MovieChat Forums > Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) Discussion > One deceptive lightsaber component could...

One deceptive lightsaber component could rule lightsaber fighting

posted 7 years ago by Frogarama (12942)
7 replies | jump to latest

If the user kept it secret and made sure it was only used to kill, then he/she could prevent others from finding out about it.

What I'm thinking is a saber with a pressure-sensitive "kill switch" that physically stops the blade, either by diverting it into the hilt or simply cutting its beam power, causing the blade to instantly vanish instead of "retreating" into the hilt like when they're shut off.

Releasing the kill switch would of course make the blade reappear instantly.

Practice the timing, and this could be so deadly. Have a saber battle for a few moments, make a killing swing, your opponent blocks it.... And right before the blades make contact, hit the kill switch just long enough to pass your opponent's blade.

Then release the switch and finish your swing on the backside of the blocking blade, killing your opponent. If the kill switch is used fast enough, it would look like your saber passed through their saber.

Kylo reminded me of this when he switched on his saber for just a moment to kill that one Praetorian guard through the head. It's the first time I've seen a lightsaber blade blink on and off so quickly.

[–] footlegger (1462) 7 years ago

I think it shouldn't work that way, since George Lucas's idea of a lightsaber was a blade made of hot plasma encapsulated in a strong forcefield. And forcefields never come on instantly in the Star Wars universe - they propagate.

[–] Frogarama (12942) 7 years ago

Yes, and that is what I always wondered about in terms of feasibility.

Kylos saber could do it though, he flicked it on for an instant.

[–] Otter (24464) 7 years ago

With super-fast Jedi reflexes, that might be possible, but remember if you did that you wouldn't be blocking your opponent's saber and his blow will land where he wants it to land.

So by bypassing your opponent's blade, you're both getting past his defenses and letting him get past yours.

[–] Frogarama (12942) 7 years ago

That's why it can only be done to bypass a saber that is held in a blocking position.

Definitely can't be used when your opponent is actually swinging.

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

Sometimes in Star Wars, we have seen blades extend or retract slowly, while other times it's instantaneous or nearly so. Maybe it depends on the individual saber, or maybe there are different power modes or something like that.

[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

It's actually a very clever idea, Frogarama. I could see it being mentioned briefly at the beginning of episode 9, and then later as the final move during the confrontation at the end.

Something similar was done in Highlander Endgame, only it was an unconventional sword move.

You should contact Disney with your idea! 👍

[–] Frogarama (12942) 7 years ago

Thanks! I would only have a villain use this, though. It's underhanded.