Best close combat weapon

[Hitman]

Can y'all straight arm a sledge hammer?


ever see someone touch thier nose with one ?

hold the bottom of the handle with one hand farthest from the head . have it standing verticle and lower it slowly onto thier nose , with thier arm perfectly strait . I've seen very few guys do it . one guy ( a big stocky sort) did it with the 25#er we have at work . I've seen a couple of bloody noses from it too .

[Stankynuts]

ever see someone touch thier nose with one ?

hold the bottom of the handle with one hand farthest from the head . have it standing verticle and lower it slowly onto thier nose , with thier arm perfectly strait . I've seen very few guys do it . one guy ( a big stocky sort) did it with the 25#er we have at work . I've seen a couple of bloody noses from it too .

What does he mean by straight arm?

[Bob]

That's it Hitman!
My Grandfather taught me to do it.

[kiltedninja]

I dunno if I could do that, maybe though, since that seems like it would take a lot of forearm strength, which I'm still working on.

[Bob]

Well if you could do it you could walk around with a sledge hammer and claim it is a forearm exercise device.

[kiltedninja]

My friend's got a thick steel pipe that's about the same length as my Jo, I could get that and fix something equally pointy to the end.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I am still very unsure of a spear-type weapon against zombies. I just need some convincing.

[mattifikation]

Wouldn't it be easier, and produce a more sturdy weapon, to just get a grinder and grind the end of the pipe to a point and then sharpen it?

[kiltedninja]

I was just gonna use a hammer, but that works too.

[homelitexl]

flamethrower nuff said

[Trumble0]

Just cut the end of the pipe at a 45 or greater degree angle and when you stab them you'd be like taking zombie core samples, if you count the rings maybe you can tell how old they are :lol:

[kiltedninja]

I don't think I'll like having zombie core samples, but that was the plan from the beginning, maybe if I were to fill the pipe with something solid, the steel pipe spear would be useful.

[Dbuhos]

Chainsaw of course !
The most bloody way too...

[mattifikation]

Oh goody. Another homelite.

Dude, chainsaws...

1. Loud
2. Guzzle gas
3. Break easy
4. Loud
5. Spit zombie gore in your face and everyone else's
6. Slow
7. Heavy
8. Loud

Did I mention that they're loud? You want to run around with a constant noisemaker? I hope you enjoy the 2 and a half minutes you manage to survive when Z-Day comes.

[Dbuhos]

Erm :lol: still useful even without the motor turned on.
Even so,they would reach at me at an point,so it has no point to don't use it.

[mattifikation]

Ah. Fighting zombies with an "off" chainsaw. And here, I was worried you weren't going to be one of the smart ones. :loon:

[Dbuhos]

:lol::roll: Well,well...even so in chase im geting "Bukkake"'d from all the ways i'd turn it on and charge...i need to make mine way out somehow.

[bandits1]

:lol::roll: Well,well...even so in chase im geting "Bukkake"'d from all the ways i'd turn it on and charge...i need to make mine way out somehow.
I have no idea what you just said. Flip the syntax switch to the "on" position, please.

[Dbuhos]

I have no idea what you just said. Flip the syntax switch to the "on" position, please.

"If i'd be charged by a large horde of zombies,which i can't get out of,i would turn the chainsaw on and charge"

~English is mine mother language !

[Bob]

I think he said he was getting covered with copious amounts of semen from multiple donors.

Another one that needs to stay the frack away from me.

[mattifikation]

You'd be infected after the first zombie you took out with that thing, and so would everyone around you. Chainsaws make lousy weapons, also. I once saw an interview of a man who was a notorious mass murderer. This was a guy who killed people who looked at him wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xopaCQB4XM0

Take a gander at that video.

That's one of the sickest people alive today, and *HE* won't use a chainsaw because it's too messy.

Wise up, son.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think he said he was getting covered with copious amounts of semen from multiple donors.

Another one that needs to stay the frack away from me.

Yeah, thats what I got.... A little too disturbed to take this guy seriously ever again.

[mattifikation]

You took him seriously to begin with? :lol:

[zombieslayer11]

if im in a hurry, im using whatever i got close to me...that maybe a bat, or crowbar...or a gh3 guitar...whatever.
the only way i see it is...if your close enough to a zed to hit it with a melee weapon...your too damn close :lol:
might as well throw your shoes at them. :loon:
but thats just my opinion on it, im picking up whatever i got in hope that it will last.

[Dave Of The Dead]

You took him seriously to begin with? :lol:

I always give a 3 post mercy rule. After the third stupid ass post, I give up until they show a hint of intelligence.

In my opinion, close combat is a last ditch effort. Which is why you need to find a weapon that you can trust your life to when the time comes to deal with a zed face to face.

[kiltedninja]

I'd use my shovel if I had to, but aside from that, I'm stickin with my .45.

[ZombiePunisher]

I chose the baseball bat as my primary weapon but i would choose a katana as my secondary weapon.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I chose the baseball bat as my primary weapon but i would choose a katana as my secondary weapon.

Yeah.... do you have training with a katana?

[kiltedninja]

Stupid is as stupid does Dave. If he uses it and doesn't have the appropriate training, then it means that he's not very smart. I'm gonna use my .45, since it is a CQC weapon essentially.

[MallNinja]

I'm going to agree with Kilted Ninja with the .45. In everyday life a .45 lives on my right hip, so its the closest way for me to defend myself on the spot and if need be fight my way to the truck or house guns.

[kiltedninja]

Plus, I can't shoot the .45 past about thirty yards accurately, that's pretty close.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Plus, I can't shoot the .45 past about thirty yards accurately, that's pretty close.

For the average shooter, thats pretty good. Probably the usual range for a pistol anyway.

[Bob]

I have seen more than a few people shoot and let me tell you a head shot under stress at a moving target 30 yards away with a handgun is tougher than it sounds.

[Darkness]

"Guns are not included in the Close Combat Weapons List. Please get back on topic."

[mattifikation]

What about using the guns as melee weapons?

Because honestly, if I run out of ammo and a zombie gets too close, the quickest reaction is give it a good old fashioned pistol whip since I don't have to holster one weapon and reach for another.

[Darkness]

"That concept is acceptable." :)

[hotlead]

As I've said before, that's what bayonets and buttplates are for.

[kiltedninja]

My uncle gave me a nay on the bayonet lug for the AK. Oh well, when I get my own, I'm putting a bayonet on that bitch.

Bob, in relation to what you said, most combat shooting is done at less than ten yards.

[homelitexl]

kiltedninja i know where an ak is for 300$

[Bob]

Is it a kit or a ready to go bang rifle?
I am interested and have cash.

[kiltedninja]

Yeah, cause I'm not gonna go to Arkansas. No disrespect, but I don't even like the heat and humidity here in Portland. It's all yours Bob.

Besides, It's gonna be a little while before I have $300 in spending money.

[erikebbesen]

i choose other(crowbar)

[ZedHunter]

I still would grab an axe or a sledge hammer before anything else. Heavy yes, but last time I checked I wasnt a 5th grade girl.

[kiltedninja]

I'll get some nunchucks, and become as good as Bruce Lee was with 'em, and kill zombies with those.:lol:

I still prefer something sharp.

Erikebbessen, a crowbar wouldn't be a good weapon IMO, it doesn't really have a grip, no cutting edges, they're heavy, and just generally unwieldy. At least pick up a hammer.

[Dave Of The Dead]

i choose other(crowbar)

Read my evaluation/ rant of crowbars a few pages back. I think a lot of people choose them because a) the Zombie Survival Guide, or b) they play too much Half Life.

[kiltedninja]

I'm gonna go with a machete once funds allows me to afford the Cold Steel Latina Katana, and a pair of nunchaku(maybe). Only if I were super good with Nunchaku.

[Bob]

Good with Chucks?
I was at swinging them once upon a time.
It's like riding a bike, you never totally forget how.
I can still swing a set for a couple of minutes before Arthur freaks out and makes me stop.
You know them Ritis boys don't want you having any fun when you get old.

[bandits1]

I'd take a wrecking bar over a pair of nunchuks on z-day, even if I was an expert at swinging them around.

[erikebbesen]

Read my evaluation/ rant of crowbars a few pages back. I think a lot of people choose them because a) the Zombie Survival Guide, or b) they play too much Half Life.

ozort.com has a weapons rateing page

[kiltedninja]

Have you ever fought with a crowbar? I have and it's hard to grip when your hands start sweating. It doesn't matter what people tell you, A crowbar isn't a weapon, it's not even a good replacement for a weapon.

[Dave Of The Dead]

ozort.com has a weapons rateing page

ozort.com doesn't exist, first of all, and second of all, trust personal experiences when it comes to "the best weapon" situations. Most likely the invisible men of ozort got their ideas the exact same way you did.
"Hey guys! the Zombie Survival Guide is so good! Lets make a list of weapons and take all our sources from this one book!"
"Okay!"

[mattifikation]

Well. With some before-hand modifications, you could probably touch up a crowbar for a more weapon-oriented use. If you had the right crowbar.

You could start with one of those fancy titanium crowbars to deal with the weight problem. Around the part that you intend to hold, you could wrap several layers of duct tape for shock absorption, and then apply skateboard grip tape to the outside of that for traction.

Then take some heavy steel wire, and tightly wrap it around the ends of your handle to make a hand guard and pommel. If you use enough, it will help with balance as well as grip.

Weight and balance are the big problems with crowbars, but I don't doubt their ability to pop a skull.

[Darkness]

"And if you hold it by the hooked end you will, A: Avoid slipping off the end of the crow bar so easily. And B: Avoid getting the hook stuck in a Zombies Skull." :)

[Dave Of The Dead]

I don't know about skateboard grip. No doubt would it be a good grip if you were wearing gloves, but it would very quickly erode the gloves or your skin, depending on how often you used it.

[mattifikation]

I have a knife with a similar material on the grip. It holds like a beast, even when it's wet. I'm not sure if a heavier object would make it worse or not. If so, there's plenty of other materials you could use.

The general idea is to turn the thing into a mace that just happens to have a prying hook on the end. ;-)

[Onslaught]

I don't know about skateboard grip. No doubt would it be a good grip if you were wearing gloves, but it would very quickly erode the gloves or your skin, depending on how often you used it.

I've got skateboard tape on the grip of my pistol and It works great. It isn't as rough on the hands as you might expect, but it does get a bit rough on the back of my lovehandle when carrying for long periods. It may be a bit worse on something like a crowbar though. I'd suggest hockey tape and good gloves. That is, if I were to suggest a crowbar as a weapon, which I don't.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Thats cool. I wouldn't have imagined that as a good hand grip.

[mattifikation]

I've got skateboard tape on the grip of my pistol and It works great. It isn't as rough on the hands as you might expect, but it does get a bit rough on the back of my lovehandle when carrying for long periods. It may be a bit worse on something like a crowbar though. I'd suggest hockey tape and good gloves. That is, if I were to suggest a crowbar as a weapon, which I don't.

Yeah, a crowbar would probably never be ideal as a weapon. But it still definitely makes a name for itself, and if that's what you had in your hand and you really needed to thump a zed you'd probably be able to.

[kiltedninja]

Seriously though, I've gotta say that a decent sized Ball peen hammer would probably be your best bet in H2H combat with zombies. A friend of mine keeps one in his room that has a handle that's about 18 inches long.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I still prefer machetes and other blades more than anything. If it doesn't have an edge, I'm not going to carry it.

[mattifikation]

I don't trust blades to last against skulls.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I don't trust blades to last against skulls.

Hence why you don't swing for the skull, but the spine.

[Bob]

I think in the case of a Latina Katana getting stuck in the skull would be why you lost it more than blade damage.
I have inflicted some serious crap on them when I was a kid.
I bent one somewhat but never broke one.
After a while though they were about as sharp as a piece of sheet metal.
I sharpened them with a grinder and kept on doing stupid stuff with them.

I will look this weekend and I will take a picture of a couple of them that survived from my youth.

[mattifikation]

Hence why you don't swing for the skull, but the spine.

The neck alone is far too small of a target to be able to realistically hit every time. This is especially true for any zombies that are taller than you, then you have to swing your blade up over their arms and shoulders. The rest of the spine is protected from a slashing attack by the rest of the body, unless you attack from behind - also unrealistic to expect to be able to do.

[Onslaught]

The neck alone is far too small of a target to be able to realistically hit every time. This is especially true for any zombies that are taller than you, then you have to swing your blade up over their arms and shoulders. The rest of the spine is protected from a slashing attack by the rest of the body, unless you attack from behind - also unrealistic to expect to be able to do.

Well put.

I have a question:

Why does everyone assume that a blade will get stuck in a zombie?

I know that "his holiness" Max Brooks put forth the idea of a blade sticking in his book, but I feel that it is completely unfounded.

Zombies (tot he best of my knowledge) don't turn to stone when killed. Skulls are chopped into (repeated strikes) with simple machetes every day in some of the more unsavory parts of this planet. The zombie skull (also, to the best of my knowledge) will not close on the blade like a venus flytrap when the blade enters it.

Even if a blade were to become stuck in a corpse, possibly due to vaccuum (not likely considering the coagulated state of the blood and fluids), the weight of the falling ghoul will pull your blade free. I guarantee that there will not be 100+lbs of friction holding your blade into the rotter's head.

Granted, other weapons, like hammers, and crowbars, and whatever other odd-shaped items may become temporarily lodged in a skull or neck due to their shape effectively "die-locking" them in. Once again, this should be easily solved with a slight tug, and gravity pulling the zombie away from you.

Does anyone have information to the contrary?

[erikebbesen]

ozort.com doesn't exist, first of all, and second of all, trust personal experiences when it comes to "the best weapon" situations. Most likely the invisible men of ozort got their ideas the exact same way you did.
"Hey guys! the Zombie Survival Guide is so good! Lets make a list of weapons and take all our sources from this one book!"
"Okay!"

oh im sorry it was .org


http://ozort.org/zombie-handbook/index.php?chapter=Weapons

[Dave Of The Dead]

Pick up a machete and go find a tree, nail a 2ft pace of wood parallel to it at about 6ft high. Now try to strike just above that cross section in the same place as many time as possible. Start moving around, running past, toward, whatever to make it a little harder. It really isn't that hard. Whatever I'm chopping at with a machete, I will strike within an inch or two of my intended target. Hell, I had a friend lob fire wood toward me and I would cut it in half in the air. If you practice enough, you can use a machete as effectively as anything else.

[kiltedninja]

When I was doing Kali, my friend and I worked on accuracy by taking pieces of charcoal and lobbing them at each other and the other person would strike it down with their stick. We'd practice routines where we'd walk circles around each other and strike at each other's sticks with another stick, sparring, anything that we could do to improve accuracy was done.
I've always favored speed and accuracy over power, but don't skimp on power either. It is a good point that people cut through skulls all the time.

Try this, get a coconut and hang it from something, cut it in half with your machete, hatchet, sword, etc...

The hatchet or axe would probably get lodged in a head momentarily, because of the wedge shape, but a sword or machete that's flatter would probably be a good choice.

Dave, your Kukris would be good for skull chopping.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Dave, your Kukris would be good for skull chopping.

Hells yeah! I'm not going to lie, they are probably the best blades I have ever held in my hands.

[kiltedninja]

You should invest in a couple coconuts and test your kukris. A coconut is the approximate density of a human skull.

[mattifikation]

I hear that a lot about coconuts. Density does not equal strength, so I'm not convinced.

[kiltedninja]

You could go cut people's heads in half if that convinces you.

Plus, if you go for a sideways stroke, at like the temple area, then you won't be cutting at the round part of the head so much, which is important to not do.

[speedhacker]

I think I would have to say the shovel. With a sharpened
edge you could cut trough zombies but a blunt weapon
such as a shovel would do amazing damage to the brain
most likely destroying it or at least stop them thinking
about human flesh. :lol:

And then we drink beer :drinking:

[Dave Of The Dead]

You should invest in a couple coconuts and test your kukris. A coconut is the approximate density of a human skull.

I don't know if that's necessary. I've smashed through a 2"x4" in one swing with D'Arcy (Nepalese Kurki). Haven't gone all out with Lesia (Cold Steel Kukri Machete) yet, but I soon will. I'm going to a bonfire this Sunday and I've been given firewood duty... Which mean I'm chopping down a motha****ing tree! :lol:

[kiltedninja]

I think I would have to say the shovel. With a sharpened
edge you could cut trough zombies but a blunt weapon
such as a shovel would do amazing damage to the brain
most likely destroying it or at least stop them thinking
about human flesh. :lol:

And then we drink beer :drinking:

Well, good luck with that. A shovel is not designed to be a weapon, get something like an axe if you want a two handed weapon.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Well, good luck with that. A shovel is not designed to be a weapon, get something like an axe if you want a two handed weapon.

I honestly think a fire axe would be way too much for most of us. Have you ever chopped firewood for more than 20 minutes with one? Not a fun time. And mobility with one is clumsy at best. Small and light is the best way to go. Sure, a huge hammer or axe might suit your fine in a game of Dungeons and Dragons, but swinging an axe, especially at a moving opponent is not as simple as rolling your twenty sided die.

[kiltedninja]

Yeah, I used to cut a lot of wood when I was in Oklahoma with my uncle, it was one of my weekly jobs, and it took my about an hour to cut the wood, I did one hour a week, for six weeks, and it wasn't pleasant.

Yeah, but a shovel's no more of a weapon than a crow bar is, and while an axe or hammer isn't a good weapon, at least it IS a weapon. If you flattened the shovel slightly, you might be working with something, but not as it is normally.

[CAVU45]

A military entrenching tool, especially the older wooden handled ones. They've been used for decades as makeshift CQC weapons.

[Bob]

I think this is where we all join in to sing the refrain from Oklahoma...

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think one of those smaller shovels could be alright, but if you're talking about a full blown work shovel, its use as a weapon would be diminished. Thinking of it, I can't really think of a lot of two handed weapons that would be good for zombie killing. Baseball bat... uhhh can't think of any others.

[kiltedninja]

An E-tool would be a good weapon, but not a full sized shovel.

[CAVU45]

Full size shovel? No way! Too big and akward.

[kiltedninja]

I have determined today, Nunchaku would be a bad weapon to use unless I was really skilled with them.

A jo staff would probably be a decent weapon considering its size advantage compared to other two handed weapons.

[Bob]

Wacked yourself did you?

[mattifikation]

Don't worry kilted, it happens to everyone. I whack myself damn near every night. I definitely need to find a girlfri...

Oh Shit. You guys were talking about something else!

[kiltedninja]

Wacked yourself did you?

No, I had plenty of control, it's just that they seemed to lack any real force behind them when I was hitting the heavy bag. I'm actually quite good at flipping nunchucks around, but it seems that they lack any real killing force. Funy to play with though.

[homelitexl]

get a chainsaw and matt find urself a gurlfrend so we dont have to hear that crap, id go with a sledgehammer last summer i had to use one everyday for 8 hours straight it wasnt to bad but it was hot.

[detpat]

correct, nunchaku aren't a particularly lethal weapon. you need to make a headshot or spinal/neck shot and even then it's a crapshoot.

[bandits1]

I have determined today, Nunchaku would be a bad weapon to use unless I was really skilled with them.

A jo staff would probably be a decent weapon considering its size advantage compared to other two handed weapons.
Really skilled or not, they're pretty lame as an anti-zombie weapon. Think about how many times you'd have to swing it to actually break through the skull(if you break through) and destroy brain-matter. You'd be better off cutting the chain and using each stick as a club.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1458/nunchukfail.gif

[hotlead]

That's the funniest thing I've seen all weekend, you made me giggle out a fart.

[kiltedninja]

On the Deadliest Warrior show, one guy does break the skull, but he's an instructor of some martial art, though it never says which. I just don't have the skill yet. I think if I got a pair of metal ones, and had the necessary skill, I could do it.

[JakAttak]

god if i ever used nunchucks i'would be in a coma from hitting myself so much so if you see me as a zombie just give me nunchucks and i'll take care of the rest.

[kiltedninja]

I'm pretty good with 'em, but every once in a while I'll whack my elbow, or my fingertips or my other hand.

[DeAdLY SiNZz]

i got a piar back home, i'm decent with them.

[slayer1222]

Don't worry kilted, it happens to everyone. I whack myself damn near every night. I definitely need to find a girlfri...


you know what girls are like you will end up whacking your self most night as usual but then you will get the odd brake from it

[bandits1]

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4179/epiczombies.jpg

[kiltedninja]

I've been thinking for a while, even though the ZSG says that just about anything wooden will break after a few battles, how many of us have actually broken a Louisville Slugger? I've broken several wooden katana, while breaking cinder blocks, but even then it took quite some work. So my question is, my zombie loving pals, why the hell do we listen to the ZSG even though we know it's a load of crap?

[Dlwdracos]

Three words...Remington 1100 Tactical

[CAVU45]

I've been thinking for a while, even though the ZSG says that just about anything wooden will break after a few battles, how many of us have actually broken a Louisville Slugger? I've broken several wooden katana, while breaking cinder blocks, but even then it took quite some work. So my question is, my zombie loving pals, why the hell do we listen to the ZSG even though we know it's a load of crap?

I couldn't agree more. it doesn't get much better than a good old Louisville Slugger. As for the ZSG, it's good fiction, nothing more.

[CAVU45]

Three words...Remington 1100 Tactical


Two words...Wrong thread. The firearms thread is elsewhere. This one is for mellee type weapons.

[rogeneck]

i have broken one but it was old with no maintenance and was never used. i was whacking the thing against a tree to get some bark to start a fire with.(see what happens when you arnt aloud to bring your own fire wood) stupid park rangers.

i think a good bat with a nice coat of glossy wax could bust a ton of skulls and never break.

[kiltedninja]

I've been thinking of testing my bokken, they're far heavier than one would believe, and if the stories are true, then Miyamoto Musashi killed a man with one. Kali sticks have also been used to kill people. When they still had the death matches in the Phillipines some people chose to simply use their sticks.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think a while back I posted how much stress a baseball bat goes through in a regular baseball game and concluded that the bat goes through more stress hitting baseballs than it would heads.

[kiltedninja]

Well yeah, a baseball flies at ninety five miles an hour from like, fifty feet.

The only problem now is consistency in striking power.

Also, if you've ever seen the episode of Fight Quest where they break a baseball bat with a kick, don't hit with that part of a bat.

[homelitexl]

I've been thinking for a while, even though the ZSG says that just about anything wooden will break after a few battles, how many of us have actually broken a Louisville Slugger? I've broken several wooden katana, while breaking cinder blocks, but even then it took quite some work. So my question is, my zombie loving pals, why the hell do we listen to the ZSG even though we know it's a load of crap?

easy dude we keep the zsg for two reasons toilet paper and never know when we might need to smack someone, so theres yur ansur

[kiltedninja]

I can smack someone with my hand, but toilet paper is a good use.

[homelitexl]

farting is a good close combat weapon

[Frallon]

Gas'll Kill everything but a zombie

[kiltedninja]

Especially when its from someone who eats as much Thai and mexican food as I do.

[homelitexl]

k a chainsaw then

[Surviving ZDay]

I chose the baseball bat. its fast, lightweight and packs a punch. Its also much easier to find a baseball bat lyign around the house then a chainsaw or machette

[kiltedninja]

I chose the baseball bat. its fast, lightweight and packs a punch. Its also much easier to find a baseball bat lyign around the house then a chainsaw or machette

I dunno where you live, but I have all three of those here at my house. Well the chainsaw's at my grandpa's I think.

[mattifikation]

I know quite a few people who have chainsaws and not bats. Not everyone is into sports.

[Bob]

I have some firearms and no bats.
Perhaps I need to correct that.
I do have several pairs of Nunchaku though does than count?

Should I get aluminum or wood?
Perhaps one of those Cold Steel bats?

[neoanderson9318]

Go for the stainless steel.

I, myself, voted for a machete. Looking back though, I think I should have gone for a baseball bat...

[Bob]

Stainless steel bat?

[CAVU45]

After careful consideration or simply off the cuff, I'd have to say "other", that being a good pistol in a decent caliber.

[homelitexl]

chainsaw i got two and my niehgbor has three all of wich are homelites

[LJHolcon]

Shotgun.

:)

[Kenya]

Get a sword that shoots lighting and is on fire at the blade.

Then shout "SEE YOU ZOMBIES! SEE HERE! IS YOUR NEXT DEATH! HAMI HAMI HAAAA!"

[Bob]

LJHolcon
It is indeed difficult to argue with a 1 ounce piece of lead moving at 1500 feet per second.

[LJHolcon]

LJHolcon
It is indeed difficult to argue with a 1 ounce piece of lead moving at 1500 feet per second.

My answer probably came off as sarcastic... but when I think of CQB with something like a zombie, I imagine one standing 10 yards away from me. I then say what gun would I want in my hands right now?

It keeps coming up 12ga.

[CAVU45]

Can't argue with that. Most of the choices are really melee weapons instead of CQB weapons. CQB isn't necessarily H2H fighting.

[Bob]

I didn't take it as sarcasm, and I agree with you.
A shotgun is not my idea of an ideal weapon for zed.
Low capacity, high recoil, long recovery time.
But when you want to impart the maximum amount of damage in the minimum amount of time it's hard to beat a shotgun.

[mattifikation]

That's why I think shotguns would be great for slowing down fast zombies.

[homelitexl]

them and my favorite Chainsaws

[Bob]

That's probably why I have several tactical shotguns.

Sorry Homelite but I am to old to be trying to start a cranky chainsaw when the zombies are headed my way.
Perhaps if I could get one with an electric starter.

[LJHolcon]

That's why I think shotguns would be great for slowing down fast zombies.

While the oft demeaned phrase "knock down power" is belittled in most gun forums... a 000 buck at center mass is going to create a hundred secondary projectiles out of the ribs and shred everything in its path. I'd say even on something that feels no pain, it's going to cause a stumble.

[Bob]

Only if the target is alive.
Remember the Zed are Dead.
Not only do they not feel pain, they don't breath or pump blood.

It's all about follow up shots.
Again I am a true believer in shotguns but...

[mattifikation]

While the oft demeaned phrase "knock down power" is belittled in most gun forums... a 000 buck at center mass is going to create a hundred secondary projectiles out of the ribs and shred everything in its path. I'd say even on something that feels no pain, it's going to cause a stumble.

That's precisely the benefit. A zombie might not be killed if you destroy its skeletal structure, but it certainly won't be walking anymore. Inability to feel pain does not negate mechanical failure of the skeleton.

I think there would be a lot less confusion if people would say "fall down" power instead of "knock down" power.

[Darkness]

I think there would be a lot less confusion if people would say "fall down" power instead of "knock down" power.

"Good point, Matt."

[CAVU45]

"Stopping power" would probably be a more accurate phrase.

[homelitexl]

chainsaw nuff said

[mattifikation]

Yeah, we heard you. Most of us are aware of the concept of "stupid ideas" though.

[Bob]

After watching Zombieland I am convinced that a Saiga with a 20 round drum is the ultimate weapon when the zombies are infected and not living dead.

[weirdo785]

although if i could i would avoid close combat but i would chose teh katana:)

[Bob]

KN
You going to field this one?

[mattifikation]

0h n0ez, teh katanaz!

[CAVU45]

although if i could i would avoid close combat but i would chose teh katana:)

avoiding close combat yes would be good but teh katana have you ever used one whcih would be good just in case:roll:

[homelitexl]

go for the chainsaw my young padawan

[lakewalker]

Someone mentioned the Cold Steel Bat

Brooklyn Smasher (http://www.coldsteel.com/brooklynsmasher.html)

They have some other interesting items on their specialty page, such as the Indian war club (http://www.coldsteel.com/indianwarclub.html).

I've always found that the Strider Knives company has some interesting products, albeilt out of my price range, such as the CR Hatchet (http://www.striderknives.com/site/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=48&Itemid=26)

Some good last ditch tools there.

[mattifikation]

Hey, homelite. I'm just curious about something.

Gas in storage goes bad after about one year. Gas in long term storage can have special additives put in it that will make it last two years. If zombies take over everything, all the refineries that make new gas will be shut down as the undead hordes overrun them.

So what will you do after two years, when there is no more usable gas available to power your chainsaws?

[Noc]

Those Cold Steel bats looks pretty good. I was thinking of filling a plain aluminum one with sand, but it might take a bit of time, and not work that well.


You guys mention them alot and I've read some write ups, I think a 12 guage Saiga would be a pretty good CQC weapon.

[Bob]

Are aluminum bats completely hollow or are they filled with something?

[CAVU45]

I think they're hollow with a rubber core.

[rogeneck]

it matters some bats have "corked" insides and you can find some bats(even rarer than cork) with a lead inside. its all about what the customer wants and if you want a completely hollow bat and you got the cash they will make it for you.

[Noc]

I assumed they were hollow, or mostly hollow. I thought that was why they dinged so easy.

[kiltedninja]

Theyre hollow. And bob I've given up. I'm done with stupid people. I'll let them enjoy the right to be dumb while they still have it.

[lakewalker]

I've been thinking that if your using a CQW that you must be in a pile of trouble...so if your in an urban environment, you'll want to self rescue as soons as possible, get someplace safe.

Someplace safe normally means a house/building to barricade yourself with, so how about a Forced Entry Tool as a last ditch CQB weapon, such as a mini Halligan Tool (http://www.emergencyresponderproducts.com/miniprobars.html) or try some of the new firefighter "Multitool"s for Forced entry like the Hammermaxx (http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_5577_fire_hooks_unlimited_hammermaxx_tool/), TNT Denver Tool (http://www.tnttoolsinc.com/thetnttools.html), at the very least carry something small to access buildings such as The Small Pry (http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_6344_blackhawk_the_small_pry_dynamic_entry_too l/), or the Stanley Tool Equivalent, The FUBAR Forced Entry Tool (http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=FORCIBLE+ENTRY+TOOLS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=55-121&SDesc=Stanley%26%23174%3B+Fubar%26%23174%3B+Forcib le+Entry+Tool+%2D+18%22)

These are all fairly heavy for normal carry but would aid in self rescue (the only kind probably in Z world) and not as effective as a traditional weapon, but they might be a better option to save yourself.

At least think about getting the full versions like the 30" Halligan Tool (http://www.emergencyresponderproducts.com/30halligantool.html) and and 8lb or 6lb Flat Back Firemans Axe (http://www.firefighteraxe.com/flathead_axe.php) or sledge hammer for your salvage and foraging teams to better access.

I'm tempted to get The Firemans Pickaxe (http://www.firefighteraxe.com/jp_special_pickhead_axe.php)just 'cause it looks so cool. Realistically it is too heavy at 4lbs and ackward for regular carry. Might be good for one Z but not for many.

In regards to self rescue these enrty tools are used when teaching firefighters to get out of a building fast as well. Jam it in the corner of the window, and use your firemans belt with d ring and rescue rope to let yourself out. Might be handy in Z world, right?!

[homelitexl]

Hey, homelite. I'm just curious about something.

Gas in storage goes bad after about one year. Gas in long term storage can have special additives put in it that will make it last two years. If zombies take over everything, all the refineries that make new gas will be shut down as the undead hordes overrun them.

So what will you do after two years, when there is no more usable gas available to power your chainsaws?

i found one that is a four cycle and ive looked it over and i can convert it to propane so no worries propane last forevur

[rogeneck]

all of them useless for fighting except for the hammermaxx. a good old sludge hammer or a fire mans ax is the best if they are walkers. a bat or crow bar like object if they are runners.

[AZombieAttack]

Had to go with the baseball bat just perfect for swinging. Anything sharp may get lodged in the zombie, too heavy and if you get in a pinch you wont be able to swing it fast enough.

[lakewalker]

all of them useless for fighting except for the hammermaxx. a good old sludge hammer or a fire mans ax is the best if they are walkers. a bat or crow bar like object if they are runners.

I did give a nice option in The Fire Fighter 4lb Pick Axe (http://www.firefighteraxe.com/jp_special_pickhead_axe.php).

You might have missed my earlier post in the thread, here (http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showpost.php?p=432394&postcount=891), as I would probably go with something like that and/or a machete. I really like the design of the Zombie Tools Machete (http://zombietools.net/tools/), but not the acid wash they are doing, not exactly low key is it?

And I've been thinking about it since I posted.

Having a tool that can get you into a safe place and be used if needed as a weapon would be a great addition to most people's arsenal. Don't get to stuck on attacking, but think about defending yourself and getting someplace safe. Which the tools I referenced (http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showpost.php?p=432715&postcount=899) would help you with. I think a much needed addition to everyone's arsenal.

I guess when I think of CQW in regards to Zombies, I'm thinking Oh S#$%, get me out of here, and what is the best way to get safe. Thus Best Close combat weapon is one I can use to get somewhere safe, yet still defend myself with.

That's my line of thinking anyway.

[mattifikation]

Screw low key. That's hot as hell!

[AZombieAttack]

all of them useless for fighting except for the hammermaxx. a good old sludge hammer or a fire mans ax is the best if they are walkers. a bat or crow bar like object if they are runners.

Just cant agree here, have you ever nailed a tree with a pointed object as hard as you can? More than likely you are going to have to use some opposite force to remove the blade.

Besides other.... My choice is baseball bat no matter if they are slow walkers or runners. I can keep 6 to 7 people at bay (people now, not braindeads) with a bat. You can make a complete 180 and loose no power. Turn once and you cover 360* in a matter of a second 2 if you're slow.

Now if I choose other I'm going for a titanium mace with a 6 inch titanum blade and solid aluminum shaft with an iron ball counter weight on the other ends. Skikes on the mace are pyramid in shape and only 1/4 of an inch tall. Just to shred with....... yeah......

[CAVU45]

Keeping six or seven live people at bay with a baseball bat is possible. But zeds wouldn't be intimidated by a show of force nor fear the consequences of getting clocked by a bat. They would just keep on attacking.

[lakewalker]

Screw low key. That's hot as hell!

Yes the Zombie tools Machete (http://zombietools.net/tools/)is great.

It's just most of the gear that I am getting, I would like to have multiple uses, such as hunting and camping. Having the blade acid etched just gives it more of "cool" or high speed gucci gear look, than the utilitarian look I'd like to have for my gear.

[rogeneck]

The Rough and Ready Bone Machete looks nice because it looks like it has a beer bottle opener.:drinking:.

[lakewalker]

The Rough and Ready Bone Machete looks nice because it looks like it has a beer bottle opener.:drinking:.

That one does look good too. Hmmm no knuckle guard, but a traditional looking machete, I might have to think about getting that one.

[hunter punter]

base ball bat!!!! chainsaw

[hunter punter]

look at my best melle choice

[Unassigned]

I would have to say an ASP baton, Entrenching Tool, 15'' machete and/or a medium length crowbar.

[hunter punter]

a ak 47
:):):):):):evil::puke::::-(

[homelitexl]

a chainsaw or a nuke

[neoanderson9318]

Um... I don't think you should classify a "nuke" as a close combat weapon...

And the chainsaw....Just no...

[homelitexl]

dude im sure i know wat im doing and yes to both

[the_velociraptor]

dude im sure i know wat im doing and yes to both

You barely can type on a computer, let alone handle a nuclear device.

[rogeneck]

its hard to type with your feet and after that chain saw accident homelite is very shooken up about it all. please take it easy on him.
lol

so what about putting a chain saw in a door way so that if a zombie wanted to go through it would decapitate its self

[AZombieAttack]

The problem with the chainsaw it there is too much noise IMO, could attract more Z's. Plus there is allways the potential of you seriusly injuring yourself with it, if you are jumped from behind. Not to mention fuel, and not just any fuel it must be mixed with 2 stroke oil....huge disadvantage in my book.

I went with baseball bat on this one, but if I had my choice of any, I'd say a 5 pound head sledgehammer with a 3 and a half foot oak handle, and a hole drilled with a leather strap I can put my wrist through.

One hit with that and game over. You dont even have to aim for the head one knee shot will put it down. Plus chainsaws are not the easiest of weapons to yeild. The balance is not made for swinging.

[the_velociraptor]

Going to re-type my rant:

Yes, I know, it's not common sense, but after playing WAY TOO MANY video games that encourage the use of a chainsaw against zeds, I say it's only useful as a panic weapon in home defense, maybe saw off limbs or necks as they climb. It's also probably a great morale booster.

[AZombieAttack]

Going to re-type my rant:

It's also probably a great morale booster.


:) lol, yeah I guess so

[homelitexl]

still my weapon of choice

[the_velociraptor]

still my weapon of choice

I hope the nuke goes off while you're still near it.

[homelitexl]

i meant the chainsaw and i hope yer weapon beraks on u

[Dave Of The Dead]

Really? I'm gone for a month and Homelite is still quailing about chainsaws. There are so many variants of close combat weapons and so many would be effective against zombies. Why would you tie yourself down to one that obviously has little advantages compared to so many others?

[jscott2250]

i would use a crowbar. it is light, easy to handle, noiseless, can EASILY smash a skull,or you can use it to impale a z in skull. on top of all this, it can be used for other things, like opening a door, breaking open a window, or prying open something else you could not do by hand.

[mattifikation]

Really? I'm gone for a month and Homelite is still quailing about chainsaws. There are so many variants of close combat weapons and so many would be effective against zombies. Why would you tie yourself down to one that obviously has little advantages compared to so many others?

Welcome back.

I think homelite fell and hit his head. He's dumber than ever, to the point where it's actually irritating now. Plus he's converted to nazism or something. Let him have a chainsaw. With his intellect, it'll just be a matter of time before he licks it to see what it tastes like.

[homelitexl]

same old matt i see and dude ive been merging into a national socialist only on certain points not the jew thing just how to run the govermant mainly
and its an easy answer im just good with chainsaws i know how to run rebuild reapir and break them

[mattifikation]

I think that's the best I've ever seen you type, and the most coherent and rationed response I've seen you give to anything, ever.

Maybe there is hope for you, yet.

[Rhonin]

If I had to chose a short range weapon I might use a boken (japanese wooden sword). A bit heavier than a bat, but much better. It packs WAY more of a punch and it's sole purpose is to crack skulls.

Oh and my first post so I hope I did good.

[homelitexl]

I think that's the best I've ever seen you type, and the most coherent and rationed response I've seen you give to anything, ever.

Maybe there is hope for you, yet.

i actualy have an iq of 125 i just play dumb so people will leave me alone

[AZombieAttack]

I just cant say enough I think a chainsaw, and any sharp object is a a bad choice. I allready expresed why I thought a chainsaw was, but if your sharpt weapon gets lodged into the zombie while you are surrounded....you're screwed.

[mattifikation]

If you're in close combat with more than one zombie, you're screwed either way.

[Faran Brigo]

Against a Dawn remake zombie yeah, against the dumb and slow Romero originals probably not, considering (just off the top of my head) Ben and the black cop from the original dawn fought off several zombies up close without any fancy moves or equipment.

[AZombieAttack]

Against a Dawn remake zombie yeah, against the dumb and slow Romero originals probably not, considering (just off the top of my head) Ben and the black cop from the original dawn fought off several zombies up close without any fancy moves or equipment.

True, however either way I would want to do maximum damage with minimal exertion (faster swinging). I think its pretty basic.

[Onslaught]

i would use a crowbar. it is light, easy to handle, noiseless, can EASILY smash a skull,or you can use it to impale a z in skull. on top of all this, it can be used for other things, like opening a door, breaking open a window, or prying open something else you could not do by hand.

Jscott: have you ever swung a crowbar in anger? I know that it Can be used as a weapon, but it is not, and was never intended to be a weapon. The balance is horrible leading to overextension on a swing, and the other end is not really well suited for stabbing as it is angled out of line with the shaft and usually not that sharp. The reverberation through the shaft when you strike something solid is not a happy feeling. To each his own, but it helps to think things through.

I am curious as to what you think you will be prying open with a crowbar. Most all storefronts have glass doors in metal frames. Pry one of those and you will bend the frame, breaking the glass. Why not just break the glass in the first place? ALL residential doors swing IN. There will be no prying them open, battering is the order of the day. Any prying open of "crates" can be accomplished with a claw hammer. [By the way, almost nothing useful is shipped in crates, it's all either corrugated cardboard or shrinkwrapped pallets]

AZombieAttack:

Why would a blade get lodged into a zombie? Under what circumstances do you think a blade would get irretrievably stuck?

When I envision the use of a blade against a zombie I see a short (18-20") blade, much like a large kukri, being swung horizontally-ish at about lower-ear level. This path would take the blade through the central nervous system and brain stem. The blade would not have to be sharp enough to shave with or even sharp enough to cut skin with a draw-cut. As long as there is a 60* angle or less, it'll do it's job. The trauma caused by the blade crushing it's way through the skull will cause enough fracturing that the blade will slip free of the ghoul's head quite freely as gravity takes the now deanimated corpse to the ground.

Chopping into a skull will be nothing like chopping wood. the skull doesn't have the resiliance or surface area of wood. Simple friction will not be great enough, over the tiny ammount of surface area involved,to hold the blade in place as gravity pulls 80lb of zombie away from it.

Speaking of my ideal blade, I've got a few mockups ready. When I get back home I'll post some pics somewhere. The mockups will later be used to check size and proportion as I forge their real steel counterparts from 5160 spring steel.

Also, the E-tool issued to russian WWII troops is quite an awesome little tool/weapon. If I had to press a tool into service as a weapon, it'd be that one. check out "deadliest warrior" to see what it, and other weapons can really do.

[homelitexl]

chainsaw any1

[Onslaught]

I would really like to see a "deadliest warrior" style body surrogate come up against a chainsaw.

[AZombieAttack]

AZombieAttack:

Why would a blade get lodged into a zombie? Under what circumstances do you think a blade would get irretrievably stuck?

When I envision the use of a blade against a zombie I see a short (18-20") blade, much like a large kukri, being swung horizontally-ish at about lower-ear level. This path would take the blade through the central nervous system and brain stem. The blade would not have to be sharp enough to shave with or even sharp enough to cut skin with a draw-cut. As long as there is a 60* angle or less, it'll do it's job. The trauma caused by the blade crushing it's way through the skull will cause enough fracturing that the blade will slip free of the ghoul's head quite freely as gravity takes the now deanimated corpse to the ground.

Chopping into a skull will be nothing like chopping wood. the skull doesn't have the resiliance or surface area of wood. Simple friction will not be great enough, over the tiny ammount of surface area involved,to hold the blade in place as gravity pulls 80lb of zombie away from it.
.


Didn't say that, what I said 'perhaps indirectly, my fault' was that it could get lodged making it more difficult to remove, in short more time. No doubt a sharp edged weapon will get you more kills. However IMO, in a survival situation I do not want anything slowing me down, anything. I'm also not so much concerned about killing them if its close combat as I am at disabling them or knocking them down, then getting outta there.

[AZombieAttack]

But well said about the crowbar I totally agree.

[Onslaught]

Didn't say that, what I said 'perhaps indirectly, my fault' was that it could get lodged making it more difficult to remove, in short more time. No doubt a sharp edged weapon will get you more kills. However IMO, in a survival situation I do not want anything slowing me down, anything. I'm also not so much concerned about killing them if its close combat as I am at disabling them or knocking them down, then getting outta there.

I agree that the blade is a weapon used to fight your way out of a tight spot, not a primary, or even a secondary weapon. My biggest reason for going with the blade over a blunt object is the ammount of space and power required for it to do it's job effectively. Bats, pipes, and other clubs require you to have enough room to swing them. Due to the large surface area on the strike face of such a weapon, more force is needed in order to get the same results. More force means more room to build momentum and more physical exertion. Deadly/disabling swings with a club are going to be slower and more tiring for the user as a rule. I can't swing a baseball bat in a hallway.

I hope you don't think that I'm saying that blades and only blades are acceptable, I'm not. I'm just saying that when you use a sturdy blade, physics is on your side.

[kiltedninja]

I'd go with a machete, that's what I have, that's what I know how to use, and that's what I'd use.

[AZombieAttack]

I agree that the blade is a weapon used to fight your way out of a tight spot, not a primary, or even a secondary weapon. My biggest reason for going with the blade over a blunt object is the ammount of space and power required for it to do it's job effectively. Bats, pipes, and other clubs require you to have enough room to swing them. Due to the large surface area on the strike face of such a weapon, more force is needed in order to get the same results. More force means more room to build momentum and more physical exertion. Deadly/disabling swings with a club are going to be slower and more tiring for the user as a rule. I can't swing a baseball bat in a hallway.

I hope you don't think that I'm saying that blades and only blades are acceptable, I'm not. I'm just saying that when you use a sturdy blade, physics is on your side.

I know what you mean about the 'swinging' factor, but wouldnt you not have to swing a blade too? Plus a blunt object could also be thrusted not swung if you're in a tight spot. Im also not saying I would tose a blade away...but..... gotta go with my gutt on this.

[kiltedninja]

Personally, I like blades, but go with your gut, that's what matters is what you know how to use. Because it could be the most effective weapon in the world, but if you can't use it then it's not worth shit.

[Onslaught]

Personally, I like blades, but go with your gut, that's what matters is what you know how to use. Because it could be the most effective weapon in the world, but if you can't use it then it's not worth shit.

Absolutely.

I could have access to a fighter jet, but all I could do is drain off the gas.

[kiltedninja]

So I'm going to leave you with that little bit of wisdom and another, which is use what you know, and capitalise on what you can use instead of wishing you had something else.

[Onslaught]

So I'm going to leave you with that little bit of wisdom and another, which is use what you know, and capitalise on what you can use instead of wishing you had something else.

And furthermore, ALWAYS seek to expand what you know. Versatility is the best weapon of all.

[Zombiehunterdude]

About the bat thing it takes 400 pounds of pressure to break it so unless your Chuck Norris I'd say your good.

[AZombieAttack]

About the bat thing it takes 400 pounds of pressure to break it so unless your Chuck Norris I'd say your good.


Dont forget about the light weight aluminimum bats, but I agree your not going to break a well made oak bat on a zombie. You're going to put a serios dent in its head :evil:

[kiltedninja]

My baseball bat has put ribcages out of commission.

[Faithful John]

At first I went with the machete, but now I'm thinking about the shovel too. It can be used as a blunt weapon, a slashing weapon and a spear, which I am pretty good at, doing some medieval fighting lol.

I would basically go with both machete and shovel :-)

[homelitexl]

my chainsaw and my trench spikes shall work

[AZombieAttack]

My baseball bat has put ribcages out of commission.


Yeah a nice oak batt is ptretty much going to break about any bone you swing at (provided you get some force behind it)

[homelitexl]

my trench spikes used to be railroad spikes

[rogeneck]

my rail road spikes used to be babys rib cages

[kiltedninja]

Yeah a nice oak batt is ptretty much going to break about any bone you swing at (provided you get some force behind it)

Mine is aluminum. I'll post a picture of it some time.

Also, homelite, I've thought about doing that, since I find train spikes alot, but I can't decide on how I'd put the brass knuckles and the spike together.

[homelitexl]

i used a welder at my school to make them

[kiltedninja]

Ah, I don't have one of those.

[AZombieAttack]

i used a welder at my school to make them

lol...sweet....

[kiltedninja]

I'm getting a Cold Steel Kukri machete soon, I'll post my opinion when I do. But my current machete is very...machete like.

[Onslaught]

You may also want to look into the meyerco hatchet/machete. It's a little short, 18"OAL 12"blade, but it is not your typical brush blade. It's 1/4" thick at the tang.

[Littlejon126]

Honestly, the best "close combat" weapon is your pistol. The zombie isn't going to try to disarm you like a human attacker would, nor do they know Krav Maga, nor are they going to reflexively dodge the muzzle. All you have to do is squeeze the trigger with the barrel a few inches away from his temple. Practical range of a pistol isn't much more than about 10 yards, and 3 yards can be easily closed on foot by a human in less than a full second from a dead stop.

Not to deviate from the obvious theme, I would honestly say that a real deal medieval polearm would be your best choice - and yes, you can still purchase quality ones. I'm an informal ARMA study (and former SCA poleman), and one of my favorite retailers sells them, but they aren't cheap - but these things are TOUGH. You might want to purchase a couple of extra handles to keep on hand or learn to make your own. Every continent has used some variation of polearm, and some private military forces still use them ceremoniously - the Pope's Swiss Guard being the most noted example.

There are plenty of resources online regarding learning how to use them but that's not really necessary. You really only need to know two or three basic strikes (downward, upward and across at eye level) and a little bit about ranging - that's it. It's not even hard to practice either as a common tire swing makes for a great polearm target. Anyone could efficiently dispatch small groups of Zeke using a polearm as long as they played it smart and were strong enough to properly use it. This is all assuming that you're not a total lard*ss or couch potato because it requires decent cardiovascular endurance and a lot of strength to be effective, but all melee weapons do.

PROS:

Arguably better than anything else for "melee" zombie work in open areas
Very lethal against armed human raiders
Range and power
Easy to learn
Defensively and offensively balanced

CONS:

Expensive (anywhere from $200-500)
Requires advanced proficiency when used indoors or in very close range
Physically demanding - requires a lot of strength to be effective.
Greater maintenance requirements (wooden shaft, rust prevention)
Nerd factor - almost as nerdy as the katana-wielding wannabe samurai, but this could be a PRO too?

[Darkness]

"Yes, but we have threads on Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns and stuff already."

[rickbreck]

Okay, with all due respect to the swords and axes and spears, whenever I think "close combat" or "melee" weapon I always think improvised weapon, and I always think of the dangerous implements out in my garage (okay, it's my ex-wife's garage now, but that's beside the point.)

I have two garden implements that I'd consider for Zack attack:

1.) The sharpshooter or drain spade. Long narrow blade, 14-16" x 4-5", on a stout hickory "D" handle. I'd probably saw off the "D" part, maybe drill a hole thru the end for a wrist strap. I think that just as it comes out of the tool bucket I could swing it overhand and split a skull. I think that sharpened, and with practice, practice, practice, a person could thrust it and split a skull - maybe lop off a head.

2.) The potato fork. A four tined fork for digging up potatoes or other root vegetables (or for just turnining over the garden soil.) The tines are tempered steel, kind of flat, not needle-like like a hay fork. I think you could cut off the outside two tines, at the back, right where the steel makes it's right angle bend toward the point. The 3-4" nubs left behind you could sharpen like an axe. Sharpen the two remaining, center tines and you've got a thrusting weapon that would go thru the eyes into the brain, or an swung like an axe it would either split the skull or puncture it, and since the "blade" isn't flared like an axe, I dont' think it would stick too badly.

But just in case, there's also an axe, an aluminum bat, a 36" crowbar and a 48" section of 1 1/4" closet rod dowel standing in the same tool bucket.

[AZombieAttack]

Again... sorry to beat a dead hourse... but melee weaopns that incorperate puncturing a zombie...IMO bad Idea. Sure if you are facing 1 zed you could probably take him down easy....however..... faced with 3 or 4, you would run the risk of loosing valuable seconds (or even your weapon) should it become lodged in the zombie and not easily removed for attacking the next. Give me a 5 pound sledge any day over the famed katana of sharp weapon.

1 hit (anywhere) will do the trick with no worry of being slowed down by trying to pull a sharp object out of a zed.

[Manus]

I'd probably stick with a shovel at first. Nobody in my home really plays sports, and I'm the only person in my house who's willing to commit an act of violence, so we have no real weaponry. I'd snag a shovel from right outside the door and then try to upgrade to a bat or a gun as quickly as possible. If a shovel was unavailable, I'd grab an alternate blunt object and improvise a lightweight weapon. most likely the fire-poking crowbar, or a... aw damn, crowbar is the only option other than a shovel.

[kiltedninja]

Look for a means of getting a machete manus, a hammer, or a louisville slugger. You don't need to be a baseball player to have a bat, alot of people have them. a shovel...I'm not sure how good as a weapon it would be, due to the angled head, and the lack of a real edge, you'd probably fvck it up real quick.

Even a little hatchet or an axe is good.

[homelitexl]

manus get a chainsaw its a good weapon

[Littlejon126]

manus get a chainsaw its a good weapon

Not really. A chainsaw is not meant for flesh and bone, it's meant for wood. It's awkward, a logger's chainsaw can't be used effectively with one hand because it's big and requires fuel, not to mention maintenance for the chain. Blood, brains and guts would foul it up pretty quick too, just like wet wood does. It's loud too, and screams to anyone or any zombies listening "I'm here and I have a chainsaw."

Let's think logically here... Try using a chainsaw to cut up a pumpkin, and then transition to the rifle on your shoulder. How're you going to drop the chainsaw? Gotta train every time the same way. Just gonna drop it on pavement? Or waste time carefully setting it down? Now try this with your bug out bag over your shoulder, or if it doesn't have a shoulder strap, in your hands... that chainsaw wouldn't get lugged along very far. If I were attacked by some nut with a chainsaw, I'm pretty sure I could outrun them. Try running with a chainsaw.

Good things about a chainsaw - cool factor (who cares??), psychological boost (maybe??), harvesting firewood for winter. That's about it.

KiltedNinja is definitely right; a good baseball bat or a good hammer would probably be your greatest friend if you can't get immediate access to a better weapon. It's also relatively portable too, and super easy to practice with. Durability and reliability are exceptional for both.

I would avoid machete because finding a quality one is much more difficult than you'd think - the one's at walmart are not good. They need to be made out of quality high carbon steel, otherwise they just won't be durable enough for combat against zombies.

[Onslaught]

snip
PROS:
CONS:


I agree completely with your first paragraph. It is a "modern dagger".

I have issues with a polearm though. Nobody who has access to a firearm is going to stand around in an open area and dispatch the undead for fun. If it's open enough for a spear/halberd, it's open enough to get the hell out of there. Melee (for the sane, who want to survive) will only happen when one is cornered, or when one is trying to go unnoticed. Carrying a 5'+ spear around for such duty seems a bit inconvenient. There is no doubt that the polearm is THE premier handheld/non-projectile weapon. However it is much like the shotgun of the melee world. It is extremely powerful, but unwieldy and inconvenient to the point that it becomes a burden given the task at hand.

[DarthJoe8]

Not really. A chainsaw is not meant for flesh and bone, it's meant for wood. It's awkward, a logger's chainsaw can't be used effectively with one hand because it's big and requires fuel, not to mention maintenance for the chain. Blood, brains and guts would foul it up pretty quick too, just like wet wood does. It's loud too, and screams to anyone or any zombies listening "I'm here and I have a chainsaw."

Let's think logically here... Try using a chainsaw to cut up a pumpkin, and then transition to the rifle on your shoulder. How're you going to drop the chainsaw? Gotta train every time the same way. Just gonna drop it on pavement? Or waste time carefully setting it down? Now try this with your bug out bag over your shoulder, or if it doesn't have a shoulder strap, in your hands... that chainsaw wouldn't get lugged along very far. If I were attacked by some nut with a chainsaw, I'm pretty sure I could outrun them. Try running with a chainsaw.

Good things about a chainsaw - cool factor (who cares??), psychological boost (maybe??), harvesting firewood for winter. That's about it.



Littlejon :guns:meet homelitexl :saw:, homelitexl :saw: meet Littlejon:guns:.

:drinking:

[kiltedninja]

So I didn't say it like I thought I did, but I meant look for a means of obtaining a good machete. I hear talk that Cold Steel makes a mean ass machete. I'm looking at getting one soon, just as soon as I can get in contact with a friend of mine named spare cash.

[Littlejon126]

So I didn't say it like I thought I did, but I meant look for a means of obtaining a good machete. I hear talk that Cold Steel makes a mean ass machete. I'm looking at getting one soon, just as soon as I can get in contact with a friend of mine named spare cash.

The Cold Steel Machete's are EXCELLENT. I have a Bolo, 16 or 17 inches (I think?) Looks to be made from old leaf springs, tougher than nails. All of their entry level "cheapies" are solid and well worth their price tags. The sheaths that they come with aren't half bad either. If you get something like an Accusharp sharpener, they're easy to keep a serviceable edge on as well. I've seen the Bolo model for as low as $11 online.

I have one problem with mine - the handle is pretty inferior. In fact, it's downright dangerous for someone with larger hands as the grip is small. It's also very low traction, and retention in downward slashes is SCARY. To remedy this, I've purchased skate board grip tape (it's like sandpaper that's tacky on the back) and taped a 1 inch wide strip on the sides and back of the handle. Gotta wear gloves to swing it now without eating up your hand, but in the future I might consider regripping it.

All in all, I am quite happy with my CS bolo machete, especially after the pricetag is considered. It's chopping ability is remarkable.

In response to Onslaught regarding polearms:
Definitely true - lugging around a poleaxe is certainly going to be a pain. It's not exactly what one would consider portable, and concealment is completely out of the question. It's not exactly something you're going to be able to pull into a car when you get in....:doh:

[kiltedninja]

I was looking at a kukri machete, I have fairly normal sized hands, so I'm not worried about that. But you might want to get something better than grip tape, if you can, I'd get something like electircal tape.

[angekfire]

I like chinese sabers for this purpose. If you know how to use them they require very little space to be effective, since the blade curvature allows you to wrap them around your body easily, and they gain a lot of momentum very quickly, so they can effectively hack of limbs (or heads). They are fairly similar to a machete in that respect.

If you know how to use a Katana, that can easily work too, but it needs to be of the highest quality.

Polearms are likely to be trapped. Trying to defend a doorway with one might work okay, but chances are they will close in past your range fast enough, and you're screwed and either have to retreat, swicth weapons, or die.

[homelitexl]

uh im the chainsaw pro on her jonny boy and it will work

[Littlejon126]

uh im the chainsaw pro on her jonny boy and it will work

Chainsaw Pro? You know, maybe you could give a few reasons WHY you think it's going to work to support your case, rather than just telling me that it's going to work. Give me some sort of explanation. To help you out, I have some well-intended questions with which to humor the members of ATZ. They're not meant to discredit you as a person - though your responses might do so if they're not well thought out.

1) Why use your chosen weapon over another similar one? In this case, let's compare the chain saw to any other melee weapon of your choice.

2) What do you intend to do with zombies that are far away?

3) How do you intend to be stealthy with your weapon if need be?

4) Fuel? How you gonna carry that fuel?

5) How do you intend to transport your weapon?

6) What happens if your chainsaw breaks down? You got a back-up chainsaw or another weapon?

7) How are you going to coordinate with a team using your chosen weapon?

8) Maintenance?

Good luck with the questions Chief. By the way, I've lived on a farm for most of my life and had to use chainsaws every late summer/early fall to collect firewood, since I was about 10 years of age. I'm a pretty good judge of their capabilities, and what they can and cannot do well.

[AZombieAttack]

uh im the chainsaw pro on her jonny boy and it will work


There is also various chains you can buy that serve different purposes. While a chainsaw is not my first (or even in the top 5) choice I would darn sure use it over other types of melee weapons.

[kiltedninja]

I've never owned or operated a chainsaw, so I don't think I'll be using one as a weapon anytime soon.

[Onslaught]

hehehehe, obvious/persistent troll is obvious/persistent.

It's actually kind of funny. Because at least I know he's doing it on purpose. The katana klan on the other hand are actually serious.

[kiltedninja]

I wouldn't even use a katana, and I'm trained to use it. I need something much lower maintainance.

[homelitexl]

i just know how 2 run 1

[Littlejon126]

hehehehe, obvious/persistent troll is obvious/persistent.

It's actually kind of funny. Because at least I know he's doing it on purpose. The katana klan on the other hand are actually serious.

I hope you're referring not referring to me... calling someone to task isn't trolling.

[Onslaught]

no, no, no. I know you haven't been here long enough, but homelite's schtik is to troll the weapon boards with praise for the allmighty chainsaw. Just carry on as usual.

Ask anyone, I am no stanger to taking people to task for mall ninja stupidity. Homelite on the other hand is just getting some lulz. Calling him out will do you no good.

[Thiefx100]

They can't grab you if you slice off their hands!
Machete!

[kiltedninja]

Make sure you invest in a good machete though, some of the machetes I've seen downright suck. Everyone here will tell you that.

[Sammo909]

But doesn't that leave you to be jabbed by pointy bits of arm bone? That would also make it slightly more dangerous if you had to grapple with a Zed.

[Onslaught]

But doesn't that leave you to be jabbed by pointy bits of arm bone? That would also make it slightly more dangerous if you had to grapple with a Zed.

Well, the idea is to get the hands/arms with the first swing and follow immediately with a killing blow, or possibly to momentarily stop another threat. Sometimes the hands/arms may be in the way of the killshot and need to be removed first.

Even chopping off the hands with a quick swipe and then giving a good stiff kick to the chest/pelvis could work well because there would be no danger of them grabbing on.

[homelitexl]

depending on the chain and engine size a chainsaw would be a good weapon

[Findecan]

For close combat, I'd choose the baseball bat or crowbar. Great bludgeoning weapon, can be used to push zeds away. For last resort, I'd use a light hammer. Again, great for bludgeoning and pushing zeds away by chin!

Short, sharp weapons like daggers will just kill you. The blood might spatter onto you, and it might take too long getting the zed off you. The biggest problem with the dagger lies in the human heart.

Let's be realistic, gouging an eye is like cutting the flesh from a fruit; it's a fine motor skill. When the fear kicks in and the heart rate and adrenaline goes through the roof, and with a hulking zed too close for comfort, gouging the eye is an extremely difficult thing to do. You are likely to miss and scrape against the skull. And no, none of us are ninjas anyway, even those who claim to be trained ninjas. Once the fear and adrenaline kicks in, might as well slit your own throat.

A weapon which requires non-specific, simpler motor movements such as bludgeons are your best bet. Even machetes and hatchets might give problems and get stuck, though I do not doubt their destructive force. Katanas are excellent for decapitation, but not in a crammed area.

[homelitexl]

good luck katanas suk ill stick 2 my saw live by the saw die by the saw

[Littlejon126]

It'll probably be the latter Homelitexl - die by the saw. It's a crappy weapon. Maybe if you had more imagination you would realize how much junk the chainsaw is for use as a weapon. In a one-to-ten rating system, ten being best, I'd give the chainsaw a solid "2" because it's slightly better than an uncooked hot dog for self defense. I'm done; I'm not speaking of chainsaws again unless in the context of collection of firewood or other more practical chores.

I have been doing some thinking, but I think that a great "double duty" item would be a good walking stick. I do a lot of day hiking (at least once a week) at local parks here in the Saint Louis area, and I've found that a good hiking stick is handy for backpacking and could definitely serve as a defensive tool if needed. Its also very handy for helping split the load you're carrying - my 3 day kit, weapons and ammo is pretty heavy when I try to tote it all.

Sure, it wouldn't qualify for best melee weapon, but I think it would certainly be effective in multiple roles, especially if you get or make one made out of heavy, dense wood.

[rogeneck]

lol chain saw beat wooden walking stick:saw:

[homelitexl]

roges rite jonnyboy u take ur stick ill take my saw well see who will win

[AZombieAttack]

I was looking at a kukri machete, I have fairly normal sized hands, so I'm not worried about that. But you might want to get something better than grip tape, if you can, I'd get something like electircal tape.


My 2 cents.... if you're going this rout drill a hole for a leather strap to go around your wrist. Ive been harping on the sledge hammer as my choice but even with this I would want to do the same.

Say the handle gets bloody and slippery, last thing you want to do is have to bend down and pick it up should you drop it.

[Onslaught]

My 2 cents.... if you're going this rout drill a hole for a leather strap to go around your wrist. Ive been harping on the sledge hammer as my choice but even with this I would want to do the same.

Say the handle gets bloody and slippery, last thing you want to do is have to bend down and pick it up should you drop it.

Lanyards on bladed weapons can get tricky. You don't want to just sling it over your wrist. If you let go, it could swing around on you. You need to wrap the lanyard around the back of your hand and over the thumb. This way, it is unlikely to go flying forward, and if it does go flying it moves away from your body.

Walking sticks are good, but what if you're carrying a rifle? Also, a stick caries the same length penalty as a long sword, or bat, or spear. You will primarily be staying out of the open areas in order to avoid detection (if you plan on scavenging supplies). This means houses/buildings. This means you won't have room to swing and you'll be forced to push. I can push with my foot.

[mattifikation]

I still think a collapsible stun baton would be good. It stores easily, they're built sturdy, and yes, I think the stun part would work on a zombie.

[AZombieAttack]

Lanyards on bladed weapons can get tricky. You don't want to just sling it over your wrist. If you let go, it could swing around on you. You need to wrap the lanyard around the back of your hand and over the thumb. This way, it is unlikely to go flying forward, and if it does go flying it moves away from your body.

Walking sticks are good, but what if you're carrying a rifle? Also, a stick caries the same length penalty as a long sword, or bat, or spear. You will primarily be staying out of the open areas in order to avoid detection (if you plan on scavenging supplies). This means houses/buildings. This means you won't have room to swing and you'll be forced to push. I can push with my foot.

True, but even with a blade without a means of not dropping it...slippery handle could mean your own hand slides down the blade (see the O.J. trial) in this case you are F'ed as you are infected.

[AZombieAttack]

I still think a collapsible stun baton would be good. It stores easily, they're built sturdy, and yes, I think the stun part would work on a zombie.

Agreed....

[Redneck]

Hello, I would have to go with an axe. (If I can't have a shotgun)

Somethin like this would work good imo.
With the head being almost a foot long, I think it could take a zed head off.
For taking out 3-4 zeds it would work, anything more and I'm running anyways, unless I have a firearm.
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/lordoftherings/images/uc1397.jpg
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=UC1397


As much fun as a chainsaw would be, it is a bit heavy, making it lacking.
But if rigged in a doorway, say about head level, would sure as heck slow any zed that are following you down.:evil: