The lightsaber is an iconic weapon in Star Wars. It is a programmable, semi-weightless plasma blade that can cut through anything.

A lightsaber consists of four critical parts from top to bottom: an emitter, one or two sleeves, a switch and a pommel. The emitter, usually made of metal, is the point from which the plasma blade emanates.

Blade

The blade of a lightsaber is one of the most recognisable elements of the Star Wars franchise. Whether the blue blade entrusted to Luke Skywalker by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi or the black and white blade ignited in The Mandalorian, these mystical weapons have become iconic icons.

The blade comprises several parts, including a power cell and focusing crystals. The focusing crystals send energy through the power cell to create an arcing wave forming the blade.

It’s important to note that these focusing crystals must be aligned perfectly, or the lightsaber will detonate when you activate it. It can be a problem for newcomers to the sabre-building trade, so some lightsaber enthusiasts may choose to invest in a more seasoned crafter’s version or purchase a cheap used saber from an auction site.

In addition to the kyber crystal, a natural element found throughout the universe, lightsaber blades are made from a combination of metals and polycarbonate materials. Clear polycarbonate is commonly used for midgrade and heavy-grade sabers, while white polycarbonate is often seen on the more lightweight ultra-edge models.

When a Jedi chooses to build their saber, they begin by selecting a kyber crystal from the Crystal Cave on Ilum. Then, they meditate with the crystal until it acquires a particular colour, eventually becoming the blade itself. This process is spiritual rather than mechanical. It can involve meditation with the crystal, bleeding it to break its connection to the light side, or concentrating Force energy on it, which can transform it into a different colour.

Aside from the kyber crystal, the blade comprises several components, notably a power cell and various focusing crystals. The focusing crystals send energy through the power cell to create an asymmetric arc wave that forms the blade.

This asymmetric arc wave is sent up through the blade energy channel and past several cycling field energisers. The resulting arc wave is shaped into the saber’s blade and can slice through anything.

Hilt

The Hilt of a lightsaber is the handle that fits the blade of the lightsaber and provides a grip for the user. The hilts of lightsabers are made from various materials and vary from culture to culture. Some are easy grip that fits over the blade, and others are elaborate basket hilts that wrap around the entire hand of the wielder.

Most lightsaber hilts have a straight, predominantly cylindrical shape and are forged out of metal. However, some grips, such as those made by Darth Maul and Count Dooku, feature a curved shape that produces two separate blades. In addition, a variety of other types of lightsaber hilts have been used, including a “guard shoto” that has a second handle that sticks out from the main grip at a 90-degree angle and a “lightsaber pike” that produces a shorter blade but a long handle, resembling a spear.

While most lightsaber hilts are crafted from metal, many have been forged from gold or electrum. Unfortunately, the handles of lightsabers forged from gold or electrum can be expensive, so they are often reserved for highly regarded Jedi Council or Sith Order members.

Other hilts are not as expensive but may have more unique features. For example, some grips are designed to produce the sound of a blade in a flaming state. A handle designed to do this can be very dangerous because it can quickly ignite in the hands of its user.

The hilt of a lightsaber is also home to several other components, such as the covertec wheel that will clip to the saber and the ignition switch for the blade. The placement of these components will affect how functional the sword is in combat.

Some hilts even have blades that emit coloured light. These are popular among fans of the Star Wars franchise and can be seen at several fan-organised sparring matches.

Some hilts are also designed to protect the blade from damage, such as the fire saber that Sivter used in The Force Unleashed. This type of hilt is unstable and can quickly explode in the user’s hands, but if it is well designed, it can help a character survive long enough to kill their opponent.

Crystal

A lightsaber is a weapon that uses the power of Force to focus and amplify light. It also symbolises the ongoing battle between the Jedi and the Sith. The crystal of a lightsaber, also known as kyber crystal, is the source of this power.

While most Jedi used a variety of natural and synthetic crystals for their lightsaber blades, the most famous and iconic of them was the kyber crystal. The Jedi and Sith used this rare Force-tuned element to power their sabers and other weapons.

A Jedi or Sith must use the Force to connect with a kyber crystal to create a lightsaber. The crystal is placed within a hilt, serving as the blade’s power source and focal point.

A lightsaber can come in a wide range of colours, as each is determined by the type of kyber crystal that powers it. For example, a red lightsaber typically represents passion and aggression for a Jedi, while a blue blade is associated with purity and nobility for a Sith.

Some crystals can also hold unique properties, such as increasing the strength of a person’s Force abilities. In addition, some Jedi and Sith used artificial synth crystals to create their sabers, though these were less common than the natural kyber crystals.