Is a Lightsaber a Practical Weapon?

[Misterian]

Only in close quarter situations,

a lightsaber would be more effective than a military combat knife, or any other melee steel weapon.

 

[JazzStation88]

I dunno guys, the lightsaber didn't really seem that effective in the force unleashed, so maybe it really isnt the all powerful weapon we think it is. Gimmie the chance to shoot lightning over a giant glowing willy extension any day.

 

[awsome117]

The lightsabre is hardly a practical weapon. Effectively what you have a sword of infinite sharpness, but even an especially lethal sword is still noting BUT a sword. For those who have not noticed, most armies around the world relegated the weapon to a ceremonial role because in the face of the terrifying amounts of firepower on the modern battlefield, the ability to slash away at point blank is virtually irrelevent.

The weapon only gains a margin of utility when you consider it is traditionally wielded by people with magical superpowers. The ability of a sword to deflect a projectile is only handy if a person is capable of correctly predicting where a bullet will arrive because, thanks to a strange quirk of reality, bullets move far faster than a person. Even within the narrative of the universe, the weapon only retains it's utility because the entire concept of "combined arms" is utterly lost on the armies of the future past in a galaxy far, far away. Yes, there ARE vehicles present, but none of them are actually armed with weaponry with any serious amount of firepower. There does not appear to be any common weapon system (within the movies obviously) that fulfills the role of indirect fire, air support is about as effective as it was in the first world war and armored units are protected by flimsy bits of cracker. As such, the weapon becomes effective in the Star Wars universe because of a combination of magical super powers and an utter disregard for how a war is effectively fought.

Actually, there are many MANY vehicles in the star wars universe, also very powerful. The thing about the light saber is, since every army uses lasers, they can be used as "deflectors" or shields. Also with force powers, have way beyond normal reflexes and senses, which makes them and the lightsaber a force (pun is obvious) to be reckoned with.

 

[Rednog]

In that sense, on a grand scale, the weapon is impractical because it requires midichlorians.

Fix'd.

 

[Sven und EIN HUND]

For one imbued with the force, it is the extension of their soul, for normal blokes like me, it's probably best to leave them alone.

 

[madcap2112]

no

nothing is practical when you have a deathstar on your side...

Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed...

 

[userwhoquitthesite]

The lightsaber is not a practical weapon.

-flaffy.

flaffy now is it?

Yes and no. In the star wars universe, not entirely, unless you have force powers. In real life, no, unless you are being attacked by zombies. Then the adjustable blade length coupled with the low endurance cost of using what would be such a light weapon, it would be VERY practical. In medieval times? abso-bally-lutely, up until its battery ran out, then I just hope you have one of those "shake and recharge" lightsabers

 

[Daggermonkie]

if you have the force the lightsaber is just proof you can use the force the force is much more powerful then the lightsaber.(force can make star destroyers fall to earth,lightsabers deflect bullets)All a lightsaber is is a glowing sword so no without the force it would be completly usely in modern times due to the fact you need the force to deflect the bullets

 

[ucciolord1]

Hokie religions and ancient weapons are no match for a blaster at your side!

 

[Sleekgiant]

Can I have force powers with it?

 

[p3t3r]

with the force yes it is. without it might make a good back up close range thing. lightsaber would beat knife

 

[Rednog]

no

nothing is practical when you have a deathstar on your side...

Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed...

Hey if the Deathstar was built now, it would be unstoppable, a little duct tape over that terrible flaw and it is good to go. No desert boys shooting torpedoes into the deathstar ever again.

 

[randomsix]

Lightsaber use hinges on force boosted reflexes/abilities. Also, outside of the starwars universe, kinetic slugs (bullets) would just be heated to a superhot liquid metal when they passed through/near a lightsaber's blade.

 

[Joe Matsuda]

no

nothing is practical when you have a deathstar on your side...

Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed...

what? the empire isn't so bad... I mean, have you seen the American Govt.?

 

[Acidwell]

What makes the lightsabre effective is the force so if we are talking real life then no its probably not compared to say a gun but if you are talking about the star wars universe than yeah i'ts the most effective weapon.

 

[itsnotyouitsme]

No. Guns have already won and will always win. I don't care what a light saber can do, against a modern machine gun it is worthless.

 

[madcap2112]

no

nothing is practical when you have a deathstar on your side...

Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed...

what? the empire isn't so bad... I mean, have you seen the American Govt.?

...the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.

And as I recall, the Empire was brought down by small, furry creatures. So, too, will the American Empire...but probably not.

 

[SpaceSpork]

Practical? No.
Safe? No.
Would I use it if I had the chance? Hell yes.

Yes, oh so much yes.

 

[dreadedcandiru99]

If you've got actual supernatural abilities, or if you're the main character in a movie, then sure. In real life? There's a reason why armies don't get into sword fights anymore.

 

[madcap2112]

no

nothing is practical when you have a deathstar on your side...

Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed...

Hey if the Deathstar was built now, it would be unstoppable, a little duct tape over that terrible flaw and it is good to go. No desert boys shooting torpedoes into the deathstar ever again.

...the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force...and perhaps a little duct tape, yeah.