My knowledge of Darth Bane comes from the brilliant writing of Drew
Karpyshyn. For those who have read his novels, you will know that Darth Bane
was given a special curved or “hooked” lightsaber by his Master on Korriban.
This lightsaber fit Bane’s physically imposing style of fighting. Therefore it
has always irritated me that the common Bane lightsaber showing up among saber
enthusiasts was a straight saber hilt (as seen in the comics). This became my
cause; to bring Darth Bane’s lightsaber to life, in keeping with Drew
Karpyshyn’s vision. This lightsaber had to look both ancient and yet refined.
It had to be curved, with elements that gave it a wicked “hook”. I wanted this
saber to be unique in that it was clearly made to be wielded with two hands.
Finding a way to simulate bone gave me a great opportunity to meld ancient and
refined imagery. I set to work designing this saber around a curved metal handle,
and a bone central grip. A natural looking ridge in the bone marked the balance
point between both hands for a two-handed grip style. I was not satisfied with
the curve in the metal handle, the design on paper did not look “hooked”
enough. The swept aluminum tips, first on the emitter, then on the pommel too,
gave the saber more beautiful curved lines and a mean, almost fang-like
profile.