This Dude Made a Real, Working Lightsaber

Yeah, yeah, you've probably already used your smartphone to replicate having a Lightsaber. Because you're a Star Wars geek. And that's super cool right now, with the new movie coming out.

Well, that guy who made a real-life version of Thor's hammer has remained ever-topical by creating a real-life, functioning Lightsaber. And it's not just a gimmick app -- it really works.

Check it out.

As the video details, inventor guy Allen fastened a nichrome ignition and a syringe valve inside a 3D-printed enclosure to light a methanol/acetone fuel mix, using butane as a propellant. In essence, his Lightsaber is like a super-focused lighter -- as proven when he lights a cigarette to kick the video off -- as opposed to a concentration of The Force.

But with the added sound effects, the Lightsaber is as close as we're (hopefully) coming to Star Wars weapons being real in this galaxy during the 21st Century. And hell, it's enough to torch a photo of Jar Jar Binks.

And if it's good enough to torch Jar Jar, it's good enough for us.

We've reached out to Allen to get more details on the real-life Lightsaber, so stay tuned for info.


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Ryan Craggs is Thrillist's Senior News Editor. He'd probably use this Lightsaber to start up his grill. Follow him @ryanrcraggs.