Lightsaber pike/Legends

"The lightsaber pike employs the same combat style as the dual-bladed saber. Both are staff weapons, but the pike has a shaft of saber-resistant metal, and a short blade on only one end."

- Skarch Vaunk entry on lightsaber pikes in The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force

The lightsaber pike, also known as the lightsaber lance, was a unique weapon that resembled a primitive halberd or spear in many aspects. As staff weapons, they were typically considered the domain of exotic weapon specialists among the Jedi. They were notably used by all Jedi Temple Guards during the Clone Wars.

Description
The long handle of the weapon was made of phrik alloy, which allowed it to resist lightsabers. At the end of the handle was a lightsaber blade that was shorter and thicker than a normal one. The blade could be activated by a switch further down the weapon's shaft. Including the blade, the weapon was almost as long as the wielder's body, and could keep enemies at a distance, giving the wielder the advantage of a longer reach. Lightsaber pikes could also sport a double blade.

Much like the double-bladed lightsaber, however, the weapon's length was also something of a hindrance, as it did not transition well into defending, and left the wielder extremely vulnerable if an opponent managed to close in. In addition to this, the pike required a considerable amount of open space to wield effectively. As such, a user who found himself in close quarters would be at a distinct disadvantage.

History
During the Clone Wars, lightsaber pikes were the trademark weapons of the Jedi Temple Guards. All of the Temple Guards carried yellow–bladed pikes.

The Jedi Kazdan Paratus wielded a lightsaber pike, taking the weapon into exile with him on Raxus Prime, during the Great Jedi Purge. He ultimately wielded it against Darth Vader's apprentice, Galen Marek, and the weapon was destroyed in the ensuing melee.

Lightsaber pikes were also the favored weapons of the Emperor's Shadow Guard, elite guards with minor knowledge of the Force and lightsaber wielding skills. Starkiller fought several of these elite guards, once on Bespin as he attempted to rescue the Jedi Rahm Kota, and also on Raxus Prime when he returned to destroy an Imperial Star Destroyer shipyard so as to eliminate a source of fear and gain the confidence of others. Saber Pikes also saw occasional use by the Emperor's Royal Guard and the Imperial Senate Guard.

Behind the scenes
The lightsaber pikes in "The Wrong Jedi" were to originally have green blades, but the color was adjusted to yellow mid-production.

Appearances

 * The Force Unleashed novel
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed game
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed comic
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed comic
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II