4 Uncommon Types of Lightsabers

Single blade lightsabers are the Old Reliables of the Star Wars universe. They’re the first lightsabers that most people remember seeing, and they’re usually what leap to mind whenever conversations turn to this topic. But as you surely know already, there are many types of lightsabers that do not conform to the classic design.

Just as guns on Earth exist in plenty of variations, lightsabers fall into a broad spectrum of classifications. We expect the number of known types to increase as the canon expands. That’s because the technology powering the lightsaber—kyber crystals and the supporting apparatus—is easily adapted to all sorts of configurations. Some of these alternative lightsaber versions are very rare, to the point where only one example is known in the entire universe. Let’s have a look at the less commonly seen lightsabers out there.

Lightsaber Whip

Otherwise known as a lightsaber whip or laser whip, this particular variant is very similar to a standard bullwhip, only with a flexible energy beam instead of a lash. It can be very powerful in combat, especially against those who aren’t used to countering it. The lightwhip also allows the wielder to execute strikes at a greater distance than would be possible with a standard saber. However, it is also very difficult to wield safely—a problem aggravated by the fact that conventional lightsaber training doesn’t cover its proper use. The skills you learn by practicing with a single blade saber will not adequately prepare you to take up the lightwhip. Hence, it’s quite rarely .

Curved Hilt Lightsaber

The curved hilt lightsaber is another variant where the name is self-descriptive. It is essentially a single blade lightsaber with a hilt that curves noticeably toward the end. The purpose of the curvature is to give the wielder improved grip and expanded options for striking and defending. However, the scarcity of this lightsaber—it is primarily (though not exclusively) associated with Count Dooku’s lightsaber—indicates that most individuals are simply more comfortable with a standard straight hilt.