Lightsaber

Overview

“Anyone can use a blaster or a fusioncutter—but to use a lightsaber well was a mark of someone a cut above the ordinary” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

The principle weapon of a force-wielding user, it is an extremely dexterous weapon, capable of being used for Solid defense as well as for aggressive offense. It can be so dexterous that it is considered to be an extension of a Jedi’s hand. It is a weapon that requires extensive training to attain a level of familiarity with and as such can only be expertly used by a few individuals. The lightsaber is made of a blade of pure energy that was emitted from a hilt. Due to the almost symbiotic relationship between the user and the weapon, Lightsabers are mostly always custom made by the user and it is made to tailor his or her needs. As a result, light sabers greatly vary in length and shape. To be able to properly use a lightsaber requires a lot of skill and a strong affinity to the Force.

The Key components to a lightsaber are

cutaway of a lightsaber

• A handgrip
• An activation stud plate
• A safety switch
• An emitter matrix
• A lens assembly
• A power cell
• A power conduit
• A recharge socket
• One to three focusing crystals

BRIEF HISTORY

It was only a few centuries before the events of the first Knights of the old republic game that modern lightsaber technology took hold. The lightsaber designs before then had involved external power sources and were not really practical in combat. It was during the Mandolorian war that the lightsaber proved its worth; in the hands of skilled combatants like Revan, Malak and the Jedi Exile, it cut short many lives.

However, after the events of Episode III and the Great Purge instated by Palpatine and Darth Vader, the lightsaber all but vanished, instead it became an object that was sought after by collectors. The sale and trade of these sought after objects almost exclusively took place in the black-market. It wasn’t till the Empire was overthrown and the New republic was conceived that Lightsabers stopped being objects of bigotry. 

HILTS

The hilt is the central component to a lightsaber as it houses all the workings of the lightsaber. The hilt is usually 8 to 14 inches and comes in different shapes. Two of the most common types of hilts are the Protosaber and Curved-hilt Lightsaber.

Different shapes

Protosaber

This is the first known form of the lightsaber, it was more or less similar to the modern day lightsaber; with the hilt being constructed out of Duranium. However, unlike the modern day lightsaber it had an external power pack, which was attached to the back of the user. The advent of the modern day lightsaber made this style all but extinct.

Electrum

This is the Hilt that was used by the Jedi during the old Jedi order. It was built to be elegant yet practical.

Curved-hilt lightsaber

BLADE VARIANTS

Training Lightsaber

Dooku's lightsaber

Dual-Phase

Short Lightsaber

This type of lightsaber was used extensively by Jedi who were of short stature. In addition its shorter length made it a viable choice when a user wanted the free use of one of his hands. It was also a good choice when an user dual wielded Lightsabers.

Blade Colors

The color of the lightsaber was defined by the color of the crystals that were used in it.

During the construction phase of a Lightsaber, a Jedi had the opportunity to chose any colored crystal and install it. Although any color could be used in the construction of the lightsaber, the most common colors became Blue, Green and orange for the Jedi. Red came to symbolize an affinity to the Dark side of the force and belief in Teachings of the Sith. This Red Color was achieved through the use of synthetic crystals.

A jedi guardian

According to the Jedi Masters on Dantooine in KOTOR each color was associated with a class of Jedi.

• Jedi Consulars were Jedi who allowed the power of the force to flow through them and would prefer to use the force rather than engage in Lightsaber combat. However, that does not mean they lack any lightsaber skills, like all Jedi they are extremely well trained in the arts of combat. They usually carried Green Lightsaber, a famous Consular is Yoda.

• Jedi Sentinel were Jedi who were exceptional knowledge in the field of computers and non-force related matter. They were well trained in the art of combat and had a strong link with the force. They usually carried Yellow Lightsabers and Bastila shan is an example of a famous Sentinel

• Jedi Guardians were the last sub sect of the Jedi knights and were individuals were relished in combat with a lightsaber. They spent a lot of time polishing their skills and received significant martial arts training. They carried with them Blue Lightsabers; Anakin Skywalker was an example of a famous Guardian

Lightsaber Styles

Single Saber

Back-Handed Grip

Double-Sided Saber

Dual Sabers

Back-Handed Saber