Since its debut in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has introduced fantasy and sci-fi fans to the iconic weapon that is the lightsaber. Over the years, as the franchise continued to expand, different types and variations of these energy swords were introduced. The double-bladed lightsaber was one of the lightsaber types that immediately captured the imaginations of Star Wars fans when Darth Maul was first spotted wielding it in The Phantom Menace.
The saber, which featured a hilt with two emitters located at both ends, was unlike anything fans had seen before, and it didn’t take long for it to become a fan-favourite.
If you’re a dedicated fan of the Star Wars franchise, below are 3 reasons why you need a double-bladed lightsaber in your collection.
The Double-Bladed Lightsaber: History and Specifications
The double-bladed lightsaber, also known as the dualsaber or Saberstaff was a specialised variation of the lightsaber that was first devised by the original Dark Lords of the Sith Empire. In terms of design, the lightsaber features a single hilt that has two beam emitters attached to both ends. On activation, the saber has two blades, and it is wielded in the same manner as a traditional quarterstaff. The design of this type of lightsaber is most likely influenced by the Zhaboka or Zabrak quarterstaff.
Although the original double-bladed lightsabers were wielded by the Sith, several weapons modeled after its design would later come into the possession of Jedi, like Pong Krell, Orla Jerani, Keeve Trennis, and Cere Junda.
The design specifications of the earliest double-bladed lightsaber were quite sophisticated as it consisted of a single lightsaber mechanism with emitters at both ends of the hilt. However, a more simplified design that consisted of two separate lightsabers connected together by their pommels was later introduced.
Reasons Why You Need a Double-Bladed Lightsaber
If you’re a fan of Star Wars and lightsabers, here are three top reasons why you should own a double-bladed lightsaber.
1. Unique Addition to Your Collection
A double bladed lightsaber can be a unique addition to your lightsaber collection. The saber which typically features a longer hilt, can emit a blade from both ends – a feature that makes it an eye-catching display piece. Because double-bladed lightsabers are considered to be Sith weapons, owning one can also be a way for you to add a touch of the Dark Side to your collection.
2. More Duelling Advantage
According to Star Wars lore, the main purpose of a double-bladed lightsaber design was to allow for quicker and more rapid attacks (with little bodily movements) during combat. Some call it “more slaughter per swing”.
If you’re a fan of lightsaber duelling, a double-bladed lightsaber can offer you this advantage during combat. The doubled length of a Saberstaff also allows you more surface area to parry and deflect attacks. This can really help with your defense and take your duelling skills to the next level.
Another duelling advantage you have with double-bladed lightsabers is the element of surprise and the fact that you can easily overwhelm your opponent with the increased visual impact of spinning around two blades.
3. Eye-Catching Cosplay
When wielding a double-bladed lightsaber, you can choose to either activate both blades simultaneously or activate only one at a time. Some models even allow you to separate the hilts so you have two lightsabers. This feature is something that can come in handy with cosplay performances and lightsaber duelling.
To add more flair to your cosplay, go for a double-bladed lightsaber that features neopixel blades, motion-sensitive sound effects, and visual effects such as; different blade colours for each blade, RGB colour-changing, tip drag, and rainbow blade effects.
Conclusion
The double-bladed lightsaber is one of the unique and fascinating lightsabers used in the Star Wars universe. As a Star Wars faithful and lightsaber enthusiast, you need a double-bladed lightsaber in your collection, and above are some of the top reasons why.