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9[[quoteright:350:[[Film/ReturnOfTheJedi https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_deathstarduel_5992.jpg]]]]
10[[caption-width-right:350:The lightsaber is the coolest weapon ever.\
11Search your feelings. You know it to be true.]]
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13
14->''"You think what -- I'm gonna walk out with a laser sword and face down the whole First Order?"''
15-->-- '''Luke Skywalker''', ''Franchise/StarWars: Episode VIII -- Film/TheLastJedi''
16
17The laser blade is a melee EnergyWeapon, with a cutting edge made of PureEnergy, giving it AbsurdCuttingPower. It also allows for an automatic CleanCut the way a regular sword does not. Despite their AbsurdCuttingPower, {{sword fight}}s between two Laser Blade wielders [[{{Reconstruction}} are still possible]] thanks to the fact that LikeCannotCutLike. Generally a type of ImpossiblyCoolWeapon, they require a lot of WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief, but are generally awesome enough to be worth it.
18
19Laser blades exist purely because of the RuleOfCool. PowerGlows, therefore a weapon ''made'' out of glow must be ''really'' powerful. In real life, making such fancy swords is AwesomeButImpractical when [[EnergyWeapon Frickin' Laser Beams]] [[NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight decide war]], but then again, laser blade duels are frickin' awesome, and that's enough justification to be showed on-screen. Another possible in-universe justification in that the duelists are somehow ImmuneToBullets, whether thanks to DeflectorShields, The Force or any other such AppliedPhlebotinum, thus forcing the revival of old-school sword martial arts with laser blades.
20
21Note that, although the most prolific TropeCodifier is the [[Franchise/StarWars lightsaber]], you'll almost never see the word "lightsaber" outside of that particular franchise for [[BlandNameProduct understandable legal reasons]]. Thus, such blades are given any variety of slightly less, but still awesome monikers, such as "beam saber", "energy sword", "plasma knife" and, for the [[{{Pun}} paronomasiacs]], "laser blade."[[note]]Because it sounds like "razor blade", get it?[[/note]] The energy blade concept tends to be OlderThanTheyThink; Creator/IsaacAsimov used them as early as 1944, for "Literature/TheTraders".
22
23Note also that the word "laser" is frequently used for fictitious energy weapons of all types, even in settings where the beams are created by AppliedPhlebotinum and don't share the real-world etymology of the word. Yes, despite having a perfectly fictional sounding, sci-fi/fantasy ring to it, the word "laser" is actually an acronym, standing for '''L'''ight '''A'''mplification through '''S'''timulated '''E'''mission of '''R'''adiation.
24
25Despite being a sword made of energy, it's surprisingly rare to see one that can shoot a SwordBeam.
26
27Sometimes, especially in video games, a laser blade may be mounted on a fighter ship. This version is even more of an ImpossiblyCoolWeapon than the usual melee variety.
28
29A SubTrope of ElementalWeapon, LaserCutter, CoolSword, AbsurdCuttingPower, EnergyWeapon, HardLight, ImpossiblyCoolWeapon.
30
31A SisterTrope to FlamingSword, HotBlade, RayGun.
32
33----
34!!Example subpages
35[[index]]
36* LaserBlade/VideoGames
37[[/index]]
38
39!!Other examples:
40[[foldercontrol]]
41
42[[folder:Advertising]]
43* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNf995B0_kU This]] Honda advert has a laser turkey carver.
44[[/folder]]
45
46[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
47* ''Anime/AldnoahZero'': Vlad utilizes [[DualWielding a pair of plasma swords]] used by his Martian Kataphrakt, the Argyre. The plasma sword is wielded like a HotBlade in that it can be used to disintegrate bullets shot at him, so he commonly uses it for ParryingBullets. It can even be used to detonate explosive projectiles thrown at his machine.
48** [[spoiler:Count Saazbaum also carries a plasma sword on his Dioscuria, but unlike Vlad's Argyre which wields its plasma swords, the Dioscuria carries it as a BladeBelowTheShoulder.]]
49* ''Anime/BakuganBattleBrawlers'': Prince Hydron’s mechanical Bakugan Droid has one it can access through the “Murasame Blade” ability, which can be upgraded through various fusion abilities.
50** The gauntlets that the humans and humanoids use to command their bakugan can also be turned into laser blades using a special card, though this ability is rarely used. The most memorable time this happens is during Dan's battle with Spectra Phantom, when the last dimension controller is destroyed, their partner bakugan gain the ability to fight without needing their partner to activate cards, so Spectra attacks Dan with a laser blade since he no longer needs to command his bakugan, and Dan does the same. It was an awesome battle.
51* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'':
52** Pesche has Ultima. It's a sword whose blade is made of shining reishi giving it the appearance of a sword whose blade is made of light.
53** Subverted with Uryū. The Seele Schneider is a Quincy weapon with a sword's edge. It's made of spirit particles (reishi) and therefore looks like a laser sword and functions as a VibroWeapon. Uryuu even compares it to a [[ChainsawGood chainsaw]]. However, while the Seele Schneider can be used in melee combat, it's actually an ''arrow''.
54** When Ulquiorra releases, he can create green laser ''lances'' (called Luz la Luna) out of his reishi, which are just as durable as his normal sword. [[spoiler: When he uses his second form, the resulting lance (Lanza del Relámpago) can also serve as a FantasticNuke when thrown]].
55** [[TheGunslinger Starrk]] normally uses twin pistols in his released state, though when the going gets tough, he trades those out for a [[DualWielding pair]] of blue laser swords.
56* Father Remington of ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'' has a giant laser blade {{BFS}} that he deploys from a crucifix.
57* ''Anime/DaiconIIIAndIV'':
58** In ''III'', the main character whips out a bamboo ruler that transforms into a lightsaber-esque weapon near the climax.
59** ''IV'' has a short scene where the protagonist wields an actual lightsaber in a duel against [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader]] himself.
60* Mina Hazuki of ''Anime/DarkerThanBlack'' can turn any object she touches into an energy weapon, be it bokken or wire or pebble.
61* The ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' franchise offers a few examples:
62** [=MagnaAngemon=] of ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' has one [[BladeBelowTheShoulder extending from his wrist]], named Excalibur. His evolved form Seraphimon can also form one in a similar manner.
63** Justimon's Critical Arm in ''Anime/DigimonTamers''.
64** Lobomon of ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'' dual-wields laser blades with his [[GratuitousGerman Licht Sieger]] technique. His later form, [=MagnaGarurumon=], also wields a laser blade stored in its chest compartment.
65** Gallantmon X of ''Anime/DigimonXEvolution'', whose Victory Saber technique is a laser blade effectively [[{{BFS}} measured in miles]]!
66** Susanoomon from ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'' takes the cake. What looks like a {{BFG}} creates a beam... that has a fixed length and becomes [[{{BFS}} suspiciously sword shaped]]. It bisects the ''entire core of the Digital World'' along with the opponent. [[CallingYourAttacks CELESTIAL BLADE!]]
67** In ''Anime/DigimonAdventure2020'', [=WereGarurumon=] is able to upgrade to Sagittarius Mode, which gives him eight detachable mechanical wings that can become many other things including laser-blades.
68** In ''Anime/DigimonUniverseAppMonsters'', Globemon's Schwert Cutter emits bright blue ones from his wrists. When in [[SuperMode Overdrive]], he can extend them for thousands of feet.
69* The ''Franchise/DragonBall'' series has [[https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Energy_Blade a very interesting variation]] of this trope. In that a handful of fighters, have techniques that allow them to concentrate their energy to create blades of pure ki energy around their hands.
70** Salza (from the Cooler movie), holds distinction for the very first appearance and use of this trope in the franchise, called the Salza Blade, that he used against Piccolo. Which would later on inspire various other types of ki energy blades through the series, although not in-universe.
71** Vegito has the [[https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Spirit_Sword Spirit Sword]], that he used against Super Buu and [[spoiler:Fused Zamasu]], which true to it's name is even longer than most energy blades. Believe it or not he has an even ''longer'' variation of it, called [[https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Spirit_Excalibur Spirit Excalibur]].
72** Goku Black and Zamasu from ''Anime/DragonBallSuper'' love doing this [[spoiler:due to being the same person. They continue to use it once they use Potara Fusion]] Even having a few types of it as well. The former eventually expands it to an energy ''[[SinisterScythe scythe]]'' called the "Sickle of Sorrow", which [[spoiler: carves open nasty-looking rifts in space even when it misses.]]
73** Later in the same arc, Future Trunks uses this technique to replace the broken half of his sword. Then [[spoiler: Goku, Vegeta and the surviving humans channel their energy into him (like a spirit bomb), creating an ENORMOUS energy sword named The Sword of Hope, powerful enough to bisect the Merged Zamasu.]]
74** Kahseral of Universe 11's Pride Troopers has "Justice Saber", a technique in which he creates two energy blades on both of his hands.. Android 17 responds [[BarehandedBladeBlock by ''catching'' one of them barehanded]].
75* ''Manga/FireForce'': Arthur Boyle's [[PlayingWithFire pyrokinetic abilities]] manifest as a type of FlamingSword, with the flames heated to the point of becoming plasma which he can focus into a dense blade.
76* ''Manga/TheFiveStarStories'' uses its own version, known as a 'spadd': this is often paired with a regular sword, known as a 'speid'. Spadds and speids are used both by human-sized characters ''and'' by the giant robots they pilot.
77** The anime ''Five Star Stories'' is a SpiritualSuccessor-slash-{{Remake}} of, ''Anime/HeavyMetalLGaim'', also has these, though they're called just "sabers", in both the human-sized and [[HumongousMecha Heavy Metal]]-sized version.
78* One arc of ''Manga/{{Gintama}}'' contains many Franchise/StarWars references (like a character named Obi One Kenofi and arms dealers who look like [[http://www.tenmanga.com/chapter/Gintama405/285810/ Yoda as a bankrobber]]), so naturally, it features beam swords.
79* Aleida & Takane Shishidou in ''Anime/TheGirlWhoLeaptThroughSpace'' use weapons called Tachyon Swords in battle (usually with each other).
80* In the ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' meta series, laser blades, here commonly referred to as "beam sabers", are the common melee weapon used by heroes and villains both. Many series will start out with the heroes with a SuperPrototype armed with a state-of-the-art beam saber with the villains gaining their own near the end of the series. Continuations afterwards usually have both sides stick with beam weaponry from that point on. As the series goes on, melee beam weaponry take various forms, practical and impractical, from the high powered beam shields to beam axes to [[HelicopterBlender helicopter rotors]] and even a beam ''flag''.
81** ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam'' is of particular note for this trope as it featured the Shining Finger Sword, basically an oversized blade of beam energy designed as the Shining Gundam's FinishingMove after activating its GoldenSuperMode.
82** Not all series deals with beam energy the same as the original. For instance, in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'', early enemy Mobile Suits like the Union Flags used Sonic Blades, which were {{Vibroweapon}}s that can also turn into Plasma Swords. The Gundam Exia and its successors 00 and 00 Qan-T had special weapons that were actually solid blades that could be infused with GN Particles to make them as powerful as standard beam sabers. The Qan-T is also notable for having a beam saber so large it could cut open a 3000km diameter alien ship (which is around same diameter of the moon)
83** Averted in ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans Iron Blooded Orphans]]'', where everyone uses [[KineticWeaponsAreJustBetter physical weapons]] instead.
84* The knights in ''Anime/HeroicAge'' have laser bayonets that can be turned on and off.
85* ''Manga/HoshinEngi'': Kou Tenka's Paopei, "Bakuya no Hoken".
86* A laser saber is Bakumaru's main weapon in ''Anime/JuuniSenshiBakuretsuEtoRanger''. Interestingly, he didn't start the series with it; it was a souvenir he took from the [[FracturedFairyTale fractured Sci-Fi version]] of ''Literature/{{Momotaro}}''.
87* ''Manga/JyuOhSei'' features a beam knife.
88* Several characters in ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' use variations of this.
89** Fate is the most prominent user. She starts with an energy scythe in the [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha first season]], and later gains access to various kinds of Laser Blades, from a BFS, to twin sabers, to a double-ended energy saber.
90** ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' introduces Teana, who can switch her pistols into a pair of energy daggers.
91** ''[=StrikerS=]'' also gives us the Combat Cyborg Deed and her Twin Blades, which are a pair of energy swords.
92** ''Manga/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaVivid'' has Victoria Dahlgrün, whose poleaxe could be split in two to reveal a hidden laser blade in its shaft.
93* [[BloodKnight Ryuga's]] Ray Blade in ''Manga/{{Mahoromatic}}''. It uses a beam from a ''starship'' to power it up.
94* ''Anime/MazingerZ'': In the ''Manga/NewMazinger'' spin-off, almost all mechas use lasers and light blades. ''Mazinger'' itself is the only one mecha that uses a regular, metal -- albeit most probably that metal is {{Unobtainium}} -- blade. SubvertedTrope because the mecha armors are laser-proof, [[KineticWeaponsAreJustBetter and thus Mazinger's metal sword is more effective than the laser blades]].
95* A {{filler}} arc of ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' featured the Raijin (Thunder God) Sword, which used to belong to Tobirama Senju. The blade is apparently made of [[ShockAndAwe pure electricity]] and can expand and retract much like a lightsaber.
96* ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'' has Evangeline emanating some sort of magic energy blade from her hand. She uses it once on the Headmaster (cutting his beard off so he won't interfere in the battle). Later, a weird psuedo-Eva created from a magic scroll and Negi's memories uses it to fight Negi.
97** Negi can also do this, at least when he's fighting a BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind.
98** While deliberately used to invoke this trope, the spell "Ensis Exsequens" is almost the exact opposite of a conventional Laser Blade; rather than pumping energy into its delineated region, it supposedly drains and isolates energy so as to cause the surroundings of every particle in its effect to become colder relative to it... for every particle [[LogicBomb simultaneously]], vaporizing the matter through sublimation. This incidentally produces intense cold in the blade's vicinity (fitting Eva's [[AnIcePerson theme]]). It's noted that since this spell [[NoConservationOfEnergy directly opposes the laws of thermodynamics]] (and logic), it's very difficult to cast; Negi's only learned an imperfect version of it.
99* This is a specific ability granted to ''Manga/OnePiece'' admiral Kizaru thanks to his light-based Devil Fruit powers.
100* ''Anime/PhantomQuestCorp'': Ayaka's signature weapon is her Star Sword, which she summons [[ImprobableWeaponUser by drawing her lipstick]] and invoking [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull its release command.]] Upon which, the tube elongates into a sword hilt, while the lipstick itself becomes a light sabre. It even makes the exact same sound effect upon activation.
101* ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'':
102** This is what the Oshawott family's SignatureMove Razor Shell attack looks like.
103** When Lucario uses [[BadWithTheBone Bone Rush]] (formerly one of the Signature Moves of Cubone and Marowak), it manifests out of thin air and glows rather like a [[Franchise/StarWars lightsaber]]. And can be used in similar combat.
104** The Swords of Justice's former signature moves (Before it was also given to Aegislash) Sacred Sword and in the case of Keldeo, Secret Sword, look like this.
105* In ''Manga/PsychicSquad'', Tim uses his powers to make a Mecha that uses, among other weapons, a [[MundaneMadeAwesome Beam-Pick-Axe and Beam-Shovel]].
106* ''Literature/RebuildWorld'':
107** These first show up briefly via ExplosiveOverclocking of LostTechnology blades that only last for a few seconds but have AbsurdCuttingPower and are lengthy. Doing this destroys the original weapon.
108** Nelia eventually appears in a MiniMecha equipped [[DualWielding with two]] appropriately sized energy blades.
109** An ArtificialIntelligence Olivia that’s TheRemnant of {{Precursors}} uses what is basically a lightsaber, which first shows up when she loans it to a lesser automaton that gets into a duel with Shiori. Olivia retrieves it and uses it for ParryingBullets when a unit of MiniMecha launch a ConvergingStreamWeapon attack against her.
110* ''Manga/SgtFrog'' :
111** In a parody of ''Series/MetalHeroes'', Space Detective Kogoro uses a laser '''''[[WoodenKatanasAreEvenBetter shinai]]'''''.
112** Giroro is also seen using a beam sword during a ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' pastiche in episode 10.
113* Shana of ''Literature/ShakuganNoShana'' during a computer game. On a related note, she's usually a FlamingSword user.
114* Amidamaru on ''Manga/ShamanKing'' gets awfully lightsaber-ish.
115** Radim's Over Soul, Platinum Sword.
116* ''Literature/{{Slayers}}'':
117** Gourry's AncestralWeapon, the Sword of Light, which at least has the advantage of being completely magical, allowing it to deflect, absorb, channel, amplify and emit incoming magical attacks. It's also capable of extending to nearly SwordBeam lengths. Lina used it to cast the [[DangerousForbiddenTechnique Giga Slave]] in a desperate attempt to destroy Shabranigdo.
118** In ''Slayers Try'', sister weapons to the Swords of Light, including a [[DoubleWeapon spear]], bow, axe, and trident, all lasery. It also reveals them to be [[spoiler:dormant monster demigods from AnotherDimension.]] It is, however, possible for a mortal to create a lesser Laser Blade, as demonstrated by Pocota. All are activated by shouting the phrase "[[ByThePowerOfGreyskull Light, come forth!]]"
119** Finally, there's Lina's "Ragna Blade" spell which creates a virtual blade capable of slicing through physical objects, and even reality itself into alternate dimensions. It's the only weapon or spell the monster race cannot avoid by ducking out of our reality, though it is actually more of a ''dark''saber.
120* ''Anime/SpaceRunawayIdeon'': The titular HumongousMecha has such weapon. The "Ideon Blade" is the absolute, indisputed heavyweight champion of this trope. ''It can cut one whole freaking planet in half'', and it is speculated that its reach is potentially infinite.
121* ''Literature/SwordArtOnline'' has the Kagemitsu G4 in ''Gun Gale Online'', and is classified as a [[LawyerFriendlyCameo "Photon Sword"]], though it's mentioned by Sinon that it doesn't stop GGO players from calling them names like "[[WritingAroundTradeMarks Light Swords]]", or [[Franchise/{{Gundam}} Beam Sabres]][[note]]Nor does it stop RealLife fans of the series from flat out calling it those, or a [[Franchise/StarWars Lightsaber]]. In the anime, it even sounds extremely similar to how a Lightsaber does when swung or powered up or down. This is actually lampshaded when Sinon finishes listing every possible alternate name for the thing except calling it a lightsaber, and follows up by saying "It has another name, but I can't remember it."[[/note]]. This was considered a JokeWeapon in series since by the time anyone got close enough to someone to use it, they'd be riddled with bullets. Then Kirito gets his hands on one and, thanks to skills honed in two other VRMMO games that emphasized sword fighting, turns it into a LethalJokeWeapon, [[ParryingBullets deflecting bullets like a Jedi]]. After he leaves GGO, the Kagemitsu explodes in popularity as players try ([[DifficultButAwesome with limited success]]) to replicate his feats.
122* All the various energy blades in ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'', although many of these are semi-mystical in nature; the most powerful, the Light Hawk Sword, [[spoiler:comes from Tenchi's own God powers]]. Tenchi's regular sword, named Sword Tenchi (long story), actually serves as a master key to Juraian ships; its combat abilities are just a bonus. It also has the handy ability to throw up a ForceField. Ryoko, Washu, and Kagato have to ability to create energy swords outright, Ryoko's and Washu's being simple orange constructs, and Kagato's being green and more ornate, like a bastard sword. Lightsaber-like sound effects are standard when such swords are activated.
123** In ''Anime/TenchiMuyoGXP'', energy swords almost identical to Star Wars lightsabers were implied to be both Galaxy Police standard equipment and carried by space pirates. They even had similar color coding -- the Galaxy Police used blue laserblades and space pirates used red.
124** In ''Anime/TenchiUniverse'', the BigBad [[spoiler:Kagato]] has a dark version of Tenchi's sword. It looks more like a large bastard sword in energy form than Tenchi's more Katana like blade.
125** Subverted in ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo''. Tenchi's sword here is made of Crystals
126** A few characters in the ''No Need for Tenchi''/''All-New Tenchi Muyo'' manga series swung around a few laser blades. The first villain sought to make a blade that was stronger than the Light Hawk Wing sword. Didn't work out for him. The last villain from ''No Need'' challenges Tenchi with two high-powered laser blades mounted on his hands. When he's forced to cut off a hand, the energy blade is so powerful in digs its way into the ground and causes his planet to go up.
127* ''Anime/UmiNoTriton'' featured a laser knife that was an heirloom of the Atlantis nobility. Yoshiyuki Tomino directed this in 1972 before Gundam and [[OlderThanTheyThink well before Star Wars.]]
128* ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'': Three words: Form Blazing Sword! Oddly enough, it was more or less solid. On the other hand, in the CGI-based {{Revival}}, "Stealth Voltron" is armed with an [[FunWithAcronyms N.R.G.]] Sword.
129* In ''Anime/WorldConquestZvezdaPlot'', members of the White Light organization fight using glowing white energy swords, which are capable of shooting {{Sword Beam}}s.
130* Cure Aqua of ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'', of all people, gets one of these from her first MidSeasonUpgrade. Apparently Karen's a trendsetter, because when it came time for upgrades in the ''next'' season, ''everyone'' got laser swords.
131* ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'' had the "Elemental Sword" card, which depending on your point of view, was either thankfully or unfortunately used only twice.
132* Kuwabara in ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' can summon an energy sword at will. It's not ''technically'' a laser sword since it's actually a manifestation of his spirit energy, but it functionally serves the same role.
133[[/folder]]
134
135[[folder:Comic Books]]
136* ''ComicBook/TwoThousandAD'':
137** In ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd's'' universe, Hondo City (what was Japan) Judges in more recent years are issued with laser blades, replacing the traditional katanas from earlier stories. Other characters have used them as well. In fact, the first recorded incident of a "futsie" was when a man went berserk after his wife bought a laser carving knife and killed her with it.
138** ''ComicBook/{{Shakara}}'': One of Shakara's most commonly used weapons is a glowing red laser blade [[BladeBelowTheShoulder attached to his arm]], which he'll occasionally [[DualWielding dual wield]].
139* After giving up the [[EvilWeapon Ebony Blade]], ComicBook/TheAvengers member the Black Knight designed and constructed a laser sword, often called his photonic or neural sword. The sword resembles a lightsaber in both its appearance and its effects on non-living matter, but it functions differently when used against living beings. Its "laser" blade is actually a neural disruptor; when the Black Knight cuts someone with it, it delivers a massive jolt to the being's central nervous system. This jolt is usually enough to incapacitate someone within just a few hits. Alternately, Whitman can reverse the sword's energy stream so that it encases its hilt and by extension Whitman's fist in a high-energy field. Using the sword in this fashion enables Whitman to punch with some unspecified degree of enhanced strength.
140* The knights in ''ComicBook/{{Camelot 3000}}'' wielded energy swords used for slashing, not thrusting, but still called them "raypiers".
141* In Matt Wagner's ''ComicBook/{{Grendel}}: War Child'' series, Grendel-Prime uses a red laser sword. A different character wields a similar weapon in the ''Grendel Tales'' story "Devil's Choices".
142* Rex and Kane, the two ''Tyrannosaurus rexes'' in ''ComicBook/JurassicStrikeForceFive'', frequently use their laser swords during major battles.
143* ''ComicBook/{{Kamandi}}'': In the first issue of the original series, Great Caesar has a "laser rod", which at [[https://www.angelfire.com/ar/hellUSA/ one point is stolen by Kamandi]].
144* ''ComicBook/XMen'': [[Characters/MarvelComicsPsylocke Psylocke]]'s psychic knife looks like this.
145* Used by Prince Ethan [[spoiler: and later on, Prince Bron]] in ''ComicBook/{{Scion}}''.
146* In ''[[ComicBook/UsagiYojimbo Space Usagi]]'' "arcane" (ancient) [[KatanasAreBetter katanas]] can be adapted to "surge", allowing them to cut through metal and electrify opponents.
147* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRobotsInDisguise'': Arcee regularly uses a pair of energy swords with blades that resemble lightning bolts. They stand out quite a bit since while many characters use swords in the setting, and a few even use swords that can [[FlamingSword charge their blades]] [[HotBlade with energy]], she's the only character whose sword blades are actually ''made'' of energy.
148* Until ''ComicBook/TheTransformersWindblade'', where such weapons are common among Transformers from the LostColony of Caminus. It's explained that the scarcity of energy on Caminus means that [[EnergyWeapon shooting it off]] is unacceptably wasteful; the Camiens developed energy blades as one of their conservation measures.
149* ''ComicBook/IronMan'': War Machine typically has a laser blade built into his left gauntlet. Considering [[MoreDakka the trope this superhero usually follows]], it's rarely used.
150* ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'': The SpacePirate Sakritt weilds an energy blade along with her gun. The blade is used more for intimidation than practicality but she's still adept at using it.
151[[/folder]]
152
153[[folder:Fan Works]]
154* ''Fanfic/BoldoresandBoomsticks'': Gary's Alakazam teaches Whisper Psycho Cut, which she then uses to imitate Weiss' swordplay. Unlike most depictions of the move both hold onto the generated blades annd use them for melee attacks.
155* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'':
156** Harry Dresden conjure one by accident in the final battle of the first book when a mixture of fire and force spell gets a little ''nudge'', infusing the result with soulfire and leaving it as a burning silver energy blade protruding from his blasting rod. He thinks it's brilliant. Everyone else just takes it as proof that the world has gone mad.
157** He later gets a new vibranium blasting rod, and develops a spell to this effect. Because Dresden is a massive nerd, it even makes the noises.
158** It later turns out that ''Curtana'', Harry's sword can do this after it gets reforged in the second book, being one of the many special features that Doctor Strange didn't bother mentioning until [[spoiler: the Lady Knight]] fiddles with it in the third. This means that an already lethal and often FlamingSword is now capable of effectively imitating a lightsabre. [[spoiler: Just what you want when your latest crackpot scheme involves imitating Obi-Wan Kenobi.]]
159* ''Fanfic/ACrownOfStars'': The Rangers of Avalon Empire Army wield plasma-edged blades as part of their standard equipment.
160* Creator/DetsniyOffSkiword seems fond of them, since two of his stories have used them so far. In Profesor Layton Vs Jack The Raper, we see Layton and [[TheGrimReaper The Grim]] [[FreudianSlip Raper]] have a fight using these. In Kid Icarus Uprising 2, the 16th chapter has Cloud Angle get a lightsaber [[EnemyMine from Hades]] in order to fight atop the Satellite Of Terror.
161* ''Fanfic/DreamingOfSunshine'' features The Sword of the Thunder God. It's similarity to a [[Franchise/StarWars lightsaber]] is [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] by the main character.
162-->''I was a ninja. I knew there were jutsu and weapons of every description and ability and more. And yet, some things were so deeply ingrained, like the cultural belief that the coolest weapon in the world was made of light and went zshooshm.''
163* ''Fanfic/FateRevelationOnline'': A patch adds Mystic Codes to the game, which is the Nasuverse word for enchanted tools. The ''first words'' out of Kirito's mouth are "Shirou. Let's build a lightsaber." This proves to be a surprisingly difficult prospect, and after months of work they can barely manage an AwesomeButImpractical single-use blade that shatters like glass on the first hit. They find a couple ways to cheat, but complain that having just a glowing sword doesn't really fit what they want.
164* ''Fanfic/AGameOfCatAndCat'': As in [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIIINocturne canon]], Naoki has the power to [[SpontaneousWeaponCreation create laser swords from thin air]]. He tries using it to [[MundaneUtility cut a loaf of bread when he can't find a knife]]; it works and even toasts the bread beautifully, but it's so sharp that he cuts the table in half.
165* ''Fanfic/HarryPotterAndTheMethodsOfRationality'': There's something called "The Most Ancient Blade" that only those of a Noble/Ancient House can use. It's a combination of spells with a long setup time, clearly designed for polite and flashy duels between nobles rather than something you should expect to use in actual combat. Hermione notes that, while it's clearly more awe-inspiring to people who haven't seen ''Franchise/StarWars'', it's still pretty impressive that they managed to make lightsabers.
166* Kyon has one in the [[InMediasRes prologue]] of ''Fanfic/KyonBigDamnHero'' courtesy of a dead inter-dimensional robot out to kill them.
167* ''Legacy Of the Rasengan :Naruto'': Naruto's Kaze Kiwa no Jutsu combines this trope (blade-shaped chakra) with RazorWind. Yes it is awesome. The length can be determined depending on how much chakra you pour in.
168* ''Fanfic/TheLifeOfTheLegendaries'' has [[OlympusMons Palkia]] wield a [[Franchise/StarWars lightsaber-esque]] sword. It is made from his psychic energy. In this continuity, Psycho Cut can manifest as this form as well.
169* In ''Fanfic/{{Origins}}'', lightsabers are extremely rare, but are often found in the hands of special agents from the Republic Intelligence Service. At one point, Kai Leng gets one and "The Lady" wields one along with her underlings. In ''Fanfic/{{Frontier|SovereignGFC}}'' lightsabers become far more common, if only because the BigBad is mass-producing them for its troops.
170* In ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'', Sabrina taught several of her Kadabra to project Psycho Cut energy through their spoons to create this effect. Apparently she plagiarized this from a Pokémon Coordinator, though she insists she learned it legitimately.
171* ''Fanfic/SonicBoomBeyondTheBlackHorizon'': This is one of the functions of the Enerbeam; in fact, it's the first one that Sonic figures out how to use. The shape and length of the blade varies by user; Sonic's has a decent range whilst Knuckles's is more or less a punching dagger. Lyric dual-wields a set of more traditional beam sabres.
172* In ''Fanfic/SonOfTheSannin'', Naruto designs a modified kunai capable of projecting a blade of pure chakra, similar to Asuma's trench knives. The initial model had a high rate of chakra consumption (something that doesn't really effect him personally but makes it impractical for just about everyone else), though Jiraiya helps him refine it over the TimeSkip and they end up becoming part of the standard arsenel for members of ANBU.
173* In the Australian FanFilm ''WebVideo/StarWarsDownunder'', the BigBad's stormtroopers have light-boomerangs.
174* One of the five “Hitler Youth” in the New Zork chapter of ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached'' can generate a Laser Blade. The narrative promptly nicknames him Lightsaber Guy.
175* In ''WebVideo/YuGiOhTheAbridgedSeries'', Yami Bakura and Yami Marik duel each other with Ancient Egyptian lightsabers (with "Through the Fire and Flames" by Music/DragonForce playing in the background) before switching to a children's card game.
176[[/folder]]
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178[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
179* The leader of the Fearsome Hand of Four in ''WesternAnimation/BatmanUnderTheRedHood'' dual-wields a pair of these.
180[[/folder]]
181
182[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]
183* Long Jian-fei, the hero of the ''wuxia'' fantasy film, ''Film/BuddhasPalm'', wields a weapon called the Green Dragon Sword, an energy weapon that glows upon being drawn from its sheath, which is blatantly ripped off from Star Wars, right down to having the same iconic lightsaber hum lifted from the source material. Although there's a bit of a HilariousInHindsight here: the knockoff weapon here glows green instead of red or blue, and the movie itself is released on 1982, a year ''before'' green lightsabres made its debut in Return of the Jedi!
184* In ''Film/TheGamersDorknessRising'', Cass finds one which is a leftover from a previous, failed run of the adventure module, complete with an off-key music of a few notes from the ''Star Wars'' theme.
185-->'''[[GameMaster Lodge]]:''' YOU CAN'T USE A LIGHTSABER! IT'S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT SYSTEM!\
186'''[[RulesLawyer Cass]]:''' I see no lightsabre. That would be a copyright infringement. I see a psionic spiritblade.
187** Which ends up biting Cass in the rear, when Lodge turns Cass's RulesLawyer way back around on him, by having the villain the party is facing stop it with a simple Dispell Psionic or similar spell. After all, Cass ''did'' say it was a [[ExactWords it was a psionic]], [[DidntThinkThisThrough magic weapon]].
188* In ''Film/GodzillaVsDestoroyah'', Destoroyah's horn can sprout a laser blade powerful enough to injure Godzilla.
189* In ''Film/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy2005'', Trillian demonstrates the operation of a laser knife to Arthur, which [[MundaneUtility toasts bread as it's being cut.]] It also [[ShoutOut makes the lightsaber sounds.]] And miraculously doesn't cut the plate. DVDCommentary points out the FridgeLogic that the other side of the toasted slice will still be cold.
190* ''Film/HotShotsPartDeux'' features a random ''Star Wars'' parody when President Benson and Saddam Hussein suddenly whip out lightsabers during their climactic duel.
191* ''Film/JayAndSilentBobStrikeBack'': The characters' superhero identities Bluntman & Chronic use lightsabers. Bluntman's is called a "bluntsaber" and Chronic's is a double-bladed "bongsaber". Their archnemesis Cock-Knocker (played by Mark Hamill) uses a "cocksaber".
192-->'''Chaka Luther King:''' I think George Lucas is gonna sue somebody!
193* ''Film/TheReturn1980'' features an alien-tech bar of light that sometimes burns, sometimes cuts and cauterizes, and sometimes just acts like a normal knife.
194* ''Film/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorld'': Gideon Graves uses a laser sword made of pixels, which is called the Digitana in the script.
195* ''Film/{{Spaceballs}}'' features a laser sword fight between Lone Starr and Dark Helmet, and the laser blades [[BladeLock get tangled]] at one point. "I hate it when my Schwartz gets twisted!"
196%%* ''Film/{{Starcrash}}'': One of these is wielded by a {{Human Alien|s}} named Akton.%%What is?
197* ''Franchise/StarWars'' is the TropeCodifier, and its laser-bladed lightsabers are the iconic weapons of the Jedi and the Sith. Lucas sometimes calls them "laser swords" in interviews and in fact uses this term in the original script; this carries to the prequel movies, where child Anakin explicitly calls a lightsaber a "laser sword" when he sees Qui-Gon for the first time and immediately recognizes the latter as a Jedi Knight.
198** A lightsaber is actually a [[PlasmaCannon plasma weapon]], not a true laser (pure photons that project indefinitely). It is composed of a metal hilt that projects a three-foot colored beam of plasma restrained by a magnetic ContainmentField, making it serve as a blade which can be switched on and off. The energy is provided by a "[[PowerCrystal kyber crystal]]" stored in the hilt. Most Jedi blades are green or blue; other colors, such as purple, orange, yellow or white, are rare but appear on occasion. Sith lightsabers are always blood-red, because they corrupt their crystals with a Dark Side technique called "bleeding". They can cut through virtually any physical substance, even thick metal bulkheads, but because of their containment fields, can bounce off of each other to enable swordfights; a few materials, such as a handful of rare metals or the hides of certain monsters, also resist their blades. George Lucas intended them to make Jedi more like a classic KnightErrant or samurai.
199** It's commonly believed even in-universe that only Force-sensitives can wield lightsabers, but this isn't strictly true; transhumans and cyborgs like General Grievous can wield them just as well. However, Force-sensitive reflexes and a bit of precognition do greatly help in wielding them safely, without cutting off one's own bodyparts while making rapid complex motions.
200** Jedi are immune to bullets, but are vulnerable to blaster fire. But because lightsabers are close-range weapons that can be used to block and reflect them, they are supposed to be seen as defensive weapons, showing that Jedi use force only to protect themselves. This characterization is pretty much abandoned with the Sith of the Dark Side, who use lightsabers just as readily.
201** Several characters have their own takes on the lightsaber:
202*** Darth Maul has a special hilt that can project a blade from either end, making it function like a ''Bo'' staff. Supplementary materials or looking closely at the hilt reveals it's just two regular sabers attached end-to-end.
203*** Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress both use lightsabers with curved hilts in order to allow for more precise movements and flexibility during lightsaber combat in conjunction with the [[FantasticFightingStyle Makashi lightsaber form]], which resembled traditional fencing (which Christopher Lee was a master of).
204*** The [[WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels Inquisitors]] use hilts that also project a blade from each end... ''and'' they spin, allowing for flight.
205*** The Darksaber, introduced in ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'', is an ancient Mandalorian lightsaber that, on top of having a unique black blade, is shaped more like an actual saber (flat, pointed blade, handguard, etc.).
206*** [[WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels Ezra Bridger]] built a lightsaber with a [[TheParalyzer stun blaster]] incorporated in its hilt. [[spoiler:Until Darth Vader destroyed it.]]
207*** Kylo Ren has a lightsaber with two horizontal blades jutting from the hilt, like a crossguard. This design was a necessity due to Kylo Ren only having a cracked kyber crystal, the energy of which became unstable. He displays the ability to [[WeaponizedExhaust jab the crossguards]] into his foes in a BladeLock.
208*** In ''Film/TheRiseOfSkywalker'', [[spoiler:Rey's Sith doppelganger]] uses a double-bladed lightsaber with a hilt that has a hinge in the middle, allowing the weapon to be more easily concealed. This is actually the third time a lightsaber of this type has been shown, the first being with Pong Krell's pair in ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'', and the second in an episode of ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels''.
209*** At the end of ''[=TRoS=]'', Rey debuts a new yellow-bladed saber that she built from her old staff.
210*** Ahsoka Tano [[DualWielding wields two white-bladed sabers]], one of which is a shorter ''shoto''-style. The white blades come from formerly-corrupted kyber crystals that she took from a defeated Inquisitor and then purified.
211*** Lightwhips are a variant where the blade is longer than usual and encased in a flexible energy shield, allowing it to be used as, well, a whip instead of a traditional blade. They're noted to be difficult to master properly, but useful in their own way -- in part because, due to their rarity, few people truly know how to respond to their use in combat. They occur in both single- and multi-stranded versions.
212** ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'' material expands on the lightsabers' in-universe history. The earliest Force traditions used metal blades imbued with the power of the Force, which incidentally caused them to glow a variety of colors - and it's worth noting that they were mentioned as still being in rare use even into the time of the Clone Wars, and could take a hit from a lightsaber. True laser-bladed weapons came along later, after a brief early appearance in the form of the Rakatan "Forcesaber" which was quickly discarded because the only way it could be made to work was by constantly channelling the Dark Side. Later versions were derived by modifying projectile laser weapons, but only saw ceremonial use due to being impractical and difficult to make. The first combat lightsabers saw use during the ancient Jedi-Sith schism; this model, later known as the "protosaber", needed a constant energy intake to work and included a long cable connected to a power pack worn on the wielder's belt (this last bit is a DevelopmentGag to how the lightsaber effect was done for [[Film/StarWarsANewHope the original movie]]). The Sith were the first to figure out how to make power cells small enough to incorporate entirely in the saber's hilt; the Jedi adopted this technology after the first Sith-Jedi war.
213** Early concept art for the original movies has lightsabers as a much more widespread and mundane weapon -- some concept art shows squads of common stormtroopers wielding them.
214* ''Film/TronLegacy'': Generated by the same Baton as Light Cycles, Light Katanas can be used by programs on the Grid, as demonstrated by Quorra during the fight scene in the End of Line club.
215* ''Film/TwinkleTwinkleLittleStar'', a 1983 Creator/ShawBrothers parody of the ''Star Wars'' movies naturally has laser swords wielded by the Vader expy (ironically, said Vader clone wields a blue one). There's also laser ''nunchucks''!
216* One character in ''Bloodbath at the House of Death'' is decapitated with a laser sword by her doppelganger, reflecting the way she killed her mother in the past.
217[[/folder]]
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219[[folder:Gamebooks]]
220* In ''Literature/RebelPlanet'', an early Literature/FightingFantasy book, humans and Arcadian soldiers all uses Laser swords in combat, despite being in a sci-fi setting. Interestingly the laser sword is no better than a regular steel sword in other books. Additionally the laser sword prevents the hero from being able to do a martial art OneHitKill on enemies, the only advantage is that the laser sword prevents a skill penalty from being unarmed.
221[[/folder]]
222
223[[folder:Literature]]
224* Creator/EdmondHamilton's ''Kaldar, Planet of Antares'' (1933) has the following description:"The sword seemed at first glance a simple long rapier of metal. But he found that when his grip tightened on the hilt it pressed a catch which released a terrific force stored in the hilt into the blade, making it shine with light. When anything was touched by this shining blade, he found, the force of the blade annihilated it instantly. He learned that the weapon was called a lightsword".
225* ''Literature/TheCompleteAdventuresOfLuckyStarr'':
226** ''Literature/DavidStarrSpaceRanger'': The technology for [[DeflectorShields force fields]] is sufficiently developed that knives and climbing equipment can have these traits incorporated in their design. They're considered highly dangerous, due to being able to generate invisible blades that cut through bone, metal, and even stone easily. Contender for TropeMaker, due to being published in 1952.
227** ''Literature/LuckyStarrAndTheOceansOfVenus'': Bigman carries a knife whose blade is made from [[DeflectorShields force fields]], and disguised as a pocket watch. The six-inch blade is described to use a [[AtomPunk micropile]] for power, and the ability to cut through any material surface.
228* Creator/StephenKing had the Wolves use these in the [[Literature/WolvesOfTheCalla fifth]] ''Franchise/TheDarkTower'' book.
229* ''Literature/{{Digitesque}}'': Those with the warrior gift can create laser constructs. Swords are common, but someone creates a pair of clubs at one point.
230* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': In ''Literature/SkinGame'', [[spoiler:Fidelacchius, the Sword of Faith, has its sword form destroyed, but the Power still resides within waiting for a person of strong Faith to take it up. When Butters finds it falling into his hands as he faces down two millennia-old villains, it is reforged into a blade of angelic light with a pulsing hum as it extends forth. Basically a lightsaber.]] What makes this even better is that the person wielding it is a ''Star Wars'' fan and the form the weapon took reflected that as well. And so, as it turns out, is [[spoiler:the Archangel Uriel]]. He liked the music, apparently.
231* An [[HilariousOuttake outtake]] at the back of ''Literature/FancyApartments'' has Carr playing with a lightsaber.
232* In the 1982 novel ''The Fires of Paratime'' by Creator/LEModesittJr, one character possesses an actual light saber; it's apparently the genuine article, having been acquired [[Franchise/StarWars "from some obscure group of galactic-wide do-gooders"]] during a trip to the distant past.
233* ''Literature/FoundationSeries'':
234** "Literature/TheTraders": Gorov's mission on Askone is to be a black market salesman, selling Foundation-designed [[RaygunGothic nucleics]], such as knives with edges made from DeflectorShields. This is one of the [[UrExample oldest examples]] of the trope, as it first appeared in 1944.
235--->"...To put it simply, if I could sell a penknife with a force-field blade to a nobleman, it would be to his interest to force laws that would allow him to use it. Put that baldly, it sounds silly, but it is sound, psychologically. To make strategic sales, at strategic points, would be to create a pro-nucleics faction at court."
236** ''Literature/PreludeToFoundation'': One of the two lackeys that tried to attack Seldon in the [[ArtificialOutdoorsDisplay open-air park]] had a knife with a laser blade. Hummin and Seldon find this distasteful, since knives are still effective without the laser blade.
237* Creator/FritzLeiber's ''Gather Darkness'' (published in 1943), where the "rods of wrath" cause a lot of mayhem on bystanders when used in a duel:
238-->"Like two ancient swordsmen, then, the warlock and the deacon dueled together. Their weapons were two endless blades of violet incandescence, but their tactics were those of sabreurs -- feint, cut, parry, swift riposte."
239* Variable swords in Larry Niven's ''Literature/KnownSpace'' stories, which are simply stasis fields wrapped around monofilament wires. A notable subversion in that their power ''doesn't'' glow (the wires are nearly invisible, so it doesn't look like much of anything, and only the bright red ball on the end tells you where the sword point is), but they function a lot like energy swords.
240* ''Literature/LoneHuntress'' features blades composed of charged fields rotating at near light speeds, creating a gyroscopic effect to provide the illusion of heft. Naturally, since the story is set in the future, ancient pop culture has given rise to common terminology among a population that never even heard of George Lucas. In a fun bit of exploration, it's shown that just as other weapons (such as lasers) have proven their usefulness in other fields, so too have lightsabers; they're more likely to be found attached to mining drones than as hand weapons.
241* There's multiple brands of electrified and glowing sword in ''Literature/LucifersStar'' as the weapons are used in a thriving dueling culture as well as being beneficial for breaking down personal shields. Commentary is made about the fact they're not actually that useful in real combat unless you're a complete lunatic (which is used to describe the main protagonist who ends up using them as often as his fusion pistol).
242* ''Literature/TheMachineriesOfEmpire'': "Calendrical swords" draw power from the [[SufficientlyAnalyzedMagic High Calendar]] to create blades of solid light. They're primarily used for competitive dueling, but Kel soldiers in formation can amplify their effect to create piercing or cutting forces far larger than the blades themselves.
243* Another possible UrExample is Creator/ETAHoffmann's ''Literature/MasterFlea'', first published in ''1822'', which features a duel between two sorcerers using ray emitting pocket telescopes. There are no rays visible, and it's not quite clear whether these are Laser Blades or {{Ray Gun}}s, but the physical strain and use of "feints, parries, thrusts, in short, all the tricks of the fencing-school" strongly implies the former.
244* In Creator/JohnMeaney's ''Literature/NulapeironSequence'' books (and the prequel, ''Literature/ToHoldInfinity'' there may be found a device called a Lattice Blade. Apparently never used as a battlefield weapon, it is quite capable of slicing off a limb and being extended or contracted in size, yet remain pocketable when deactivated.
245* Creator/MCAHogarth's ''Literature/{{Paradox}}'' series has holoswords, which project a HardLight blade of variable length, width, and sharpness. They're primarily used for fencing, with an entire fighting style based around changing the blade settings in the middle of combat, but in ''Laisrathera'' Hirianthial uses one to great effectiveness in a series of [[DuelToTheDeath duels]].
246* Literature/RobotSeries' "{{Literature/Risk}}": Black's internal narration mentions a "force knife", implied to be a knife made from [[DeflectorShields force fields]], but used [[GarnishingTheStory to more firmly establish the advanced technology of the setting]].
247* In Creator/MelisaMichaels' ''{{Literature/Skyrider}}'' series, when a belter picks a fight with Skyrider because she's trying to remain neutral in the Earth/Belt conflict, he ends up stabbing her with a "force blade".
248* The Bloodswords of ''Literature/TheStarOfTheGuardians'' act a lot like lightsabers, but they can be switched to DeflectorShields at a thought. They also amp up their user's PsychicPowers. However, they have a nasty trick to them: anyone not of RoyalBlood who tries to use one gets cancer for their theft.
249* In ''Literature/TheSunEater'', characters will sometimes use the rare and difficult to produce High Matter swords which gives the appearance of an energy blade but is really a force-field being used to shape amorphous exotic matter into a [[AbsurdlySharpBlade mono-molecular blade]]. In the 5th book, ''Ashes of Man'' one villain uses a plasma sword, which is a powerful weapon but it has issues such as heat-resistant ceramic armor being fairly protective against it and the sword generating an [[ConvectionSchmonvection uncomfortable amount of heat]] to its wielder.
250* Frankie from ''Literature/SuperMinion'' has the power to project energy blades from his arms.
251* The early ''Literature/{{Viriconium}}'' novel ''The Pastel City'', another pre-''Franchise/StarWars'' work, contains energy swords called ''baan''. These have a thoughtful safety feature: the blade materializes around a solid core, which isn't necessary for the weapon to operate, but prevents the blade from activating accidentally while it's pointing into the user's body.
252** They also turn up in a couple of Harrison's later Viriconium stories, but in keeping with Harrison's deconstruction of SF and fantasy tropes turn out to be radioactive and have [[BodyHorror unpleasant effects]] on the wielder.
253* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'': Inquisitor Gregor Literature/{{Eisenhorn}} carries a pure energy power sword in the novels ''Xenos'' and ''Malleus'', by Creator/DanAbnett. He regards it as much less crude than [[AncestralWeapon newer]] models, which are basically swords with a power field around them. [[spoiler:It still doesn't do him any good when he tries to cut an EldritchAbomination with it.]]
254* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime''
255** Mocked when one of the Forsaken points out to the Dragon Reborn that his sword made entirely of fire is one the worst way to use his power that they can think of. Given that at one point the Dragon Reborn seriously considers ''snuffing out all of reality'', they were probably right.
256** Either Moraine or Siuan did it as well using Air, to demonstrate how stupid doing it was. While she was going for a gender thing, it's still accurate: at least Rand knows how to ''use'' a sword, well enough to make it a practical way to express power, and isn't oathbound to never use such a weapon against non-Shadowspawn or to let somebody else use it.
257* In ''Wolfling'' (1969) by Creator/GordonRDickson the preferred weapon of High-Born (haughty, but highly advanced HumanAliens ruling an interstellar empire) are hand-sized "rods" that project an energy beam, length of which can be varied during fight. According to Creator/GeorgeLucas an illustration of these "rods" back when ''Wolfling'' was serialized on ''Magazine/{{Analog}}'' were a major inspiration for the lightsaber in ''Franchise/StarWars''.
258[[/folder]]
259
260[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
261* The Shadows in ''Series/BabylonFive'' have a unique combat tactic where their large battleships send out an [[EnergyWeapon energy beam]] and slash other ships with it, instead of shooting them.
262* ''Series/{{Bibleman}}'' sports one of these, and the ''Star Wars'' influence is not subtle in the least.
263* ''Series/{{Defiance}}'' has charge-blades, typically the glowing blue blade is the size of a large scalpel (their original [[LaserCutter use]]), but at least once one was extended to shortsword length.
264* An episode of ''Series/EarthFinalConflict'' features an assassin using dual laser blades to assassinate people, while framing others using dreams. Notable for being of human design, as Taelons aren't big on swordfighting. Additionally, the blade can "extend" from either end, depending on which button is pushed, [[spoiler:which is how Liam kills the assassin]].
265* The intro to ''Series/EvenStevens'' has Ren and Louis Stevens sitting in front of the TV, each with a remote control trying to change channel to what they want to watch. When they can't agree, they turn their remote controls into lightsabers and begin to battle one another in a display of sibling rivalry.
266* ''Series/TheGoodies'': In "Snow White 2", Tim and Graeme have a duel with lightsabers.
267* In ''Series/{{Lexx}}'' [=S02E01=] Zev uses a light saber-like device, that looks more like a light saber with a handle of a chainsaw, to cut a dormant gigantic insect into tiny pieces. This device, like most of the devices in ''Lexx'', is not named.
268* ''Series/LogansRun'': In "Turnabout", the people of Zidor use laser swords. The guard Gera gets into a laser swordfight with Francis.
269* In ''Series/TheNewAdventuresOfRobinHood'' when Marian is kidnapped to be a demon god's bride, Robin shows up with an Unicorn horn that can changed into different energy weapons, one of which is a energy sword. This dissolves into a light saber duel when the lead worshipper, possessed by the god, reveals his own energy sword.
270* In the ''Series/RedDwarf'' episode, ''The Inquisitor'', Kryten uses a laser [[ChainsawGood chainsaw]] to hack off the eponymous villain's hand to allow his past self and Lister to take the Inquisitor's time gauntlet. He is killed in the process, but thanks to Lister's later plan he gets better.
271* This kind of weapon is a staple of {{Toku}} shows:
272** ''Series/KamenRiderBlackRX'' had one of these, the Revolcane as one of his attacks. The {{Macekre}}ed U.S. production referred to it as an "electro-saber" and had it shoot fireballs at the enemy instead of impaling them.
273*** ''Series/KamenRider555'''s bike handlebar sword takes on this appearance; it has no cutting edge, as the damage comes from the energy in the blade.
274** [[Series/SpaceSheriffGavan Every]] [[Series/SpaceSheriffSharivan Space]] [[Series/SpaceSheriffShaider Sheriff]] of Toei's ''Series/MetalHeroes'' franchise has a sword that can turn into one of these, appropriately called the [[TropeNamer Laser Blade]]. Each show has a {{Leitmotif}} whenever they use the weapon.
275** A few ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' and ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' weapons resemble lightsabers. Red isn't evil; it just means [[RedIsHeroic its wielder is]] TheHero. Blades generally glow when doing a FinishingMove, but are not energized all the time and have a metal rod (not sharp; it's the energy that does the damage) that can be seen beneath them. This goes for the aforementioned Faiz Edge and Revolcane/Electro Saber.
276** In ''Series/VRTroopers'', JB's sword can take on a lightsaber glow, and even extend into a ''laser-lance'', with which he does most of his [[FinishingMove finishing]]. Sorry, [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Darth Maul]], you were beaten to the punch by quite a few years.
277*** Indeed, since ''VRT'' was adopted from the ''Metal Heroes'' series, this was a given; Ryan got his own Laser Blade in Season 2 when they switched to ''Shaider'' footage. ''Series/{{Beetleborgs}}'', however, did not have any, oddly (though this was because the [[Series/JuukouBFighter source]] [[Series/BFighterKabuto series]] didn't have any either).
278* ''{{Series/Warehouse 13}}'' has one of these in their ''{{Series/Eureka}}'' crossover, wielded by Fargo. It's a laser cutter from Eureka that was "modified" with Creator/BenjaminFranklin's ring from the Warehouse. That turns it into an actual lightsaber that even makes the appropriate sounds when moved. Fargo, being a nerd, is in love with the improvised weapon.
279[[/folder]]
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281[[folder:Pinball]]
282* All of the futuristic explorers in Creator/{{Atari}}'s ''Pinball/MiddleEarth'' pinball are armed with either Laser Blades or {{Ray Gun}}s. Makes sense, given that they're exploring a LostWorld filled with [[{{Kaiju}} giant dinosaurs]] and [[KillerGorilla monster apes]].
283* Prominently featured in nearly all of the ''Pinball/StarWars'' pinballs, of course.
284[[/folder]]
285
286[[folder:Roleplay]]
287* ''Roleplay/DestroyTheGodmodder'': Actual lightsabers are frequently used, along with other energy blades. This tendency only increased after the introduction of the [[Webcomic/{{Homestuck}} Alchemiter]] in Act 2.
288* ''Roleplay/EmbersInTheDusk'' has Plasma Foils, Dark Age weapons which come in infantry and [[HumongousMecha Knight-Titan]] sizes. Advanced Power Armor also has optional BladeBelowTheShoulder variants.
289[[/folder]]
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291[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
292* In the less known RPG ''Ammo'', laser swords are an excellent weapon with variable power settings. Sadly, the higher damage setting drains its energy reserve in a matter of seconds. Psi-blade are more powerful if held by fighters with high willpower, and less consuming.
293* In the ''TabletopGame/D20Modern'' sourcebook ''D20 Future'', one available weapon is the Beam Sword, a "small metal handle generating a solid beam of plasma contained by a gravity induced forcefield."
294* ''TabletopGame/{{Dragonstar}}'' has Sunswords, sacred plasma swords that use divine magic to channel the power of suns.
295* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''
296** 1st edition had the Wand of Force; one of its powers was to create a 3-foot long luminescent shaft-shaped forcefield emanating from the wand itself that could be wielded as a + 5 longsword. DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything?
297*** Later, ''Mordenkainen's sword'' spell did something very close to this.
298** And let's not forget ''brilliant energy'' weapons, which are often called "lightsabers" by the fandom. They're not quite the same, though: they simply ignore/pass through non-living matter without damaging it. This made them rather unpopular with players: they ignored a target's worn armor, but not magical effects like a wizard's defensive spells or natural armor like a dragon's scales, and they couldn't even harm undead or constructs at all. Combined with how expensive they were, most players chose to pass on them in favor of choosing just about any other weapon enchantment.
299** Don't forget the Soulknife, a character class that can make an energy sword out of pure will!
300** 5th Edition has the Sun Blade, a longsword hilt with a blade of [[LightEmUp pure light]] (that the wielder can cause to appear or disappear at will[[note]]like a lightsaber[[/note]]), which deals radiant damage instead of slashing damage, does extra damage to the undead, and can be [[MundaneUtility used as a torch]].
301* In ''TabletopGame/EclipsePhase'' a "plasma blade" looks vaguely like a blunt sword but has plasma nozzles along one edge.
302* ''TabletopGame/{{Exalted}}'' has beam weapons, made and most often used by the magitech Alechemicals.
303** One of the characters on the cover of ''Manual of Exalted Power: Alchemicals'' even uses a "beamklave". What do you think it looks like in the art depicting it?
304*** This gets even [[ShoutOut shoutier]] when Soulsteel caste Alchemicals typically have black armour and red beamklaves. Just add VaderBreath.
305* ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' spell ''chromatic blade'' creates a glowing in erratic colors, [[RazorFloss needle-thin]] line of HardLight. It can be blocked normally, but makes no sound, cuts as ''[[AbsurdlySharpBlade sword of sharpness]]'' and disrupts many "[[EverythingsBetterWithRainbows prismatic]]" spells.
306* TSR's ''TabletopGame/GammaWorld'' featured ''Force Swords'' that were force-fields shaped into a blade and could ''cut through anything except another force field'' (alongside a wide gamut of high-tech melee weapons, including vibro and [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomolecular_wire monofilament]] blades). Since the first release was in 1978, it's debatable how these weapons correlated with the introduction of Lightsabers in the original ''Franchise/StarWars''.
307* ''TabletopGame/{{Greyhawk}}'' spell ''Jaran's prismatic blade'' essentially is [[EverythingsBetterWithRainbows Prismatic Sphere]] in the form of a sword wielded by the caster. Inability to use spells with [[MagicalGesture somatic components]] while this thing is active is a small price for this grade of destruction.
308* ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' has forceswords, and the ''Ultratech'' supplement even has a Laser Spear that is [[Franchise/StarWars "suitable for guards of the Galactic Emperor"]]. (''Ultratech'' also describes the basic forcesword as "elegant".)
309* The Jedi-inspired Just Blade track for Sages in ''TabletopGame/LegendSystem'' lets you create one with your mind as its first circle ability.
310* ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'' occasionally dabbles into this, particularly since WhiteMagic is both fond of swords and light. ''Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty'' harkens back to the more typical sci-fi ones given its ScienceFantasy set, most notable [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Enormous Energy Blade]]. Notably, several have metallic main blades rimmed with HardLight ones.
311* ''TabletopGame/{{Mekton}}'' has rules for not only a laser sword, but also a laser ''axe''.
312** The add-on book Mekton Zeta Tech Manual allows for the construction of nearly any energy melee weapon you can imagine.
313* Laser Knight from ''TabletopGame/{{Monsterpocalypse}}''
314* The closest thing ''TabletopGame/MyriadSong'' has to the traditional "lightsaber" is the Xenharmonic Blade, commonly carried by Remanence Aristocrats and [[AbusivePrecursors Syndic]] LostTechnology. [[LaserCutter Laser torches]] can also be used as improvised weapons like many other power tools. Meanwhile Ghibli blades consist of a "hilt" resembling a small jet engine and project a "blade" of superheated air.
315* ''TabletopGame/{{Numenera}}'' has the artifact Disruptive Sword. This is simply a sword that generates a damaging energy field around it. And as energy swords go it's a grave disappointment. The only thing it does is give an extra point of damage. And worse yet, the sword can't turn off the field - it's always on. So the wielder will lose a sheath a week as the sword's field slowly breaks it down.
316* ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}'' has force swords, explained as monofilament fiber inside a force field. Too bad they're only available at Blue clearance. [[CrapsackWorld This being Alpha Complex]], the force field periodically fails, putting the wielder at risk of cutting himself as the fiber whips around loose.
317* ''TabletopGame/{{Rifts}}'' has Cyber Knights and Mind Melters wielding Psi Swords, which they can create with their minds. Also the Lightblade, a MagiTek weapon. The laser-making company Wilks' also makes a laser knife and sword, but the latter has realability issues with its power supply.
318* The Ray Sword from ''TabletopGame/RocketAge'', essentially a lightsaber made up energy contained by the same kind of technology as RAY shielding.
319* ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse'':
320** Gene-Bound Ion-Lancer and L'Epeiste, minions who work for Grand Warlord Voss and La Capitan respectively, each wield one. Ion-Lancer's grants him immunity to energy damage and damages the hero with the least HP, while L'Epeiste's lets him deal damage to the healthiest hero equal to the number of Equipments and ongoings the heroes have.
321** There's also K.N.Y.F.E whose main power is making laser blades from her fists.
322* ''TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}}'' has the Centurion Laser Axe, although it's never made quite clear how the laser beam follows the arced blade... All the rules state is that it can lose its focus when hitting hard materials like heavy armor.
323* ''TabletopGame/StarWarsD20'' naturally has lightsabers. They have the ability to ignore DamageReduction plus Jedi characters do increased damage with lightsabers as they gain in level.
324* Arc-field weapons as of the Mongoose versions of ''TabletopGame/{{Traveller}}'': conductive fibers that create a plane of energy. Only available on the most high-technology of worlds (and among the most expensive of melee weapons), with enough armor penetration and damage to cut through most starship hulls. Then there are psi blades, though despite being as or more expensive and higher-technology, do much less damage.
325* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'':
326** Power Weapons are a variety of conventional melee weapons (and some unconventional weapons) surrounded by a matter-disintegrating "power field" when activated, thus rendering them capable of tearing through most forms of armor. If the technical components are damaged or deactivated, they can be used as regular weapons.
327** Their counterpart, force weapons, are also conventional melee weapons (''without'' unconventional weapons included) designed for use by psychics (or "psykers" in-universe). These weapons are powered by the psychic might of its user, punching through armor and dealing horrendous, lethal damage to anybody unfortunate to be on the business end of the weapon. These are nominally more powerful than most power weapons, they still confer the benefit of acting as regular melee weapons when deactivated, or in the hands of a non-psychic. In the [=RPGs=], Force Swords always count as best quality mono-edge if not being used by a Psyker.
328** In one of the official army lists for a [[ArmyOfThievesAndWhores less-than-honest regiment]], a wargear option is stolen archeotech. This is a piece of strange and esoteric machinery that has a random effect from [[UselessUsefulNonCombatAbilities playing pretty tunes]] to [[WaveMotionGun blasting plasma at enemies]] -- one of the results is stated as being a beam of coherent light that can be wielded as a sword and ignores armour.
329** As mentioned above, the [[Literature/{{Eisenhorn}} Inquisitor Eisenhorn]] novels mention that Eisenhorn possessed a power sword without a physical blade for a time (essentially just a hilt until activated), emphasising how rare and precious it is. Indeed, in most of TheVerse, power weapons without a physical weapon to channel the power field around are almost unheard of.
330** The energy blade is statted in the TabletopGame/DarkHeresy splatbook Inquisitor's Handbook. It's very AwesomeButImpractical, as using it creates bright light and loud noise, making stealth impossible since it's really a beam of plasma energy. It also runs on plasma weapon canisters and can only be sustained for about a minute per canister at the most.
331** The absolute top of the line are Nemesis Force Weapons, which are both Power weapons and Force weapons. They are absurdly rare outside of the Daemon hunting Grey Knights chapter.
332* As befitting an Archetype referencing ''Franchise/StarWars'' in the ''TabletopGame/YuGiOh TCG'', Kozmo Farmgirl, Kozmo Goodwitch and Kozmoll Wickedwitch use 'lightswords', which are lightsabers in all but name.
333** Now in the form of its own equip spell card, Kozmo Lightsword.
334[[/folder]]
335
336[[folder:Visual Novels]]
337* In ''VisualNovel/StarshipPromise'', officers of the Galactic Liberation Front (aka The Empire) wield beam sabers, and can use them to deflect blaster fire. Captain Antares Fairchild has a red-bladed one, which he seems to prefer over firearms.
338[[/folder]]
339
340[[folder:Web Animation]]
341* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Dylan's Mechelly can extend red energy swords from her palms.
342* ''WebAnimation/{{Haloid}}''. Samus has one that not only cuts things but acts as a tractor beam, blaster and stasis field generator.
343* In ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'', Tucker ends up with an energy sword that works only for him (much to Tex's dismay). It also briefly functions as a key.
344-->'''Caboose:''' Or maybe it's a key all the time, and when you stick it in people, it unlocks their death.
345** Another energy sword shows up on Chorus later in the series, which is bound to Doyle, [[spoiler: then Felix after Doyle's death, and Locus after Felix's]]. It's also confirmed that the swords are alien artifacts that are, in fact, primarily intended to be keys.
346[[/folder]]
347
348[[folder:Webcomics]]
349* Darth Maul sells Zexion lightsabers in ''Webcomic/AnsemRetort''. He claims to have a hundred of them in his car to sell to Franchise/StarWars geeks for organs.
350** Note that Zexion hasn't really used them since Season 1, unlike Darth Maul and Xemnas, who use them to this day.
351* The multi-purpose "aser-blades" (not a typo) in the space arc of ''Webcomic/ArthurKingOfTimeAndSpace''. Described in full in [[http://www.arthurkingoftimeandspace.com/0057.htm this strip]], including comparision to a lightsaber (without actually saying "lightsaber").
352* ''Webcomic/CityOfSomnus'': Quite a lot of people in Majestan use wyrmwood weapons that only take on a magical edge when activated. Knull has crafted one with no physical blade whatsoever - activation makes a magical blade appear.
353* In keeping with the general theme of the comic, ''Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids'' offers humorous alternate explanations for the use of laser swords (lightsabers from the movies, but never called that here). [[GameMaster GM]] "just took a D&D equipment list and [[SciFiNameBuzzwords stuck techy words in front]]", Qui-gon and Obi-wan only have laser swords because they didn't start off with enough money to buy blasters, and the Jedi are able to block blaster fire because the players fast-talked the GM into letting them do so.\
354\
355Thanks to random dice rolls, Obi-Wan keeps accidentally cutting off hands when trying to disarm opponents with a laser sword. Cory never likes using one given how obviously unsafe they are, and he's playing Luke Skywalker. After getting his hand cut off and losing his original, he has no plans to use one again. Circumstances force his hand, however. Since laser swords are more common items and not given the mystique of the original lightsabers, [[spoiler: Luke's second one is made by R2-D2 out of spare parts.]]
356* ''Webcomic/GunnerkriggCourt'' has [[http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/archive_page.php?comicID=688 Coyote's Tooth]] looking like this, at least [[http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/archive_page.php?comicID=965 in one of its forms]] when unsheathed. This thing doesn't hum -- it ''[[TheHyena laughs]]''.
357[[/folder]]
358
359[[folder:Web Original]]
360* ''Creator/{{The Autarch}}'' gained a power to use Aerial Blades in the end of his Top 25 Boss Battles. They have been his "trademark power" ever since.
361* Spencer uses a ''Franchise/StarWars'' type lightsaber in the ''WebVideo/Lonelygirl15'' episode "We Have A Plan".
362* In the Literature/WhateleyUniverse, Tennyo can generate a "laser blade" made of anti-matter. How she ''makes'' anti-matter at will is a whole 'nother problem. WordOfGod says the devisors and gadgeteers can't make working lightsabers, even though they all try, sooner or later. It is later clarified that while you can't build a working gadget-only lightsaber, you can build one as a [[MadScience devise]], but powering it for any length of time is nearly impossible; one Energizer solves this problem by powering hers with her own energy field.
363* ''WebVideo/StupidMarioBrothers'' uses them like in VideoGame/SuperSmashBros, but they are [[WritingAroundTrademarks called Beam Swords]].
364** which gets Lampshaded by Wario and Mario in Season 4
365--> Wario: So why do we fight with Li.... uhh I mean Beam Swords?
366--> Mario: I don't know. They use them in Super Smash Brothers.
367* Michum's [[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]] in ''Literature/ThePiratesCoveredInFur'' is a green beam sword.
368[[/folder]]
369
370[[folder:Western Animation]]
371* Seen a couple of times on ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers'', mostly among space pirates and other low-level thugs.
372* ''WesternAnimation/{{Amphibia}}'': These start featuring from the [[Recap/AmphibiaS2E36TrueColors Season 2 finale]] onwards. Andrias and [[spoiler:Darcy]] both wield fiery, lightsaber-like laser blades, and [[spoiler:Darcy]] also utilizes a laser SinisterScythe in "[[Recap/AmphibiaS3E30AllIn All In]]".
373* In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Aang says that what he needs to complete his ScaryImpracticalArmor ensemble is a "wind sword."
374-->'''Katara:''' What's a wind sword?\
375'''Aang:''' It's where I get a sword handle, and then I just swing this around and [[BlowYouAway bend air out]] [[RazorWind like a blade.]] (makes lightsaber noises)
376* The ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'' [[VillainOfTheWeek villain]] Payback use a laser whip that double as sword. [[spoiler:It was used to make statues for a Youth Counseling Center before the villain repurposed it.]]
377** A scene inside a chop shop showed crooks slicing up stolen cars with a laser chainsaw.
378* The first episode of ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold'' has Batman storing one of these in his utility belt. Where did it come from? Why does he only use it once? Doesn't it violate his [[TechnicalPacifist technical pacifism]]? Who cares? It's ''[[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Batman with a lightsaber!]]''
379** Not just once; in a later episode's [[BatmanColdOpen cold open]], he [[DualWielding dual-wields]] it alongside a ''demon's sword''.
380* In ''WesternAnimation/Ben10UltimateAlien'', the unified Forever Knights now wield them.
381* In the pilot episode of the ''[[ComicBook/BuckyOHareAndTheToadWars Bucky O'Hare]]'' cartoon, Deadeye Duck freaks out because he thinks the "hairless ape" intruder (actually human Willy) is packing a lightsaber (he actually says "lightsaber", too). Turns out it's just a generic flashlight.
382* The "how is a laser stopping at an arbitrary distance" problem is [[ConversationalTroping conversed]] in ''WesternAnimation/ClerksTheAnimatedSeries'':
383-->'''Randal:''' The lightsabers in ''Franchise/StarWars''. You turn it on, and it goes ye high. How does it know when to stop?\
384'''Dante:''' [[AWizardDidIt The Force]]?\
385'''Randal:''' That's your excuse for everything!
386* ''WesternAnimation/DeadSpaceDownfall'' has laser chainsaws; sadly, these do not appear in the game.
387* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'': Being a Darth Vader {{Expy}}, Dark Laser's primary weapon is a [[WritingAroundTrademarks lightsword]]. Timmy's usual method of fighting him is to turn Cosmo and Wanda into laserwands and go sword to sword with him.
388* ''WesternAnimation/FinalSpace'': Gary discovers in Season 3 that [[spoiler:he can transform his robot arm into a sword, with two metal prongs and a blue energy prong between them for combative purposes]]. The zombified alternate Gary's that [[spoiler:have robot arms]] too can do this, as demonstrated when one of them tries to knife Sheryl. The main Gary [[spoiler:seemingly stops using his robot arm's blade mode after Invictus possesses it and uses it to kill Fox]].
389* {{Parodied|Trope}} in ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'': police officers use lightsabers as non-lethal batons. They even have laser ''handcuffs''. Apparently these so-called "lasers" in the Futurama-verse are actually some kind of [[HardLight luminous force-fields]].
390* ''WesternAnimation/GaltarAndTheGoldenLance'': Galtar and his golden lance does the Darth Maul version.
391* In [[HunterOfMonsters Hoss Delgado]]'s first appearance in ''WesternAnimation/TheGrimAdventuresOfBillyAndMandy'', he produces a green lightsaber from his SwissArmyWeapon mechanical hand and [[TheGrimReaper Grim]] turns his scythe into a red one in response before ending the duel by severing the hand.
392* In 1987, there was a U.S.-produced series called ''WesternAnimation/HelloKittysFurryTaleTheater'', with Sanrio's eponymous character and her friends parodying fairy tales, and even popular movies. One episode featured a parody of ''Franchise/StarWars'', complete with Tuxedo Sam (who played the Luke Skywalker character) and Catnip (who played the Darth Vader character) having a lightsaber fight (which also happens in the TitleSequence). The episode "Paws of the Round Table" had all the swords, including Excalibur, replaced with lightsabers.
393* In the ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueUnlimited'' episode "The Once and Future Thing" Part II, One of the Jokerz gang working for the time travelling villain Chronos, uses a double-bladed red lightsaber as a weapon. May count as a possible ActorAllusion when you consider the [[Creator/MarkHamill voice actor for The Joker in the prequel series.]]
394* Kat wields one in the ''WesternAnimation/KidVsKat'' episode "Play N'Ice".
395* ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible ''fights some {{Ninja}}s in TheMovie who wield energy swords.
396* The eponymous ''GiantMecha'' in ''WesternAnimation/MegasXLR'' has an energy sword, activated by Coop hitting the ''BigRedButton'' Labelled [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin "That cool energy sword thing"]].
397* Duke L'Orange in ''WesternAnimation/MightyDucksTheAnimatedSeries'' has one.
398* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaPrincessOfPower'' featured energy blades in the hands of some secondary characters, meaning they weren't even close to most powerful thing around in that universe.
399* Skysurfer One's primary weapon in ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''.
400* The Solarian Swords from ''WesternAnimation/StarVsTheForcesOfEvil'', they not only hurt you [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill but they also leave a magic scar that consumes the injured until they explode in a white flash of light]].
401* ''WesternAnimation/StormHawks'': Laser blades powered by magic crystals are standard weapons throughout Atmos. When they're deactivated, they look like blunt metal blades, with the laser energy forming cutting edges when they're activated.
402* In ''WesternAnimation/SuperDinosaur'', the blades of Tricerachops' axe are made of Maxinite energy.
403* ''Series/TheSuperMarioBrosSuperShow'': "Star Koopa" spoofed these with "Lightplungers", as in lightsabers whose hilts looked like tiny plungers. The beams functioned more like batons as they do not cut anything. Instead, they electrocute whatever they hit.
404* In ''WesternAnimation/TeamoSupremo'', Laser Pirate's main weapon is his laser hook, which can morph into other weapons, such as a laser blade and a laser cannon.
405* In ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'', there's an extremely fanboyish villain named Control Freak who, it turns out, is a decent fighter due to ''Film/TheMatrix''-style programmed skill. His weapon of choice is a light-lance made of two sets of dual beams. (The colors are red, blue, green, and purple, the four colors of lightsabers in the ''Franchise/StarWars'' movies.)
406* The Sun Sword from ''WesternAnimation/ThundarrTheBarbarian''.
407* One episode of ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' has Optimus able to create an axe-version of this, which Megatron responds to with a flail-version.
408* In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersWarForCybertronTrilogy'', Jetfire wields one that springs from his wrist, despite it not being an accessory that the action figure his character design is based on has.
409* The eponymous hero of ''Anime/{{Ulysses 31}}'' wields a "Raypier" which doubles as an energy pistol and a laser sword. For defence, he has an energy shield (think ComicBook/CaptainAmerica when his usual shield was stolen) which he wears on one wrist like a watch.
410* Subverted by ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'' in "Tag Sale -- You're It!". Dr. Venture throws a yard sale, and [[MauveShirt Henchmen #21]] purchases a prototype laser sword that was rejected by the Army. #21 later attempts to take on [[HeroicComedicSociopath Brock Samson]] with his new toy, with predictable consequences when it's demonstrated that the prototype is a glorified flashlight.
411-->'''Rusty:''' Creator/{{Kenner}} wasn't interested in a toy that cost over $2 mil in parts alone. And the Army told me they don't swordfight anymore.
412** PlayedWith in "All This And Gargantua-2" when the BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind between The Investors and Killinger is represented as a flashy lightsaber duel for the audience, one of them even wielding a saberstaff like Darth Maul, but from the perspective of the non-[[PsychicPowers psychic]] [[WeirdTradeUnion Guild]] members watching it they were simply standing there menacingly.
413* ''WesternAnimation/{{Wakfu}}'': The Eliatropes Yugo and [[spoiler:Qilby]] both respectively create weapons made of pure wakfu (sword, shield, SinisterScythe) for combat during Season 2.
414* ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010'': Whisper wields a pair of laser whips against Superboy and the Forever People in "Disordered".
415* In ''WesternAnimation/ZorroGenerationZ'' ''everyone'' has laser swords, and a lot of people have laser whips. Since it otherwise seems to be ThePresentDay, it's not clear [[FamilyFriendlyFirearms where they came from]], but it wouldn't be ''{{Franchise/Zorro}}'' without cool swordplay.
416[[/folder]]
417
418[[folder:Real Life]]
419* On his ''Sci-Fi Science'' television series, Dr. Michio Kaku explored the possibility of making a real-life lightsaber out of an extended plasma torch. Unfortunately, this required trillions of nanobatteries, theoretical superceramics, and enough electricity to ''power a small city.'' This may be viable in the long-term, but unlikely for the next few decades. Still prone to WhyDontYouJustShootHim, though: that level of technology could easily make powerful guns which are more practical anyways. The main practical application of this would be as an extremely effective chainsaw that could cut through virtually any material, though at extreme danger to the user, but it's not as if plasma cutters are exactly safe to begin with.
420** As an aside, the "nanobatteries" would have an energy density of [[http://scienceblogs.com/dotphysics/2010/02/02/power-source-for-a-lightsaber/ 470 MJ/L.]] That's about [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_density#Energy_densities_of_common_energy_storage_materials 117 times the energy density of Jet fuel.]] Shoot the lightsaber. The resulting explosion would take out everything within a hundred feet.
421* A thermal lance (some may recognize them from ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'') is a real-world device that some liken to a lightsaber. It essentially burns iron rods to create an intense stream of heat out one end, like a gigantic blow torch but much hotter. Granted they are much bigger than a lightsaber hilt and would require two hands to wield, but the stream to project has all the cutting power: they are normally used to cut through solid concrete and steel girders.
422* [=YouTube=] channel the Hacksmith built a working, retractable, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_efVoeiSKP0 plasma-based "protosaber"]] (in Star Wars lore an early lightsaber with an external power pack) that uses propane and special nozzles to create a thin blade of plasma that burns at 4000 degrees.
423[[/folder]]

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