Dooku's curved-hilt lightsaber

Does anyone recall the reason for the curved-hilt? I believe it was an homage to Christopher Lee's fencing past, but I can't find the source. Can anyone help me out on this?

Thanks in advance.

 

Well, in terms of Dooku's lightsaber form, Makashi, the curved hilt makes the form more effective and helps compensate some of it's weaknesses. Makashi is also within itself a pure swordplay form that is equated with fencing so it could be it's based entirely around Lee's fencing past.

 

Yes, but I'm not talking about an in-universe/EU explanation. I'm searching for the real inspiration.

 

"I deliberately curved the Sith's lightsaber. I wanted something exotic, almost Arabic." - Dermot Power, The Art of Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones.

It was purely a design aspect when drawing the female Sith.

 

Really? That's sad. I was hoping it was inspired by Christopher Lee's fencing past. In fact, I'm almost sure I've read that somewhere.

It's a shame that I can't find the source...

 

It was just a way of doing something different - the 'Arabic' look mentioned clearly refers to a scimitar:

[image=http://www.armart.antiquanova.com/images/Project_scimitar1.jpg]

A curved lightsaber blade would have looked silly & impractical, so the curved handle was a way of adding something a bit exotic. Don't think there's much more to it than that - I'm sure the EU has probably found a way of elaborating on it, though.

Fencing swords - foils, epees and sabres - are straight anyway, blades & handles, only difference is length & width.

 

Hmm... I understand the exotic look and all, but I thought it was some kind of homage to Christopher Lee. I will still try to look for that info (because I'm sure I've read it somewhere), but if somebody knows what I'm talking about, please let me know.

And no EU. I already know the whole Makashi talk and all, but that's not what I'm after.

Thanks for the replies, though.

 

Not necessarily a scimitar.

[image=http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos/items/08/001208/ph-0.jpg]

The word Saif in Arabic is a general name for a curved sword, similar to the word Saberin English. However, in many cases, owners and collectors refers by Saif to a specific shape of a sword like the one shown here. These swords are characterized by a relatively short and wide blade, down curving silver handle and silver fitted scabbard. The hilt has a very distinct shape, probably a development from the Nimcha sword handle or the other way around. Various blade were employed, ranging from Persian trade to European military blades. These swords are common in the Arabian Peninsula, more in its southern areas. The one shown here is a rather late, early 20 C. Top quality, 28 inches blade, 35 inches total length, scabbard entirely covered with silver. This sword come with a silver braided carrying belt. A very fine piece.

All of the images in the art of book just have the curved handle. Not sure how many drawings they did with a curved blade itself.