The Lightning Claw is a power weapon that turns a warrior’s gauntlet into a set of energy-sheathed blades. It’s a close-combat tool for tearing through armour and flesh, and it’s most often seen on Terminators, though anyone with armoury access can wield one.
What is the lightning claw?
It’s a variant of power fist technology, but instead of one crushing fist, it has several razor-sharp blades extending from the armour. Even without the power field, those blades are lethal, and when the field is active, they can cut through almost any material with ease.
Early Terminator suits carried a single claw, leaving the other hand free for a ranged weapon. Later designs often use a pair, but plenty of warriors still prefer a single claw for tactical flexibility.
Who uses them?
They’re most common in Space Marine Terminator Assault Squads, where an entire squad can be armed with them. But they’re not exclusive: Daemonhunters and Chaos Space Marines use them too, and anyone with access to the armoury can take one.
Lightning claws are usually worn as a pair, though single claws remain popular for those who want a free hand.
Known patterns
Different Chapters and Legions have their own takes on the design, often with distinct names and minor variations.
- Angel’s Talon Pattern: used by the Blood Angels.
- Cthonian Pattern: used by the Sons of Horus.
- Hawk’s Talon Pattern: used by the Raven Guard.
- Kalibrax Harrow Pattern: used during the Horus Heresy.
- Wolf Claw: used by the Space Wolves, with rune-etched blades that boost their destructive power.
Famous lightning claws
Some claws are as famous as the warriors who wield them. The Talon of Horus is a lightning claw with a built-in storm bolter, carried by Horus during the Great Crusade and the Heresy, and now wielded by Abaddon the Despoiler.
The Raven’s Talons are a pair said to have been crafted by Corvus Corax on Deliverance after the Isstvan V massacre; they’re now in the hands of Kayvaan Shrike. Other notable examples include the Corvidine Talons (also Corax), Mercy and Forgiveness (Konrad Curze), the Patriarch’s Claws (Kor Phaeron), and the Tiger’s Claw (Watch Captain Andar Scarion).
Key facts
- Lightning claws are power weapons with multiple energy-sheathed blades.
- They’re a variant of power fist technology, trading crushing power for cutting speed.
- Most common on Terminator Assault Squads, but used by many others.
- Usually worn as a pair, though single claws are still popular.
- Famous examples include the Talon of Horus and the Raven’s Talons.
FAQ
Are lightning claws better than power fists?
They trade the power fist’s raw crushing strength for multiple razor-sharp blades. Which is better depends on the target and the wielder’s style, but claws are generally faster and more precise.
Can any Space Marine use a lightning claw?
Yes, if they can get one from the armoury. They’re most common in Terminator Assault Squads, but any warrior with access can take one.
What’s the difference between a lightning claw and a power klaw?
A power klaw is an Ork weapon that functions similarly but is cruder and often larger. Lightning claws are the Imperial and Chaos equivalent, typically more refined.