Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber: Facts & History
Since Darth Vader was a Sith Lord and Luke Skywalker was “not a Jedi yet,” the first Jedi ever shown on screen was the formidable Obi-Wan Kenobi. Lightsaber duels with these Jedi and Sith weapons might not have been quite as common in the original trilogy as in the prequels or sequels, but they were always iconic. As Obi-Wan says, the lightsaber is “an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.”
Perhaps the most iconic duel of all is when “Old Ben” Kenobi squares off against his former Padawan, Darth Vader, giving us a look at the classic Obi-Wan lightsaber. But as the prequels revealed, it was not his only lightsaber. Whether played by Sir Alec Guinness or Ewan McGregor, Obi-Wan is one of the most important Jedi in Star Wars lore. Join us as we explain Obi-Wan’s lightsaber history, including facts about the Obi-Wan lightsaber hilt, Obi-Wan’s lightsaber color, and more.
What Color Is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Lightsaber?
Obi-Wan is a prominent character in Star Wars who has always wielded a blue lightsaber. Unlike other characters who may have used different colors, blue is the only color ever associated with the Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber. Lightsaber colors have different meanings in the greater Star Wars universe, although the movies don’t address it directly. The blue lightsaber’s meaning is associated with Jedi Guardians, a class of Jedi who prioritized combat training, bravery, and protecting the galaxy through martial skill.
During the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan served as a general and diplomat, fighting alongside Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano while navigating the moral struggles of a galaxy at war. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s saber was used in his fateful duel with Anakin on Mustafar, which remains a turning point in galactic history. Later, as “Old Ben,” he would guide Luke Skywalker, carrying the wisdom and weight of the Jedi legacy into a new era.
Why Didn’t Obi-Wan Kenobi Have a Green Lightsaber?
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber is blue, which, according to the lore and history behind the blue lightsaber, associates him with the Jedi Guardians—those who prioritize peace, hope, and physical prowess. This contrasts with the Jedi Consulars, who usually wield green lightsabers and focus on mental acuity, diplomacy, and wisdom—the more spiritual aspects of the Force.
That doesn’t mean they can’t have traits of both styles (after all, few are as wise as Obi-Wan Kenobi). Lightsaber color is just an indication of the wielder’s general outlook, an expression of their character. Those who use a blue saber tend to be warriors rather than sage masters.
For deeper insight into Kenobi’s survival during turbulent periods like Order 66, check out our How Did Obi-Wan Survive Order 66? page, which also explores how Obi-Wan Kenobi’s blue lightsaber and resolve played key roles in those events.
How Many Lightsabers Did Obi-Wan Have?
Across the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan had three lightsabers. We’ll detail each of them below:
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s First Lightsaber (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)
In Episode I, we see Padawan Obi-Wan wielding a blue lightsaber modeled after his master Qui-Gon Jinn’s weapon, though Qui-Gon has a green lightsaber, and Obi-Wan’s saber is blue. In the film, Obi-Wan uses advanced lightsaber moves against the Sith Lord Darth Maul on Naboo, but his lightsaber was ultimately lost during the clash, falling down a shaft as John Williams’ incredible “Duel of the Fates” plays over the epic scenes.
- First Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber Hilt: With a simple black and gray design, a red actuator button, and a knobbed pommel, Obi-Wan’s original hilt exemplifies simplicity over flair, and its similarity to Qui-Gon’s shows the young Padawan was in the early stages of becoming a Jedi.
Obi-Wan’s Second Lightsaber (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones)
After the death of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan constructed his second lightsaber (seen in Episode II), almost an exact replica of his first. Despite being promoted and taking on Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber design remained the same as a tribute to his fallen master. This second saber was taken by Count Dooku and never returned to Obi-Wan, forcing him to pick up a replacement for the first battle of the Clone Wars (although that one never technically belongs to him).
- Second Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber Hilt: This saber features the same basic hilt design as his original, showing deference to Qui-Gon Jinn as part of Obi-Wan’s journey.
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Third Lightsaber (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars, Episode IV – A New Hope)
Now a Jedi Master, Obi-Wan’s third lightsaber (the final one he wields) is an entirely different design from the previous two—an indication of his progress, individuality, and confidence in battle.
We see this lightsaber throughout The Clone Wars series and in Episode III, where he uses it in his devastating clash with Anakin Skywalker, who had turned to the Dark Side and become Darth Vader. Finally, in one of Star Wars’ most exciting scenes, Obi-Wan wields it once more in Episode IV during his final confrontation with Vader, when he lets Vader strike him down so that Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa can escape the Death Star.
- Third Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber Hilt: The unique design of this hilt is slightly bulkier than his previous two, featuring a tapered neck that transitions into a bowl-style emitter. It featured a black grip with silver flourishes and a long, gold ignition switch. Notably, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s third lightsaber hilt inspired the one Jedi Luke Skywalker built for himself, as seen in Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi.
What Lightsaber Form Does Obi-Wan Use?
Obi-Wan uses Form III: Soresu and is a master of the form. This highly defensive style emphasizes patience, endurance, and counterattacks rather than direct aggression when partaking in lightsaber dueling. Soresu prioritizes protection and defensive movement over active aggression, making it one of the most effective “survivor” forms. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber skills allowed him to defeat powerful opponents, including Darth Maul and Anakin Skywalker, through economical motion, precise parries, and level-headed, yet advanced saber combat.
What Happened to the Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber After A New Hope?
The current Star Wars canon does not specify what happened to Obi-Wan’s lightsaber after his duel with Darth Vader in Episode IV — A New Hope. In the Expanded Universe Legends lore, Vader kept it as a trophy. Although Legends explains its fate, canon has yet to reveal its ultimate destiny, leaving room for future stories in the Star Wars universe, similar to those explored in the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Build Your Own Custom Or Obi-Wan NeoPixel Lightsaber
You might want an Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber replica, but many fans also choose to build their own custom lightsaber that shows off their true Jedi (or Sith Lord) prowess. Ultrasabers is your master—with removable blade options and a variety of lightsaber parts, such as colors and hilt styles, you’re sure to get the right saber for you. Use the Force and find yourself an elegant weapon for a more civilized age!
We also welcome you to show off your custom lightsaber and share your favorite Star Wars moments with fellow fans on our active discussion board, SaberForum.com.