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The Hacksmith’s 2020 retractable “plasma” lightsaber was a propane-and-oxygen flame shaped by a laminar-flow nozzle—not a self-contained blade like the one in Star Wars. Futurism reported that the flame reached 4,000°F and that a demonstration burned through a steel door; the prototype also required an external power pack.
How did The Hacksmith’s plasma lightsaber work?
In a report published October 21, 2020, Futurism described a retractable prototype from Hacksmith, the YouTube engineering team led by James Hobson. Its hilt fed compressed liquid propane and oxygen through a laminar nozzle. The nozzle shaped and concentrated the gas flow into a narrow flame that served as the visible blade.
Hacksmith’s own project account describes the design goal as controlling an oxygen-rich flame and lists custom components including electronics, gas-transfer assemblies, switches, gas-management elements, an ignition chamber and a nozzle. The sources characterize the blade as flame produced by fuel combustion; “plasma” is the project’s and report’s framing, not evidence of a movie-style energy blade.
What could the prototype do?
- Reach a reported 4,000°F: Futurism gave that figure for the propane-and-oxygen flame. Hacksmith’s campaign page also claims the prototype exceeded 4,000°F. These are reported claims, not independently verified test results in the available accounts.
- Burn through a steel door: Futurism reported that the team demonstrated the prototype cutting through one. The report does not establish a general cutting capacity for other metals, thicknesses or conditions.
- Change color: Futurism said adding salts could produce yellow, green or red flame.
- Retract: The blade-like flame could be turned on and off from a compact hilt, but the system depended on fuel and an external power pack.
Hobson called it the “world’s first retractable plasma-based lightsaber,” as quoted by Futurism. That description is his claim, not an independently established ranking. Hacksmith’s campaign page also says the team received a Guinness World Record, but the cited material does not independently establish the record’s category or wording.
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- LUKE SKYWALKER: Luke Skywalker was a Tatooine farmboy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known
- TRUE TO CONTENT HILT DESIGN: Kids can act out imaginary duels with the Star Wars Non-Electronic Luke Skywalker Lightsaber, featuring a hilt inspired by Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber from the Star Wars galaxy
- FLICK TO EXTEND: This Lightsaber for kids features a blue extendable 4-segment blade that opens with the flick of the wrist (approximately 30 inches extended, 76 cm)
- FULLY RETRACTABLE BLADE: All 4 segments of the blade collapse into the hilt for easy and portable play (approximately 10 inches retracted, 25 cm)
- STAR WARS COSTUME: Use this Lightsaber toy as part of a Luke Skywalker costume for kids -- look for other roleplay toys like Star Wars masks to add to a collection (Sold separately. Subject to availability)
Why it was not a movie-style lightsaber
The key difference is the energy source and mechanism. A fictional lightsaber has a contained blade that extends from its hilt. Hacksmith’s prototype formed its visible blade from a hot, fueled flame, with propane and oxygen supplied through the apparatus and an external power pack required. It was an engineering demonstration, not a self-contained energy blade.
| Feature | Hacksmith prototype | Fictional lightsaber |
|---|---|---|
| Blade mechanism | Propane-and-oxygen flame shaped by a laminar nozzle | Fictional contained energy blade |
| Fuel or power | Fuel gases and an external power pack, as reported by Futurism | Fictional power source |
| Metal-cutting evidence | Futurism reported a demonstration through a steel door | Depicted in fiction |
What did the build cost, and what came next?
Futurism reported in 2020 that each laminar nozzle cost about $4,000 and was made using glass-blowing techniques. That is a historical figure from the report, not a current price quote. Hacksmith’s project page places the retractable prototype among several lightsaber designs, distinguishing earlier solid-blade and retractable work from the later plasma-based design.
Rank #2
- The light LED space swords set: including 4 colors (red,purple,green and blue). pick up your favorite color sword to clash with the motion sensitive sound effects, giving your kid a real feeling of being in the space dueling.
- Silent sode & fx sound sode: press the button to switch three mode: 1st press for light and sound effects mode which match with battle, 2nd press for light and silent mode which parents love, and 3rd press for trun off.
- Full retractable handle: our glowing blade can be fully retracted into the handle which same as the movies. perfect for cosplay, halloween costume props.The star you will become in the fierce war.
- Easy to carry: It is made of high quality durable plastic with portables telescopic extendable designed! the light up sword toy can be expands from 11.6 to 31.5 inches in length. suitable for children girl boy ages 3 years old and up.
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The same project page describes Hacksmith’s V2 mini-saber torch as inspired by the plasma proto-lightsaber and directs readers to Hacksmith’s store. It is a separate product, not the retractable prototype itself; the cited project page does not establish current stock or current product specifications.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Safety and practical limits
The cited accounts describe propane, oxygen, extreme heat and a metal-cutting demonstration, but do not provide a validated safety protocol. They do not establish that the apparatus is suitable for consumer use. The prototype is best understood as a high-risk engineering demonstration, not a home project or ordinary prop.
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Rank #4
- FROM A GALAXY FAR AWAY... Well, not really. But these 31” light up sabers sure look like they’re from outer space. Hold up the thickened telescopic handle and switch on the LED blade, and you’re the star of the war.
- 3 COLORED LIGHTS: Both of these sabers have three light modes - red, blue, and purple. Choose your favorite color to pick your skill level and to show off what side you’ve picked in this interstellar battle.
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- TOY LIFE Promise: We take great pride in providing toys that are safe, educational, interactive and most importantly fun! Your product satisfaction is core to our business. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your purchase, please contact us directly through Amazon's messaging system so that we can assist you. Thank you for your purchase!
Rank #3
- 4 Pack Light up toy with 4 Colors (red, purple, green and blue), you can press the button of handle to activate the intergalactic weapon. Motion sensitive sound effect give you an immersive feeling.
- Each Light Swords can expands from 18 to 33 inches, easy to store and carry for kids adults. It's the perfect addition to your Halloween Party or Sci-fi Cosplay Event. Enjoy with friends in the game!
- Give all die-hard movie fans a great birthday or Christmas gift! Perfect for fun battle and other cheerful events. Turn off the lights and see the glow up toy swords clash in the dark with sound effects on contact.
- The Led Sword is made of high quality material, eco-friendly, safe and durable. All led sword requires 3x 1.5"AAA" batteries (included and replaceable). Great for boys girls 3 years old and age up.
- Perfect Accessory for Galaxy Themed Party, Dress-Up Parties, Science Fiction Props, the star of the space war, favorite shows and movies Role Playing, Last Minute Gift!
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