Club, Maces, Etc. and Zombies

[zombiebadger]

Living in the UK, I have no access to guns, and have no firearm experience.

I was thinking that a baseball bat or other battering instrument would make a decent weapon, as it never runs out of ammo, is light, and easy to obtain in the pre-zombie world.

You could break a zombie's jaw with a bat and render it nearly harmless, or smash it's kneecaps, rotting flesh would make the job even easier.

My only worry is that the bat may splinter and break, what do you all think?

[Subgenius]

Both wooden and aluminium baseball bats have advantages and disadvantages. That is the main reason that I have a set of eight aluminium baseball bats. Baseball catcher's shin guards can also help guard against shin-biting zombies. Essentially, aluminium baseball bats do not break (compared to wooden). They do break, but, as you read below, you can see that aluminium baseball bats are much stronger and more resistent.Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats
http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats.html

Why Aluminum Bats Can Perform Better than Wood Bats
http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats-new/alumwood.htmlAluminum bats can be swung faster
Aluminum bats have the "trampoline effect"
Aluminum bats have wider sweet spots
Aluminum bats don't break"Wood bats, especially the thin handled ash bats used by a majority of today's players, have a tendency to break upon impact with a ball near the middle of the bat. In almost every professional game one or more players breaks a bat on an inside pitch. One memorable example happened during 2000 World Series between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens delivered an inside pitch to Mets catcher Mike Piazza. Piazza's bat broke and the barrel portion bounced out towards Clemens on the mound. Clemens picked up the broken bat and threw it towards Piazza as he ran towards first. There was already some bad feelings between the two players because Clemens had hit Piazza with an inside pitch the previous year, and the broken bat incident only increased the animosity between the two players. The point I want to make, however, is that Piazza's bat broke. While there are exceptions (Hall of Famer Joe Sewell supposedly used only one bat during his entire 14 year career) professional players typically go through several dozen bats each during a typical baseball season.[11] Similarly, college teams which used wood bats often broke more than two dozen during a season. Because of shortages of quality wood, and the higher cost of good quality bats, most college teams completely switched over to aluminum bats during the 1980's. Most college teams can get by with 12 aluminum bats per season, as opposed to more than 5 dozen wood bats per season.[12]

Aluminum is much stronger than ash wood, and the handle of an aluminum bat is a thin cylindrical tube with reasonably thick walls (thicker than the barrel portion). As such, the bat handle is very strong and will not break. The barrel, where the walls are thinner, may dent - or even crack if the walls are too thin, the but bat will not break. New alloys and treatment processes (cryogenic treatment) even improve the strength of the aluminum further. It is not, however, impossible for aluminum bats to break - but usually when they do it is not the handle but the barrel that breaks. While watching ESPN Sports Center one night towards the end of May 2003, I saw a clip from a college game in which a metal bat shattered leaving the batter holding the handle and half the barrel while the other half of the barrel flew out and landed next to the shortstop. Apparently a player in the 2003 Women's College Softball World Series also broke an aluminum bat. So, it can happen.

Many people have argured that the fact that aluminum bats don't break has a noticeable impact on the game of baseball. Because college players use aluminum bats, they can hit inside pitches for base hits. As a result, fewer and fewer younger professional pitchers throw inside pitches than used to be the norm in years past. They learn while playing in highschool and college that inside pitches get hit for runs. Likewise hitters often find it to be considerably difficult to make the change from aluminum to wood, especially when dealing with inside pitches."

[Victor Clark]

Wow, that's a lot of nice baseball bat info! It makes me feel a lot more happier that I have an aluminum softball bat in the backseat of my car (along with 2 hatchets in the trunk :evil: ).

[DarthJoe8]

I think a crowbar would be better than a bat for a number of reasons. It's just as easy to swing, maybe easier on the account that its shorter than a bat. You can use it to spear a zombie in the head when you don't have room for a swing. In close quarters this could be a real advantage. Another thing about a crowbar besides using it as a weapon is that you can use it as a tool. Jimmying open a door or window. You just can't do that with a bat.

:think:

[Countbad]

I have this iron rod that is the perfect zombie dispatching instrument. Its used for breaking up hard soil and concrete. Its 4 feet long with one end coming to a point and the other a wedge. Its a little on the heavy side but is still completely manageable as a weapon. One full swing from this puppy will surely shatter a skull, or you could use one of the ends to deliver the coup-de-grace.

[MobileDeceased]

I think you people are forgetting that one key issue, it wont matter what weapon you use as long as you kill it again. whether it is a brick on the ground or an old iron pipe. Now what you guys have to think about is armor, leather is the best because of durability and mobility.

[DarthJoe8]

I think you people are forgetting that one key issue, it wont matter what weapon you use as long as you kill it again. whether it is a brick on the ground or an old iron pipe. Now what you guys have to think about is armor, leather is the best because of durability and mobility.

The riot gear armor that they wear in the Walking Dead comic is the way to go. Leather is a good choice, it should protect against bites and is light weight enough to not affect movement to much.

Watch that neck area and hands. So many movies show the humans punching zombies in the mouth area. Not good, one little nick and your a goner, at least wear gloves. Also watch the blood splatter ala 28 days later.

I've always wondered why in DotD 04 that they didn't try to armor up in the sporting goods store. :think:

[blaje]

If I was going to use a blunt weapon, a baseball bat would be my first choice, but even if you don't have acess to firearms there are still other options.
My first choice of weapon beyond firearms would be a a gerber (40/40 carbon steel) bush trimmer (not just a clever pun!)
my friend owns one and we have tested it on honey suckle, bushes, and trees. its more effective than an ax and less cumbersome.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/images/200/3839_w2.jpg

the link below has more info.
I highly recomend one for offing zombie heads and limbs
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=3839

[Boozbie]

Definetly wear a leather biker jacket! a idea that i had is to also get some heavy metal gauntlets. Not the type with huge spikes but with small studs or covered in one piece of bendable sheet metal. no zombie is biting through that your most likely to get bit on your hands and forearms and ankles so id also get a pair of snake chaps to cover your boots and shins and a pair of slash resistant kevlar gloves.

I don't know about a baseball bat personally (Is baseball popular england i never even knew you all played it) against people its not bad but it never was designed for combat with the undead and it will take a few strikes to finish a zombie for sure.

The crowbar is good but it its still just basically a iron bar. Honestly it is not that easy to pry stuff open with a crowbar. To get a door open with a crowbar your going to need to bend the frame and that takes some force. Which leads me to what i would use....

A Splitting maul! Get the the lightest splitting maul you can find especially one with a plastic handle. One good shot would completely cave in a skull and it also doubles as a sledgehammer. which is great for opening doors. Swat teams and the like use them all the time for breeching doors.

[BarnabusBlackoak]

a crowbar would not make a good weapon for one reason, its weight. Go find a crowbar, pick it up. Now imagine your'e surrounded and start swinging. You will be exhausted after only a dozen or so swings. A bat, not nearly as heavy, will not tire you out as fast.

[DarthJoe8]

a crowbar would not make a good weapon for one reason, its weight. Go find a crowbar, pick it up. Now imagine your'e surrounded and start swinging. You will be exhausted after only a dozen or so swings. A bat, not nearly as heavy, will not tire you out as fast.

Your not supposed to get into a long drag out fight with a horde of zombies. Its to buy you time so you can get away. Your correct about the weight a CB would probably be heavier that a bat depending on the size CB you have. Me i have a few different sizes from 1' in length up to 3'. The 3' one is heavy. But the 2' one is just right.:lol:

Truth be told any hand weapon you use will get tiring when your swinging it for any length of time. Especially when your in a panic.

My recommendation of a CB was the added benefit of it being a tool. Your free to use what you want but when you need to break into someplace to get provisions or to escape that horde you were just fighting good luck with your bat.:lol:

:think:Now if you have a friend with you one can have a crowbar and the other can use the bat. Team work. :drinking:

[BelowTheMorgue]

My only problem with bats is if you miss by chance you have to recover which takes only seconds but those seconds could truely matter. And as far as subgenious goes your on the right track but i've seen alluminum bats bend and break just with kids playing with them constant use with full force would break them quick.

I would say any kind of hunting knife or something like that surely in the UK you can get knives? T-Blades would be ideal cause the blade comes out as your middle finger and you just have to punch in a direction.

[Evil Pug]

Bad idea. To stop a zombie you need to destroy the brain. Baseball bats can crack the skull but you need to get to the brain. A crowbar is a much better weapon in this regard. The drawback on any bludgeon weapon is that you need a good amount of strength and endurance to be a effective weapon.

[Faran Brigo]

Bats? I think if you have to use a close quarters melee weapon, the best one would have to be a tomahawk. Hammer, axe and it only takes one hand. I'd imagine bats break or bend relatively fast when used against human skulls.

[Subgenius]

I think that it should be obvious that the question of wooden or aluminium baseball bats really revolved around the idea of what might become readily available. Baseball bats in the US are everywhere. I doubt that sledgehammers, tomahawks, and other items like that would be easier to locate. But, grab a bat (or his friend the axe-handle or the fireman's axe in most business and apartment buildings) and bash some zombie skulls in, and you may just survive.

[Faran Brigo]

Obviously you're going to use the best thing you have available. Of all the items you mentioned, I like the fireman's axe better. I'm still not convinced a bat would be much good beyond a few zombies, even if it's aluminium. How many? I don't know, and I don't want to find out the hard way.

[Z-Day is very soon]

Bats? I think if you have to use a close quarters melee weapon, the best one would have to be a tomahawk. Hammer, axe and it only takes one hand. I'd imagine bats break or bend relatively fast when used against human skulls.


i think that a sledgehammer somehow combined with an tomahawk axe would be perfect:lol: just an idea

[detpat]

re bar, grind one end to a point

[Subgenius]

Obviously you're going to use the best thing you have available. Of all the items you mentioned, I like the fireman's axe better. I'm still not convinced a bat would be much good beyond a few zombies, even if it's aluminium. How many? I don't know, and I don't want to find out the hard way.

Look at the stats again. Aluminium bats break far, far less than wooden. If you had a wooden bat, then it would most likely break after you killed maybe two or three, maybe five or six, zombies. The aluminium bats would last a lot longer. It would bend and dent before any break or before it became useless.

I have an aluminium baseball bat that I keep in my care on the back floorboard. I keep another in the corner near my bead. It has seen a lot of action. It is scuffed up and the paint has worn off of the main part of the bat. It still hits like a champ.

But, let's get serious for a minute. You will NOT win a fight with zombies using just a baseball bat of any type when the zombies outnumber you by more then two or three to one. YOU ARE DEAD! You will never be able to crush a human skull in a matter of seconds. You will not do that with two or three or five or a mob of zombies rushing you. Blunt-force, bludgeon to the head, trauma style damage may not stop the zombie. It may crack the skull. But, will it damage the brain enough to disable the zombie?

This is why a board with a nail in it, or a fireman's axe, will be more effective. It opens the head up rather than blunt-force trauma.

[fester_hicks]

how about a hooligan tool? Like the firemen use? Multi-purpose item there, besides it being heavy with a skull crushing pointy

[Darkness]

"Plus, Subgenius, aluminium bats are quite a bit lighter in weight than wooden ones. Allowing you to use it longer as well."

[Faran Brigo]

I know the axe's more effective, that's kind of why I said I'd take the axe...

[fester_hicks]

customize an aluminum bat with a 6 inch spike drilled threw and then welded back up, make sure to put a groove on it so it doesnt get stuck in a Zedhead!

[Darkness]

*Darkness ponders how light and strong a titanium bat would be.* :think:

[Behemoth]

Living in the UK, I have no access to guns, and have no firearm experience.

there are plenty of "guns" in the UK, you just have to know where to look, experience can be gained with 2 weeks training ( i recommend rifle & handgun combined course ) at not much more than the cost of a booze up in Spain. Point of note it is also difficult to find baseball bats in the UK, mind you a Gunn & Moore maxi would make a nice substitute.

[Subgenius]

Did Shuan use one of those Gunn & Moore maxi bats in Shaun of the Dead?

[DarthJoe8]

Did Shuan use one of those Gunn & Moore maxi bats in Shaun of the Dead?

I thought it was a cricket paddle.:think:Not sure what it's called exactly. Is that what a Gunn & Moore is?

[AN OLD SHOE]

whatever it is...put nails in it or something sharp on it...

[Subgenius]

I thought it was a cricket paddle.:think:Not sure what it's called exactly. Is that what a Gunn & Moore is?

Yeah, I think so. I did a Google image search for Gunn & Moore maxi and the images that popped up looked like cricket bats or paddles (I don't know what the Brits call them).

[Darkness]

"Yes, that IS a Cricket Bat in Shaun of The Dead."

"Dark Comic was just saying last night, that Cricket Bats with nails would be very useful." :)

[mattifikation]

Well, not to derail your bat thread, but I thought you were allowed to own long rifles and shotguns over there if you had a permit?

At any rate, there was a pretty long discussion about blunt weapons during US&D's downtime. The general consensus was that you'd have a hell of a time trying to actually kill a zombie with something like a bat, but you could probably knock them over or beat them out of your way with it. They aren't exactly known for their expert balance, after all.

[Behemoth]

Yeah, I think so. I did a Google image search for Gunn & Moore maxi and the images that popped up looked like cricket bats or paddles (I don't know what the Brits call them). LOL, "paddles", what! never heard a cricket bat called a paddle, how about "baseball stick" or "hockey clubs":)Did Shuan use one of those Gunn & Moore maxi bats in Shaun of the Dead He had a bat, but not a maxi, Gunn & Moore are makers like Rawlings.

[Behemoth]

[QUOTE=mattifikation;350718]Well, not to derail your bat thread, but I thought you were allowed to own long rifles and shotguns over there if you had a permit?

Only need a permit for ammo. Shotgun licence are easy to get outside big cities, as i have said there are plenty of guns in the UK if you know where to look.

[Subgenius]

LOL, "paddles", what! never heard a cricket bat called a paddle, how about "baseball stick" or "hockey clubs":) He had a bat, but not a maxi, Gunn & Moore are makers like Rawlings.

LOL, cool. Yeah, I think Americans see a wider, flatter bat in Cricket and want to call it a paddle (like an oar for a row bot or dinghy). I would be too afraid to tell an NHL hockey player that his hockey stick was a club, but then again some are used like a club.

Americans also enjoy what we call stick-ball or street-ball depending upon where you are in the country. Street-ball can mean baseball or basketball played on the street or outside of any official leagues or whatever. Stick-ball is almost exclusively baseball played on the street with a thick, straight stick rather than a bat. But, in the more modern era, most kids have baseball bats. They often give them away at professional baseball games.

OMG, could you imagine, if the Scots handed out Cricket bats at a Scottish hooligan night soccer game? LOL, Edinburgh or some place in Scotland would not be a fun place for the opponent's fans. Actually, I had an idea to write a zombie story where the zombie outbreak happens during a NY Yankee or Boston Red Sox free bat night. Imagine hundreds of bat-wielding Yankees fans fighting off a mob of Red Sox zombie fans! Or, imagine a similar scene in Edinburgh or London where the Scots or the English have to fend off the fans from France or Germany! So much humor could be injected into that.

[Behemoth]

OMG, could you imagine, if the Scots handed out Cricket bats at a Scottish hooligan night soccer game? LOL, Edinburgh or some place in Scotland would not be a fun place for the opponent's fans. Actually, I had an idea to write a zombie story where the zombie outbreak happens during a NY Yankee or Boston Red Sox free bat night. Imagine hundreds of bat-wielding Yankees fans fighting off a mob of Red Sox zombie fans! Or, imagine a similar scene in Edinburgh or London where the Scots or the English have to fend off the fans from France or Germany! So much humor could be injected into that.
__________________
Yeah, that would make an interesting zed flick, one of the things i do often is think what if ( outbreak occurs now ) at an airport, at a concert etc. The baseball scene reminds me of the ps2 game the warriors.( if you haven't played it, you should )

[Dark Comic]

I would definitely go for the cricket bat over either a wooden or metal baseball bat. Being a very clumsy kid in gym class I have manged to drop all three on my head, the cricket bat definitely hurt more.

[vortec1]

LOL, cool. Yeah, I think Americans see a wider, flatter bat in Cricket and want to call it a paddle (like an oar for a row bot or dinghy). I would be too afraid to tell an NHL hockey player that his hockey stick was a club, but then again some are used like a club.

Americans also enjoy what we call stick-ball or street-ball depending upon where you are in the country. Street-ball can mean baseball or basketball played on the street or outside of any official leagues or whatever. Stick-ball is almost exclusively baseball played on the street with a thick, straight stick rather than a bat. But, in the more modern era, most kids have baseball bats. They often give them away at professional baseball games.

OMG, could you imagine, if the Scots handed out Cricket bats at a Scottish hooligan night soccer game? LOL, Edinburgh or some place in Scotland would not be a fun place for the opponent's fans. Actually, I had an idea to write a zombie story where the zombie outbreak happens during a NY Yankee or Boston Red Sox free bat night. Imagine hundreds of bat-wielding Yankees fans fighting off a mob of Red Sox zombie fans! Or, imagine a similar scene in Edinburgh or London where the Scots or the English have to fend off the fans from France or Germany! So much humor could be injected into that.

Americans allways see wider broader things! thats why we jump in to the freigh of things. I mean who wants to die in battle? democracy:) I love it.

[Darkness]

"We're not talking about simple blunt trauma here."

"We are talking about bashing in Zombie Skulls to destroy the brain. There are many things designed for just this purpose, such as the mace, the fighting staff and the war club. Come share with us your choices in this bloody realm of 'Zombie Bludgeoning'." :)

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

This weapon class is definitely my class of choice when it comes to zombies.
Regardless of what kind of bludgeon you choose, they are all basically the same thing. Plus they are easy to use, and very effective.

I wouldn't mind a maul, but I don't think I would be able to actually pick it up and put enough force behind it to do any good without hurting myself.

Morngingstars would suck though because they would get stuck in the zeds head and it would be hard to pull it out easily after every blow.

Your classic hammers are always useful. Not the kind used for nailing nails, but the actual type of weapon itself is a great choice. It's like it was invented for skull cracking.


I have to say though, I really would like to have something other than a staff to be my weapon. You might as well be whacking them with a tree branch. It really wouldn't be that effective in taking out a zombie. Could it be done? Yes I'm sure you could pull it off, but just as if you had a katar or something of that sort it would just be too hard and take too much precious time.


Some sort of Katar would really be my favorite weapon. Even though they would be pretty worthless when it came to zombies...:cry:

[Victor Clark]

Even though there are some affective weapons that are great solely for crushing undead skulls, I would just stick with a baseball bat or iron pipe for the long run. They're tough, lightweight, can be swung quickly and easily, and can make some serious damage if used in the right hands.

[detpat]

coldsteel.com is having a closeout sale on their version.

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

If these zombies are runners then that could change everything. It would have to be a really hard first blow to kind of disorient the zombie for a second so you could come back with another hit. If you missed that first blow who knows what would happen. Those things would move so fast that you would have to make every hit count.

[Seway]

I have this long hammer sort of thing. Not as heavy and shorter than a sledgehammer but heavier and longer than the ''standard issue'' carpenter's hammer that almost everyone has got.
I think it would make a great zombie disposal weapon, and it could be a useful tool as well.

[Zombie_215]

The only problem with a mace or morningstar is where can you get a battle-ready version of the weapon?


I would go for the baseball bat, if it breaks, go to a sporting goods store and grab some more!

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

Good point 215.


That's the problem, you really can't find a real morningstar without robbing a museum more than likely. But the mace on the other hand would be way easier.

Seway's mini sledgehammer is pretty much a mace.

If anything just grab a hammer from the garage before you leave. You can very easily bash in some skulls, and remove things with the other end. The only problem is you don't have as a great a range from the monster with a hammer as you would a true mace or maul. It would be some melee combat for sure.:scare:


OH I just thought of my perfect skull bashing weapon. My mom collects Indian stuff, and she has two different types of old school, real bludgeons they used to use.

One is made with a buffalo femur and the join end is the end you use to beat people with. The other is this really heavy sorta flat, but kinda pointy rock that's bound to a stick and if you hit someone with the more pointy end, it's going to do some serious damage.

[detpat]

there are plenty of places that sell well made and accurate replicas of period weapons, the problem is expense and learning to use them effectively. Since the zeds aren't, by and large martial arts experts so that part is somewhat simplified but this sort of combat is very strenuous. practice in the actual activity you plan to engage in is very important. Finding that you don't have the strength or endurance in the particular muscles you need can be a very rude awakening, particularly when you're surrounded by hungry zeds.

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

This is very true!

I just don't think there is really that many people out there actually "training" for a zombie outbreak. The whole fun of it is for it to be unexpected and sudden.

Being "prepared" for a zombie outbreak is kinda weird. I know I'm the biggest zombie geek in my area, but I am by no means studying lost arts of martial skills and weaponry. I'm not going out shopping for battle ready weapons or have a backpack waiting by the front door with all the tools I will need for a quick get away.

[detpat]

the study of these techniques isn't for zeds, but a valid activity in everyday real life. Any person should be able to defend themselves with anything that comes to hand. I've studied medieval and renaissance martial arts my entire adult life.

I've also studied modern combat techniques as a soldier and cop. Zeds aren't a serious concern for me, just an interesting hobby and diversion like every one else.

As far as emergency preparedness is concerned, you should be ready for real life emergencies as they Do exist.

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

I guess so. You're occupation requires you to know these tactics and think in life saving ways. Accountants on the other hand aren't really worried about how to take a gun from a suspect.


I think if every citizen were to worry and fear all the time "of real life dangers" then we would all just be a bunch of paranoid freaks. Isn't part of being an american to have freedom of fear? Yes I know we still have bad things happen all the time, but it's not like other countries. I cry when I see what happens to innocent people in other places around the world. It's very heartbreaking and unnecessary.

The only real life emergencies I'm going to be worried about is tornados, floods, fires, earthquakes, and getting chased down by crazies when I ride my bike. In all those cases I have the basic knowledge to help me survive, and I keep mace and a cell phone on me when I ride my bike.

[detpat]

awareness is a responsibility shared by all citizens. I spent much of my professional time cleaning up the messes that people who insist on going through life in a happy fog. Bad guys love those folks as they are a primary resource for them.

I could tell you many fun stories about the less-than-effective-nature of mace or even OC spray. Been sprayed with both and it was annoying on each occasion.

I'm guessing you meant freedom FROM fear? uh, no that isn't a right. you have a right to be free, not safe. The world is a dangerous place and only you can insure your personal safety. Caution isn't the same as paranoia. I do often hear that sort of thing from people who don't want to be responsible for themselves and their loved ones. Usually in an ER or Morgue!

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

The dangers are there sure. I just have never had to worry about them. Where I am located the only thing I have ever had to worry about was getting a snake bite or rolling my 4wheeler over. Human threats have never really ever been a concern of mine. Being lost in the wilderness and knowing how to survive is more of a concern than getting mugged or raped.

I live in the middle of nowhere outside of a small town where there are WAY too many bone head cops patrolling around looking for the smallest thing to fine people for. No one in their right mind would be stupid enough to try anything harmful here. I have seen 6 cop cars surround one man just because he was drunk and completely harmless. These cops are just begging for something to do in sleepy old Newburgh.

[detpat]

bad things happen in good places all the time. Bad guys know how to travel and prefer to hunt in nice places because the locals are easy targets.

You might be surprised at the huge numbers of people who disappear in the US every year without a single trace.

[Darkness]

"Hey, UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs and detpat! We DO have a thread on 'How Screwed Are You?', pertaining to your present location and a Zombie Uprising, that this conversation would fit perfectly. Please continue it there." ;-)




"Now.....Can we please get back to clubs, maces, hammers, etc., in here?" :)

[AN OLD SHOE]

i for one think the swinging mace is dangerous(ball and chainright?)

i think its moer dangerous to you than the zombie

the club would be great

a bowling ball would be a great weapon if you use it right...

[Darkness]

"I think a mace is the one that doesn't have a chain, and the morning star is the one with a chain. But I could be wrong."

[AN OLD SHOE]

thanks for clearing that up becuase i was really confused :doh:

[detpat]

morningstar is a modern term that wasn't used in period. you are referring to a flail [chain]. a mace is usually solid but the term can be applied, and was in the period, to mean either.h

[Darkness]

"Thank you, detpat." :)

[detpat]

I am just SOOOOOOO cool. and smart

[UseYourHeadCutOffTheirs]

And so everyone is on the same page, the morningstar is basically a stick with a ball on the end covered in spikes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_star_(weapon)

there's a picture of one on that link if you are interested.


detpat is right though about the term morningstar not being completely historically accurate. The word morningstar actually just means the head of a weapon.

I just know this stuff because I play too much Diablo Exp. So if names aren't accurate on there then I'm wrong. But so far I think I'm doing alright.

[detpat]

i mostly mentioned it because there is often a difference between the terms used by the actual users and terms perpetuated by modern collectors. Broadsword and bastard sword are ones that come to mind.

[Darkness]

"The term Bastard Sword is merely a nick name for the huge Claymore Swords, that the giant mountain-men, of the highland mountains of Scotland, carried into battle."

"But that's a story for another thread, Blades and Zombies comes to mind." ;-)





"Back to topic......"
"Thank you, for helping clarify the differences in the mace and such. It's helps a lot." :)

[detpat]

sorry, wrong again. it's a mainland European term from the 19th century to denote a hand and a half sword or large handled estoc.

Claidemhamor is the more or less correct spelling and it simply means "great sword" in Gaelic. that is also a more modern term. It's often mis applied to basket hiltd swords. I am one of those highland scots of which you speak.

just as an aside, the claymore's were actually a bit smaller than continental great swords, as they had a somewhat different application. They were used in an environment which contained less armor and fewer pikes.

[Darkness]

sorry, wrong again. it's a mainland European term from the 19th century to denote a hand and a half sword or large handled estoc.

Claidemhamor is the more or less correct spelling and it simply means "great sword" in Gaelic. that is also a more modern term. It's often mis applied to basket hiltd swords. I am one of those highland scots of which you speak.

just as an aside, the claymore's were actually a bit smaller than continental great swords, as they had a somewhat different application. They were used in an environment which contained less armor and fewer pikes.

"This is this wrong topic for this thread, so I am going to take it to the thread it belongs in."

[kai055]

wat about a two handed sythe

[kai055]

wat about a long hammer like ajax uses in troy if you ave seen it when there on the beach

[Augustus Desius]

While no one could argue that Ajax's large hammer would be effective at crushing skulls (It's a freaking bolder attached to a log!), I think it would simply be to tiersome to use in a prolonged conflict. Plus it's size makes it a bit of a pain to use in small areas.

I like the one listed here. Though again, it wouldn't be the best for tight quarters.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/War_hammer2.jpg/150px-War_hammer2.jpg

[kai055]

that hammer is nice but wat about two smaller hammers and a that one on ur back

[Darkness]

wat about a two handed sythe

"We have a thread on this type of topic....."

http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15796

"Please keep the conversation in this thread to bats only."

[RogueAI]

If I had to use a close combat weapon (blunt or otherwise) I'd go with two three foot long two inch diameter wooden sticks. You can buy six foot ones at Wal-mart and then just cut 'em in half. They are disposable since you can find replacements anywhere, light weight and transportable. Don't underestimate them because of weight, between their length and the speed of a humans arm you can easily smash a head in. I'd finally put that Arnis training to use.

The biggest downside is that the wood would soak up any spillage from the zombies brain case. You'd have to toss 'em frequently.

[Augustus Desius]

that hammer is nice but wat about two smaller hammers and a that one on ur back

Sound's good to me, I bit heavy to carry around all the time, but definitely effective.

[kai055]

sorry my bad

[kai055]

wat about tomba's like the police use and two of them

[detpat]

If you are planning on using something like a PR24 or tonfa then you might want to start learning it now. Arnis is a good one.

[kai055]

i know how to use them i make them as well

[kai055]

on the thing about those wooden sticks u mean something a cutain rail or a chunky broom handle

[detpat]

then you're set. once upon a time i was a PR instructor, that was mostly fun for me. i think i even still have a couple around the house.

[DBCooper]

I read some stuff about blunt trauma,, it won’t work. . .

[JakAttak]

yea the human skull is a lot tougher than you give it credit for a stick will break before it bashes the skull in

[Darkness]

I read some stuff about blunt trauma,, it won’t work. . .

"Well, like I said in the introduction post of this thread, this isn't about blunt trauma. It's about bashing Zombie brains in, skull and all." ;-) :lol:

[Dave Of The Dead]

I have a steel pipe in my closet just for this kind of purpose. I wrapped tennis racket gripping around the bottom half for a handle :)

[JakAttak]

"Well, like I said in the introduction post of this thread, this isn't about blunt trauma. It's about bashing Zombie brains in, skull and all." ;-) :lol:

that's blunt trauma

[Hitman]

I think a flanged mace would be about ideal ,something like this

http://www.museumreplicas.com/museumreplicas/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=91
or this http://www.myarmoury.com/review_mrl_rtmace.html

[Dave Of The Dead]

that's blunt trauma

Actually, no. Blunt trauma is the term used to describe concussions, abrasions, lacerations, and/or bone fracturing. None of the above can kill a zombie.

[JakAttak]

bone fracturing will if you get a piece of skull in the brain that will put him down

[Dave Of The Dead]

bone fracturing will if you get a piece of skull in the brain that will put him down

Then that wouldn't be a fracture, that would be shattering the skull.

[JakAttak]

kinda right what you need is blunt force penetrating trauma

[Dave Of The Dead]

Lol, kinda. But blunt force trauma is the complete opposite of penetration.

[JakAttak]

not quite blunt penetrating trauma is cracking the skull(or other part of the body) with a blunt object.

[Cenobite]

not quite blunt penetrating trauma is cracking the skull(or other part of the body) with a blunt object.

Lets just say we want skull bashed right the hell in. Blunt force trauma or not, we want to see bone shattered and brain mashed up.

Here is a nice one, I held one and it feels pretty heavy...the good heavy and sturdy. They advertise it is indestructible, and Im pretty sure it is to a certain extent.

http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/TS-TCS92BS_540.jpg

Smaller version.

http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/TS-TCS92BSS.jpg?osCsid=50f1caa9680eeda66da6e1934ab5cf d7



Now I wouldnt recommend getting any maces, morning stars or flails that are labeled Battle Ready. Unless you made one yourself it is NOT battle ready.

In fact anything from the hardware store is as good as it gets. Sledgehammers, wrecking bars, splitting bars.

Now my personal favourite is the Terminator wrecking bar.
It is quite heavier than your average 24" crow bar making it ideal for causing a lot of damage to body and surroundings. It has an oval shaped body to be even more sturdy than the regular one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Esproc/bar03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Esproc/Bar02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Esproc/bar01.jpg

I also have the 36" version, but that one is overkill.

If anybody remember Im still working on my Skullcrusher 3000. Dont worry, you will get to see it someday.

[JakAttak]

morning stars require a lot of training to master.

[Dave Of The Dead]

A lot of things are hard to master when you try and resurrect a skill that died 500 years ago.

[Cenobite]

A lot of things are hard to master when you try and resurrect a skill that died 500 years ago.

By Morning Star did he mean the flail?
http://www.knightsedge.com/medieval-weapons/medieval-flail-2605.jpg

In that case...yeah.

But a Morning Star/Mace....you just swing it. Thats the beauty of it, no skill required. :evil:
http://www.fisk-knives.com/Mace.jpg
http://www.medieval-weaponry.co.uk/acatalog/DX645Close.jpg

[Dave Of The Dead]

I don't know. With a mace you might as well have a crowbar or hammer or something that would be used as something more than a weapon, you know? I know they look cool and they can do a hell of a lot of damage to stuff, but you cant exactly pry open a door with a morningstar...

[Faran Brigo]

No, but the design of a mace is specifically geared towards breaking things by whacking them with it, that has a few perks that optimize that function. The balance is better than a crowbar since the weight is on the crushing end, and unlike a hammer it's usually one solid piece so it's going to be very hard to break off the handle, it's longer and it has a larger head so that makes combat easier and while it is heavier, that also means there's a higher probability of a kill in less hits. You can certainly bash some things open with it too.

[Dave Of The Dead]

But as with any other desired weapon, is it readily available? If yes, is it made to use in actual combat? A ball of sharpened spikes on the end of a stick is not something I want to be swinging around if I don't know if it will hold up.

[Faran Brigo]

Nope, probably isn't unless you raid a museum. Availability however is an independant factor from quality, the "best" weapon doesn't have to be ubiquitous it just has to be the best. Also, we're talking about class and type, it's obvious that regardless of the kind of weapon you pick, you will have to get the best of that particular quality, and this applies to blunt force weapons, edged weapons and ranged weapons equally.

The exception here applies to firearms because you might need to cannibalize an identical gun for spare parts if yours breaks down, but that's another story.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Well yeah, every weapon is going to wear down sooner or later, depending on the frequency of use. It is just easier to replace machine weapons like guns, bows, and crossbows because if one piece breaks, you can replace it from another gun, bow, or crossbow. If the shaft breaks on your sledgehammer or the blade breaks on your machete, all you're left with is a paperweight or a letter opener.

[Faran Brigo]

I would argue however that to fix the machete or the mace you only need a welder, to repair the guns you do need spare parts that you cannot make yourself. Both of them require specialized skills do get done properly, but I think it's easier to weld two metal pieces together or fashion another handle out of solid wood than repair a gas operated or roller delayed assault rifle. Plus if you screw up with the hammer it won't blow back near your face.

[Onslaught]

while not readily available right now, a serviceable mace can be welded up in as little as an hour.

you could even take that crowbar and chop the curved end off, weld on a "head" (possibly made 1/4" plate or leaf spring) and you're good to go.
the straight end of the crowbar is the only part really good for prying anyway.

on a slight side note; has anyone evar actually tried to pry open a locked door? not so easy. i'd rather use a sledge hammer or a shotgun.

the nice thing about purpose built weapon is that you know it'll work. many of the alteratives i've seen mentioned, from bats to sledgehammers are tools. they are tools pressed into service as weapons. such misuse will eventually lead to the failure of the tool.

[Cenobite]

while not readily available right now, a serviceable mace can be welded up in as little as an hour.

you could even take that crowbar and chop the curved end off, weld on a "head" (possibly made 1/4" plate or leaf spring) and you're good to go.
the straight end of the crowbar is the only part really good for prying anyway.

on a slight side note; has anyone evar actually tried to pry open a locked door? not so easy. i'd rather use a sledge hammer or a shotgun.

the nice thing about purpose built weapon is that you know it'll work. many of the alteratives i've seen mentioned, from bats to sledgehammers are tools. they are tools pressed into service as weapons. such misuse will eventually lead to the failure of the tool.


Remember skullcrusher?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Esproc/SC01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Esproc/SC02.jpg

I already found a waterjet comany who can cut me those flanges. I want 6 around the hitch ball, 4 is easy to weld, 6...is hard as I want it perfectly even.

For those who are wandering what this monstrousity is. Thats a 3/4 inch steel rod with thread at the end to fit the coupling, and a trailer hitch ball for that crushing weight. Welded to it will be the flanges to make an authentic Flanged Mace. Either two handed or one handed, it weights just under 14 lb right now, putting some sledgehammers to shame, and unlike a sledgehammer the handle will never break or bend.

I was thinking of threading the other end and placing another coupling so I could fit it with a piercing end. Mace with interchangeable parts! Where else can you find one?

Yours for a low price of $299.95!

Heh, Im just joking. :)




Check out some of these, theyre replicas but damn good ones, look sturdy too.
http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/Maces_and_Morning_Stars.html

[mattifikation]

Remember that a weapon is a tool, and that every tool will eventually fail.

Every tool. Even if it's never misused.

[Cenobite]

Remember that a weapon is a tool, and that every tool will eventually fail.

Every tool. Even if it's never misused.

I dont agree with your analogy. A weapon is a weapon, a tool is a tool and can sometimes be used as a weapon.

Break a sword...and youre screwed, break a crow bar....well, now there is something I would like to see.

[JakAttak]

I'd take a crowbar over a sword any day.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I completely agree with Onslaught on the note that you can't really pry open a locked door. On the other hand, you can pry open a stuck door and other things much better suited for the crowbar's use.

Then I also agree with mattification on the fact that anything that you use as both a tool and a weapon will break or get damaged sooner or later. In the scenario of zombies, you will have to crush or penetrate the skull. This will cause wear on whatever you use. The crowbar will become more blunt on the tips and other things may occur. I would really like to do a destruction test on a standard crowbar some day just to see what it would take to make one useless.

[mattifikation]

Sorry, but a tool is an object made to help accomplish a task, and a weapon is a tool because it helps accomplish the task of killing things. "Weapon" is just a specific type of tool.

Saying a weapon isn't a tool is like saying a car isn't a machine, or a shed isn't a building.

[bandits1]

When we say "crowbar" we're actually talking about a 24"-36" wrecking bar, right? Not a little flat pry-bar or nail-puller?

I, too, would be interested in seeing what could destroy a crowbar. We have a couple that are decades old and have seen many rough battles with tile and moss rock walls, wood framing, etc..., and while the tips are pretty worn-down, I don't see them breaking or becoming unuseable any time soon.

[Onslaught]

Sorry, but a tool is an object made to help accomplish a task, and a weapon is a tool because it helps accomplish the task of killing things. "Weapon" is just a specific type of tool.

Saying a weapon isn't a tool is like saying a car isn't a machine, or a shed isn't a building.


i absolutely agree matt.

i was considering that thought while writing my original post, but decided to let it go. glad someone mentioned it.

any tool (weapons included) will fail faster when pressed into hard service that they were not designed for.

knives don't last too long as prybars, swords don't last too long as shovels, shovels don't last too long as halberds, modern urbanites don't last too long as medieval warriors. you get the picture.
when anything is placed under stresses that it was not designed to handle it will break.
you can walk around all day, carry enormous weight on your shoulders, and your knee will be fine. place stress perpendicular to the knee joint in the form of a kick and watch that knee joint fail.

bandits, it's hard to subject a wrecking bar to any sort of stress that it wasn't designed for.

[Cenobite]

When we say "crowbar" we're actually talking about a 24"-36" wrecking bar, right? Not a little flat pry-bar or nail-puller?

I, too, would be interested in seeing what could destroy a crowbar. We have a couple that are decades old and have seen many rough battles with tile and moss rock walls, wood framing, etc..., and while the tips are pretty worn-down, I don't see them breaking or becoming unuseable any time soon.

Yes we are talking about a hefty sized wrecking bar.

Also, one may think that when they say 36" crow bar, that all crow bars are the same. They are not, Ive seen ones that are really thin and others thick so there is also that.

Finally, I never said steel tools were forever, yes crow bars bent but I worked with them and they went through concrete, steel, wood, gravel, you name it, the usual tasks and sure they had some dents in them and chipped/bent edges at the ends. But are you saying a human skull is stronger than concrete? I mean to bash a skull...and to crack a concrete wall....see what breaks cracks first.

How many zombies do you plan to go through that you would damage a tool that was made to go through much rougher surfaces.

BOTTOM LINE! Im pretty sure I can part with my "broken" crowbar and replace it almost anywhere. Where does one replace their expensive sword/ mace.

[Onslaught]

BOTTOM LINE! Im pretty sure I can part with my "broken" crowbar and replace it almost anywhere. Where does one replace their expensive sword/ mace.

the same place i got that sword or mace.

my garage.

[Cenobite]

the same place i got that sword or mace.

my garage.

What, did you rob a museum? :scare:

I meant for an everage person.

[Onslaught]

What, did you rob a museum? :scare:

I meant for an everage person.

what's not average about oxy-acetylene welding?

[Behemoth]

what's not average about oxy-acetylene welding?
Quite alot. It is classed as a hazzard, you need to display a hazmat sign, i am quite sure ( in the uk ) it would be illeagal to keep the bottles in your home garage as an average joe.

[Faran Brigo]

Well, in Mexico and apparently in the U.S. you can have acetylene in your house. NFPA Hazard Label (health-fire-reactivity): 0-4-3. That makes it about as safe as propane, used as cooking and engine fuel.

[Behemoth]

Well, in Mexico and apparently in the U.S. you can have acetylene in your house. NFPA Hazard Label (health-fire-reactivity): 0-4-3. That makes it about as safe as propane, used as cooking and engine fuel.
It's not the gas as such. It's the tanks that hold the said gasses. I would be surprised if the fire department ( i am talking about cities ) didn't take a dim view of individuals storing tanks in their basements.

[Cenobite]

It's not the gas as such. It's the tanks that hold the said gasses. I would be surprised if the fire department ( i am talking about cities ) didn't take a dim view of individuals storing tanks in their basements.

Important thing is that a system of tanks like that is a hobby to some. Hobbies are expensive.

Average person doesnt have a welding station in their garage, basement...I dont.

Wouldnt mind having one to experiment with steel.

[Behemoth]

Well i have my own little workshop out in the countryside, no way could i have all my cleaning fluids & gas bottles stored where i live in london, the fire brigade would have a fit if they found out & my finances are in a bad way so i don't need the fines. Don't use oxy/acc much for welding though, just as a cutting tool.

[Faran Brigo]

It's not the gas as such. It's the tanks that hold the said gasses. I would be surprised if the fire department ( i am talking about cities ) didn't take a dim view of individuals storing tanks in their basements.

What do you think propane and cooking gas are stored in? cardboard boxes or gas tanks?

But yes it's illegal for them to be indoors, they're supposed to be outdoors and connect indoors through tubing here.

[Darkness]

"Okay, guys, you're getting a bit side tracked, time to get back to the topic." ;-)

[Faran Brigo]

Right, right. Anyway the point was that it's easier (to an extent) to repair bludgeons and edged weapons than firearms, all other things being equal. I'm pretty sure you could also repair bludgeons and edged weapons with an arc welder, those are relatively common and if you still have access to electricity you're good to go. It does take a bit of skill and a steady pulse to get things done carefully that way though.

[Behemoth]

Why bother repairing broken ones, just make new ones. A simple club/spiked weapon can be made with out electricity. Items required: 1) Scaffold pole, 2) Two nuts ( nylock ) two bolts ( "9/16 ) 3) 40 guage ( or any guage, just use layers ) sheet steel. Tools required: 1) Hacksaw. 2) Drill 3) File.
Those items should be easy to find & carry along. Would they break? Sure, but just make another, easy.

[Cenobite]

Why bother repairing broken ones, just make new ones. A simple club/spiked weapon can be made with out electricity. Items required: 1) Scaffold pole, 2) Two nuts ( nylock ) two bolts ( "9/16 ) 3) 40 guage ( or any guage, just use layers ) sheet steel. Tools required: 1) Hacksaw. 2) Drill 3) File.
Those items should be easy to find & carry along. Would they break? Sure, but just make another, easy.


Another idea would be.

Get a small dumbell. 5lb or so. Cut one weight off at the base.

You find a nice, sturdy steel pipe that will fit over the existing handle, mark and drill several holes along and through the pipe and dumbbell handle inside, bolt them together.

You got yourself a nice basher.

Beauty of maces, theyre so easy to make.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I don't know how I would feel about a hollow handle holding a heavy ball at the end. It would bend relatively easy after repeated use, I would think.

[Cenobite]

I don't know how I would feel about a hollow handle holding a heavy ball at the end. It would bend relatively easy after repeated use, I would think.

Thats why I said a small 5 lb dumbbell and sturdy steel pipe, about 1/8" in thickness. Trust me, theyre tough.

Making it tougher than some of the battle-ready replicas you find in stores.

Its not pretty but it works.

[Tripoli]

"We're not talking about simple blunt trauma here."

"We are talking about bashing in Zombie Skulls to destroy the brain. There are many things designed for just this purpose, such as the mace, the fighting staff and the war club. Come share with us your choices in this bloody realm of 'Zombie Bludgeoning'." :)

I don’t think these things are a good idea. Too many members don’t have to strength required to wheel these weapons for multiple strikes.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I don’t think these things are a good idea. Too many members don’t have to strength required to wheel these weapons for multiple strikes.

Speak for yourself

[Tripoli]

Speak for yourself

Speaking for myself? I won’t have a problem… most members WILL. If I touched a nerve sorry the comment was too close to home.

[beyerwrestler]

Speaking for myself? I won’t have a problem… most members WILL. If I touched a nerve sorry the comment was too close to home.


But dude you just struck out at the community calling people weak. You dont know everyone here so ya shut it and speak for yourself.
Personally these are all to bulky and weighted to use over and over again against zombies.

Who would even get that close to zeds?:loon:

[Tripoli]

But dude you just struck out at the community calling people weak. You dont know everyone here so ya shut it and speak for yourself.
Personally these are all to bulky and weighted to use over and over again against zombies.

Who would even get that close to zeds?:loon:

No, that is NOT what I said. Weak? That is not what I said at all! I know that 99.99998% of the ATZ members to NOT do repetitive manual labor. (Breaking BIG rocks into lil’rocks.) This means if a member of ATZ goes to the batting cages and swings a ball bat for a half hour, they will walk away tired! With the rush of hormones the body will crash sooner and fail quickly. So, too bulky and used over and over again against zombies is a good idea? I think you agree with me and don’t know it yet.

[beyerwrestler]

No, that is NOT what I said. Weak? That is not what I said at all! I know that 99.99998% of the ATZ members to NOT do repetitive manual labor. (Breaking BIG rocks into lil’rocks.) This means if a member of ATZ goes to the batting cages and swings a ball bat for a half hour, they will walk away tired! With the rush of hormones the body will crash sooner and fail quickly. So, too bulky and used over and over again against zombies is a good idea? I think you agree with me and don’t know it yet.


The only part I agree on is that it is very tiring and kinda dumb to be carrying that much weight for close quarters combat.

And by my other statement what you said was that practically all of ATZ members are either out of shape or not strong enough to wield these weapons (which only a fool would do) when the time calls for it people can do things others would think impossible. Its just not right to make assumptions like that. You dont know anyone here you dont know their endurance and strength levels. So all Im saying is dont just label a group its wrong.


side note: AWESOME IM A CAPTAIN NOW :rimshot:

[Tripoli]

Even professional “Baseball” players that swing bats everyday are fatigued at the batting cages after a half hour. This information comes from a batting coach (McArn of the Sacramento River Cats). Try it yourself! Using your logic, “You dont know anyone here you dont know their endurance and strength levels. So all Im saying is dont just label a group its wrong.” If it goes for me, then it should go for you!

And congratulations, Captain! :clap:

[Dave Of The Dead]

If you see everyone here as a 90lb nerd, talking about how they will terminate the zombies with their awesome powers as they get dirt kicked in their face at school, you're probably wrong. And thats how you make it sound. Anyway, back to the point. Yeah, I can see your point on baseball players getting tired, and you probably could compare a baseball player to z zed survivor, but you're missing one thing that might shift the light a bit. Baseball players are not swinging that bat to save their lives. They do not have all that adrenaline pumping through them like someone who's in a life or death situation would.

[Tripoli]

Adrenaline is a short term effect. You know, “fight or flight” the short time adrenaline is circulating will work, but remember the metabolic crash that follows an adrenaline rush. (Make swinging that bat even harder.) What I am talking about is mechanics of the human body and repetitive “strenuous” activity.

I never said the members of ATZ are 98 lbs. weaklings. I said, “Too many members don’t have to strength required to wheel these weapons for multiple strikes.”

I also said, “No, that is NOT what I said. Weak? That is not what I said at all! I know that 99.99998% of the ATZ members to NOT do repetitive manual labor. (Breaking BIG rocks into lil’rocks.)”

If you and others are so thin skinned and can’t handle the statements, get over it, its your problem not mine.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I never said that I was quoting you. I only said that you hinted at the fact that we were. Don't get your undies all up in a bunch because of what other people understood from your writing.

So back to the topic, AGAIN:

the only use for any melee weapon, in my eyes, are for fight or flight combat. Just a knock over the head here and there to get out of a stick situation or clear a quick path. I really don't see these weapons as fail proof , stand and fight, tools. Anyone who stands in front of a crowd of zeds with a tire iron or baseball bat are going to be a tasty snack.

[JakAttak]

I'd mostly use melee weapons to knock Z's away from me instead of to kill them.

[stark55]

ill ignore the lack of faith for the topic on this thread.

imagine this, a small (90lb.) person who would naturally use a gun most of the time. what weapon should they carry. the light hammer dosnt get far enough into the brain to kill in one blow but if the swing the large hammer the weight crushes through. they would carry the heavier weapon for a reliable kill if a zed should stumble upon them when cleaning there gun or dont have it by. after like 3 weeks they would be used to carrying the weight on there body.

like my dad tells me "let the tool do the work."

[Darkness]

"First I'd like to say, the reason for such threads, as 'Fire and Zombies', 'Blades and Zombies', Clubs, Maces, Etc. and Zombies', etc. is to open the mind to such facts as: 'Sometimes guns run out of ammo at the worse times', 'Some countries don't allow/have guns', 'Sometimes knowing what to grab when nothing else is handy can save your life', and such moments as that."

"We are not saying that these are the best weapons, nor are we saying its the only thing you should use."

"We ARE saying that a good fighter should be able to use ANYTHING handy as a weapon."

"So, though it may not be your first choice in weapons, you never know, at some point it could be your ONLY choice. And we just want to make sure we make the right choice, when such times arise and the choice is limited." :)

[Corpse Grinder]

I agree with Darkness! Look at Roger in Dawn of the Dead ('78): he used a screwdriver that he pulled from the zombie's tool pouch to destroy it!

[Bob]

Roger was one bad dude.
He was kind of losing it though.
I would like to see a sequel of where they went and what they found with the helicopter.

[Darkness]

Roger was one bad dude.
He was kind of losing it though.
I would like to see a sequel of where they went and what they found with the helicopter.

*Darkness nudges Bob.....*

"Dude, wrong topic." :doh: :lol: ;-)

[Bob]

OOPS!
Asleep at the wheel again...

ummm
ummm
Oh Yea
We could probably take a lesson from the Fuedal Japanese Peasants.
Look at all the weapons and techniques they developed from common farming implements.

Looking around my desk I see several things that would make decent improvised weapons. A stainless rod used for straightening cat 5 conductors, a pocket screwdriver a spring loaded spike, my trusty switchblade letter opener, and an empty beer bottle. Can't be wasting good beer on a Zed ya know...

[Zombie Slayer]

Man, could you imagine the destructive power of a mace in full swing? That would put "a hurtin'" on a zed...but all that destructive power obviously comes with a price...tiring your butt out rather quickly IMO. Then again, I don't think that it would take too much of your strength to make this weapon deadly. I have held (but never used of course) several different styles and sizes of maces and from what I remember, those bad boys looked like they could EASILY crack your noggin to :poo: without much effort from the person wielding it. I'm not saying that you wouldn't have to put some power into your swing, I'm just saying that I bet you wouldn't have to swing with all you might for it to be effective. Im sure a half force swing from a mace would be way more destructive than the same with a baseball bat. This is just my opinion and I could be way off. :)

[Dave Of The Dead]

I completely agree with the mace. I test all my weapons against a 2x4 and how many swings it takes to chop, stab, or smash completely through. The mace I made busted through in 2 swings and I consider that a hell of a lot better than a hammer or crow bar, of course without the extra uses of being a tool. The flanged mace is by far more devastating than just an iron ball on a rod.

[stizzorm]

I've always been fascinated by weapons, and I like backyard cutting and bashing garbage. I wound up buying a mace that used to be made by Cold Steel. It is a wicked thing. I've used it on a couple of coconuts, a beer keg, and sheet metal. Scary thing, it is.

I also think that people overestimate the weight and awkwardness of old melee weapons. IIRC there was an episode of mailcall where they were working with Euro melee weapons, and the museum expert informed that most foot soldier's weapons were 2-3 pounds, and that anything heavier compromised handling and sapped the strength and endurance of fighters after very few swings.

[Bob]

I should have bought one of those Cold Steel maces when I had the chance.
The Cold Steel bad axe is kool but I don't know how well it would hold up with repeated use.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I am honestly too scared the wield anything extremely sharp that has a screw on wooden handle. That has disaster written all over it.

[Bob]

Well it doesn't actually screw on, it is held on by a screw.
Even if it was pinned and epoxied it still seems a bit light to me.

[Gummerfan]

I've got a Bad Axe and an Assegai (sp?) spear (which is awesome, btw), and trust me, those heads ain't going nowhere.

[Adam]

Hello All,

Seeing this thread is a nice coincidence for me, because I have
been thinking of just such a weapon for a coupla days now.

Thinking about a flanged mace took me to this idea:

A flanged mace-like weapon, but the business end has a four-pointed
diamond-shaped cross section. It would gently taper outwards until it
came to the tip, which would come to a point, also diamond-shaped.
In other words, kinda sword-shaped, but not flat. This would be attached
to a handle identical to the flanged mace.

To keep weight down to a mangagable level, it could not be TOO thick
or heavy, which is part of the reason I thought of the shape.

The diamond shape would concentrate force to the "edge" and being
made of steel, it would bust a skull like a coconut. Not being thin nor
sharp, it would also not stick, hopefully. The shape would guarantee
a solid hit, no matter how it was held. The tip could be used for thrusting,
and if Zack was on the ground when you did this, he would have a VERY
busted skull.

True, this would NOT be an all-purpose tool, but I imagine it WOULD
make a pretty decent wreaking/pry bar.

Does my description make any sense?

[JakAttak]

Never would have thought of that ,little complex for me give me a baseball bat with a ft. long nail through it any day, but maybe.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think I know what you're talking about. A one-handed pick axe is what I would associate with it the most. So if you just got one of those, you get the best of both worlds as a weapon and tool.

[Darkness]

"Someone told me of a type of weapon, but I'm not sure if it really exists. He said it had a handle and chain, much like a morning star, but on the end of the chain was a type of hatchet head, like the one that swings at the end of a pendelum. (Like in Poe's story.) Any one of you ever heard of this thing?" :think:

[Dave Of The Dead]

"Someone told me of a type of weapon, but I'm not sure if it really exists. He said it had a handle and chain, much like a morning star, but on the end of the chain was a type of hatchet head, like the one that swings at the end of a pendelum. (Like in Poe's story.) Any one of you ever heard of this thing?" :think:

Can't say I have, but I would imagine that it wouldn't be very effective. Yeah, you would be able to sometime get a cut with it or even chop something if you were good, but other times, you would probably just hit with the flat of the blade. You would have to be very good with a weapon like that to use it effectively.

[Redfields]

ERM HELLO?!
Park benches like Frank West (duh) or cameras while filming like that black guy in Quarantine(2008)

Ok back to the serious one, I would think a mace/club that givees you range between you and the zombie.

For bashing and the cracking of the skull, I would not mind a sledge. One that has a long handle and that rectangular block at the top. This way, you can take a huge swing and crack a zombie in the head, hopefully making it stumble to the ground. Then allowing you to bring the sledge over your head and bringing it down, crushing the skull. This is also considered that you are only facing one zombie by itself. If you are facing multiple zombies, you would be using the hip to shoulder level swing from your right side with a sweeping motion to your left.

With this said, that would be for right handers holding the handle with your right hand on top of your left. This would mean vice versa for lefties.

P.S I would not really want to use something like an actual mace due to the fact that I reckon you would be meeting zombies in numbers more than one. With the mace, you would only effectively take out one leaving yourself 'stuck'

-Redfields

[Dave Of The Dead]

ERM HELLO?!
P.S I would not really want to use something like an actual mace due to the fact that I reckon you would be meeting zombies in numbers more than one. With the mace, you would only effectively take out one leaving yourself 'stuck'

-Redfields

And a sledge would do anything more than take out 1 zombie at a time? Don't you think you would get tired faster?

[Nameless1]

Just a thought on clubbing weapons, what about a crowbar. I'd imagine they would be pretty effective as a club and could be used to pull the legs out from under a zed. Not to mention that they are cheap and have several other none weapon uses. Wouldn't you want that in a survival situation.

[Darkness]

"Yes, indeed they would, but they are being discussed in the Close Combat Thread." ;-)

[Redfields]

And a sledge would do anything more than take out 1 zombie at a time? Don't you think you would get tired faster?

STOP dissagreeing with me! :cry:
*Runs away*

Anyway, just gave my opinion :)
But I would not know right now, wait till outbreak day I guess. I am trying to promote my story I wrote in Zombie Books and Comics section. Its by me, the thread titled Fan written story or something, if you are bored, try it out thanks :lol:

[Dave Of The Dead]

Its not that I love to disagree with you or anything, its just that I've thought about this so much that I pretty much have every weapon in mind listed by most useful to least useful with drawbacks to every single one.

[Redfields]

Its not that I love to disagree with you or anything, its just that I've thought about this so much that I pretty much have every weapon in mind listed by most useful to least useful with drawbacks to every single one.

Hmm... Honestly I reckon they should work on an ultimate anti-zombie weapon (besides Frank West).

Anyway, I can't think of a mace right now. I am trying to find one that not only kills but more importantly, can deal with groups either dismembering them, or shoving them for a clear path. Any ideas? Oh and without getting too tired.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Hmm... Honestly I reckon they should work on an ultimate anti-zombie weapon (besides Frank West).

Anyway, I can't think of a mace right now. I am trying to find one that not only kills but more importantly, can deal with groups either dismembering them, or shoving them for a clear path. Any ideas? Oh and without getting too tired.

I don't think any blunt object would have the power to dismember a zombie. And the same goes for creating a path by pushed them away. You might have to resort to the pole-arms thread for that.

[joerrrrrr]

my first choice for blunt weapon is crowbar. not only is it quite applicable to bashing skulls it also has many other uses ( bashing thins open, prying, taking nails out , etc.).

[Birdman44]

I would probably take the crowbar just because it it useful for other things as stated by joerrrrrr. I would go through many other weapons before resorting to a blunt object however. When it comes time to defend myself I don't want to learn by trial and error to see what blunt object will actually work at bashing in a zombie's skull.:drool:

[sk8rmichael]

as far as the mace idea goes it was designed for basing in skulls breaking bones and so forth as i posted on the blades thread O.o but i got redirected lol and they wer ment to break armour it is prob the best wepon i can think of as far as a zombie wepon :D

[Subgenius]

my first choice for blunt weapon is crowbar. not only is it quite applicable to bashing skulls it also has many other uses ( bashing thins open, prying, taking nails out , etc.).

I'm with you there, especially with those heavy duty crowbars. Also, compared to a mace or other Gothic skull bashing weaponry, the crowbar is a fairly common tool that can be found all around. I have two in my garage and another in the trunk of my car. A crowbar has bludgeoning options as well as stabbing and clawing with the bent end. You hit the nail on the head with its versatility as well.

[sk8rmichael]

I'm with you there, especially with those heavy duty crowbars. Also, compared to a mace or other Gothic skull bashing weaponry, the crowbar is a fairly common tool that can be found all around. I have two in my garage and another in the trunk of my car. A crowbar has bludgeoning options as well as stabbing and clawing with the bent end. You hit the nail on the head with its versatility as well.

very true lol iron pipes work to =D haha and other things haha my garage is full of zombie killing wepons (even tho half of its filled with amo) lol

[slayer1222]

http://www.coldsteel-uk.com/store/Brooklyn-Smasher-Brooklyn-Crusher.html

[CAVU45]

http://www.coldsteel-uk.com/store/Brooklyn-Smasher-Brooklyn-Crusher.html

"Assault bats"! Those will be next on the UK weapons ban list.

[Bob]

It's not already???

[kiltedninja]

Polypropelene isn't as durable as they say, I've broken an Escrima stick and Bokken from them already.

[CAVU45]

Polypropelene isn't as durable as they say, I've broken an Escrima stick and Bokken from them already.

Well, you're not supposed to use them as sex toys.

[kiltedninja]

I used them for their purpose, as fighting tools, and that's how I broke the Escrima stick, I broke the bokken by bending it in half and snapping it.

[Bob]

Cav

I am just not going to say anything.

Bob walks away whistling tunelessly.

[Subgenius]

Cav

I am just not going to say anything.

Bob walks away whistling tunelessly.

Bob - Here's a quote for you, enjoy: "Bob doesn't give you anything that you don't already have. Bob doesn't take you anyplace that you aren't already at. Bob doesn't show you anything that isn't already right in front of you." -- The Church of the Subgenius (No, I did not invent the Subgenius. I just use the name as a follower.)

Cav - You DA MAN! I spit up my coffee when I read your post.

[hotlead]

I used them for their purpose, as fighting tools, and that's how I broke the Escrima stick, I broke the bokken by bending it in half and snapping it.

Me thinks thou doest protest too much...................:evil:

[mattifikation]

I want a bat with some sweet tactical rails, a bayonet mount, and laser dot sight. And I want the end of the barrel to be threaded to accept a silencer.

Yes, I did say a "bat" with those things. It'll be interesting to see how long before the Banocrats try to outlaw it.

[JakAttak]

very true lol iron pipes work to =D haha and other things haha my garage is full of zombie killing wepons (even tho half of its filled with amo) lol those pipes can be hella heavy though

[Bob]

Just make sure your bat is not double edged.
If it is then it will be against the law in MA.