Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,632
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Dec 17, 2018 18:07:28 GMT
I wonder if you can make a good ballista with water-resistant man-made fibers for torsion. You can try to stay ahead of the law via bleeding edge tech, but there's no school like the old school.
Which is more intimidating:
Some idiota with a laser-pointer trying to scorch your retinas and give you cataracts in 20 years,
Or some cunning linguist standing at the prow of his boat, behind a mighty onager, launching 10lb (4.53592kg) 5 foot (1.524m) bolts at you like a wrathful thunder god?
Bonus points if you man the ballista with your blood-stained leather apron and chainsaw.
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Post by elbrittania39 on Dec 17, 2018 19:19:03 GMT
I'll second (third?) what pgandy and randomnobody said: a bulletproof shield sounds like a really good idea. That and some body armor: if you're taking on guns with a melee weapon, I'd think some kind of protection against bullets would be essential. Here's a basic shield that holds up quite a bit:
Other ideas: taser, super high-power tactical light, tear gas grenades + gas masks for you and the other passengers (probably edging into extremely restricted territory there though, haha), heavy duty slingshots with steel ball bearings....
I really wouldn't trust ballistic armor in a lot of situations, especially not civilian grade stuff. Ive been trying to find a video, but my google skills are failing me. Anyway, a guy in the US tried to bullrush a group of cops wearing head to toe body armor. The two or three cops open fire with pistols and rifles and mowed the guy down before he took more than three steps. Even though the armor was supposed to be bulletproof, it was made to look like tissue paper. Edit: Found it
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Post by howler on Dec 17, 2018 19:46:46 GMT
I'll second (third?) what pgandy and randomnobody said: a bulletproof shield sounds like a really good idea. That and some body armor: if you're taking on guns with a melee weapon, I'd think some kind of protection against bullets would be essential. Here's a basic shield that holds up quite a bit:
Other ideas: taser, super high-power tactical light, tear gas grenades + gas masks for you and the other passengers (probably edging into extremely restricted territory there though, haha), heavy duty slingshots with steel ball bearings....
That shield looks great, and I keep saying I got to fix my absence of shield/armor. Wish the dude used AR & AK rounds in his tests rather than the exotic stuff, but handgun caliber is adequate.
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Post by howler on Dec 17, 2018 20:01:44 GMT
I'll second (third?) what pgandy and randomnobody said: a bulletproof shield sounds like a really good idea. That and some body armor: if you're taking on guns with a melee weapon, I'd think some kind of protection against bullets would be essential. Here's a basic shield that holds up quite a bit:
Other ideas: taser, super high-power tactical light, tear gas grenades + gas masks for you and the other passengers (probably edging into extremely restricted territory there though, haha), heavy duty slingshots with steel ball bearings....
I really wouldn't trust ballistic armor in a lot of situations, especially not civilian grade stuff. Ive been trying to find a video, but my google skills are failing me. Anyway, a guy in the US tried to bullrush a group of cops wearing head to toe body armor. The two or three cops open fire with pistols and rifles and mowed the guy down before he took more than three steps. Even though the armor was supposed to be bulletproof, it was made to look like tissue paper. Edit: Found it What an incredible (though seemed a bit dangerous to the hostage) head shot that officer made! Wonder if the head to toe armored dude was wearing pistol graded only stuff and was taken out by AR. All of this REALLY does show the awesome power and accuracy of the AR, doesn't it. Don't take a pistol to a gunfight if you can help it and own a long gun.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Dec 18, 2018 1:10:38 GMT
I wonder if you can make a good ballista with water-resistant man-made fibers for torsion. You can try to stay ahead of the law via bleeding edge tech, but there's no school like the old school. Which is more intimidating: Some idiota with a laser-pointer trying to scorch your retinas and give you cataracts in 20 years, Or some cunning linguist standing at the prow of his boat, behind a mighty onager, launching 10lb (4.53592kg) 5 foot (1.524m) bolts at you like a wrathful thunder god? Bonus points if you man the ballista with your blood-stained leather apron and chainsaw. I actually got to play with a green dazzler in the Middle East (as well as a device known as a "neural inhibitor" which I totally want). It's not your Dollar Store laser pointer, it's an actual weapon and it's no joke. It inflicts temporary blindness and brutal headaches (like an ax through the forehead). You can't look anywhere near it's vicinity when it's active. But as I stated, it's technically illegal according to the Geneva accords, which is why you don't see them being used to break up riots or otherwise be used as a non-lethal weapon. Development is slow since there is not a current commercial market for them, so the few that have been built are really just tech-toys at this stage. When the law changes, they could go to market very quickly. And I agree with you, when advanced tech can't be used, go old skool. It's really hard to get in trouble for throwing a rock or a pointed stick, albeit using an onager to get the job done.....
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Post by croxton on Dec 18, 2018 3:50:28 GMT
So after some research on some shieldplay I decided to not get one for the simple fact that I would be horrible at using it and would most likely be an even more sitting target because of that security, and my personality would make me kind of just sit back and hide. Without that I can let loose because the sword is all I got and that will let me actually do some damage even if I get shot. Also I still want to get another katana (a custom one) as my main because I grew up using and training on a dojo with one. And frankly for me it's the best bet, because the girls use range so they don't get hurt (crossbow and sling shot) while my partner uses his hands (background info we grew up in the same dojo and he was number one in hand to hand while I was number 1 in swordplay and kendo) So after going down that rabbit hole for no reason does anyone know of a custom katana website that doesn't take long to ship (cuz I live on a boat and we move a lot) or an actual forgery or something that I can sail to and pick up? Also the balista idea isn't bad because a giant crossbow prob isn't illegal I a normal one isn't. If someone could send me say a video on where to get one or better yet make one. That would be great. Also buddy came home today for the first time in a month and O showed him your comments and he says "hey guys and gals thx for the love and help. Love you all keep the suggestions flying!"
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Post by howler on Dec 19, 2018 20:16:02 GMT
So after some research on some shieldplay I decided to not get one for the simple fact that I would be horrible at using it and would most likely be an even more sitting target because of that security, and my personality would make me kind of just sit back and hide. Without that I can let loose because the sword is all I got and that will let me actually do some damage even if I get shot. Also I still want to get another katana (a custom one) as my main because I grew up using and training on a dojo with one. And frankly for me it's the best bet, because the girls use range so they don't get hurt (crossbow and sling shot) while my partner uses his hands (background info we grew up in the same dojo and he was number one in hand to hand while I was number 1 in swordplay and kendo) So after going down that rabbit hole for no reason does anyone know of a custom katana website that doesn't take long to ship (cuz I live on a boat and we move a lot) or an actual forgery or something that I can sail to and pick up? Also the balista idea isn't bad because a giant crossbow prob isn't illegal I a normal one isn't. If someone could send me say a video on where to get one or better yet make one. That would be great. Also buddy came home today for the first time in a month and O showed him your comments and he says "hey guys and gals thx for the love and help. Love you all keep the suggestions flying!" I'm REALLY interested in the larger (almost covers femoral artery of legs below waist) Hardcore Defense Alpha Shield, but would tend to agree with you that it might not be good if your using a blade for defense instead of a firearm, as the larger shield weighs 22lbs, kind of heavy in the offhand when swinging a blade (not a problem when just pulling a gun trigger).
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Post by astyanaz on Dec 20, 2018 1:53:52 GMT
I would find a board that I can remove and put a sawed off shotgun behind it when I am in port. It's your life we're talking about. For a sword, just keep it covered in vaseline, which is what the marines did to stop rust in the Pacific in WWII. Maybe something that has a blackened, rust proofed finish. If I was on a boat I don't know if I would want to be in body armor is case I accidentally hit the water. Katana, short Katana, Cutlass. Crossbow.
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Dec 20, 2018 14:23:57 GMT
I agree with Howler with the Alpha Shield, for a semi mobile position with a pistol that shield looks great but there is no way I would attempt to use that heavy thing with a blade. My heaviest shield weight about 9 lb and that is as heavy as I care to go. I also go along with Astyanaz idea. I’d get a shotgun w/00 buck and hide that sucker, deep, and there would be no way I’d bring that out in port. But then I don’t think the probability of needing it in port exists either. But Lord help him if he get caught with it. I’ve done similar things in my youth that I’d think twice about now, must be getting old I guess. Croxton there are a number of places that sell crossbows, do a search. To get you started www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crossbow I like this site because I think the product reviews for the most part are honest.
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Post by croxton on Dec 21, 2018 3:58:47 GMT
Pgany, one thanks for talking with me you have been a great help along with the rest of you. You all seem very confident in your statements and know what's your doing. Two yet another question, I've settled on a 5160 hanway katana, anyone know some good links to help me find where I'm looking for?
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addertooth
Member
Working the tsuka on two bare blades from Ninja-Katana, slow progress
Posts: 458
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Post by addertooth on Dec 24, 2018 16:33:55 GMT
You are thinking in a too linear fashion. We all go back to what we are comfortable with, even if the tool does not match the problem. One of the first tools I bought as a child was a well crafted Crescent brand wrench. I used it for years on a variety of bolts to loosen and tighten them. Then I realized it was not the perfect tools for all bolts, especially rusted ones, or ones which had been slightly rounded. A different problem mandates a different tool. For "pirates", you want to deal with them before they are close enough to harm you. Ideally, you want to make them combat ineffective quickly. (You want to render them unable to harm you and those you care for). For obvious reasons, a gun better fits that role, but it is forbidden. I realize we are in a sword forum, but a sword is not the ideal tool for every problem (I am a fine chef, but do not use one of my Katanas in the kitchen). Let me suggest this instead, one of the nice high power "flashlight cased" 3 to 7 watt blue lasers. It is discrete, small, portable, and renders your opponent unable to see you to harm you. Depending upon how much you want to expose him to the beam (in his eyes), it can leave him blinded for minutes, or his entire life. You just sweep it past his eyes, and he will be unable to target you with a gun, or any other weapon. If it is your desire, you can render the coup de grâce with a rock, or an anchor. If it is preferable, you can leave him blind to wander the seas for the rest of his brief life. In all fairness, if he has a fatal accident, immediately afterward, he can bring no charges. Should the police investigate, they will find a dead man with a gun, who had his skull caved in. They will declare case closed, without doing a detailed examination of his retinas. There will be some who will tell you it is a breach of the Geneva Convention, however, those only apply to weapons of WAR. As you are staving off a criminal attack, Geneva does not apply. As an example, a 2 by 4 board with a nail through the end is a violation of the Geneve conventions as well (falls under spiked club prohibition). But, I would bet if you fought a gunman off with a board with a nail in it, not a single police officer would blink, or bring up Geneva. They are far more likely to be interested in your opponent being chopped with a legal (in many ports) Katana. Some blue laser products have an optional flashlight head which can be screwed on. So if you are getting inspected by a harbor master, he will only see a high quality flashlight. It is not a gun, it is silent, and allows you to operate from 100 yards away. (This is not advice given from a legal professional, research as needed, but this is not a Geneva issue). Here is a link to a model which is 3.5 watts: www.wickedlasers.com/arcticHere is a link to a model which is 7.0 watts, it can accept a flashlight head as well: www.ebay.com/itm/lab-laser-7-w-450nm-to-445nm-kit-all-parts-needed-copper-heat-sink-NUBM44-450n/323205279608?hash=item4b40892f78:g:BtAAAOSw-4BXZVll:rk:11:pf:0 Always consider the type of bolt you are trying to screw, before you reach for a wrench.
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Post by ctimmerwilke on Jan 1, 2019 7:02:08 GMT
I think a good side solution to do with the machete as described by other members is a flare gun. I don’t quite remember the name of the attachment but there exists one that allows you to shot a shot gun shell. It’s technically not a gun, and is in fact legal in Mose places. So it’s a nice option to have in case your life is threatened and you need to defend yourself. I also would assume you already have a flare gun or two if you are living on a boat of any kind, so this attachment would be a good start and if conflicts persist resort to closer means. I only recommend this kind of action if no other forms of communication are optional.
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