Since the debut of Star Wars A New Hope, the lightsaber known as "Graflex" has become the iconic saber of the Jedi Order and has managed to capture the attention of many Star Wars fans. In this article, we will continue to unravel the mystery of the iconic blue saber, explore its incredible evolution, and shed new light on the Graflex Lightsabers.
What is a Graflex lightsaber?
The Graflex Lightsaber is a special type of hilt used in Star Wars. Its original design was inspired by the real-world production of modified flashgun hilts.
In the Star Wars universe, the Graflex saber is known for being the weapon of choice for several famous Jedi, including Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker.The Graflex features a cylindrical hilt with a prominent ridged grip and consists of a range of black and silver colors, and the hilt has a switch near the emitter to ignite the lightsabers.
Realistic origins of the Graflex lightsaber
An iconic weapon from Star Wars, the Graflex lightsaber, a distinctive blue saber, was originally inspired by a real-world camera store that housed an old Graflex camera flash with crisscrossing metal tubes and adjustable clamps that acted as a handle. The designer took this idea and started working on it.
The designer reassembled the Graflex flash and made some key modifications by adding a rectangular activation frame at the front. After a few hours of soldering and fabrication, the prototype of the Graflex was completed. After continuous design and refinement, it evolved into the blue for which it is now known.
The Legacy of Skywalker's Weapons: The Path of the Graflex Lightsaber
The Graflex lightsaber is closely related to the Skywalker family. In the Star Wars universe, the iconic hilt was originally crafted by Anakin Skywalker and has followed him into battle, knowing that after Anakin Skywalker fell to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader, Obi-Wan was given the weapon after his fateful duel on Mustafar. Afterward, Obi-Wan met Luke Skywalker, Anakin's son, by chance. Obi-Wan took him on as his apprentice and trained Luke until Luke was able to fight on his own, and Obi-Wan handed Luke the saber, completing the legacy.
Unfortunately, Luke was defeated in a battle with Darth Vader, his hands were cut off, and the lightsaber was left behind, leaving the Graflex unaccounted for for a long time afterward. Until, by fate, it reappeared, it called to Rey through the Force, and returned to the hands of the Skywalker family once again, completing the legacy of Graflex saber.
What does Graflex lightsaber's blue blade symbolize?
The Graflex blue blade provides visual beauty, and it's blue blade conveys the ideals and noble character of the Jedi themselves, symbolizing the qualities of wisdom, trust and confidence, qualities that every Jedi should possess, embodied in the blue saber.
When the Graflex lightsaber's blue blade is lit, it all makes a visual impact and instills hope in the crowd. The blue blade is a representation of the light side of the Force, as opposed to the Sith's red lightsabers, which is a struggle between freedom and aggression, and good and evil. It can be said that the Graflex saber represents the ideal of constantly being in a state of hope and inspiring potential to overcome the darkness, even when in danger.
Who has used Graflex lightsaber?
Obi-Wan Kenobi is perhaps the most famous Graflex saber user. In the original Star Wars trilogy, Sir Alec Guinness wields this saber.
Luke Skywalker: After receiving his father Anakin's lightsaber from Obi-Wan, Luke began his heroic journey with this iconic hilt.
Rey:The staff-wielding scavenger picked up Luke's on the island of Ahch-To, carrying on its legacy.
Anakin Skywalker:The young Anakin trained with the Graflex saber.
Finn: also used a Graflex lightsaber
Graflex Lightsaber Beyond the Movies
While the Graflex saber was introduced to the public through the movies, its journey continues, and it still exists outside of the movies, in comics, and in games.
In the classic Aftermath trilogy, the Graflex lightsaber exists in a mysterious way, and although it disappeared for decades, it summoned the scavenger Nora Vexley through the Force, just as it later summoned Rey.
In non-canonical stories, the Graflex saber still exists; in the Dark Horse comics, Luke builds a replica of the original saber after losing it, and video games like Jedi Knight let players use replicas in their own adventures. Regardless, the Graflex lightsabers have always been a beloved symbol.
FAQs
1.What is a Graflex lightsaber?
A Graflex lightsaber is a type of saber hilt that is based on the Graflex flashgun, a vintage camera flash used in the film industry. It gained popularity among Star Wars fans as the hilt design used for Luke Skywalker's in the original trilogy.
2.Is the Graflex lightsaber suitable for dueling?
The original Graflex flashgun was not intended for dueling, as it was a camera accessory. However, many Graflex saber replicas are designed with durability and dueling in mind.
3.What materials are Graflex lightsabers made of?
Graflex lightsabers are typically constructed using a combination of metal and other materials. The hilt often features a metal chassis, while other components like grips and activation switches may be made from materials such as plastic, rubber, or leather.
4.Can I use a Graflex lightsaber for cosplay or costuming?
Graflex lightsabers are a popular choice for Star Wars cosplay and costuming. With their iconic and recognizable design, they are often sought after by fans looking to accurately portray characters like Luke Skywalker or other Jedi from the original trilogy.
5.What are the key features of a Graflex lightsaber?
The Graflex typically features a cylindrical hilt with distinctive metal ridges, a red button near the emitter, and a D-ring attachment for hanging. These design elements were originally part of the Graflex camera flash unit and were incorporated into the lightsaber prop.
