diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/energy.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/energy.dm
index 6876310343..d53760211a 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/energy.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/energy.dm
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 	var/active_w_class
 	sharp = 0
 	edge = 0
+	armor_penetration = 50
 	flags = NOBLOODY
 
 /obj/item/weapon/melee/energy/proc/activate(mob/living/user)
@@ -173,7 +174,8 @@
 	name = "energy blade"
 	desc = "A concentrated beam of energy in the shape of a blade. Very stylish... and lethal."
 	icon_state = "blade"
-	force = 70.0//Normal attacks deal very high damage.
+	force = 40 //Normal attacks deal very high damage - about the same as wielded fire axe
+	armor_penetration = 100
 	sharp = 1
 	edge = 1
 	anchored = 1    // Never spawned outside of inventory, should be fine.
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
index 462e47b4f8..a605a5f850 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
 	2 - fullblock
 */
 /mob/living/proc/run_armor_check(var/def_zone = null, var/attack_flag = "melee", var/armour_pen = 0, var/absorb_text = null, var/soften_text = null)
+	if(armour_pen >= 100)
+		return 0 //might as well just skip the processing
+
 	var/armor = getarmor(def_zone, attack_flag)
 	var/absorb = 0