The Star Wars lightsaber is one of the most iconic movie weapons of all time. Since its debut in the first Star Wars film (over 40 years ago), this laser sword has managed to capture the imaginations of audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The fascination with lightsabers didn’t come as a surprise because up until its first appearance, the weapon was unlike anything sci-fi fans had ever seen. So naturally, everyone wanted to channel their inner Jedi or Sith by wielding a lightsaber which then led to the birth of the replica lightsaber and custom lightsaber market that we know today.
The weapon consisted of a kyber crystal-powered plasma blade that was emitted from a handle (hilt) and could be shut off at will. Famously wielded by both the Jedi and the Sith, these lightsabers came in different variations, and their use required a lot of training and skill.
In the hands of a skilled user, the lightsaber can be a very powerful and deadly weapon, but just how powerful can it be? And can they really cut through anything? Read on to find out.
Star Wars Lightsaber Mechanics and Specifications: How They Work
Lightsabers typically have 5 main components; the hilt, emitter, power cell, focusing lens and the kyber crystal. The other parts usually compose of the wiring (modulation circuits and an energy gate), the blade emitter shroud, the emitter matrix, the activator switch, and any other custom additions (hand grip ridges, belt rings and blade length adjusters) that the owner might want.
The kyber crystal is the main component that powers the lightsaber, and they are usually gotten from Force-rich planets like Ilum. There are several different types of kyber crystals that can be used to power lightsabers, and the properties of these kyber crystals can influence a saber’s characteristics (colour, attack properties). To use kyber crystals, Force users will first need to attune with them, and depending on their essence and relationship with the Force, the crystals will change colour. The colour of their lightsaber’s blade would also be determined by the colour of the kyber crystal.
Star Wars Lightsabers: Cutting Power
Neopixel lightsabers are best known for being the most realistic replica of these, and you can get them at Galaxy Sabers. The realistic ignition and retraction effects, along with customizable sound options, provide a truly immersive experience for fans and collectors alike. Contrary to what most think, the blade of a lightsaber is actually a mass-less form that doesn’t really radiate heat or expend energy until it is in contact with a solid substance. This energized plasma blade is so powerful that it can cut through almost every material in the Star Wars universe, including blast doors and other structures made of durasteel, the plastoid armour of Stormtroopers, and even human flesh. However, it is important to note that the speed with which a lightsaber’s blade cuts depends on the density of the subject.
When cutting through dense materials, lightsaber arcs create an immense electromagnetic field that causes resistance and prevents solid matter from entering and interrupting the arc, thus, giving the blade a feeling of being solid when immersed in dense material. It is only on rare occasions that solid materials are able to actually pass the created electromagnetic field and short out the lightsaber’s arc. Lightsaber arcs can be repelled by coherent energy and other electromagnetic fields such as other lightsaber blades, blaster bolts and most force fields.
Another interesting thing about the cutting power of lightsabers is that when they cut through flesh, the wounds would rarely bleed profusely. This is because the heat radiated by their blades would cauterize the wound as it is being passed through.
Can Lightsabers Cut Through Anything?
Original lightsabers are incredibly powerful and can cut through almost every material. However, there are few materials that can withstand an incoming attack from a lightsaber. First is another lightsaber blade or a material that conducts energy (electrostaff, Z6 riot control baton). Rare metals like Beskar (found on Mandalore) could also repel lightsaber strikes.
Other materials that can resist lightsaber strikes include; Armorweave, the elite Praetorian Guard armour, Cortosis ore, Phrik, Amphistaff, Songsteel, Orbalisk, Neuranium and Felucian Skullblade.
Conclusion
The lightsabers from Star Wars are plasma-filled energy blades that have incredible cutting power. They are able to cut through almost every material with the exception of another lightsaber blade and a few rare materials such as; Beskar (Mandalorian iron), Amphistaff, Cortosis ore, Songsteel, Neuranium, Orbalisk and Felucian Skullblade.
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