Does Darth Vader have a Double-Bladed Lightsaber?

Lightsaber addition has been one of the biggest catchers in Star Wars since its debut.

It all begins in 1977 Episode IV, The New Hope. When Darth Vader occupied the screen with a catchy persona and no less a new lightsaber!

Now hold up there is something different in that scene. No?

It shocked the audience in 1977 when instead of a blue lightsaber Darth Vader whipped out a red one. Not only that, his lightsaber is different and one of a kind.

If you ask me I would call it an advanced double bladed lightsaber. As most would rather call it a ‘Dual Phase Saber’. This weaponry exuded evil and power from miles away.

Now I can see why Darth Vader wanted his lightsaber to be different.

One of the easily hated villains of all times cannot be seen holding a regular bad guy lightsaber. Right?

Let’s take a deeper look at his dual bladed lightsaber and the history behind it!

Darth Vader’s Lightsaber Description

Darth Vader’s lightsaber was not an ordinary one. Categorizing it into a basic double bladed category would be a shame. As Darth Vader thought so as well. He wanted to impress his master with a personalized weapon that had more power and blast.

That is how he used his master, Darth Sidious, lightsaber as an inspiration.

His lightsaber was powered by dual crimson synth blades that were one of the most violent artifacts of old times.

In fact, it contained a series of two or more crystal blades. That is how Darth Vader made use of the advantage of catching his opponents off guard. The best part is that with various blade adjustments he could change the length of the blade. Allowing him command on attacks over the wide diameter range.

Looking into further detailing. The red dual phase lightsaber had a thick ridged handgrip with forward added adjustment knobs. A high output power cell that energised the adjustable blades. Not to mention, a rounded emitter shroud and a carbon alloy hilt composite.

Lastly, a long blade about 28 cm according to the updated version. A graflex tube lightsaber prop used in the Return of the Jedi is shown to be Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber.

Due to the many modifications Darth Vader’s lightsaber was less elegant and more gruesome. The additions for better grip made the lightsaber gnarly. However, the movie prop is shown to be a sleek lightsaber that reflects the red hue off of the black Darth Vader Cloak.  

Darth Vader Combat Form

Darth Vader was famous for going about his way. Although he was a master in form V. He did not hesitate adding in his vicious fighting forms. Form V, Shein and Djem are the aggressive fighting combat forms to annihilate your enemies and for successively blocking the blaster blocks. Moreover, Djem is more of a blade combat form giving you control and precision over blade action against your opponent.

Luke Skywalker is famously associated with shein so it’s convenient that the great villain Vader is best at both forms. Especially the forms developed by the Jedi. This way he could one up his opponent while turning the tables on him. Reflecting his conniving nature.

Lastly, he was also famous for the Force Technique, in which he collected the force and channelled it into his weapon to throw a stronger blast.

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Darth Vader’s Lightsaber Acquisition

Even though Darth Vader had joined the dark side of the force he continued to yield his previous lightsaber. The blue one he was given as Anakin Skywalker.

However, later he was assigned a mission by his master, Emperor Palpatine. Palpatine ordered Darth Vader to acquire Kirak Infila’s lightsaber. Kirak Infila was a Jedi warrior who was in hiding. This was during the period of The Great Jedi Purge. Vader was to hunt him down.

Darth Vader, as a Sith Lord now, was able to acquire the lightsaber. Yet again this lightsaber was taken from him by his previous master Obi Wan Kenobi during the Mustafar Duel. It is sad to say that it was too late. Vader had already bled the lightsaber red with his anger, aggression, sadness and betrayal.

Although the lightsaber was destroyed at Musafar. Darth Vader used the bled crystal to form a new weapon adding a hilt he designed himself.  This was the moment when the greatest of the villains in the history of science opera was born!

Vader yielded his red dual lightsaber throughout the rest of his life journey including his last confrontation with Obi Wan Kenobi. He killed his former master and cut off his son, Luke Skywalker’s, hand.

The end of the red lightsaber is as terrible as Vader’s end. In the duel with his son he gave up his emotions. This is how Vader met the same fate as his former master. He along with his lightsaber fell down the reactor shaft at the hands of Luke Skywalker.

The famous red lightsaber journey is featured in the new series on Canon Comics. In Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 2017 comic written by Charles Soule covering early days and creation of the lightsaber!

Appearance of Red Dual Lightsaber

Did you know that originally there were no plans of making Darth Vader’s lightsaber any different from others?

So the appearance of the same lightsaber in The New Hope and then The Empire Strikes Back and later The Return of the Jedi is no coincidence actually!

They all fall back to the same British 3- Cell MPP flashback camera. Because no look alike was to be found according to Gorge Lucas’s description. A modified three cell flashlight camera’s graflex tube was used.

To differentiate between the lightsabers used by the two characters. The color of the blade was changed to red for Darth Vader.

• The Clone Wars
• Obi Wan Kenobi
• Rebels
• Rogue One: A star Wars Story
• Episode IV: A New Hope
• Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
• Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
• Revenge of the Sith Video Game
• The Force Unleashed

Last Words

For most fans Darth Vader stands in the middle of the spectrum. He is a source of fascination in a twisted way. Fans commend his bravery and loyalty to inner beliefs. Enough to stand against his own family. On the contrary, many do not hold him on high pedestal because of his course of actions. His choice to stand with the opposite end of the force.

At the end it is no doubt that whether Anakin or Darth Vader he is a talented character. A strong force to be reveled with. Find out about other lightsabers on our website. Uncover more fascinating stories you might not know!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do any Jedi have a double-bladed lightsaber?

Although not common there are notable Jedi like general Pong Krell, Cal Kestis and Temple guards who yielded a double bladed lightsaber. Not only that, but of different colors as well. Uncover their stories here!

Does Darth Vader have two lightsabers?

At first Darth Vader used his old lightsaber. However, later after losing the blue lightsaber he made himself a new one. However this one was red as he was now a Sith Lord. It is that same red lightsaber that has many forms. Acting as a single and a double bladed lightsaber.

What type of lightsaber is Darth Vader's?

Darth Vader’s is a thick handgrip, adjustable knobs, long bladed and a high power cell lightsaber. Designed by the famous villain himself.

How did Anakin's lightsaber turn red?

Anakin was ordered to fetch the green lightsaber of Jedi warrior Kirak Infil’a. After killing him he took his lightsaber to Musafar where he bled his negative emotions into the blade crystal. The green color was then changed to red.

Where can I get a red double bladed lightsaber?

You should check out Dual Sabers website to get a Darth Vader replica. It features a strong alloy metal hilt and a long neopixel blade. Better yet with the same modes and character sounds as your favorite villain!

Is Darth Vader's lightsaber unique?

In terms of the color I would not say it is a unique lightsaber. However, Darth Vader’s personalized additions and the use did make it a different and a special dual lightsaber. Especially, when compared to the lightsabers of his time.