards as they'd just be cut to pieces. However, Kylo Ren's crossguard saber is different: it uses a cracked kyber crystal and vents energy out to the sides of the main blade, creating an effective crossguard.
While there is no crossguard saber available on our site, we understand that in reality, a combat lightsaber needs to have a reinforced emitter to withstand the heaviest battles - so our new Ultimate Focus saber features a better grip and a strengthened emitter to protect it during duels.
Shoto lightsabers
Shoto sabers, like lightsabers, are inspired by real life Samurai. If a standard lightsaber is a katana, a shoto saber is a Wakizashi - the sidearm. Yoda himself uses a Shoto saber due to his diminutive stature. Luke Skywalker wields a shoto saber in his off-hand as a parrying blade in the expanded universe. Due to their smaller size, they are even lighter than normal sabers and harder to destroy because their hilts are shorter.
Great sabers/saber clubs
Wielded by large force wielders such as Lowbacca, a great saber is one with a far larger blade. Lowbacca's saber, for example, was as thick as some young apprentice's forearms and was far longer than a typical lightsaber. Sometimes also referred to as a 'saber club'.
If you want a larger saber, use our Saber Builder™ and pick the larger blade length. Will you you feel as powerful as a Wookie? No promises.
Protosabers
Before the Jedi perfected the design of lightsabers, there were protosabers. These early iterations of the lightsaber were powered by an external powerpack. In what is a promising sign for real life lightsabers, the YouTube channel Hacksmith Industries has already recreated a working protosaber. Take a look:
1 comment
You have so much in depth information on light sabers and Star Wars characters I have so much respect for what you have shared. I look forward to reading it all and having my wife buy me one of lightsabers for my birthday. Thank you!