Beskad
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
| Beskad | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer |
Mandalorian weaponsmiths |
| Model |
Custom made weapon |
| Type |
Melee weapon |
| Culture | |
| Owners | |
| Known locations |
The planet Mandalore, or anyplace a beskad owner travelled. |
| Physical and technical specifications | |
| Structure |
Single cutting edge |
| Length |
45cm |
| Width |
5 to 6 cm |
| Weight |
2 kg or more |
| Protection type |
Leather bound hilt |
| Usage and history | |
| Era(s) | |
| Affiliation |
|
A Beskad was an ancient Mandalorian sword made of Mandalorian iron. Beskads could also be made from durasteel, but Mandalorians preferred to use the ore beskar in their forging. Their construction gave them a natural resistance to lightsabers.
[edit] History
Beskads were ancient, traditional swords used by Mandalorians in combat. Usually made from Mandalorian iron, beskads had a blade length of forty five centimeters, and a blade thickness of nearly six centimeters. The blade itself was sharpened on only one edge, and curved upwards to a point. The hilt was usually wrapped with leather, and was similar in feel to a well-balanced hammer. Weighing two kilograms (sometimes more), beskads were in fact used like hammers, with the wielder using the heftiness of the sword as well as the blade to overcome an opponent. Because beskads were about a third the length lightsabers, beskad users often learned to perfect techniques that allowed them to get inside the reach of their opponent. In duels with both combatants wielding beskads, the advantage went obviously to the fighter with greater skill. In the hands of masters, beskads can be formidable weapons against lightsabers. Used properly, a swordsmen can effectively eliminate a lightsaber user's ability to perform long strokes by exploiting their opponent's reach, and depriving them of ample attacking distance.
While training on the planet Mandalore under Boba Fett, Jaina Solo learned to handle a beskad to some degree. Goran Beviin, also a forger of the ancient swords, gave the young Jedi Solo lesson in rudimentary techniques with a beskad. Jaina immediately realized the difference in handling the weapon, and resorted to using the Force to help balance her. Beviin also showed Jaina that Jedi dueling was predictable, and in order for her to confront her brother she would need to learn to fight in ways he hadn't.
[edit] Appearances
- Republic Commando: Triple Zero (Mentioned only)
- Boba Fett: A Practical Man (First appearance)
- Sacrifice
- Revelation
