Lightsaber Hilts: Exploring Different Designs and Customisation Options

If you’re a fan or collector of Star Wars replica lightsabers, then you already know that the hilt is one of the most important components of the lightsaber. Apart from being the part that a wielder grips, the hilt is what holds the blade and houses the saber’s electronics. It also adds to the beauty of the lightsaber, as there are many different functional styles and designs available.

As a Star Wars enthusiast who also loves to collect props like a Count Dooku lightsaber, here are some of the lightsaber hilt types and styles you should know about.

Standard Hilt

The standard lightsaber hilt design is by far the most common type of hilt that can be seen in the Star Wars universe. This design usually features a cylindrical shape of around 27 cm (10.5 inches) in length. The standard metal hilt is also the easiest to use.

Curved Hilt

This is a hilt design that came into standard use during the prime of Makashi, Form II of lightsaber combat. This design allows for more flexibility and precise movement during lightsaber combat. Crafting this design is, however, quite complex as the maker will have more of a challenge aligning its crystals.

There is also a minor variation in the way a curved lightsaber hilt is held. The wielder will need to hold it more in their palm and further away from the fingertips. Curved hilts improve overhand strikes and can make many fighting moves more powerful and effective. The design is also not limited to Form Makashi as its advantages can be carried over to other combat forms like Form V- Shien & Djem So.

Electrum Hilt

This hilt design features a gold-like finish (probably because it was forged from the rare gold-like metal known as electrum) that gives the saber a sort of regal and majestic appearance. Purely for aesthetic purposes, the addition of this feature was reserved for only high-ranking and senior members of the Jedi council, meaning that it was rare for most Force-users (both Jedi and Sith) to be seen wielding hilts that possess this feature. Two characters who notably wielded lightsabers with electrum hilts are Darth Sidious and Mace Windu.

Wrist Hilt

This is a rare variation that allows the lightsaber’s hilt to be attached to the wrist instead of a belt clip. This design aims at having the lightsaber ready at a much easier and faster rate. It also helps with concealing the lightsaber. The aggressive and deceitful nature of this hilt design, unfortunately makes it not endorsed by the Jedi Order. However, it is favourite for many Darksiders.

Tonfa-Style

This is another rare, perpendicular-gripped lightsaber hilt style. Its design permits a wide variety of jabbing, slashing, blocking, and trapping techniques. In the hands of someone trained in its use, this style of hilt can be very versatile and dangerous.

Other known lightsaber hilt styles include; Arbiter hilts, Adept hilts (commonly used by Jedi Initiates), Adjudicator hilts, Champion hilts, Collapsible hilts, Guardian hilts, Sentinel and Vanquisher.

Lightsaber Hilt Customisation

It is also possible to personalise your replica lightsaber’s hilt with customisation. Etching and engraving are great ways to do this. You could also choose to add hilt accessories such as; a control button box, emitter blades (wings), custom-made pommels, a coupler, and blade plugs.

Conclusion

The lightsaber is, without a doubt, a very eye-catching weapon that features a lot of amazing components. The lightsaber’s hilt is one of those important components that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Depending on your preference, you can choose to go for any of the hilt designs mentioned above, or you can opt for hilt customisation.