Double-bladed lightsaber/Legends

"The single blade has limitations, Master. It made sense to me to be able to strike with both ends."

- Darth Maul to Darth Sidious

The double-bladed lightsaber, also known as  Sith lightsaber or  saberstaff, was a specialised form of lightsaber. Utilizing the same technology as a standard lightsaber, the double-bladed Lightsaber was designed with two blades attached to each other. This made it twice as powerful with "more kills per swing" as some put it. It could activate each blade independently of the other and had a slightly longer grip than a normal lightsaber had.

History
Although its origins are not certain, it is believed that it was an invention of Exar Kun.

During the Jedi Civil War, the double-bladed lightsaber was a popular weapon for the Sith followers of Darth Revan and Malak.

Even the Jedi Knights, and some Jedi Masters, used the weapon during those dark times, but the Jedi Council traditionally frowned on use of the blade, believing a traditional lightsaber was enough, and considering the double-bladed saber little more than a weapon designed to kill, while the Jedi developed the lightsaber to defend. Whatever the case, it was more popular among Sith than among Jedi, to the point that it was also known as Sith lightsaber.

However, following the fall of the Galactic Empire and the formation of the New Jedi Order, its members could be seen using the feared weapon.

Double-bladed lightsaber disadvantages
The double-bladed lightsaber was intended to look menacing, and its two blades did indeed give it a very deadly countenance. This was complimented by the fact that it was a much more effective weapon than a single bladed saber. However, unskilled users were likely to cut themselves in half with a double-bladed lightsaber should they attempt to use it without properly training themselves. Another drawback was that the attack and parrying of the double-bladed lightsaber was limited by the fact that unlike a normal lightsaber, you could not simply readjust your posture as the saberstaff required you to hold it either horizonally or diagonally while fighting.

To effectively wield a double-bladed lightsaber, the blades must be under control at all times. That means manipulation of the length of each blade, either through telekenetic means or physical, both of which are extremely hard to focus on while in combat.

Notable wielders of double-bladed lightsabers



 * Exar Kun (possible creator)
 * Bastila Shan
 * Jorak Uln
 * Uthar Wynn
 * Darth Bandon
 * Zez-Kai Ell
 * Jaden Korr (posssibly)
 * Darth Zannah
 * Darth Maul
 * Asajj Ventress
 * Jastus Farr
 * Azrakel
 * N-K Necrosis
 * Revan (possibly)
 * Jedi Exile (possibly)

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Sith War
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
 * Marked
 * Darth Maul
 * Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter
 * Darth Maul: Saboteur
 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy