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....

 

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

 

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....