[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Sword for SHTF (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 11/30/2007 4:01:11 AM EDT
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I was wondering about a proper edged weapon for a riot/zombie situation that can be carried along with gear as a tertiary (thus encumbering like a tertiary). It would be used in the event that the primary goes down and quick encirclement makes a melee weapon the wiser choice than the secondary, or the secondary goes down leaving only the tertiary. Inportant factors would be: light/less obtrusive, able to sever limbs/heads with relative ease (rudimentary skill), capable of withstanding a blow from a blocking object (bat, trashcan). In short, something much more capable for the task than a machete. What say you? Katana? Wakuzashi? Cutlass? Any links to something that isn't HSC trash? |
| I think an axe is good for durability sake, but you would tire pretty quickly, and swing pretty slowly (possibly burying it on one's skull and getting overrun). I have seen some guys with a sword that after 3-4 quick slashes could get a crowd of 20 to scatter toot sweet. |
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A woodman's Pal maybe? Never owned one so not sure how they would hold up. www.woodmanspal.com/ |
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Large khukuri...maybe 18-20" length. Can chop and block quite well. Sturdy, unlike most swords...you'd hardly have to worry about hurting it by using it improperly (like a sword). Can be worn on your belt, although at 20" length, you are getting a bit unweildy with it slapping you leg when you walk. Dunno, but that would probably be my answer. Himalayan Imports makes very fine khukuris...not junk like you see at the gun shows. dvo |
I use a swing blade. Some folks call it a kaiser blade but I call it a swing blade. Mmm hmm. |
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An axe or machete would be a better choice than a sword. Odds are, in SHTF, you are going to need to chop things like wood, doors, brush, etc. far more often than you are going to have to chop things in combat. Real swords just aren’t designed for that kind of work. But, if you must have a sword then pick something off of this page. www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/swords-albion-mark-nextgen.htm The gladius would probably be best for SHTF because you won’t be tripping over it all the time. |
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Frankly I think albion is over priced hype. They have been promising those Spatha since 2005. |
SLING BADE not swing blade |
Hahahahahahaha... the tile of the book: STREET SWORD - Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense...... Sword and practical should not be used in the same sentence. |
Hmm, might have to get me one of those axes. |
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A machete would be one of the more practical choices. If you use it to cut wood while camping, other people won't think much of it, but you'll know you're building your machete swinging muscles for the zombocalypse. If your primary rifle becomes inoperable, it can still be used as an impact weapon and for blocking while using the machete to neutralize the hordes of incoming zeds. A katana would obviously get you more coolness points, but you'd have to get into tameshigiri to get the same type of practical practice. It's also the kind of weapon that you might be less inclined to use for other purposes as you would not want to needlessly damage a much more expensive tool. But realistically, if you're being overrun by zombies, a small tactical nuke would be your best bet. No guts, no glory. |
I didn't say use a machete in lieu of a firearm did I? In fact the thread specifically asks for a recommendation for a "Tertiary" weapon. That means you already have a long arm (primary) and a side army (secondary). |
Sorry, I just can't quit with that pic.
Hah! Has your wife seen that? 
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I carry a quama, the national weapon of georgia, russia. it looks a lot like a roman short sword  made by windlass steel crafts in India, high carbon spring steel, keeps an edge good too. Imported by museaum replicas limited. I had to make a new handle cause I have large hands, and I made a new sheath cause the one it comes with sucks. but its a great sword. chops wood and brush well, good for throwing and chopping heads... as well as CQB |
She was only semi-amused. We must train the next generation if we are to survive the coming Zombiepocalypse.96Ag |
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Axe, hammer or machete, as they have other uses besides just being a weapon. If you're going for an axe, you want something that is light and well-balanced. Hammers that are light and well-balanced can be difficult to find. Machetes are a dime a dozen and GI surplus machetes are still pretty available. Swords are difficult to use properly as weapons without some sort of training and experience. |
Really nice work! Who did it? What is the story behind it, what is it used for? |
A friend of hers in Wales made it for her as a gift.  When she grasps the hilt and lets it hang at her side, the tip of the blade is just barely an inch from the floor. It is a perfect fit for her.
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Ain't carrying no sword. Guns speak with more authority. When I'm in the field, I carry: Pocket folder Medium sized fixed blade(Belt) Axe or small machete(Ruck) If the SHTF, I'll carry exactly the same set-up. This combo can/should take care of everything you'd ever need to do, without looking like a retard trying to become the 8th Samurai. |
toot sweet....that's some good coon ass right there. but seriously - is the a WoW thread? |
I might post a picture later. why not? it's light weight, (relatively speaking) and sharp as hell. it looks big in the picture, but it's only about 20 inchs long. feels real good to have a glock with one mag in it, and that sword. Or even a muzzleloader revolver. I carry it in the woods with me. It is good for tree limbs and briars, and stuff. all the wood chopping I have done with it, and it is still razor sharp. also good for self defense against bears and stuff. |
That is absolutely gorgeous! |
I'm sure it is good for utility in the woods, but fighting off a bear? Something tells me the bear will win that one |
Don't get me wrong, I am in no position to criticize, I used to have one of these  (edit-No I do not mean that I had a little old bald Chinese man)  But I really have a tough time figuring any real world use for a genuine Lord of the Rings style pig sticker. You could carry a lot more pistol ammo for the same weight. But, hey if you're having fun who I am to criticize, it's probably good exercise whacking the local woods to toothpicks if nothing else I'll say this about bears, I've unfortunately had a mildly annoyed bear (and just a regular ole black bear) giving me the  at about 40 yards and I had a .30 rifle aimed at him. I would think twice before trying to poke a bear with Excalibur.
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You'd have better luck with Mr. Bear if you just went up and stuck a lit cigar up his ass. |
Yeah, I'm not nearly mountain man enough to take on a bear with a sword! I have thought about getting a boar spear to also use as a walking stick and improvised rifle rest but gave it up. I figured 1) I'd get laughed at (not a big deal, I'm used to it ) and 2) the bear would just smack it away, it would mainly be good for bracing against a charge and letting the bear impale themselves. Didn't Lewis & Clark carry spetums? I think that's where I got the idea from.I have also thought about getting a decent melee weapon for "anti-zombie" use but I think a kukri or machete that can serve more then one function is better. |
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I bought one of these awhile back when it was on sale, this Confederate Bowie was copied from one taken home as a war trophy by some lucky Union troop. At the start of the war many Southern troops armed themselves with big knifes but they were quickly disguarded with other excess, unused gear when the long roadmarches started. I figure the same would happen to a sword in a SHTF scenario, "Do I keep the katana or this extra rifle ammo?"
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Albion swords are a bit on the soft side compared to some other choices, I highly recommend instead the offerings from Angus Trim Direct's tactical line: http://www.angustrimdirect.com/tacswords.htm Designed for uncompromising durability and performance. |