Count Dooku's lightsaber is the one with the curve, and it's on a short list of the best-looking weapons in the saga. We'll admit that's an opinion, but it's one we're happy to defend.
Where the curve came from
The curved hilt was reportedly designed by concept artist Phil Shearer and art assistant Roel Robles, who drew on earlier Sith villain designs and on real-world Filipino weapons. In the story, nothing says exactly why Dooku's hilt curves, but it suits how he fights: precise, economical and a little show-offy.
The fighting style
Dooku's curved hilt is tied to Form II, Makashi, the elegant dueling form built around parrying and finding the gaps in an opponent's guard. It's the form for fighting other lightsaber users, which makes it a good fit for a man who spends most of his time dueling Jedi. If you want to see how Makashi compares to the others, the seven lightsaber forms lays them out.
His duels
In Attack of the Clones, Dooku takes on both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker and gets the better of them until Yoda steps in. In Revenge of the Sith, his story ends when Anakin beheads him at Palpatine's urging. His blade is red, the Sith signature, and the reasons behind that are in what every lightsaber color means. For the man who was behind all of it, see Emperor Palpatine's lightsaber.
If you want one
We've got two. The Dooku is $519 with a 13.4 inch hilt, available with Baselit+, Neopixel or Proffie electronics. It includes a display stand and blade plug, except on the Baselit+ version. The Dooku SE is the budget option at $229, with a 12.6 inch hilt and Baselit, Neopixel or Proffie options. Both come in 32 or 36 inch blades. They're inspired by the character rather than officially licensed, and prices are current as of writing.
If you're curious how a curved hilt feels next to the other shapes, the hilt types guide compares them, and the best lightsaber for dueling will help you pick the electronics.
