Tactical Context: Tac-Swords, "Real" Zombies and Militias
Jul 28, 2011 3:31:50 GMT
Post by brissybeater on Jul 28, 2011 3:31:50 GMT
This is a long unfinished work on how a Tactical Sword should be valued and applied. But I warn this discussion moves into contexts of Zombie's as Disease Fantasies, why have a Tac-Katana is not real good for a German Longsword student and how formulating a Militia in a W.R.O.L (Without Rule of Law) scenario has more then just bring your sharp/shooty thing to the party. This arguement is not just as to what makes a tactical sword but also bring a sword "tactically" to an engagement of violence.
We all know what a tactical sword is, its essentially a modern contemporay realisation of an historical sword. I mean there are so many cool tactical knives these days of good construction and good value why not have a sword made like it.
Its the dream of every urban Rambo and I'm a little guilty, my last non historical purchase was a Blackhawk Tatang and I think its neat (but likely get a Cold Steel Ghurka Kukhuri like my mates next). So why and where does the Tactical Sword have purpose in a scenario such as a W.R.O.L (Without Rule of Law) scenario. Firstly lets explore the Tactical Swords merits over just having a good (widely sold) historical sword.
What is the essence of a Tactical Sword: A Tactical sword is about 50% Theme and 50% Function. A tactical sword is essentially an inspired long version of a tactial knife. Yeah alot of it is "Tacti-Coooool" BUT these elements have merits. The replacement of synthetic over wood, its a more modern material, doesnt warp, crack and at times gives greater tactile feel and could have a greater life with less upkeep. Synthetic scabbard with all those tasty mount points. Really unless the sword is shorter than 15 inches it shouldnt be mounted on your back cause you cant draw it properly, or at least not with pure urgency, but I do feel that in the tactical sword world the tactical scabbard hasnt been as explored as well as say rifle slings have. Black blades, all ninja/assassin/mercenary awesomeness, yes true, thats the tacticool half, the other half is upkeep, it often stops rust so only the edge needs upkeep, its not full proof, it wears off but hey its another maintance line of defence. So having these elements on a contemporary sword has merit. These are subjective but hey if you want it then it might not be a total waste of money over just getting a DSA, Hanwei or V.A on sale.
Where Tactical Swords fit in: Really a sword is as a sword does, I say as long as its a well made sword then it doesnt matter is the sword on your hip next to the AR-15 magazines or whatever is a historical dark age blade, german longsword, italian rapier, scottish claymore (if you swing that way) or Atrim ATAC blade as long as you know how to use it thats the main thing. And I mean REALLY know how to use it, my later arguement about teaming up with other combatants your swinging sword is a liability under the wrong conditions or worse yet, imcompetant use.
How the Sword should fit the Style you know: Short answer this one, if you know German Longsword you should have a Tactical Longsword, know Japanese Katana, Tactical Katana, know Sword and Buckler, get a tactical single handed sword and keep the buckler (spray it black if need be). I say dont get a Tactical Sword (or possible application) unless you have a style to back it up. I would say a Tactical Gladius/Leafblade would be good for those (like cops or whoever) have trained in baton and just wish it more lethal or something.
Tac-Swords INTENDED Theatre: W.R.O.L or Why my arguement does not contain Zombies or Soldiers: I dont believe Tactical Swords have application in a modern warfare ..... 2 ..... (snicker ... sorry) application. Your part of an army that does things its way and fights its own way, it hasnt really factored in sword play, all you need it a decent knife/dagger where will serve you 98% of the time as a tool so the fantasy of a tac gladius strapped to the MOLLE for overseas deployment is just that, fantasy. Tactical Tomhawks I can understand because again their role is gonna be 98% tool for the time it spends serving its country (likely other 2% its gonna be tossed at targets in boredom) but I would say most soldiers would benefit from a cheap Cold Steel Tomahawk with lashings of tape on the handle.
On the subject of Zombies and the Zombie Fantasy: I treat this subject about Tactical Swords and swords continuing application in a modern combat scenario, so its essential to dig through the fantasy that stops serious discussion of owning a sharp sword not exclusively in a martial art "tatami slicing" capacity ...... Zombie Apocalypse.
I've been watching some old undead zombie apocalypse movies with the usual twang of fantasy that it imparts, the worlds gone to hell and that just seems neat. The psychology behind this is interesting and when I find the like I will reference ammend this post with it. We all know the walking Dead, undead zombie just cannot happen, it never will, its about as real as multiple Edward Cullums (shudder) over powering the world and glittering lots. However I came to 28 Days later and that got me thinking, hmmmmm the people are fine except for a superhuman rabies, okay, plausible, more on that.
Why do we fantasise about Zombie Apocalypses: I'm a historical student and this actually got approached by a professor in class after alot of casual talk, he said the cultural interest behind a fantasy scenario where an unstoppable contaigant renders humans monsters that should be killed or fled from comes back to one word; "Plague". Just that, Black Death, Bubonic/Pnuemonic Plague, Small Pox, Leperousy .... AAALLLL these have contributed to a fantasy tale where large scale epidemic/pandemic diseases (at least in western cultures) have become contained and/or eradicated (everyones got an innoculation for the big bad bugs).
Its that healthy reminder told in entertaining fiction that once apon a time disease was around every corner and hungry for your preverbial brains. The fantasy (like many good fantasies) are based off a fear (or conquering of that fear). I mean think about a zombie apocalypse, it sucks, REALLY sucks, so why's it a dream notion to some of us (hey I'm guilty too). Its all about being prepared to be the victor should another society bashing disease screw us so bad that we loose modern our convenient lives for a prolonged period of time. It would likely comeback to a comarable capacity one day if a quarter of a countries population survives.
Dream to Reality: Still want to have your cake and eat it too, still want to possess something that quantifies the reality, well fear not because just because Zombies are'nt real doesnt mean the collapse of civilisation isnt possible.
W.R.O.L (Without Rule of Law) I've gotten most of the inspiration from Nutnfancy and likely none of this is new to anyone
he thoroughly explains his standpoint and theorums on the concept but I'm utilising all this information to explain what the point in having a Tactical Sword is, so bear with me.
Nutnfancy W.R.O.L Links:
... re=related
In the event of massive social collapse due to utilities, economies, world wide pandemic etc occurs, whatever the case the first preparation would be to your living and survival conditions. Food, Water, Shelter, Tools, Support Gear and WEAPONS is likely the last notion (but has its place in the long term protection of your family and community). I'm not gonna talk about the other stuff but I will talk about arming up and how to go about it (this is my own view based from mulitple historical and contemporary sources about small scale combat ranging from principles of fortification to formation fighting).
Militia Formations and how you should never go it alone: Really you as the lone combatant for miles is gonna be pretty unlikely and you wouldnt want it that way anyway. Say the whole rabid 28 Days zombies were real, :oops: :twisted: humans are contaminated with a psychotic mania virus that renders them violent and emotionless besides their brains saying "Kill kill kill" maybe even cannibalise (this is the most unlikely and last potential contingency its still Sci-Fi really but its biologically possible).
Swords are the last line of combat BUT its still a line. Bullets should be the first but hey they dont last forever. First order of business and Nutnfancy explains in the above linked videos is to band together the community to protect against potential predators (whoever they maybe, it might be casual looters to organised violent gangs to diseased people, the last is also a very empathetic/human topic if a pandemic did start making life bad for most people in most countries).
While the community bands together to keep life going there will be those whole will for security for defending homes or if things get bad security for scavanging/farming parties who venture away from the eeire. Formulating a "Militia" of sensible, capable men (or women if they got the skill) to provide a primary role of security, protection and armed escort will always be more beneficial instead of lone gunmen sitting on their roof tops with their cans of beans for a seat. This is a little bonus to the arguement of formation/role fighting in order to maximise the potential and safety of a militia unit in the face of unwanted conflict. NOTE: This doesnt cover all discussion points but its a quick guide as to where the sword fits into a modern fight under these conditions.
Scout: This person is light, solo, if they are gonna have a sword the sword should match their training, give a JSA guy/gal a katana, give a WMA guy/gal a longsword/sword n buckler. Being armed and alone is always dangerous so I wouldnt have them to loaded up cause RUNNING to or away should be the forefront tactic at a scouts dispossal.
Rifleman: Those with rifles once contact has been established should engage while range is an advantage, hopefully they have pistols as backup, I would hesitate to give a rifle person a sword because their concentration should be in their firearms, those with swords should aim to protect them while their reloading, once their spent they should transition to maybe a dual purpose tool/weapon tomahawk or knife or retreat altogether. Bows, Crossbows and black powder weapons should be reserved for defence back at the "village" hopefully behind defensive walls/barricades where long reloads and retrival or arrows post-contact are viable.
Pikeman: As the rifleman falls back the pikeman holds ground until the advantage of firepower can be re-established. This is a common component in the days of Pike and Shot. These guys will have a pole weapon to keep a threat from closing to quickly. They should have a mobile pole weapon; spear, halberd, poleaxe, naginata, whatever your poison ensure they have some training with it either before or after the big shift. Armour for hands, neck and head would be good but more armour the better (whether historical or modern whatevers going) and a small hand weapon (large knife, tomahawk, shortsword) for personal defence if the enemy gets passed their range before a firearm user can re-engage safely from behind or their pole range can be dominating again. Its the "bad-war" in close. There is a little Landsknecht principle here, keep the enemy at a distance.
Shieldman: Armoured and with a simple hand weapon or single handed sword, I would advise swords the most under this condition BUT single handed as their job will be to provide the last line to push forward if the pikeman if getting overpowered. Their primary function if to place a large shield in front of the enemy if that enemy is not an intellegent user of boomboom's. A police riot shield, a historical reenactment shield like a roman suctum, pavise or big heater shield, a helmet and hand armour for their weapon hand would be paramount. This is where all those SCA mates would be great allies. Likely they would be either in front the pikeman giving the pikeman the option to swing and thrust over their shoulders at enemies they stall with their shield, or back protecting a reloading rifleman until the pikeman has lost advantage and their job is to reclaim initative until the pikeman can maintain range. Shieldmen (or women like the others females dont have to stay back and cook if they are skilled) should be mobile protectors, putting a barrier up until a Pike/Rifleman can dominate their proximity again. They are also good for blocking single person doorways from pursuit. The weapon they have is really a weapon of OPPURTUNITY, their first weapon is the shield.
You would formulate your militia based on what you had available but guns should ALWAYS be the first order off the violent contact menu.
So in summery tactical swords while being very aesthetically pleasing have their place. They can bring on the maintenance values of their tac-knife cousins, the scabbard and rig it has might have speed/carrying advantage thats a seperate value and topic. But really the key tactical sword is the well made sword in a well trained set of hands. Go with what your know when your flying solo but if your in a team bring the blade that fills the role that contact could likely occur.
Lastly here in Australia those with guns would be SLIM and expensive allies, hand weapons would likely be the course for those around me which is why topics like this have significance. In australia and places like U.K and alot of Europe if fighting will occur for whatever its progenitor, it will likely happen close and bloody. So a sword I can not only rely on but also not cry over if something happens to it might be a good order. Lets just say I wouldnt want my Jake Powning to see the worst of the worlds days, I'd rather bury it, sealed tight for future archeologists to scratch their heads over
We all know what a tactical sword is, its essentially a modern contemporay realisation of an historical sword. I mean there are so many cool tactical knives these days of good construction and good value why not have a sword made like it.
Its the dream of every urban Rambo and I'm a little guilty, my last non historical purchase was a Blackhawk Tatang and I think its neat (but likely get a Cold Steel Ghurka Kukhuri like my mates next). So why and where does the Tactical Sword have purpose in a scenario such as a W.R.O.L (Without Rule of Law) scenario. Firstly lets explore the Tactical Swords merits over just having a good (widely sold) historical sword.
What is the essence of a Tactical Sword: A Tactical sword is about 50% Theme and 50% Function. A tactical sword is essentially an inspired long version of a tactial knife. Yeah alot of it is "Tacti-Coooool" BUT these elements have merits. The replacement of synthetic over wood, its a more modern material, doesnt warp, crack and at times gives greater tactile feel and could have a greater life with less upkeep. Synthetic scabbard with all those tasty mount points. Really unless the sword is shorter than 15 inches it shouldnt be mounted on your back cause you cant draw it properly, or at least not with pure urgency, but I do feel that in the tactical sword world the tactical scabbard hasnt been as explored as well as say rifle slings have. Black blades, all ninja/assassin/mercenary awesomeness, yes true, thats the tacticool half, the other half is upkeep, it often stops rust so only the edge needs upkeep, its not full proof, it wears off but hey its another maintance line of defence. So having these elements on a contemporary sword has merit. These are subjective but hey if you want it then it might not be a total waste of money over just getting a DSA, Hanwei or V.A on sale.
Where Tactical Swords fit in: Really a sword is as a sword does, I say as long as its a well made sword then it doesnt matter is the sword on your hip next to the AR-15 magazines or whatever is a historical dark age blade, german longsword, italian rapier, scottish claymore (if you swing that way) or Atrim ATAC blade as long as you know how to use it thats the main thing. And I mean REALLY know how to use it, my later arguement about teaming up with other combatants your swinging sword is a liability under the wrong conditions or worse yet, imcompetant use.
How the Sword should fit the Style you know: Short answer this one, if you know German Longsword you should have a Tactical Longsword, know Japanese Katana, Tactical Katana, know Sword and Buckler, get a tactical single handed sword and keep the buckler (spray it black if need be). I say dont get a Tactical Sword (or possible application) unless you have a style to back it up. I would say a Tactical Gladius/Leafblade would be good for those (like cops or whoever) have trained in baton and just wish it more lethal or something.
Tac-Swords INTENDED Theatre: W.R.O.L or Why my arguement does not contain Zombies or Soldiers: I dont believe Tactical Swords have application in a modern warfare ..... 2 ..... (snicker ... sorry) application. Your part of an army that does things its way and fights its own way, it hasnt really factored in sword play, all you need it a decent knife/dagger where will serve you 98% of the time as a tool so the fantasy of a tac gladius strapped to the MOLLE for overseas deployment is just that, fantasy. Tactical Tomhawks I can understand because again their role is gonna be 98% tool for the time it spends serving its country (likely other 2% its gonna be tossed at targets in boredom) but I would say most soldiers would benefit from a cheap Cold Steel Tomahawk with lashings of tape on the handle.
On the subject of Zombies and the Zombie Fantasy: I treat this subject about Tactical Swords and swords continuing application in a modern combat scenario, so its essential to dig through the fantasy that stops serious discussion of owning a sharp sword not exclusively in a martial art "tatami slicing" capacity ...... Zombie Apocalypse.
I've been watching some old undead zombie apocalypse movies with the usual twang of fantasy that it imparts, the worlds gone to hell and that just seems neat. The psychology behind this is interesting and when I find the like I will reference ammend this post with it. We all know the walking Dead, undead zombie just cannot happen, it never will, its about as real as multiple Edward Cullums (shudder) over powering the world and glittering lots. However I came to 28 Days later and that got me thinking, hmmmmm the people are fine except for a superhuman rabies, okay, plausible, more on that.
Why do we fantasise about Zombie Apocalypses: I'm a historical student and this actually got approached by a professor in class after alot of casual talk, he said the cultural interest behind a fantasy scenario where an unstoppable contaigant renders humans monsters that should be killed or fled from comes back to one word; "Plague". Just that, Black Death, Bubonic/Pnuemonic Plague, Small Pox, Leperousy .... AAALLLL these have contributed to a fantasy tale where large scale epidemic/pandemic diseases (at least in western cultures) have become contained and/or eradicated (everyones got an innoculation for the big bad bugs).
Its that healthy reminder told in entertaining fiction that once apon a time disease was around every corner and hungry for your preverbial brains. The fantasy (like many good fantasies) are based off a fear (or conquering of that fear). I mean think about a zombie apocalypse, it sucks, REALLY sucks, so why's it a dream notion to some of us (hey I'm guilty too). Its all about being prepared to be the victor should another society bashing disease screw us so bad that we loose modern our convenient lives for a prolonged period of time. It would likely comeback to a comarable capacity one day if a quarter of a countries population survives.
Dream to Reality: Still want to have your cake and eat it too, still want to possess something that quantifies the reality, well fear not because just because Zombies are'nt real doesnt mean the collapse of civilisation isnt possible.
W.R.O.L (Without Rule of Law) I've gotten most of the inspiration from Nutnfancy and likely none of this is new to anyone
he thoroughly explains his standpoint and theorums on the concept but I'm utilising all this information to explain what the point in having a Tactical Sword is, so bear with me.
Nutnfancy W.R.O.L Links:
... re=related
In the event of massive social collapse due to utilities, economies, world wide pandemic etc occurs, whatever the case the first preparation would be to your living and survival conditions. Food, Water, Shelter, Tools, Support Gear and WEAPONS is likely the last notion (but has its place in the long term protection of your family and community). I'm not gonna talk about the other stuff but I will talk about arming up and how to go about it (this is my own view based from mulitple historical and contemporary sources about small scale combat ranging from principles of fortification to formation fighting).
Militia Formations and how you should never go it alone: Really you as the lone combatant for miles is gonna be pretty unlikely and you wouldnt want it that way anyway. Say the whole rabid 28 Days zombies were real, :oops: :twisted: humans are contaminated with a psychotic mania virus that renders them violent and emotionless besides their brains saying "Kill kill kill" maybe even cannibalise (this is the most unlikely and last potential contingency its still Sci-Fi really but its biologically possible).
Swords are the last line of combat BUT its still a line. Bullets should be the first but hey they dont last forever. First order of business and Nutnfancy explains in the above linked videos is to band together the community to protect against potential predators (whoever they maybe, it might be casual looters to organised violent gangs to diseased people, the last is also a very empathetic/human topic if a pandemic did start making life bad for most people in most countries).
While the community bands together to keep life going there will be those whole will for security for defending homes or if things get bad security for scavanging/farming parties who venture away from the eeire. Formulating a "Militia" of sensible, capable men (or women if they got the skill) to provide a primary role of security, protection and armed escort will always be more beneficial instead of lone gunmen sitting on their roof tops with their cans of beans for a seat. This is a little bonus to the arguement of formation/role fighting in order to maximise the potential and safety of a militia unit in the face of unwanted conflict. NOTE: This doesnt cover all discussion points but its a quick guide as to where the sword fits into a modern fight under these conditions.
Scout: This person is light, solo, if they are gonna have a sword the sword should match their training, give a JSA guy/gal a katana, give a WMA guy/gal a longsword/sword n buckler. Being armed and alone is always dangerous so I wouldnt have them to loaded up cause RUNNING to or away should be the forefront tactic at a scouts dispossal.
Rifleman: Those with rifles once contact has been established should engage while range is an advantage, hopefully they have pistols as backup, I would hesitate to give a rifle person a sword because their concentration should be in their firearms, those with swords should aim to protect them while their reloading, once their spent they should transition to maybe a dual purpose tool/weapon tomahawk or knife or retreat altogether. Bows, Crossbows and black powder weapons should be reserved for defence back at the "village" hopefully behind defensive walls/barricades where long reloads and retrival or arrows post-contact are viable.
Pikeman: As the rifleman falls back the pikeman holds ground until the advantage of firepower can be re-established. This is a common component in the days of Pike and Shot. These guys will have a pole weapon to keep a threat from closing to quickly. They should have a mobile pole weapon; spear, halberd, poleaxe, naginata, whatever your poison ensure they have some training with it either before or after the big shift. Armour for hands, neck and head would be good but more armour the better (whether historical or modern whatevers going) and a small hand weapon (large knife, tomahawk, shortsword) for personal defence if the enemy gets passed their range before a firearm user can re-engage safely from behind or their pole range can be dominating again. Its the "bad-war" in close. There is a little Landsknecht principle here, keep the enemy at a distance.
Shieldman: Armoured and with a simple hand weapon or single handed sword, I would advise swords the most under this condition BUT single handed as their job will be to provide the last line to push forward if the pikeman if getting overpowered. Their primary function if to place a large shield in front of the enemy if that enemy is not an intellegent user of boomboom's. A police riot shield, a historical reenactment shield like a roman suctum, pavise or big heater shield, a helmet and hand armour for their weapon hand would be paramount. This is where all those SCA mates would be great allies. Likely they would be either in front the pikeman giving the pikeman the option to swing and thrust over their shoulders at enemies they stall with their shield, or back protecting a reloading rifleman until the pikeman has lost advantage and their job is to reclaim initative until the pikeman can maintain range. Shieldmen (or women like the others females dont have to stay back and cook if they are skilled) should be mobile protectors, putting a barrier up until a Pike/Rifleman can dominate their proximity again. They are also good for blocking single person doorways from pursuit. The weapon they have is really a weapon of OPPURTUNITY, their first weapon is the shield.
You would formulate your militia based on what you had available but guns should ALWAYS be the first order off the violent contact menu.
So in summery tactical swords while being very aesthetically pleasing have their place. They can bring on the maintenance values of their tac-knife cousins, the scabbard and rig it has might have speed/carrying advantage thats a seperate value and topic. But really the key tactical sword is the well made sword in a well trained set of hands. Go with what your know when your flying solo but if your in a team bring the blade that fills the role that contact could likely occur.
Lastly here in Australia those with guns would be SLIM and expensive allies, hand weapons would likely be the course for those around me which is why topics like this have significance. In australia and places like U.K and alot of Europe if fighting will occur for whatever its progenitor, it will likely happen close and bloody. So a sword I can not only rely on but also not cry over if something happens to it might be a good order. Lets just say I wouldnt want my Jake Powning to see the worst of the worlds days, I'd rather bury it, sealed tight for future archeologists to scratch their heads over