Tactical Sword Attributes
Aug 23, 2009 20:36:25 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 20:36:25 GMT
We've been going back and forth over in the Survival Sword thread.
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What are the attributes of a MODERN tactical sword to be used in today's close combat environment?
(I guess it could be argued that all swords are "tactical").
Goal #1: Define the attributes necessary for a high performance blade that is longer than a knife.
Goal #2: Determine which swords currently manufactured meet the standards.
Here's my take on defining the attributes for a "tactical" sword:
1) Short blade capable of thrusting, chopping and slicing
2) Grips are built for use using modern materials. The grip must be very "grippy". When I think of grip stuff, I think of wraps for tennis rackets and similar.
3) Durable
4) Quickly deployable
5) Light weight...32 ounces or less
6) Scabbard must be very durable and useful. There should be several ways to attach the scabbard to the body...from the belt to attaching it to MOLLE gear.
7) Hand protection. Some sort of crossbar thingie to keep the hand from sliding forward and also protect the hand against attacks.
8) One handed use
9) Maintenance. It must be the "AK-47" of swords.
10) Resistance to corrosion. The blade should be treated with some sort of finish to resist corrosion. Heck, NP3 it!
11) Price. I will place an arbitrary limit of $500 on the weapon. Even that may be too high...perhaps $200 is more realistic.
Given that the sword will be sitting right next to an M4 or AK-47, why not go shorter? The weapon will likely be deployed in a building or other close quarters area. So far, what I'm seeing are several groups of swords: ATrim Tactical, Rat Waki and very large knives.
What about going ancient? Modify a Roman Gladius or even the shorter Greek blades such as the Spartan Lakonian.
/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=11848
What are the attributes of a MODERN tactical sword to be used in today's close combat environment?
(I guess it could be argued that all swords are "tactical").
Goal #1: Define the attributes necessary for a high performance blade that is longer than a knife.
Goal #2: Determine which swords currently manufactured meet the standards.
Here's my take on defining the attributes for a "tactical" sword:
1) Short blade capable of thrusting, chopping and slicing
2) Grips are built for use using modern materials. The grip must be very "grippy". When I think of grip stuff, I think of wraps for tennis rackets and similar.
3) Durable
4) Quickly deployable
5) Light weight...32 ounces or less
6) Scabbard must be very durable and useful. There should be several ways to attach the scabbard to the body...from the belt to attaching it to MOLLE gear.
7) Hand protection. Some sort of crossbar thingie to keep the hand from sliding forward and also protect the hand against attacks.
8) One handed use
9) Maintenance. It must be the "AK-47" of swords.
10) Resistance to corrosion. The blade should be treated with some sort of finish to resist corrosion. Heck, NP3 it!
11) Price. I will place an arbitrary limit of $500 on the weapon. Even that may be too high...perhaps $200 is more realistic.
Given that the sword will be sitting right next to an M4 or AK-47, why not go shorter? The weapon will likely be deployed in a building or other close quarters area. So far, what I'm seeing are several groups of swords: ATrim Tactical, Rat Waki and very large knives.
What about going ancient? Modify a Roman Gladius or even the shorter Greek blades such as the Spartan Lakonian.