Shadowsabers date back to the ancient years of the Galactic Republic. Originally used only by Sith Assassins for stealth missions, the Shadowsaber became a mainstream weapon for use by the Sith in 25,000 BBY, when the Ssi-Ruuk Sith Lord Darth Phoenix wielded one in combat. The focusing crystal, Umbrite, was only found in the dark caverns of Malachor V, but it was a prized treasure as it could create a single beam of raw energy that could phase right through the standard lightsaber. The weapon was so effective that in 15,000 BBY the Jedi led a task force into Malachor V to completely destroy the Umbrite caves.