Hmm. Dug up this thread while leafing through the archives and it attracted my attention, so decided to post something here.
Fierce, your idea about the fistsaber is a good, for close combat. Kind of remind me like the retractable blade on the clone commandos in Republic Commando or like Wolverine's retractable blade as an example.
I might have an idea here though it does sound slightly off-topic but why not have a lightsaber attached to the tip of a blaster rifle? It would sound similar to bayonets attached to rifles but at least it will give the blaster pistol/rifle wielder some melee options when some enemy is within striking distance.
P.S. No shuriken-type lightsaber for me here. Can't imagine for the life of it fighting with those. Might get yourself sliced in half if you're not careful

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