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Because Science

Could a Lightsaber Cut Through Wolverine’s Claws?

Alright nerds. You asked, and I finally tried my best to answer.

A few weeks ago, an image pitting a lightsaber against Wolverine’s claws went viral, and I must be doing something right, because dozens of you sent me the image with a request: figure out which of the two would win in a face-off. Well, here goes. I’m sure no one on the Internet will be upset by this.

In my latest Because Science, I’m science-ing a battle between arguably the most iconic pop culture weapons. But to get anywhere on this nerdy quest, we first have to “de-super” lightsabers and adamantium claws. Lightsabers are shown to cut through pretty much anything like a hot knife through blast door, and Wolverine’s claws do the same, with the added benefit of indestructibility. However, these properties make it impossible cut into what might really happen.

SurpriseLightsaber

So, if Wolverine’s claws had a melting point like that shown in X2, and a lightsaber had a power output like that seen in the blast door melting scene in The Phantom Menace, what would happen when you brought the two together? It’s more complicated than you think. You’ll have to watch my latest episode above to find out why.

Check out my last video on how to make a real Mass Effect omni-tool; subscribe to this playlist to stay current with the show; buy a Because Science shirt, mug, hat, or collectible pin (you know why); and follow me on Twitter to give me a suggestion for the next episode or on Instagram where I’m now posting extra mini-episodes!

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