I'm baaaaaack!!!!!!!!

A sword is an archaic weapon more useful today's world for training and/or artistic expression through forms than any actual defensive purposes.

That said, I've seen some of the martial science behind the Claymore, and it's a formidable tool in a one on one duel in the right hands. I wouldn't want to face a master with a jian or an ox tail knife since he'd have an enormous reach advantage and be just as dangerous up close. I'd need a pudao or a Kwan Dao to stand a chance.

Or maybe an M1 Garand, and a few dozen yards of distance....

Then again the old M1 was a pretty dangerous melee weapon in its own right...especially with that pointy thing on the end....

 

M1 Garand with bayonet. The perfect merger of old and new martial technology. 30.06 firepower (I think) combined with the clubbing power of a 3.5 foot long collection of steel and hardwood....plus stabbity power of bayonet, which can be removed for silent, stealthy operations (throat slitting, the perfect method of arranging a 'surprise party' for the sleeping enemy).

I know far too many combat veterans.

 

Speaking as a combat veteran, I approve of your use of "stabbity" in that description.

I used to twirl/spin/toss/catch those blank blankety blank behemoths when I was in the honor guard. We used to put rosin on our gloves before practice and performances so they wouldn't go flying off in random directions (they wore a coat of shellac to complement the white straps and chromed metal bits). It was hard not to touch your face or uniform (the rosin would leave marks).

Talk about a WORKOUT!

(We left the pointy bits off )

And yes, they're 30.06

 

Boy, you guys had to bring up the M1, bought 3 of them from the CMP, I had a Winchester which has a collector " Win 13 " a Springfield M1 about a 1952 era and a Springfield M1D Sniper. Had to sell them, but I'm real fond of them, real History.

 

'Stabbity' may very well be my favorite new word of the millennium.

 

I thought they were 30.06, but I wasn't sure. Buddy of mine is the big time firearms historian.

Fun fact: the M-16 was originally designed to maintain the 30.06 as a standard military round for accuracy, range, and penetration power. The .223 was adopted instead to provide soldiers in combat situations with greater ammunition capacity. (The .223 is smaller and lighter than the 30.06 cartridge.)

But you still have the modern ring style bayonet if you feel the need to get up close and personal. Or just call danger close artillery. Very few problems exist that cannot be solved by a few rocket assist 155 shells express delivered from 34,000 meters away.......

 

Have an old Krag stamped from the Springfield armory, myself. Carbine cut down.

 

When the conflict comes you might be

When the conflict comes you might be able to find me cowering in brsims closet E.T. style.

 

Don't hide in MY closet! Armament does not equal combat skill or tactical genius! Run for a combat vet and do what you're told, instead. That's my plan, anyway. Grab, growl, and boogie down to the lines!

 

Anybody got a trouble pack yet? (Sometimes referred to as a bugout bag)

Mine went bye bye trying to survive at Celadon so I'm rebuilding it.

4 liters of water (in 1 liter bottles)
Space blanket
5 pairs underwear
8 pairs clean socks
1 pair jeans
3 cotton t shirts
Thermal underwear
Gloves (quality)
Ski hat
Compact flashlight
Multi tool (Leatherman type)
Rope saw
50' nylon rope
12 MRE packs
Solar cell phone charger
Lightweight mess kit
Sweater
Rain poncho, light weight
Compass
2 micro fiber towels
Large bottle Gold Bond powder
Camping type 1st aid kit (med)
Bible
Paperback novel
2 Notebooks (and pens)
Swiss Army knife
Ka-Bar or equivalent
$500 cash, small bills
Small fishing kit (no pole)
2 new Bic lighters
Magnifying glass (lens only)
Ziplock bag full of laundry lint
Small campfire stove
2 bottles water purifying tablets

This will fit in a standard GI duffle bag and allow me to live pretty much anywhere for a few days. Unfortunately most of the stuff went bye bye (the cash and MRE's first) when I was trying to maintain my debt load and survive at Celadon. Other stuff went by the wayside here and there over the years as the sense of urgency faded (and is now returning).

I would probably add a sturdy, reliable 9mm pistol, 4 spare clips, and 200 (min) rounds of ammunition to that list now....