Which Sword Is Best To Fight Zombies
Greetings all! Shinsei here, and at the behest of another LZ member I offer you this tiny tidbit of information in the hopes that you can choose the best sword to defend yourself and loved ones against the upcoming Zombie threat.
First off, unlike guns, swords are always loaded. Of course they are by default a close range weapon so swords should only be used as a last resort to long range gunfire.
Contrary to popular belief, most swords aren't that heavy. The average katana weighs in at a little over 2 lbs and the average European sword at 3 lbs. Of course there are times when things will be different, either heavier or lighter, but for the most part this is the rule. We will be talking about the advantages of the most popular swords.
Katana- Seemingly the most popular sword out there, the katana has been the choice of most melee fighters for a while. While primarily a slashing weapon, the katana is light and swift, and with modern times producing some of the best performing katana out there, now is the best time to get your hands on one. And with some coming in at under $300, you can get a decent katana in your hands without breaking the budget. One of the only disadvantages I can think of is that a katana is only single bladed. So it's great for cutting off a head, but you'd have to shift your hand quickly to bring it back and make another cut. But again, it's a popular and deadly sword.
The Bastard Sword (Two Handed European Style)- It's heavier than it's Japanese counterpart, by 1-2 lbs, and it's double bladed. It can sever limbs and go through heads in one shot. With proper technique, sometimes you can go through more than one Z at a time. Also being produced in record number and quality, a bastard sword will serve you well in battle. With it's wide cross guard, it can be used to stop a forward moving Z if you happen to accidentally run it through. A major advantage over a katana. Also in a pinch, the pommel and guard can be used as a blunt instrument also.
Remember, swords aren't machetes and shouldn't be used as one. This will maintain the blade and keep it working well for a while.
Any questions feel free to ask, or if you think I'm full of it when it comes to something, please point it out to me.
We will continue this discussion after these important messages. (I'm going to sleep.)
If you want to know where to get the best deals email me. I have connections.
First off, unlike guns, swords are always loaded. Of course they are by default a close range weapon so swords should only be used as a last resort to long range gunfire.
Contrary to popular belief, most swords aren't that heavy. The average katana weighs in at a little over 2 lbs and the average European sword at 3 lbs. Of course there are times when things will be different, either heavier or lighter, but for the most part this is the rule. We will be talking about the advantages of the most popular swords.
Katana- Seemingly the most popular sword out there, the katana has been the choice of most melee fighters for a while. While primarily a slashing weapon, the katana is light and swift, and with modern times producing some of the best performing katana out there, now is the best time to get your hands on one. And with some coming in at under $300, you can get a decent katana in your hands without breaking the budget. One of the only disadvantages I can think of is that a katana is only single bladed. So it's great for cutting off a head, but you'd have to shift your hand quickly to bring it back and make another cut. But again, it's a popular and deadly sword.
The Bastard Sword (Two Handed European Style)- It's heavier than it's Japanese counterpart, by 1-2 lbs, and it's double bladed. It can sever limbs and go through heads in one shot. With proper technique, sometimes you can go through more than one Z at a time. Also being produced in record number and quality, a bastard sword will serve you well in battle. With it's wide cross guard, it can be used to stop a forward moving Z if you happen to accidentally run it through. A major advantage over a katana. Also in a pinch, the pommel and guard can be used as a blunt instrument also.
Remember, swords aren't machetes and shouldn't be used as one. This will maintain the blade and keep it working well for a while.
Any questions feel free to ask, or if you think I'm full of it when it comes to something, please point it out to me.
We will continue this discussion after these important messages. (I'm going to sleep.)
If you want to know where to get the best deals email me. I have connections.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by UNYEILDING on -
first off most swords that are made now are just decorations and not made for combat. second i believe an axe is better suited for zed combat because cutting a head off does stop the body but leaves a bitting head and it needs alot of room to swing. an axe can deliver a crushing blow that destroyes the brain. third how do you maintain the weapons?
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on -
On what do you base this information? I know that there is a huge decoration market out there, but the swords that I deal in and talk about are 'battle worthy' for lack of a better term. I personally have tested the Furuyama katana from J-Armory as well as other swords and I can attest to their functionality and worthiness to be listed in this forum.
As far as maintenance, 'real' swords will be made with carbon steel that does rust, but care is simple. Just wipe off the blade with a clean cloth and then wipe again with a light coat of mineral oil. Also, care needs to be taken not to touch the blade with bare fingers as the oils in your hands are acidic and it will ruin the blade.
An axe is good and is something that I was going to list later on. It has lots of other uses as well as defense and makes a great addition to any arsenal. Although rather unwieldy compared to a sword, and can tire you out easier, it's advantages can outweigh it's disadvantages. -
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Permalink Reply by UNYEILDING on
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i am simply saying that the market for "combat ready" swords is much smaller than artistic swords that people put up in their homes. where can you find mineral oil also for the sake of knowing in case? an axe i believe would tire you out slightly faster in the matter of swinging it but does more of the work in damaging the target.
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on
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Well I guess you can say that the SLO (sword like object) are more available, however, one can get a 'combat ready' sword with little extra effort. Just a quick search on Yahoo! or Google will yield surprising results. I have actually been fortunate enough to find swords for less than $70 and have done torture tests and found them to be just slightly lacking to Hanwei's Practical Plus Katana in the area's of performance. Although they are far inferior when it comes to aesthetics.
But this is just my personal opinion. I would rather have a sword to swing than an axe. And I am not arguing that an axe would do more damage, only that a sword is easier to swing, is more accurate (to me) and is far prettier. But don't get me wrong, I'd still want an axe, just not my first choice in a Z situation.
Of course a Kukri would be good as well....
As far as the mineral oil, you can get it at any local drug store. And it's pretty cheap to boot! -
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Permalink Reply by William Griffin on -
If you need a sword then use a Katana. It has the curve you need to be sure of the cut.
Europian swords where all ment for stabbing, not slashing. -
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on
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Then how do you explain 'Cut & Thrust' swords? You are using generalizations to come to a misinformed conclusion. It's like if I said that all 'men are dogs and all women are stupid'. Although it can be like that with one or two, labeling 'all' swords from an entire region is not only wrong but foolhardy.
European swords can be used for cutting or slashing or hacking or whatever you choose. It all depends on what 'style' of sword you buy. I can list several European swords that have a curved blade; Falcata, Kopis, Saber, Falchion, Grosse Messer, or Cutlass to name a few off the top of my head. If you don't believe that these have a curved blade, look them up. Go ahead, I'll wait.
You see, information is key. When you have it, it can keep you alive. But if you share it, you can save a life. But if you don't want to accept it, then you are just throwing yours away.
I have studied and collected swords for over 15 years now. Why would you not want the benefit of my experience? I don't want a medal or a cookie or even a thank you, I just want to share what I know with people who share my passion. -
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Permalink Reply by bobby on -
i share your passion very much and i appreciate everything you have brought to this discussion. thanks! i will admit while i have trained with them and feel confident in my abilities to use them i don't know much about their origins and couldn't even name everyone i own. but i do know that the blades that are displayed on my page i would choose over a kantana any day. they are both one solid piece with no pieces that have been fit together. they are also a perfect weight for me and are the ones i have been continuing my training on. i believe they have a name to them but i have no idea what they are called. tho someone mentioned tonfa, i do not know if this is accurate. maybe you know? thx again!
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on
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Thanks for the support. I have looked at the blades that you are talking about and I have seen some like that before. They are labeled as 'tactical ninja swords', and can be really good if they are made right. Tonfa are a martial arts weapon very similar to the nightsticks that cops use. But I digest...
Let me start with this: Stainless steel is no good for swords. That's right, I said it, stainless steel swords are an accident waiting to happen. The 'stainless' part of stainless steel is the adding of chromium to the steel. Which closes the pores in the steel and makes it very resistant to corrosion, the trade off being the flexibility of the steel. While great for knives due to it's edge holding capabilities and easy maintenance, when the blade gets longer, the steel gets more and more brittle. That's why 'real' swords are made with carbon steel. This makes the steel flexible and resistant to breaking. And with the right carbon content and heat treatment, a sword can resist all kinds of missed cuts even from the most novice of users. For proof of the danger of stainless steel swords look on You Tube for 'the dangers of stainless steel swords'.
I can't tell by looking at them, but if your blades are stainless steel I'd be real careful using them. I am sorry if I am ruining your vision of your swords, but on the bright side, I can point you in the right direction to get a 'real' sword for less than $100 to replace them. :)
I know, not funny.... -
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Permalink Reply by bobby on
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no, not funny but helpful. thank you. they say 440 stainless. so i'm thinking that they stainless steel. :( wow all my dreams are shattered. lol. so i am gonna need to remedy this quickly. i would really like the same style and weight but obviously not the same material. where do i look? and will it be hard to find?
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on
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Well, I can point you to where I send most first time buyers for 'beater' swords. I use this term as you can get one, learn how to use it, see if you like and then make your decision on what would be best for you. I don't know if I can post links, but if not, email me, deleon1518@yahoo.com
See, swords like the one's that you have aren't very comfortable on the hands. There is something called 'harmonics' that you need to be aware of. Have you ever hit something with a metal baseball bat and had it vibrate so much in your hands that you drop it? Well the reason that it happens is harmonics. That's the vibrations of the object that you are using that are being transfered to your hands. If you have nothing there to cushion your grip, you will drop your sword, or at least be very hesistant to use it. A good example of that is why Wesley Snipes uses gloves in his fights in Blade. The sword he uses is all metal and because of the vibrations even in the prop were so uncomfortable, he has to wear gloves. That's what they were attempting to do with the parachute cord around the tangs of your swords. Even better are the handles of more traditional swords. They are designed by hundreds of years of trial and error, when failure of a sword would cost you your life. As it would in a Z situation.
I am confindent we can find you a good sword that will suit your needs and we will make sure that it doesn't break the bank. If you are willing to that is. -
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Permalink Reply by bobby on
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well, i don't know if you noticed that there were wraps on the handles. i know about harmonics, like i said i have been practicing with those ones. i do have gloves as well, light but durable. i am very partial to those ones going with style and weight. but i may be open to suggestions. i'm just stubbornly stuck on them lol.
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Permalink Reply by Shinsei on
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I know the feeling of not wanting to give up on your swords. I still have the sword that my wife gave me on our honeymoon even though it's stainless. It just sits on my mantle crossing blades with my Kris Cutlery Spanish Conquistador sword. I never use it, never even swing it. I know better, but still, I can't get rid of it.
And yeah, I noticed the wraps, but during my younger years, I had swords like those. Hurt very much to use. I can't say if your are the same, but if you are wearing gloves then I'd say not too comfortable. -
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