Why Do They Always Pull the Lightsaber Straight Out As If It Were a Real Sword?

Lightsabers are futuristic weapons that resemble swords. They are more maneuverable and deadly, though, and do not need to be used like a sword.

When a lightsaber stab happens, it could inflict much more damage. 

So, why does a Jedi or Sith always pull a lightsaber straight out after a stab as if it were a real sword? The answer has to do with style and effect.

Lightsaber Action in Star Wars

Any casual Star Wars fan is acquainted with lightsabers being at the heart of Star Wars action. From Obi-Wan cutting off an unruly bar customer’s arm to duels between Luke and Vader, we know the power of the saber.

This compilation here provides a survey of lightsaber duels, ranging from Qui-Gon’s first match with Darth Maul and Yoda’s duel with Count Dooku to Vader and Luke’s first and second fights.

We may notice the choreographed movements and offensive and defensive capabilities of lightsabers. Jedi and Sith also seem to use them in a way that is very much like sword fighting. 

Yet, given their versatility and deadliness, it seems like it would be easier and faster if a Jedi pulled a lightsaber out after landing a stab at a different angle than a sword. 

Why Do Jedi Pull Lightsabers Straight Out Like Swords?

Fans in this discussion provide some explanations, such as how Star Wars fighting “has always been styled after samurai.”

Like the samurai, the Jedi may pursue “an art of the kill” that does not aim to annihilate opponents, just defeat them.

As this article indicates, Star Wars was initially influenced by Japanese cinema and samurai history.

George Lucas has spoken about being influenced by Akira Kurosawa and the feudal Edo period in Japanese history, including the molding of the Jedi. 

Several fans from the above discussion board also state how using a more damaging angle when withdrawing a lightsaber would result in a violence level unbecoming of Star Wars.

As with “Qui Gon [being] mutilated on screen,” we could imagine The Phantom Menace or other movies quickly transforming into a horror show. Young viewer discretion is advised. 

Taking these two ideas together explains why Jedi pull their lightsabers straight out. The Jedi’s “choice” of the lightsaber symbolized “their role and duty as protectors, not destroyers.”

Twisting and slashing an opponent would not live up to this protector role, nor would it settle well with younger viewers and perhaps older ones too. After all, we do not directly see Obi-Wan cut off an arm in the Cantina scene. 

Likewise, lightsabers are imbued with the Force through kyber crystals that in turn enable a bond between the user and the blade. We would expect more elegant conduct from a weapon that is designated for the Jedi. 

Why Do Sith Pull Lightsabers Straight Out Like Swords?

Yet, what about Sith lords? We may suspect that the likes of Darth Maul would not cringe from more damaging displays of lightsaber fighting. Maul would also not be following a Jedi code of honor.

The reason could be that the Sith follow the Jedi ways of fighting and want to outdo them or that the lightsaber is seen as an extension of the dark side.

On the one hand, the Sith follow the combat methods of the Jedi, including sword-like withdrawals, but seek to outperform them.

On the other hand, Sith do not see the lightsaber as truly reflecting their power, so they do not use lightsabers to display it. 

As one commentator here explains, “Sith use lightsabers to mock the Jedi” and “believe they are way past using lightsabers due to their skill with the force.” That is, Sith like Maul are willing to “humiliate their Jedi adversaries” but see no need to make an extravagant display while withdrawing their weapons. 

The Sith rely instead on their presumed superior use of the Force. While the Jedi often hold back on using the Force, Sith use Force lightning and choking to demonstrate their power. Their focus is on the dark side, not lightsabers.

Always Pull the Lightsaber Straight Out

While they are opponents, the Jedi and Sith seem to agree to use their lightsabers in a similar way as swords. As they are fighting and after landing a blow, they both prefer to pull these weapons straight out.

The Jedi do so because of the code they live by and viewer expectations. The Sith have no need to pull the lightsaber out at a more devastating angle.

Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.