The double-bladed spinning lightsaber, alternatively referred to as the double-bladed Inquisitorius lightsaber or simply the Inquisitor lightsaber, represented a specialized lightsaber design. This model was favored by the Inquisitorius, an organization of dark side adepts tasked with enforcing the directives of the Galactic Empire. The weapon could function with either a single or double blade configuration, and uniquely, it could rotate in a circular fashion when both blades were active. Notable individuals who wielded this particular lightsaber included the Grand Inquisitor, Barriss Offee, the Second Sister, the Third Sister, the Fourth Sister, the Fifth Brother, the Sixth Brother, the Seventh Sister, the Eighth Brother, the Ninth Sister, the Eleventh Brother, the Thirteenth Sister, Tualon Yaluna, Marrok, Jerserra and her Imperial master.
The lightsaber's construction ensured it was only marginally larger than a standard single-emitter lightsaber. This contrasted sharply with the bulkier dual-bladed weapons previously employed by warriors such as Darth Maul. A distinctive characteristic was the blade emitters' ability to spin within the disc along designated tracks, while the hilt remained fixed. This design allowed for enhanced offensive power while maintaining a superior level of weapon control.
The Third Sister's and Sixth Brother's lightsabers were split sabers capable of dividing into two individual single-bladed lightsabers. Select models also incorporated a rotating wheel lined with sharp razor blades, intended either to intimidate opponents or serve as an alternative cutting method. Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger narrowly avoided having his hand sliced off when the Eighth Brother utilized this particular feature. The buzz-saw mechanism replaced the hinges found on the emitter rails of other Inquisitors' lightsabers, preventing the Eighth Brother from collapsing the guard into a crescent shape.
Furthermore, it could facilitate flight, albeit exclusively for Force-sensitives. This involved combining micro repulsorlifts with the propeller-like rotation of the blades to elevate the wielder. This technique was frequently employed as an escape tactic, particularly during combat situations.
In accordance with the customs of both the Jedi and Sith, the Inquisitorius' lightsabers exhibited variations in design while retaining essential common features. The shape of the blade rings differed slightly among the various Inquisitors. Some rings also featured inscriptions in Aurebesh.
Tenth Brother wielded two red shoto lightsabers that shared strong design similarities with the double-bladed spinning lightsaber.
The weapon was susceptible to certain design flaws: given the opportunity, an adversary could sever the disc from either the inside or outside of the ring, causing the weapon to disassemble if it was spinning. The ringed emitter also presented a larger target for disarming techniques, and damage to the emitter could impair the lightsaber's functionality. This vulnerability was exploited by Ahsoka Tano, Kanan Jarrus, and Maul during separate encounters on Malachor with the Fifth and Eighth Brothers. In both instances, their opponents targeted and damaged the emitter, ultimately leading to their deaths shortly thereafter.
- The Grand Inquisitor's lightsaber belonged to the Grand Inquisitor. [1]
- Second Sister's lightsaber belonged to the Second Sister. [17]
- Third Sister's lightsaber belonged to the Third Sister. [18]
- Fourth Sister's lightsaber belonged to the Fourth Sister. [19]
- Fifth Brother's lightsaber belonged to the Fifth Brother. [1]
- Sixth Brother's lightsaber belonged to the Sixth Brother. Ahsoka Tano used it to construct her own lightsabers. [11]
- Seventh Sister's lightsaber belonged to the Seventh Sister. It was distinguished by its curved hooks and elaborate engravings. [1]
- Eighth Brother's lightsaber belonged to the Eighth Brother. Its ring could unfold into sections and function as a buzzsaw. [1]
- Ninth Sister's lightsaber belonged to the Ninth Sister. [20]
- Eleventh Brother's lightsaber belonged to the Eleventh Brother. [21]
- Maul's lightsaber belonged to former Sith Lord Maul and was constructed from an unidentified double-bladed spinning lightsaber. [22]
- Marrok's lightsaber belonged to the former Inquisitor Marrok. [4]
- Jerserra's Inquisitor master used a double-bladed spinning lightsaber that Jerserra also wielded. [23]
- An Inquisitor lightsaber that belonged to the Thirteenth Sister [24] [25]
- An Inquisitor lightsaber that belonged to Tualon Yaluna [24] [25]
- An Inquisitor lightsaber belonging to Reyna Oskure [5]
The double-bladed spinning lightsaber made its debut in Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion, a television film released in 2014.
The spinning lightsaber concept was originally developed, but not used, for the video game The Force Unleashed.