Current Events > In a zombie apocalypse, the best melee weapon would be a metal t-ball bat.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Short, compact & powerful.
---

SrRd_RacinG posted...

Short, compact & powerful.

There is a dick joke somewhere here,I can feel it.
---

Shortness means that you end up on average in closer proximity to a zombie than ideal. A blunt weapon is powerful, but would likely need multiple strikes in order to kill a zombie. If we're operating under the assumption that we need to disable the brain, then a bat may not be the best. If the head is not affixed to another surface (the ground or a tree), the maximum amount of force is lessened and the bat serves more to hobble than kill.

I'd argue a polearm like a spear with a long shaft and a very sharp tip (yup, this topic is definitely full of dick jokes) would be optimal in both keeping ones' distance and killing power.
---

Nope, bat has next to zero utility and thus a waste of energy to keep. Spear loses big on maneuverability so it's out. A crowbar is tops, full stop.

SSj3BillMurray posted...

Nope, bat has next to zero utility and thus a waste of energy to keep. Spear loses big on maneuverability so it's out. A crowbar is tops, full stop.

If the shaft is sturdy enough, you can fight with a spear like a quarterstaff instead. I agree with you on the crowbar, it's solid metal so the impact isn't spread out over a wider area like a bat, and will be pretty useful in scavenging.
---

Spear also doubles as a walking stick, a long shaft for dislodging or retrieving far away objects, a way to test the depths of bodies of water, a method for poking dead bodies to make sure they're actually dead before approaching. Lots of utility.

Crowbar is definitely good for its utility in the field and its concentrated force, but its short length leaves much to be desired in terms of weaponry.
---

monk's spade is what world war z recommends and it makes sense: reach, light weight, easy to repair, sharp enough to destroy the head
---

ShinyMasamuneZ posted...

Crowbar is definitely good for its utility in the field and its concentrated force, but its short length leaves much to be desired in terms of weaponry.

You can get crowbars the same length as a full size bat.
---

synth_real posted...

ShinyMasamuneZ posted...

Crowbar is definitely good for its utility in the field and its concentrated force, but its short length leaves much to be desired in terms of weaponry.

You can get crowbars the same length as a full size bat.

You can, yes, but given that they are solid metal, they become very heavy as they increase in length.
---

What about a machete?
---

I just want to see the panic in the eyes of someone when the knife is stuck.
---

SSj3BillMurray posted...

Spear loses big on maneuverability so it's out.

??

-At long range: fight with spear extended
-Closer quarters: slide the handle through your hands so that it becomes a shorter weapon
---

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon
---

A katana.

Doe posted...

SSj3BillMurray posted...

Spear loses big on maneuverability so it's out.

??

-At long range: fight with spear extended
-Closer quarters: slide the handle through your hands so that it becomes a shorter weapon

-at moving silently thru unfamiliar territory in the dark: bad enough without a big awkward stick bumping around outside your own physical reach

SSj3BillMurray posted...

Doe posted...

SSj3BillMurray posted...

Spear loses big on maneuverability so it's out.

??

-At long range: fight with spear extended
-Closer quarters: slide the handle through your hands so that it becomes a shorter weapon

-at moving silently thru unfamiliar territory in the dark: bad enough without a big awkward stick bumping around outside your own physical reach

Use it as a walking stick or simply have it drawn and poised to strike. If you're really worried about being attacked in unfamiliar territory, you wouldn't not have a weapon at the ready.
---

The walking dead has already shown that katanas are the best weapon for a zombie apocalypse
---

kirbymuncher posted...

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon

Trench tool? I have one. Would never recommend using it except as a last ditch (hehe) weapon, as the only viable part usable as a weapon is the shovel itself.
---

That bat will dent up and deform real quick.
---

gunplagirl posted...

kirbymuncher posted...

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon

Trench tool? I have one. Would never recommend using it except as a last ditch (hehe) weapon, as the only viable part usable as a weapon is the shovel itself.

I knew an old Marine that was known as Gunny E-Tool because he killed 5-6 Viet-Cong with one during a firefight where his gun jammed.
---

Hash-Brown posted...

gunplagirl posted...

kirbymuncher posted...

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon

Trench tool? I have one. Would never recommend using it except as a last ditch (hehe) weapon, as the only viable part usable as a weapon is the shovel itself.

I knew an old Marine that was known as Gunny E-Tool because he killed 5-6 Viet-Cong with one during a firefight where his gun jammed.

Bayonets weren't used in Vietnam were they? I've heard about similar stories from the same war before. :/
---

smh at all you loosers.
bare handed or go home.
---

Yao gui fists in fallout new Vegas :3
---

A hatchet is my pick, or a wood ax. Two handed weapons are easy to get used to and build up strength with (if you live long enough). Also, both are really useful tools and can be quite versatile. If you absolutely insist on going long arm, get something wide blade, not just a pointy tip. Options are your best friend.

Also, katanas aren't light sabers. They take more skill than most people realize.
---

gunplagirl posted...

Hash-Brown posted...

gunplagirl posted...

kirbymuncher posted...

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon

Trench tool? I have one. Would never recommend using it except as a last ditch (hehe) weapon, as the only viable part usable as a weapon is the shovel itself.

I knew an old Marine that was known as Gunny E-Tool because he killed 5-6 Viet-Cong with one during a firefight where his gun jammed.

Bayonets weren't used in Vietnam were they? I've heard about similar stories from the same war before. :/

Yeah, I think it is the war America actually lost.

gunplagirl posted...

Hash-Brown posted...

gunplagirl posted...

kirbymuncher posted...

a well sharpened shovel imo

since it has lots of utility value as well as being a weapon

Trench tool? I have one. Would never recommend using it except as a last ditch (hehe) weapon, as the only viable part usable as a weapon is the shovel itself.

I knew an old Marine that was known as Gunny E-Tool because he killed 5-6 Viet-Cong with one during a firefight where his gun jammed.

Bayonets weren't used in Vietnam were they? I've heard about similar stories from the same war before. :/

Bayonets have been used for centuries.
---

I'd imagine wearing thick clothing and a long reach weapon would be optimal. Maybe a shield too.
---