NationStates Jolt Archive

Rather than make this complicated and insert situations here, I'm just asking what your preferred melee weapon is.

Mine is a staff, possibly with detachable blades at both ends for slicing and stabbing. Simple, not too original, but deadly and effective.

I like to use a rock.. I prefer basalt.

Polearms for great victory.

http://kriscutlery.com/philippine/philippine.html

I'd go with the espada y daga or perhaps a barong and punal from the page above.

Long sword. Simple but effective, and with a certain style moreover.

I like staves (I'm practicing with two of them at the moment).

However, my favorite's the Zweihander. I'd like to buy one (or make my own) and practice with it. A 6' model should fit me perfectly.

SOG SERE (Survival/Evasion/Resistance/Escape) survival knife. Best one I know, and know how to use.

You primates need to try boom-sticks.

Shop smart. Shop S-Mart.

You primates need to try boom-sticks.

Shop smart. Shop S-Mart.
Hail to the king, baby.:)

Depends what the other guy is using.

I would agree with longsword; probably not as effective as most, but symbolically romantic. Sai are definitely cool, too, though.

A spoon

Where's Keruvalia with his "dog doo on a stick"?

Tomatoes.

Both long and short range.

Dog doo on a stick

Never underestimate the damage that can be done to a man's teeth with steel-toe boots.

Dog doo on a stick
Yeah, well how about Dog doo disolved in water in a super soaker? It's so bad-ass that I think it's against the Geneva convention.

Yeah, well how about Dog doo disolved in water in a super soaker? It's so bad-ass that I think it's against the Geneva convention.
You can get around silly things like the geneva convention by dissolving it in something else.

Does a Ford Pinto count as a melee weapon? :p

Does a Ford Pinto count as a melee weapon? :p
Didn't they used to explode into a fireball when hit from behind?

Rather than make this complicated and insert situations here, I'm just asking what your preferred melee weapon is.

Mine is a staff, possibly with detachable blades at both ends for slicing and stabbing. Simple, not too original, but deadly and effective.
Agreed. Though I like Gladii Florntine too.

The Ninja-To, light, efficient and deadly.

Clicky (http://www.xyfos.com/images/PaulChen/Practical%20Ninjato.jpg)

Didn't they used to explode into a fireball when hit from behind?

I'm going to say yes, because the only friend of mine who went out to test that theory never came back. :cool:

my baseball bat with some nails added in for more fun... yes fun... erm it is light enough for me to use with one arm while pummeling or whatever with the other and is good enough to use to block other peoples shots, and hit back tomatoes from other melee participants.

A Ceremonial Kukri- a typically short, raked foreward blade used by Gurkhas in India. The larger ones can behead grown water buffulo.

Would it be wrong of me to suggest the use of a 15'' black rubber cock ala Hatchet Harry?

The battle axe. Or a hammer. Either one.

I've got three!

Staff
Morning Star
Bat wrapped in razor wire. Think Mick Foley Hardcore match in Japan.

A cattleprod :D but beefed up (no pun intended) so you can really hit hard with it, and with higer current electricty. Or an Umbrela with a pellet of Ricin on the tip.:D

How about a legionary shield, a Spanish short sword, 2 javelins that hang on my shield and spear.

But if I’m only allowed one thing I want a falx or a katana

a nice sword or a halberd

Kusari-gama, rapiers, and daggers, preferably very easy-to-hide ones.

A tank. And don't tell me it's not a melee weapon, because if I hit you with a tank it would hurt way more than all these other weapons.

I'm a big fan of large, heavy swords (which would be a dissadvantage for someone without my height and build, but for me are fairly easy to weild), a la the Scotts Claymore, or (what I actually study) a Great-sword (for lack of a better name. A one sided, four and a half foot straight blade with a 9 inch handle.)

That or a cheap Fender knockoff, the things cost 45 bucks and can take damage forever. You run around smacking people with those and they stay down (that could just be humiliation at having been beaten with such a shitty guitar, but still). That and if you plug them in, you get a ranged attack that can cause deafness and seizures.

Kerambits.

A two handed sword, or possibly a two handed Katana. (Can't think of the name now.)
I'm also partial to battleaxes.

Kerambits.
Handy, but not so good for large groups, and the reach is a bit short.

Kerambits.
Nice. Slashy goodness. Do you train in Silat?

Rather than make this complicated and insert situations here, I'm just asking what your preferred melee weapon is.

Love.

+5 Holy Avenger.

Best
Weapon
Ever

+5 Holy Avenger.

Best
Weapon
Ever

Lawful Good, are we? Shouldn't you be out smiting evil somewhere, not wasting your time here?

Amurakumokotsu.

a Samurai Sword, Not a Katana as its commonly mistaken for.

One of the greatest weapons ever crafted

An armored Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer. Behold.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/ca/D9-idf_pic214.jpg

An armored Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer. Behold.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/ca/D9-idf_pic214.jpg
Is that the one that got St. Pancake? Cool.

a Samurai Sword, Not a Katana as its commonly mistaken for.

One of the greatest weapons ever crafted

You know they actually tested it against bullets and a samurai sword will deflect bullets until its edge gets worn down and then it breaks. It is indeed.

A sheep.

Glaive. If you've got enough space to use it, no-one else can even touch you.

Glaive. If you've got enough space to use it, no-one else can even touch you.

Ya sure...till they deflect it and break it! XD
A chinese long sword would break it and slice you in two.

A sheep.

Ahh, the traditional Australian weapon.

Ahh, the traditional Australian weapon.
You mean a boomerang?

You can get around silly things like the geneva convention by dissolving it in something else.
Congress?

You mean a boomerang?

A can of Fosters in a sock.

For sheer amusement value, a railroad spike and a big hammer.

I also like the idea of a halberd. The important thing here is that everything happens at the other end (i.e. very, very far away). However, that is somewhat impractical for one person. So, some daggers secreted about my person. And maybe a club. With a nail in.

I've always been a fan of the mace.

You know they actually tested it against bullets and a samurai sword will deflect bullets until its edge gets worn down and then it breaks. It is indeed.

The samurai sword was a katana. However, it was not the primary weapon used, mostly just for dueling or ceremonial purposes. It's a cutting sword, completely useless against rigid body armor (though effective against unarmored peasants), and the two primary weapons used by samurai were actually bows and spears. Its sharpness and durability have been greatly exaggerated, though it was finely made. Back in the day, Japan didn't have access to iron, which was used to produce relatively cheap swords, so crafting a sword was obviously an expensive undertaking. If someone wanted one, they made sure it was done by an expert.

Super Mecha-Godzilla. It is too a melee weapon! It's got like claws and stuff.

A nice rapier please.

Preferably with a kinda short, cut/thrust blade.

Love.

Love has certainly felled more than its fair share of warriors.

You know they actually tested it against bullets and a samurai sword will deflect bullets until its edge gets worn down and then it breaks. It is indeed.
I saw that video. The first direct hit blew the katana in half. The other shots either missed or grazed the blade, and even then they did significant damage.

Longsword (twos even better) or two handed axe. Muwhaha

I saw that video. The first direct hit blew the katana in half. The other shots either missed or grazed the blade, and even then they did significant damage.

Wasn't the same video and I think your fibbing cause steel doesn't break like that when it is that sharp at that speed. This was a direct hit on the blade when it was forced into alignment with the gun. It split the bullets and eventually was dented and broke after many hits.

I was going to say a two-bladed sword, but then I realized it would be a little heavy for me. So I'm going to go with a sledgehammer.

Actually, I'm going to go with my invented melee weapon - the firestaff.

The firestaff is a metal pole with spiked mace heads. Each head is wrapped in oil-soaked cloth set alight, like a torch. I'd take it for the intimidation value.

The firestaff does not exist, but any medieval blacksmith worth his salt could make one from the above description.

The samurai sword was a katana. However, it was not the primary weapon used, mostly just for dueling or ceremonial purposes. It's a cutting sword, completely useless against rigid body armor (though effective against unarmored peasants), and the two primary weapons used by samurai were actually bows and spears. Its sharpness and durability have been greatly exaggerated, though it was finely made. Back in the day, Japan didn't have access to iron, which was used to produce relatively cheap swords, so crafting a sword was obviously an expensive undertaking. If someone wanted one, they made sure it was done by an expert.

Actually the katana you are thinking of it just a regular one. Its not a samurai katana. Something like the Benite Katana is ridiculously strong and can't be bent and its incredibly powerful.

They may not be able to pierce steel, but niether could a regular sword. Only a Chinese longsword (up to 9 ft in length) could do the job...and that's a beast that is meant for chopping people in half.

Wasn't the same video and I think your fibbing cause steel doesn't break like that when it is that sharp at that speed. This was a direct hit on the blade when it was forced into alignment with the gun. It split the bullets and eventually was dented and broke after many hits.
You have no clue what you're talking about, do you. Let me put it this way. Bone is stronger than steel. A bullet from a handgun will punch straight through bone. Think of what it would do to a flimsy steel blade. Also, katana aren't sharp enough to split bullets. They can't even cut through wood, much less lead.

Actually the katana you are thinking of it just a regular one. Its not a samurai katana. Something like the Benite Katana is ridiculously strong and can't be bent and its incredibly powerful.

They may not be able to pierce steel, but niether could a regular sword. Only a Chinese longsword (up to 9 ft in length) could do the job...and that's a beast that is meant for chopping people in half.
Holy god, I haven't seen a post on weaponry this insipid since someone claimed katan could split rocks. Katana can't be bent? Where the fuck did you get that? A Chinese longsword is 9 feet in length? What kind of dumbass bullshit is that?

Jesus.

You have no clue what you're talking about, do you. Let me put it this way. Bone is stronger than steel. A bullet from a handgun will punch straight through bone. Think of what it would do to a flimsy steel blade. Also, katana aren't sharp enough to split bullets. They can't even cut through wood, much less lead.

That is something I did not know.

That is something I did not know.
Neither did I, and now I have a very strong desire to test that hypothesis. Care to lend me a bone, DrunkenDove? A nice femur would do nicely, but if you're using both at the moment, I suppose I could settle for a fist full of vertebrae.

That is something I did not know.
It is, especially living bone. Dead bone, not so much.

Anyway, the best melee weapon is the humble beat stick.
Not much more impressive than a standard pimp-cane, the beat stick is fashioned of standard wood and about 3-4 feet long. A beat stick can block a blade, crack a skull, be twirled like a baton, sweep the feet out from under your enemies, violate a felled opponent, etc, etc
For versatility, style, and tradition, you can't beat the beat stick.

Actually the katana you are thinking of it just a regular one. Its not a samurai katana. Something like the Benite Katana is ridiculously strong and can't be bent and its incredibly powerful.

They may not be able to pierce steel, but niether could a regular sword. Only a Chinese longsword (up to 9 ft in length) could do the job...and that's a beast that is meant for chopping people in half.

No, the katana I'm talking about is the samurai katana. They're highly overrated, as are many weapons of asian origin.

A large celestial body of some description.

A can of Fosters in a sock.

LOL!

LOL!

While that is funny, Foster's is a much more effective weapon when it's actually poured down some poor bastard's throat. :p

While that is funny, Foster's is a much more effective weapon when it's actually poured down some poor bastard's throat. :p

True that. :D

True that. :D

And I should know... I've had first-hand experience. Bleh.

No, the katana I'm talking about is the samurai katana. They're highly overrated, as are many weapons of asian origin.

Yip. Katanas aren't meant to be used as "swinging swords". They're for precision cuts and strokes. They're very effective at what they do, but if you act like a dick and swing one around like a Broadsword, then you're screwed.

Omnipotence! Now THAT'S a good melee weapon! :p

Actually the katana you are thinking of it just a regular one. Its not a samurai katana. Something like the Benite Katana is ridiculously strong and can't be bent and its incredibly powerful.
何だHELL? A katana is a GOOD sword, probably the best at what it was designed for, but it ain't a friggen lightsaber.

And what on earth do you mean samurai katana? A katana (which MEANS sword, BTW) was a style carried by samurai from late Waring States period to the end of the Edo era. Unless you're talking about old blades designed for actual combat as opposed to the stainless steel knockoffs sold to tourists in Japan, I have no clue as to what you're talking about.

Oh, for me, it rather depends on whom I'm fighting, where, and why, but all around I'll for for a lightsaber. :cool:

何だ

Something... "Da"... Damnit. I don't know what the hell that first character is!

Something... "Da"... Damnit. I don't know what the hell that first character is!

I can't even display it.

I can't even display it.

It's Japanese characters. I can only read the second one, which is the Hiragana "Da" (which is just "Ta" with accent marks).

Something... "Da"... Damnit. I don't know what the hell that first character is!
'Nan', as in 'nani' (What). 'Nanda' would be 'what is' or 'what the'.

Pretty sure you can guess the meaning now. ;)

'Nan', as in 'nani' (What). 'Nanda' would be 'what is' or 'what the'.

Pretty sure you can guess the meaning now. ;)

Yeah, I know what those mean. I just couldn't make out the first character. Kanji, isn't it?

I know all of the Hiragana, and I know the Katakana through the K's. I don't know any Kanji yet.

It is, especially living bone. Dead bone, not so much.

Cleaver > Bone.

And there is a reason that bone needles were dropped like hot potatoes once metal once became available.

The yield stress of bone -from what I can gather from the internets - is approx 2.5 MPa for a healthy male; typical steel is around 400 MPa (though it depends greatly upon the alloy).

Certianly, insofar as ultimate strength is concerned, steel is about 200 times stronger than bone.

Yeah, I know what those mean. I just couldn't make out the first character. Kanji, isn't it?
Yup. 何 is one of the first kanji that I leaned, probably because if you ever come to Japan you spend a lot of time asking What questions. :D

Yup. 何 is one of the first kanji that I leaned, probably because if you ever come to Japan you spend a lot of time asking What questions. :D

Heh, that makes sense. :p

Well, to tell the truth, I do know a few Kanji, but only their meanings, not their pronunciations. "Man", "Heart", "Loyalty", and "Woman".

Seems to me that anything can be made more deadly by stickin a couple nails through it, so why not just a sock full of nails?

Real-life situation? I'd have a pole... It might not kill anyone, but it would get them away from me long enough for me to run away:D

Heh, that makes sense. :p

Well, to tell the truth, I do know a few Kanji, but only their meanings, not their pronunciations. "Man", "Heart", "Loyalty", and "Woman".
I do that as well, sometimes. Which usually causes me to laugh when I start translating place names as they sometimes make very little sense.

And earning me a smack from my fiancee when I ask her how a river can stand, and why did they name it that (Tachikawa, 立川, can be literally translated to Standing River).

I do that as well, sometimes. Which usually causes me to laugh when I start translating place names as they sometimes make very little sense.

And earning me a smack from my fiancee when I ask her how a river can stand, and why did they name it that (Tachikawa, 立川, can be literally translated to Standing River).

It's even funnier when import games are translated by fans with only slight knowledge of Japanese. "Engrish" is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

It seems that the original poster did not specify something very important.... and so I choose my weapon:

The Lightsaber. :cool:

Well, there's always the lightsabre...

Limiting it to real world weapons however, I'd have to go with the British Light Cavalry Sabre, Pattern 1796.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/8ce65d03.jpg

If it was good enough for the empire that conquered a quarter of the world, then it's good enough for me.

I do wonder though, how it'll hold up against the various Katanas and such that always seem to be so popular.

I do wonder though, how it'll hold up against the various Katanas and such that always seem to be so popular.

It depends. The sabre was a slashing weapon, and the katana was/is a slicing weapon. Sabres were meant for broader, wider attacks, while katanas were meant for more precise, faster cuts.

Seems to me that anything can be made more deadly by stickin a couple nails through it, so why not just a sock full of nails?
Why not go one further and use a nail with a bunch of nails stuck to it?

Why not go one further and use a nail with a bunch of nails stuck to it?

Now that's an idea!

I've always preferred rapiers myself.

Although I do enjoy a good Shuriken as well.

Dynamite.

Dynamite.

Well sure, if your body is fucking indestructable.

Well sure, if your body is fucking indestructable.

Most of the time, all you have to do is light the fuse.

I'd go with a really big dead carp.

Rapier.

A tape recording of Maggie Thatcher.

Most of the time, all you have to do is light the fuse.

Melee weapons. You'd be holding the stick of dynamite in your hand to use it as a weapon.

cheese grater




and a mature ripened camembert in my pocket. no one'd come near me then :p


or maybe i'll join the sock bregade and put a camembert in a sock, with nails in it - damage and deterence :cool:

Japanese swords

Given my hand, I am going to play the Stereotypical Nerd card in order to summon a lightsaber w/ curved hilt (ala Dooku). :)

It depends. The sabre was a slashing weapon, and the katana was/is a slicing weapon. Sabres were meant for broader, wider attacks, while katanas were meant for more precise, faster cuts.

I guess I'd do much better with the cavalry sabre then. I don't know much about sword combat, so I'd probably end up swinging it around like a baseball bat. A very sharp, pointy baseball bat. :)

I guess I'd do much better with the cavalry sabre then. I don't know much about sword combat, so I'd probably end up swinging it around like a baseball bat. A very sharp, pointy baseball bat. :)

A Scottish Claymore's better for that sort of thing. :p

Anti-matter. It's all you need.

Anti-matter. It's all you need.

nothing like a small blackhole to solve a dispute.

I still think a 15'' rubber cock would be highly effective as a weapon. That or a real one :eek:

I'll change mine to Nodachi or Zanbato...or even a Odachi.

A 220 cm cutting length on a Odachi would mean that you'll never touch me. :P

A two handed sword, or possibly a two handed Katana. (Can't think of the name now.)
I'm also partial to battleaxes.

katanas are two-handed.
kotachi are single-handed shorter swords.

ninjato are less efficient for slicing, mainly used for stabbing because ninjato are straight and of lesser quality.
if a ninja took down a samurai, he would throw his ninjato away and take the katana just because it is better.

A Scottish Claymore's better for that sort of thing. :p

True, but imagine all the wacky things you're allowed to say with a blade from the imperial British era.

"Aye, good chap! I've come for yeh tea and spices! Give it ta me, or I'll run you through now, y'hear?"

See, what kind of wacky things can one say with a Scottish Claymore? Huh?

Sure, you cut people in half with a Claymore, but you can't have nearly as much fun just running around threating to subjugate people. =D

I do wonder though, how it'll hold up against the various Katanas and such that always seem to be so popular.

Hmmm.... katanas can cut through ur British blade anytime. main reason: katanas are thicker and made of hard and soft steel.

lightsaber be based on katanas.

Hmmm.... katanas can cut through ur British blade anytime. main reason: katanas are thicker and made of hard and soft steel.

lightsaber be based on katanas.
European swords were made to bash and stab through steel armor, so no. A katana won't cut through a European sword.

actually: european swords were meant to break bones. so when you hit someone, they wouldn't be able to get up. a roman gladius, however, was a very effective chopping tool.

during WWII, these two japanese officers had a competition of how many chinese they could kill. damn those japanese....

anyways, point is: the katana sliced one chinese soldier in half - the long way - and was dented on the chinese guy's helmet, because he cut the dude completely in half.

actually: european swords were meant to break bones. so when you hit someone, they wouldn't be able to get up. a roman gladius, however, was a very effective chopping tool.

during WWII, these two japanese officers had a competition of how many chinese they could kill. damn those japanese....

anyways, point is: the katana sliced one chinese soldier in half - the long way - and was dented on the chinese guy's helmet, because he cut the dude completely in half.
I thought the gladius was more of a stabbing weapon? Anyway, I don't buy a Katana cutting through a European sword. The fact is that those swords were meant to bash steel armored opponents repeatedly. They weren't flimsy. Also I somehow doubt that a katana gives a guy super strength necessary to slice a guy in half lengthwise, helmet and all, in one stroke. Sorry, I just dont' buy it.

A nuclear weapon. :cool:

Not only does it take out the entire melee (including you lol), it also vaporizes every thing within many miles (depending on the yield), generates a shockwave that demolishes everything it encounters as it expands, including trees, buildings, and unsuspecting airplanes. As the fireball evolves into a mushroom cloud, it turns into a vacuum of death, sucking up writhing remnants of flash-burned victims to their choking, radioactive doom.

And don't tell me it's not a melee weapon. :p ;) :D

well... i guess i'm mistaken what kind of european sword being talked about. the sabre, katana would definately cut, a broadsword (great sword) probably not... a rapier, most definately.

about the guy cutting the soldier in half, it's true. read Rape of Nanking. you don't need strength to do it.

Katanas aren't a brute force weapon. they work like a razor blade. ever cut yourself with one of those? then you would know how sharp they are. it doesn't take a lot of strength to use a katana, just a LOT of skill.

Katanas aren't a brute force weapon. they work like a razor blade. ever cut yourself with one of those? then you would know how sharp they are. it doesn't take a lot of strength to use a katana, just a LOT of skill.
Even still, no matter how razor sharp a blade, it won't cut through a broadsword or the like. Unless it was a ridiculously old and badly made one. Made out of tin foil and matchsticks.

nothing like a small blackhole to solve a dispute.
Amen, reverend. ;)

Katanas aren't a brute force weapon. they work like a razor blade. ever cut yourself with one of those? then you would know how sharp they are. it doesn't take a lot of strength to use a katana, just a LOT of skill.
Yeah. A giant, curved, heavy-duty straight razor. It takes a bit of force to slice through metal and bone with a straight razor. Not that it can't be done, but lengthwise through an entire human body? Cutting through a helmet, skull, ribs, and a pelvis? That takes a mighty swing.

Even still, no matter how razor sharp a blade, it won't cut through a broadsword or the like. Unless it was a ridiculously old and badly made one. Made out of tin foil and matchsticks.

The original question was regarding a British Light Cavalry Sabre (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10701219&postcount=92).

I was wondering as to how that beauty would stand up to a Katana.

I wouldn't think that a Katana would break it, or anything so dramatic, but I don't know much about swords, myself.

You people need creativity lessons. Breed a leech resistent to HCl and make someone eat it. There you have it.

"Aye, good chap! I've come for yeh tea and spices! Give it ta me, or I'll run you through now, y'hear?"
Pip pip! White man's burden! Jolly good! Tally ho! Taxation without representation! Harumph!

Pip pip! White man's burden! Jolly good! Tally ho! Taxation without representation! Harumph!

"Aye! I needn't take such blither-blather from a scoundrel such as thee! Thy art a scury knave, and if you persist in your rambuncious speech, then we will have a quarrel on our hands! And I am not afraid to cross blades with the likes of yee!"

This is how I spend my free time. I got up to 126 ways to die before I got bored. Pick a number, any number!

I would take a handgun any day, preferably a revolver because they are cool. However, if I HAD to use a close combat weapon, it would be a American Civil War era saber.
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/gods_and_generals/13.jpeg
They're just so inspiring. You'll never see a charge like that led by a samurai sword! :cool:

This http://kll-tactics-101.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/energy-sword.jpg

This http://kll-tactics-101.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/energy-sword.jpg

Umm...its not real and it wouldn't work well. My weapon will cut right through it. :p

Umm...its not real and it wouldn't work well. My weapon will cut right through it. :p
Bah! You and your "reality"! Who needs it?

Hmmm.... katanas can cut through ur British blade anytime. main reason: katanas are thicker and made of hard and soft steel.
No, setting a katana vs a European Sword will break your katana. Then you'll be "jolly well done with", and none of your fellow fanboys will be able to save you.

Katanas are designed to cut through leather armor and bodies. European weapons are designed to bash repeatedly through steel armor and the like, as the metals needed for such armor was in vast supply compared to Japan. Metal armor would have been considered a symbol of great wealth in mideval Japan. As such, a Katana would be useless against a European blade.

Katana will break a European sword easily.....they are too powerful not to.

Katana will break a European sword easily.....they are too powerful not to.
That is an urban myth. A katana is not designed for that kind of strength. If one were to challenge a European swordsman with a katana, one would lose. Not immediately. Not without a fight. But the katana WOULD be broken by the European sword BECAUSE of the design. Try actually reading up on it instead of relying on your idiotic Otaku fantasies.

Katana will break a European sword easily.....they are too powerful not to.

Yes; of course the vibro-cell in the hilt and the cortosis weave is what allows it to do this.

I would take a handgun any day, preferably a revolver because they are cool. However, if I HAD to use a close combat weapon, it would be a American Civil War era saber.
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/gods_and_generals/13.jpeg
They're just so inspiring. You'll never see a charge like that led by a samurai sword! :cool:

O yes you will!
http://www.bullseyestunts.com/images/PhotoSamurai004Large.jpg
civil war guys always get shot up. part of the "civilized" army days.

Katana will break a European sword easily.....they are too powerful not to.

Wrong. A German "Zweihander" would be more than a match for a Katana. Many European swords would, actually.

European swords were made for combat against soldiers equipped with plate and chainmail armor. As such, they were very durable and balanced for broad swings, and the Zweihanders were capable of cutting pikes in half with one quick swing (this is actually one of the things they were made for).

Katanas were for quick, precision strikes against soldiers with less substantial armor than plate and chainmail. They didn't need to be as big or as strong as European swords. You could call them giant razors, because that's pretty much what they were.

any weapon i actually know how to use. not some useless sword i'll swing like a club or a buldozer i don't know how to drive.

http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/sme/FailureCases/Images/Sword_Test.jpg
samurai used this diagram in the old days to practic cutting. notice how the cuts go straight through the ribs.

http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/sme/FailureCases/Images/Sword_Test.jpg
samurai used this diagram in the old days to practic cutting. notice how the cuts go straight through the ribs.

Also take note that steel is about a hundred times stronger than bone.

mp5ka4 it's so adept for CQC, it can send shoot you up hella quick!
http://www.hkdefense.us/pages/military-le/mil-leimages/mp5ka4.jpg

Also take note that steel is about a hundred times stronger than bone.
someone earlier said bone was stronger than steel.... ime not sure where he got this source....:confused:

anyways, the katana was made for slicing flesh and bone. it does well against thin metal, like a Chinese military helmet or the helmets of the time in japan. as for european plate armor... not so well. if the armor was a quarter-half a centimeter thick, then i think it would be able to get through.

Also take note that steel is about a hundred times stronger than bone.
More durable, not stronger. Bone is stronger, but steel is more durable.

errr... are you sure? that seems highly unlikely...

well... looking at some sources...
if you take the same amount (mass) of bone and steel, bone is stronger.
if you take the same volume of bone and steel, steel is stronger.

errr... are you sure? that seems highly unlikely...

That's because it isn't true. Steel is significantly stronger than bone.

See, if our bones were that strong, athletes wouldn't break them so often. :p

That's because it isn't true. Steel is significantly stronger than bone.

See, if our bones were that strong, athletes wouldn't break them so often. :p
Once again, you confuse strength with durability. They're two entirely different concepts. One deals with how much weight a given object can support, while the other deals with how much force is needed to damage a given object.

Once again, you confuse strength with durability. They're two entirely different concepts. One deals with how much weight a given object can support, while the other deals with how much force is needed to damage a given object.

Ah, true, true. I see your point.

this topic has become the "katana vs. european sword" topic.

this topic has become the "katana vs. european sword" topic.
I blame the Interweb, that lying whore!

LOL. anyways... back on topic:
What is YOUR favorite MELEE Weapon?

mp5ka4, you can't beat it.

Once again, you confuse strength with durability. They're two entirely different concepts. One deals with how much weight a given object can support, while the other deals with how much force is needed to damage a given object.

You can't scratch steel with a bone needle. It's pretty easy to scratch a bone with a steel needle.

I don't know the rockwell hardness of human bone, but I'm willing to bet it's a lot less than steel.

In terms of tensile, compressive and flexural strength, it's no contest. Steel is nearly 200 times stronger than human bone.

A Lucerne hammer.

Or a bec de corbin, depending.

Best against whatever foes one is likely to face. (At least... before repeating firearms.)

Failing that, a handgun in .45ACP or larger backed up by a razorsharp knife or sword would be another way to go.

The arguments about the katana vs. Eurosword are complete bollocks, and entirely pointless. Is it really going to affect whether or not you or your foe can remove your testicles with one fell-swipe? No. And if you decided to worry about it, you'd be dead.

As for the ninjato, it was a cheap-ass sword. It was intended to be. It was a tool, not a weapon, not the ninja's soul. The only reason a shinobi possessing a ninjato would pick up a katana would be because their ninjato was broken. Of course, if they were seeing so much combat that their ninjato had been so used that it was broken, I would only have the following words of wisdom to impart on the shinobi in question: "Boy, you done fucked."

Unless I am in very close quarters, I prefer to use a two-handed Utracia.

I keep one of these handy in case there's trouble. That way I can drink as much as I want and know that I'm safe.

http://67.18.37.14/32/176/upload/p1807046.jpg

I keep one of these handy in case there's trouble. That way I can drink as much as I want and know that I'm safe.

A floating head!? :o

A floating head!? :o

Hey don’t you be talking about Bruno like that. He gets a might tetchy before his 4th cigar in the morning. :)

A rope dart. Plus a Chinese gim/jian as backup.

Hmmm.

Naginata, Bardiche or Katana no doubt.

I don't see how a sword can be "powerful". It does imbue the wielder with magickal strength or anything. The only thing that would make a difference is the weight of the thing, something which undoubtably something like a Scottish claymore has over a katana or similar.

My favourite weapon?

An all-iron mace used by the Roman heavy cavalry

or

A Byzantine Spathion. If it's good enough for an empire that lasted over a thousand years, it's good enough for me.

or

Failing in getting my hands on either of those two, a four-foot length of 1" diameter brass tubing. Good for busting riot police helmets.

Well obviousy its a balance of speed and power, katanas having the advantage over western swords in their relatively light design.

Of course there's always the chance some passing space wizard might imbue you with super human strength.

Well obviousy its a balance of speed and power, katanas having the advantage over western swords in their relatively light design.

Of course there's always the chance some passing space wizard might imbue you with super human strength.

A katana and a longsword weigh roughly the same.

Japanese steel isn't magically lighter. :rolleyes:

Well obviousy its a balance of speed and power, katanas having the advantage over western swords in their relatively light design.I don't think you can dismiss all western blades this easily. Sure, if you look at a lot of medieval (or older) swords, then the katana is much lighter. But once we stopped wearing heavy armour, we got much lighter swords. Some having far better range than katanas.

For some better educated guesses on east vs west

http://www.thearma.org/essays/knightvs.htm
http://www.thearma.org/essays/katanavs.htm

You have no clue what you're talking about, do you. Let me put it this way. Bone is stronger than steel. A bullet from a handgun will punch straight through bone. Think of what it would do to a flimsy steel blade. Also, katana aren't sharp enough to split bullets. They can't even cut through wood, much less lead.

I saw the video as well. And I think you're fibbing. They ended up using a .50cal and a full belt of ammo. The sword broke after the 7th(8th?) bullet. All bullets prior to that were cut in half. The video clearly shows the rounds being split.

A katana and a longsword weigh roughly the same.

Japanese steel isn't magically lighter. :rolleyes:
No it isnt, but not all Katana are as long as a long sword.

And honestly the most imortant point to be made in favour of Katana is that they are prettier.

And honestly the most imortant point to be made in favour of Katana is that they are prettier.Prettier than every other sword ever?
Personally I think rapiers have a certain elegance as well.

And there's also a nice selection of fantasy sowrds you could choose from at e.g. swords-online..

No it isnt, but not all Katana are as long as a long sword.

And honestly the most imortant point to be made in favour of Katana is that they are prettier.

A katana must have a blade between two and three shaku(feet) in length (among other traits).

This falls well within what is considered a long sword. ;)

Katana are beautiful, but I hate to tell you this, they were not used the way you're thinking they were used.

I would ask everyone in this silly debate to remember that both (sets of)weapons developed within their respective cultures and are the best at what they had to do at the time, so no one sword or sword styles can claim to be the best.

Katana can't cut through steel like people seem to think that they can, however, samurai DID face armored foes with armor compareable to knightly plate (if not articulated and armored all over) and they knew how to get through that stuff.

A katana must have a blade between two and three shaku(feet) in length (among other traits).
Technically no, katana 刀 just means sword. ;)

A Katana!

or a Rapier.

Technically no, katana 刀 just means sword. ;)

It also refers to a specific variety of sword, a certain size, shape, worn a certain way.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana

But, this arguement has been had before, in a different sword thread.

*checks*

You seem to of known what I'm saying. :p

For some better educated guesses on east vs west

http://www.thearma.org/essays/knightvs.htm
http://www.thearma.org/essays/katanavs.htm

I hate that site. They never tell you anything.
it's more of a "well... the ____ is this, but the _____ has this advantage, but the ____ also has this advantage. The whole thing goes on about the similarities between whtever the swords are. it duzn't matter if you compare a dagger and a sledgehammer, it still tells you that u can't tell who will win because there are too many variables. god! i knew that from the start!

and the author is bias, so... if you want spend 30 minutes reading about nothing, go ahead. note: the author has never actually fought someone superior in whichever weapon he's talking about, but is talking in theory.

Well obviousy its a balance of speed and power, katanas having the advantage over western swords in their relatively light design.
When it comes to doing damage, mass is a good thing. That's why the claymore, sledgehammer, and Uranium depleted rounds were developed: you want to be able to deploy an assload of power against your enemy when you hit him.

I hate that site. They never tell you anything.
it's more of a "well... the ____ is this, but the _____ has this advantage, but the ____ also has this advantage. The whole thing goes on about the similarities between whtever the swords are. it duzn't matter if you compare a dagger and a sledgehammer, it still tells you that u can't tell who will win because there are too many variables. god! i knew that from the start!

and the author is bias, so... if you want spend 30 minutes reading about nothing, go ahead. note: the author has never actually fought someone superior in whichever weapon he's talking about, but is talking in theory.
Well, that's real life for you. Few things are predetermined in a fight. Having a specific type of weapon doesn't ever guarantee that you'll win. It's possible for a guy with a sharp pencil to kill a guy with a hatchet, it's just that the odds are against it.

When it comes to doing damage, mass is a good thing. That's why the claymore, sledgehammer, and Uranium depleted rounds were developed: you want to be able to deploy an assload of power against your enemy when you hit him.

And that's why a 6-pound, 6' Zweihander (usually called Dopplehander back in the days it was used) could chop pikes in half with one quick swing.

o man... uranium depleted bullets. those are lethal. i was browsing the web for pics of a machine gun and i found pictures of babies that were born deformed because of depleted-uranium bullets contaminating the environment... so gross... babies born with no arms, just hands. their skin was cracked and chalk white. some babies born without skin. gross...

It's possible for a guy with a sharp pencil to kill a guy with a hatchet

I'd like to see that fight!

Well, that's real life for you. Few things are predetermined in a fight. Having a specific type of weapon doesn't ever guarantee that you'll win. It's possible for a guy with a sharp pencil to kill a guy with a hatchet, it's just that the odds are against it.

you pose a good point, but what i'm saying is that i don't need to read a super long essay to find that out! you get what i'm saying? i already know that a guy with a pencil can potentially kill a guy with a M249 with depleted-uranium rounds.

in other words, i totally agree with you. I just don't want to read for 30 minutes to find out something i've known all along.

When it comes to doing damage, mass is a good thing. That's why the claymore, sledgehammer, and Uranium depleted rounds were developed: you want to be able to deploy an assload of power against your enemy when you hit him.
True, but there's a trade-off. Good fighters swing their weapon in combinations from different angles. A heavier weapon will take longer to change direction and come at the target again after the first strike. Feinting with a heavy weapon is less deceptive than with a light one because it takes more time to lauch the actual attack afterward. Therefore a heavy weapon, all other things being equal, results in a slower and less deceptive, though stronger, style of fighting.

I'd like to see that fight!
Maybe I should be a movie fight coreographer. I could come up with all kinds of wacky fight scenarios.

whenever i think of claymore, i think of antipersonnel mines... :eek:

A Barbed Chaos Axe of Fortitude and an Eternal Shield.

Yes, I'm a nerd! And yes... this IS a reference to Guild Wars

It is precisely because of the disadvantage one has with heavy weapons in speed that I prefer a light weapon. I'm not exactly genetically inclined to be that strong: I'm much more of a lithe, dextrous fellow. As such, I need any advantage along that line I can get, which is why I went for my bladed staff. It combines defense and offense without slowing me down much at all. In all odds, I'd be dancing around in circles against anyone weilding something like a claymore simply because they were too slow.

Of course, that's just my personal preference.

It is precisely because of the disadvantage one has with heavy weapons in speed that I prefer a light weapon. I'm not exactly genetically inclined to be that strong: I'm much more of a lithe, dextrous fellow. As such, I need any advantage along that line I can get, which is why I went for my bladed staff. It combines defense and offense without slowing me down much at all. In all odds, I'd be dancing around in circles against anyone weilding something like a claymore simply because they were too slow.

Of course, that's just my personal preference.

As far as two-handed swords go, a 6lb claymore is quite a bit quicker then you'd expect.

Indeed. It would--as always--most likely come down to skill and training, as opposed to weaponry.

I saw the video as well. And I think you're fibbing. They ended up using a .50cal and a full belt of ammo. The sword broke after the 7th(8th?) bullet. All bullets prior to that were cut in half. The video clearly shows the rounds being split.
The video clearly shows the bullets missing the whole damn thing.

Flail.

Dangly and potentially dangerous to both target and wielder. The flail would have been the medieval era's equivalent of the nut shot had there been a "World's Funniest Videos" back then.

If you mean seriously, my best melee characters have been cuisinart-like rangers fighting with two weapons. Usually flame and frost short swords at a high enough level. Take a couple levels in fighter and go for the Tempest prestige class for up to six attacks in one full combat round. It's always fun to not look like a typical "tank" front-line character yet still be able inflict damage like one. Add a level or two in rogue and you can slip out of the shadows and flank for ridiculous damage.

I'm not sure how well fighting Florentine works in real life, I'd rather be an archer.

kung fu and those arm guard things that batman wears ( batman begins movie)

O yes you will!
http://www.bullseyestunts.com/images/PhotoSamurai004Large.jpg
civil war guys always get shot up. part of the "civilized" army days.

Maybe, but the Western charges are cooler. And Napolianic tactics are much more fun than Medieval ones. In addition, Gods and Generals was a much better movie than The Last Samurai. :p
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/gods_and_generals/22.jpg
Look at that! :D

Maybe, but the Western charges are cooler. And Napolianic tactics are much more fun than Medieval ones. In addition, Gods and Generals was a much better movie than The Last Samurai. :p

Then you have horrid tastes in films.

Gods and Generals was nothing but a Southern Pride Jack-off Fest. :p

Only with out the usual burning crosses. ;)

Then you have horrid tastes in films.

Gods and Generals was nothing but a Southern Pride Jack-off Fest. :p

Only with out the usual burning crosses. ;)
If it weren't for the hilarious way you put that, I'd be insulted. :D

I guess it's good to laugh at yourself evey once and awhile. ;)

Ya lol.

Besides... 75,000+ samurai in one battle is alot more then anything ever seen in the south. Samurai weren't also as stupid as westerner conflicts. They moved and didn't do this whole firing in a line and not using cover crap that the british and french did.

Besides....even the warlords got into the action. They would stay back, but on one occaison there was brief combat between two warlords. ^-^

Ya lol.

Besides... 75,000+ samurai in one battle is alot more then anything ever seen in the south. Samurai weren't also as stupid as westerner conflicts. They moved and didn't do this whole firing in a line and not using cover crap that the british and french did.

Besides....even the warlords got into the action. They would stay back, but on one occaison there was brief combat between two warlords. ^-^

Western generals charged with their men. However, when your enemy has the rifled barrel on his side, it's not a smart idea. But, they did it anyway. For example, Brigadier General Lewis Addison Armistead put his hat on the tip of his saber and charged up a hill towards artillery and Union troops behind earthworks at the Battle of Gettysburg. It wasn't a smart move, but the point is: military brass charged alongside troops. I can't say they ever got in hand to hand combat with other generals, though. He did, however, get into melee combat with other foot troops, before he was shot three times point blank.

Besides....even the warlords got into the action. They would stay back, but on one occaison there was brief combat between two warlords. ^-^
If you're talking about the battle that I think you're talking about, that happened in my prefecture (I've actually been on the battle field) and it was as much of a shock to two as anything else.

Though the idea of fending off a guy mounted on horseback with a sword while you're sitting in a camp chair and just have a war fan IS pretty neat. The fact that this went on for a number of minutes shows just how good they were.

A Guan Yu blade made with lightweight alloys.

True, but there's a trade-off. Good fighters swing their weapon in combinations from different angles. A heavier weapon will take longer to change direction and come at the target again after the first strike. Feinting with a heavy weapon is less deceptive than with a light one because it takes more time to lauch the actual attack afterward. Therefore a heavy weapon, all other things being equal, results in a slower and less deceptive, though stronger, style of fighting.
it depends tho. someone who's trained exsclusivly with a heavier weapon will be able to weld it easily and make it move as fast as a Medium weight weapon. it's all on training, and having your muscles used to the weight.

A Dacian Falx.

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/falxcut1.jpg
*sorry for the shitty pic*

Failing that, a Naginata.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0009PIUI0.01-A36NIL00HJ3IIY._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Failing that, a Zweihander

http://therionarms.com/reenact/com348.jpg

it depends tho. someone who's trained exsclusivly with a heavier weapon will be able to weld it easily and make it move as fast as a Medium weight weapon. it's all on training, and having your muscles used to the weight.
It's not the muscles, it's the mass. Trucks and trains are far stonger than a sports car, if you tweak them, you can get the things to run close to sports car speeds as well, but it's still gonna take longer to stop a truck or train due to the much larger mass.

It's why the shinkansen can run as fast or faster than cars, but it's going to take longer to slow it down.

It's not the muscles, it's the mass. Trucks and trains are far stonger than a sports car, if you tweak them, you can get the things to run close to sports car speeds as well, but it's still gonna take longer to stop a truck or train due to the much larger mass.

It's why the shinkansen can run as fast or faster than cars, but it's going to take longer to slow it down.
Ah, but the truck's engine and brakes cannot evolve and improve with performace. the human body can. by training and practice, one can weld a heavy weapon with the speed of a medium weight weapon. just like a person untrained in the foil or rapier willl not be able to take advantage of that weapon's speed and advantages.

Granted, a person used to a short sword won't have the skills to use a heavy Bearded War Axe with the same precision as a person who trained with the same Axe. But one who has trained with such a weapon will surprise you with their speed and control.

Granted, a person used to a short sword won't have the skills to use a heavy Bearded War Axe with the same precision as a person who trained with the same Axe. But one who has trained with such a weapon will surprise you with their speed and control.
I'm not saying that they aren't good or fast with them, I'm noting that your guy with the ax, even if he's the best axman who ever lived, is just not going to be able to chop and change like the guy with the rapier.

Good forms use the mass of the weapon and smothly go from one attack to another, but you can't just stop in the middle and change direction with a war ax.

Failing that, a Naginata.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0009PIUI0.01-A36NIL00HJ3IIY._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

*drools*

I'm not saying that they aren't good or fast with them, I'm noting that your guy with the ax, even if he's the best axman who ever lived, is just not going to be able to chop and change like the guy with the rapier.

Good forms use the mass of the weapon and smothly go from one attack to another, but you can't just stop in the middle and change direction with a war ax.
actually you can. training does allow for that. It may not be as fast or as finessed as the Rapier, but they can.

I've also done it once in an SCA tournament.

It really matters on hand placement as well as training.

actually you can. training does allow for that. It may not be as fast or as finessed as the Rapier, but they can.
Uh... JuNii, wasn't that what we were saying? ^_^;

Uh... JuNii, wasn't that what we were saying? ^_^;
nope. for you were implying that larger weapons were slow. they can be used with a speed that would rival a medium weighted weapon and such a weapon speed would cut the speed advantage of a weapon that relies on speed, like the rapier or fencing foil.

and note the word "May" in there.

nope. for you were implying that larger weapons were slow.
Relative to someone who has put an equal amount of training into a smaller weapon, they will be slow. The power that a blade gets from mass comes from the greater momentum (and therefore the reduced chance the weapon can be turned aside/slowed by flesh, steel or bone), which then makes shifting the weapon around in a fight harder.

Two katanas at the same time, oh ya.

Relative to someone who has put an equal amount of training into a smaller weapon, they will be slow. The power that a blade gets from mass comes from the greater momentum (and therefore the reduced chance the weapon can be turned aside/slowed by flesh, steel or bone), which then makes shifting the weapon around in a fight harder.

Which is precisely why a katana is more of an ideal weapon then a heavy and rather unwieldy claymore.

Relative to someone who has put an equal amount of training into a smaller weapon, they will be slow. The power that a blade gets from mass comes from the greater momentum (and therefore the reduced chance the weapon can be turned aside/slowed by flesh, steel or bone), which then makes shifting the weapon around in a fight harder.
nope, it all depends on your grip and how you use the weapon.

you're thinking of griping it and using it like you would in felling a tree. that would put the weight of the weapon against you. only if you were sure of the strike would you use the axe in that fashion. most times, the battle axe would be used differently.

Which is precisely why a katana is more of an ideal weapon then a heavy and rather unwieldy claymore.
Depends on what you're doing with it. Katana were good at what they did, but those claymore were great at what they did too. I've yet to run into a universal weapon that covers well for all situations.

Actually even a Zanbato would be used in that fashion. Some weapons are just to unwieldy to be meant for other then a typical horizontal slash only.

The smaller the weapon the less the damage, but more control over it.

This means the dagger is essentially the weakest weapon, but is one of the fastest. While a mighty two-handed sword is a powerful weapon, but is one of the slowest and most limited in movement and cutting power.

Depends on what you're doing with it. Katana were good at what they did, but those claymore were great at what they did too. I've yet to run into a universal weapon that covers well for all situations.
I offer thee... the Hyper Dimentional Hammer. small, compact, yet carries a punch equivalent to half a stick of TNT. :D

nope. for you were implying that larger weapons were slow. they can be used with a speed that would rival a medium weighted weapon and such a weapon speed would cut the speed advantage of a weapon that relies on speed, like the rapier or fencing foil.

and note the word "May" in there.
I didn't imply they were slow, I said that they are not agile weapons like rapiers. There's a reason why their styles are called hack and bash. ;) If you try to get into a fencing fight with a war ax against a rapier, you gonna come out hurting.

I didn't imply they were slow, I said that they are not agile weapons like rapiers. There's a reason why their styles are called hack and bash. ;) If you try to get into a fencing fight with a war ax against a rapier, you gonna come out hurting.
or the rapier would end up broken and it's welder in a world of hurt.

could go either way is all I'm saying.

An axe is a superb offensive weapon and hase been used since the stone age.

But in modern times I would eather say that my favorit weapons are a shoed foot and any thing three feet long and flexible (a folded extension cord works very well!) becouse I have these things on me all the time, even in high security places.

I offer thee... the Hyper Dimentional Hammer. small, compact, yet carries a punch equivalent to half a stick of TNT. :D
*lol* I think I've run into those. One was welded by some blond nutjob with wings on his helmet and the other by a small girl with an obsession with ice cream (taiyaki for anyone who gets those refrences).

or the rapier would end up broken and it's welder in a world of hurt.

could go either way is all I'm saying.
*grins* I thought that was the case in ANY fight.

An axe is a superb offensive weapon and hase been used since the stone age.

But in modern times I would eather say that my favorit weapons are a shoed foot and any thing three feet long and flexible (a folded extension cord works very well!) becouse I have these things on me all the time, even in high security places.

Painter's rods.

*nods*

Which is precisely why a katana is more of an ideal weapon then a heavy and rather unwieldy claymore.
No, that is precisely why the katana and claymore are equivalent weapons, each created to fulfill a certain purpose. A claymore will cleave through armored opponents, smash aside parrying weapons, break spears, give you a wide area of attack, and generally make you look like a bad ass; the katana is a different weapon, and won't do what the claymore does because the Japanese never needed a good way to butcher heavily armored English foot soldiers/knights like the Irish did.
And either the claymore or katana weilder will be shit out of luck if he is forced into an enclosed area by an opponent carrying a ninjato or a gladius. Or if a man with a longbow picks him out from the other side of the battlefield. Or if a man with a dagger gets the drop on him (and, thus, moves in to close for the swordsman to get a good swing).
My point? Weapons are tools, and tools are specialized to fit the circumstances of their use. Trying to compare them in the way you are is assinine and fanboyish to gross extremes.

*grins* I thought that was the case in ANY fight.
yep, but one who assumes the outcome, (especially in a fight they are participating in) usually ends up surprised in the end.

Just because your weapon is faster, doesn't mean victory is yours. Just the same, the bigger weapon also doesn't guarentee victory.

assuming a larger weapon would be slow may mean your downfall. just like assuming a smaller weapon would loose to one with reach is also foolish.

The Rapier is at a disadvantage power wise, but the agility of the weapon and its reach would surely deal the first lethal blow do to the way an axe is handled. Although it will be near impossible to block the axe, it is far easier to stab the person and that alone will prevent the attack from hitting you...as they are now impaled about 20 inches away from you. :)

The Rapier is at a disadvantage power wise, but the agility of the weapon and its reach would surely deal the first lethal blow do to the way an axe is handled. Although it will be near impossible to block the axe, it is far easier to stab the person and that alone will prevent the attack from hitting you...as they are now impaled about 20 inches away from you. :)
Axes can parry rapiers. and some axe designs are made to catch and break blades.

again, do not assume that Rapiers would be victorious over any larger weapon.

*lol* I think I've run into those. One was welded by some blond nutjob with wings on his helmet and the other by a small girl with an obsession with ice cream (taiyaki for anyone who gets those refrences).
if by the blonde nutjob is one I'm thinking of, I think that is more of the hammer of Thunderbolts.

as for the girl... no worries, she's busy bashing 6-legged bunnies to be any trouble.

now Kaori.... she's the one you gotta watch out for.

Well, nobody other than Jerusalas has contested that "Gods and Generals" is a better movie than "The Last Samurai". Here is another controversial post to stir up the conversation.

http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/gods_and_generals/59.jpg

Is way cooler than:

http://thecia.com.au/reviews/l/images/last-samurai-3.jpg

That and Tom Cruise played the main character in "The Last Samurai". Need I say more? :rolleyes:

Well, nobody other than Jerusalas has contested that "Gods and Generals" is a better movie than "The Last Samurai". Here is another controversial post to stir up the conversation.

http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/gods_and_generals/59.jpg

Is way cooler than:

http://thecia.com.au/reviews/l/images/last-samurai-5.jpg

That and Tom Cruise played the main character in "The Last Samurai". Need I say more? :rolleyes:

1: Yeah, because I wasn't watching this thread. I'd piss all over the pile of shit that is Gods and Generals if given the chance.

2 and 3: NO. The choreography in The Last Samurai was much better. The battles looked far more emotional and flowed better than the ones in Gods and Generals. Along with that, the story itself was quite good (though the ending was a bit of a turnaround, but no movie's perfect).

4: If you'd bother to follow the fucking story, you'd understand that he wasn't the character you think he is. And The Last Samurai beats the living shit out of the Confederate wankfest that is Gods and Generals.

Ted Turner's a nutty dipshit who deserves every insult that gets thrown in his direction.

Edit: Don't even get me started on the "acting" in Gods and Generals. That was unforgiveable.

Sai or hunting knife takes the top place. Tomahawk is a nice second.

A combination of the above isn't too bad either assuming you know how to use them all effectively. Personally my best match is hunting knife and tomahawk or pair Sai.

if by the blonde nutjob is one I'm thinking of, I think that is more of the hammer of Thunderbolts.

as for the girl... no worries, she's busy bashing 6-legged bunnies to be any trouble.
*Hands over a taiyaki*

now Kaori.... she's the one you gotta watch out for.
She and Akane both, but those damn hammers range to massing half of the planet.

*Hands over a taiyaki*


She and Akane both, but those damn hammers range to massing half of the planet.
Mmmmm Taiyaki! :D

Yes. The Last Samurai was a far better movie. ^-^ Love Samurai flicks!

That and Tom Cruise played the main character in "The Last Samurai". Need I say more? :rolleyes:
While Last Samurai had some problems (*cough* damnHollywoodendingandtheamazingmovingMt.Fuji *cough*), it DID have one of the best lines in any movie.

Yes. The Last Samurai was a far better movie. ^-^ Love Samurai flicks!

I think what's-his-name just likes Gods and Generals because of the Confederate flagwaving. Make that flagwanking.

I think what's-his-name just likes Gods and Generals because of the Confederate flagwaving. Make that flagwanking.
and... of course, the fact that some people think that rifles are MELEE weapons... makes them perfect lackeys for Evil Overlords.

throw the swords and clubs with the rifle... :rolleyes:

While Last Samurai had some problems (*cough* damnHollywoodendingandtheamazingmovingMt.Fuji *cough*), it DID have one of the best lines in any movie.

Emperor: "Tell me... How did he die?"

Forgot his name, but oh well: "I can't do that. But, I will tell you how he lived."

Yeah, I butchered it, because I can't be fucked to go looking for the exact quote. But, I assume that's the line you're talking about.

Emperor: "Tell me... How did he die?"

Forgot his name, but oh well: "I can't do that. But, I will tell you how he lived."

Yeah, I butchered it, because I can't be fucked to go looking for the exact quote. But, I assume that's the line you're talking about.
No, not that one. I was thinking:

Cruise: WHY DID YOU BRING ME HERE?

Watanabe: To practice my English conversation.

Which if you've ever encountered a Japanese English Leech you'd understand why that line leaves me on the floor every time I hear it. ;)

No, not that one. I was thinking:

Cruise: WHY DID YOU BRING ME HERE?

Watanabe: To practice my English conversation.

Which if you've ever encountered a Japanese English Leech you'd understand why that line leaves me on the floor every time I hear it. ;)

Hahaha, that's a pretty good one. :p

1: Yeah, because I wasn't watching this thread. I'd piss all over the pile of shit that is Gods and Generals if given the chance.

2 and 3: NO. The choreography in The Last Samurai was much better. The battles looked far more emotional and flowed better than the ones in Gods and Generals. Along with that, the story itself was quite good (though the ending was a bit of a turnaround, but no movie's perfect).

4: If you'd bother to follow the fucking story, you'd understand that he wasn't the character you think he is. And The Last Samurai beats the living shit out of the Confederate wankfest that is Gods and Generals.

Ted Turner's a nutty dipshit who deserves every insult that gets thrown in his direction.

Edit: Don't even get me started on the "acting" in Gods and Generals. That was unforgiveable.

1.) There's the response I was looking for!

2.) I'll agree, the battle-scenes in The Last Samurai were "more emotional". I'd have to say that guys on horses charging towards gatling guns can be a tear-jerker. And they "flowed better", too. However, I still prefer Gods and Generals on the basis of general awesomeness, with far more impressive and downright huge battles.

3.) The Last Samurai had a better plot. But it wasn't as awesome. (See above)

4.) Whatever. I'll admit that Ted Turner is a bit of a weirdo. I'll admit that the actors did a somewhat sub-par job. But I watched both movies for the action. And strictly in terms of action, I'd say Gods and Generals wins.

Yes. The Last Samurai was a far better movie. ^-^ Love Samurai flicks!
The Last Samurai sucked ass. Tom Cruise's character was . . . blegh. The plot was completely non-historical, the samurai characters were inane überconservative fucktards, the seppuku at the end was pointless, and the whole thing just felt like a recreation of Dances with Wolves.
Gods and Generals was acceptable, but spent far too much time focusing on the characters as they wandered around and delivered speeches about every random thing that crossed their mind.

The Last Samurai sucked ass. Tom Cruise's character was . . . blegh. The plot was completely non-historical, the samurai characters were inane überconservative fucktards, the seppuku at the end was pointless, and the whole thing just felt like a recreation of Dances with Wolves.
Gods and Generals was acceptable, but spent far too much time focusing on the characters as they wandered around and delivered speeches about every random thing that crossed their mind.

Blasphemer. People stabbing themselves brutally in the belly is never pointless.

Blasphemer. People stabbing themselves brutally in the belly is never pointless.
But he was already dying, which meant that:
A: Committing suicide was redundant
B: It was pointless, because dying in battle isn't "dishonorable", surviving after being defeated is

*sigh*

Here we go with the time warp...

But he was already dying, which meant that:
A: Committing suicide was redundant
B: It was pointless, because dying in battle isn't "dishonorable", surviving after being defeated is

1: True, but...

2: ...Nope. It was more honorable for them to die by their own swords than the weapons of those who were trying to change Japan.

Here we go with the time warp...
But... but...

It's just a JUMP to the left! :D

But... but...

It's just a JUMP to the left! :D

Now put your hand on your hip!

*That song's great, and that episode of Drew Carey was classic. TIME WARP!!!

2: ...Nope. It was more honorable for them to die by their own swords than the weapons of those who were trying to change Japan.
More honorable, maybe, but not essential to be honorable. I can almost accept someone killing themselves to retain honor, but disembowling yourself over degrees of honor reinforces my earlier statement about überconservative fucktards. The real Samurai were better at dealing with change than the charicatures that they held up in The Last Samurai.
All in all, I couldn't enjoy it because I spent the entire movie wanting to kick the Samurais' collective asses.

But he was already dying, which meant that:
A: Committing suicide was redundant
B: It was pointless, because dying in battle isn't "dishonorable", surviving after being defeated is

The point is you get treated to watching someone rearrange their internals with oversize japanese flatwear because their sense of self is warped out of all proportion.

It's up there with John Speak eating his shotgun muzzle because he saw a slug during a hunting trip.

More honorable, maybe, but not essential to be honorable. I can almost accept someone killing themselves to retain honor, but disembowling yourself over degrees of honor reinforces my earlier statement about überconservative fucktards. The real Samurai were better at dealing with change than the charicatures that they held up in The Last Samurai.
All in all, I couldn't enjoy it because I spent the entire movie wanting to kick the Samurais' collective asses.

I also liked the way Tom Cruises character learned everything you need to know about being a Samurai (including flawless Japanese) in about three months.

I also liked the way Tom Cruises character learned everything you need to know about being a Samurai (including flawless Japanese) in about three months.

Scientology. Unlock your inner god &c.

Enough arguing about The Last Samurai and Gods and Generals. Both movies were horrible.

To get back on subject: I've always liked the naginata, but there's just one problem with it: it's assymetrical. I dunno why, but I've never been able to stand assymetrical things: I always end up making them symmetrical in some way or another. Methinks adding another blade at the other end of a naginata would make it a much better weapon. =/