In the realm of bootlegged or knocked-off Star Wars merchandise, lightsabers hold a special place. They were among the earliest knock-off items to appear and probably the most varied in terms of construction and appearance. I guess this is easy to understand: lightsabers played a special part in the first Star Wars film, and they were fairly easy to replicate in toy form, since all they required was a hilt and a rudimentary blade. And, of course, Kenner's lag in getting licensed merchandise to market only helped to encourage the rip-offs.
