These vicious blades have been adapted from the traditional swords used by the Wookiees of Kashyyyk. The original design was simple, consisting of a rough piece of metal ground into the distinctive curved shape and strapped to a wooden handle with the hide of a native Bantha. All Ryyk blades were hand constructed and treated with the same reverence as bowcasters by the Wookiees. The blade's keen edge and heavy weight make it an ideal instrument for cutting through dense forest or decapitating of one's enemies.
Recently, large companies and governments began to copy the style using synthetic materials. As a consequence, these blades are now mass-produced and as such, are often found throughout the galaxy in the hands of criminals and murderers, who commit devious acts with this once simple and utilitarian weapon.