Ah, lightsabers. There's nothing that dazzles quite like the chosen weapon of Jedi Knights and Sith Lords. This iconic weapon has amazed children (and nostalgic parents, don't judge) for generations. In 2014, over 10 million toy lightsabers were sold, and I can guarantee you that number has only since increased.
While many of us have dreamed about owning a real lightsaber, Canadian YouTuber James Hobson of Hacksmith Industries just made it a reality, even securing an official Guinness world record in the process.
Hobson had previously created a saber that was essentially a heated metal rod. It looked pretty dope, but without a retractable blade, it was still missing an essential element crucial to any lightsaber build.
What resulted was Hobson's new lightsaber, powered by propane and oxygen to create a plasma blade over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using different salts, Hobson is able to change the color of the blade, which retracts and extends with the push of a button. The entire thing is housed in a steampunk-style casing with a stylish propane backpack to make it portable.
Here's a short video detailing the awesome build:
You can find a full video of how the saber was made along with another video showing him demolishing stuff with it.
What it looks like:
What it feels like:
Gotta say, I'm pretty darned impressed.
