The swords are capable of both normal slashes and powered-up attacks that launch energy projectiles.
Ken's main weapon is an energy projectile which he launches with his fists.
He wields a lightsaber-like gauntlet that is attached to his arm and can fire energy projectiles with it.
J'onn is also capable of absorbing energy projectiles such as beams and other energy waves.
Added to this is the ability to generate powerful energy projectiles.
However, such a system is unlikely to be as effective against kinetic energy projectiles, making it a poor choice for fighting against tanks.
It is launched as a kinetic energy projectile, fired from the main gun in a high trajectory profile comparable to that of a mortar.
Given his undead nature, Kagekiyo has access to supernatural powers such as levitation and the ability to cast energy projectiles.
The power he gets from the Cell Medal enables him to form several scythe-like energy projectiles to attack with.
He didn't need the privacy, but the material was supposedly designed to block low energy projectiles and lasers.