The Top 3 Non-Projectile Weapons for Zombie Defense
In the fight against the undead, weapons born in the modern era will only have a small hand in the war. To triumph, we will have to take a page from our ancestors who have fought the undead centuries and generations before us. Not discounting the value of a good firearm, there are other weapons commonly available that can be used against the coming tides of death.
First, as many have mentioned here, guns, bombs, and other projectile weaponry can be effective tools, yet they can only do so much since they have an innate disadvantage: quantity of ammunition. Once the ammo is gone it can no longer be used, except as a heavy club. In these situations one will come to rely on a more non-traditional weapon. Here are our top three selections (not in any particular order):
- Blunt Weapons: In hand to hand combat blunt weapons may be the most idiot-proof design in regards to how to kill a zombie. There is no finesse, no skill, you simply beat the zombie’s rotten skull in until its brains run out of its ears. Bats and clubs are easily found in any area of the world, crowbars as are readily accessible and obtainable. Wooden instruments can even be manufactured by a person on the move. A staff should also be considered since it gives a person a longer reach and can be used as a probe when walking in high grass, a staff can also have a spear point mounted on one end or a metal club head for increased striking power. Blunt weapons are also available in a tight spot, such as the legs off of a table or other pieces of furniture, yard tools, and the like.
- Edged Weapons: Knives and swords are often considered to be the first on the list of close combat weapons. If the club is brawn and balls then the sword is the sleek aristocrat, elegant and sexy. One problem with a sword is that they can take a great deal of training to become effective with them and in the hands of an amateur they are likely a greater danger to the user than the zombie. Remember: decapitation is the only way to go, though braining the ghoul will work as well. Some popular edged weapons include, but are not limited to a katana, axes, and machetes. Knives are a must, if for no other reason than the pure usefulness. A knife can be used in dozens of everyday applications, pry tool, finger nail cleaner, eating utensil, and more. If one has to choose, the numbers are humbling but remember that when dealing with zombies serrated edges are useless since they will only get caught in the skull. A short blade, under six inches, will likely be too short. Six inches and over is recommended if for no other reason than if you have to strike from under the chin of the zombie and go through the mouth into the brainpan, not recommended but in a pinch, it will do.
- Fire: Fire is a tricky area as you need to be completely aware of your surroundings in order to most effectively use this tool. It has been documented that while flames will not instantly kill the undead, it offers with it a distinct level of distraction. While the zombie, who is clumsy, attempts to adjust to the new “temperature”, you can flee. If not, the brain of the zombie, or other body parts, will burn to the point where they cannot be used, thus eliminating the threat. Beware aware of your surroundings! You might be in a highly flammable area, or even in a building with functioning fire sprinklers. Fire is not always the best option, but one that works nonetheless.
With any weapon that you choose there are things that you must remember. First, the weapon does not make you (insert name of legendary fighter here) and you can be over whelmed and killed. Secondly, to be effective with the weapon you must know its limits as well as your own; in other words train with the weapon to where you know it like yourself. Third, do not get attached to it, the weapons may break, get lost in battle, or stuck in a zombie and need to be left behind. Carrying more than one weapon is not solely a recommendation, but requirement for survival.
Comments (109)
Sboomarang on 26 Dec 2007 at 2:35 pm #
baseball bat check, machete check, not to sure about using a knife as a form of combat though, 2 things
1) if your close enough to zombies to use a knife then, unless your riddick. i highly doubt your walking away from the situation and…
2) the knife is a all in one tool, as mentioned above, you dont want to be killing zombies with the same thing your using to cut your meal right?
my weaponry set up goes as fallows, machete in one hand, baseball bat in the other when im traveling, 2 side arm pistols and a rifle on my back, i plan on traveling when the day comes, sure ill fortify places here and there, but thats only going to last so long, on the move, being the sam fischer of zombie killing is where i find myself more comfortable. and the side arms and rifles are only for zombies far away, that could lead more to me, pick them off from a distance so they dont get closer.
but fire….
i dont know about fire, never was comfortable with fire as a weapon for the undead. cause if for nothing else, as much as i fear the undead, i think flaming undead would be that much more scary.
unless you had like a lake of fire surrounding where your hidding i dont know that i would use fire as a weapon.
Sam on 28 Dec 2007 at 3:22 am #
I definitely agree on a few points. A heavy club weapon is a must. The emphasis here is on heavy. You want the weight of the swinging club to be what bashes the brain or breaks the neck - your muscle power alone won’t cut it. A sledgehammer could be useful, but you have too small an area to meet your target. I think a good heavy pipe would work best. A crowbar isn’t heavy enough and neither is a bat. You can always wrap grip around the pipe for stability.
An edged weapon - I’m a little biased here, but I would recommend a ninja-to (short sword) over a machete. With a machete or even a broadsword, you’re still going for chopping and beating action over cutting. Broadswords in the middle ages were primarily used to dent armor and break bones - only the tips really cut and for that, there were rapiers (only useful in destroying the brain through the eye socket). A samurai sword is extremely long and takes a great deal of skill to master. A ninjato will still require a lot of skill, but if you can acquire a good, real one, you’ll have some good cutting ability.
A knife - um, if it comes to the situation where I’m stuck with only a knife - well, I’m not going to let it get to that situation. That’s almost certain death unless you’ve got a good Rambo or bowie knife you can ram in the skull and swish around a little bit.
And an axe? Well hell yeah man, axes never need reloading.
ZAC Admin on 28 Dec 2007 at 11:08 pm #
A knife - um, if it comes to the situation where I’m stuck with only a knife - well, I’m not going to let it get to that situation. That’s almost certain death unless you’ve got a good Rambo or bowie knife you can ram in the skull and swish around a little bit.
The knife is much like the last resort. I firmly believe that everyone should be prepared for the moment where they are no longer in a position to defend themselves and are surrounded by the dead. A knife might not be the best option, however, if you make it a habit to keep one on you or near you, then you will have a back-up weapon when the time comes.
swivel on 28 Dec 2007 at 11:24 pm #
I think an axe or bat would be the best. Strap them to in with your backpack and you are good to go. Or if you want to hold up at home, keep it right by the door or window just in case you need to put some work in on the zeds.
Spiraling on 29 Dec 2007 at 9:33 pm #
Crowbars are a MUST. The crowbar is infact one of the best things you can have, knowing that you can use it as a tool, it doubles as a sharp stabbing weapon, and unlike what Sam says a steel or titanium one would be more then enough to smash open a zombie head. A knife is indeed needed, because zombies are expected by most to be clumsy, so if you can save some ammo, or what have you by dodging a few times, and then stabbing them in the temple, why not?
Edged weapons I would have to vote against unless you are either an expert swordsman and can plow it through the eye every strike or believe that you will never miss with a large axe (Because don’t kid yourself, you would need a large axe to decapitate a zombie.), you are probably going to be risking either self injury or loss of balance and zombiefication.
Finally, fire. I personally would have to say that unless it is a last resort, and you can fully control it, don’t use it. Of course, there is the exception of when you are getting rid of Zombie bodies, then feel free to burn everything.
Honda on 30 Dec 2007 at 2:39 am #
A claymore mine would be an excellent weapon against a raging horde of zombies. I’ve used this weapon in the military and guess what? A well placed Claymore camoflauged with some chunks of steel, tools, or machine parts placed directly in front of it can easily take out between 20 to 50 zombies. (Depending on their foremation)
saeferth on 30 Dec 2007 at 7:30 am #
Thinking about it, one of the best weapons would probably be a piece of 30″ rebar with a make shift handle and the end sharpened like a stake. its heavy, low maintenance, easily made and you could probably drive it through a zombies skull.
i dont think i’d have a standard knife for combat if i could help it though. if we’re talking 28 days later “zombies” (ie, theyre not really dead, they still function as humans and can bleed to death) i’d go with a split bladed katar (punch dagger).
As for fire. The only time i would use fire would be to cover my escape, or throw molotov cocktails from high up in a safe place (making sure the building cant catch fire of course).
ZAC Admin on 30 Dec 2007 at 9:47 am #
“A claymore mine would be an excellent weapon against a raging horde of zombies.”
Honda, my concern with this is two-fold:
1) How easy can the average person obtain a claymore?
2) How easy can they be deployed at a moments notice during an attack?
Spiraling on 30 Dec 2007 at 11:09 pm #
Saeferth, heavy things tend to be a bad idea. The heavier something is, the more effort it takes to attack, the higher the chance is that if you miss you will be thrown off balance, and the higher chance of causing exhaustion.
Now, if we are going 28 days later outbreak… Oye we are in trouble xD. the “Punch dagger” might work for small groups of them, but if you ever believe you will only be taking on one or two zombies, you might get into deeper waters then you expected.
maratuzero on 31 Dec 2007 at 3:22 am #
sorry sam,but i have to disagree with you about the ninja sword. the ninja sword is designed for quick stabbing attacks not cutting. as i said when we got off subject in the handgun choices, the katana for a longer blade or the wakisashi for a shorter blade are the best choices.
Hooz on 01 Jan 2008 at 2:18 pm #
Claymore mines are perfect can be deployed if you have 5 minutes and good cover.
Improvised claymores (IED Style) are perfect for fixed defences, especially to clear a path when the time comes to bug out.
But the topic is non-projectile weapons; Cracking the zombie brain pan from as far away as possible… long handled axe or polearm. Great for traditional slow moving zombies. If your surrounded by fast movers… do yourself a favor and blow the claymore.
RHINO72 on 01 Jan 2008 at 3:08 pm #
I would say a nice Ice ax they are extremly lite and a bow staff with metal points at the end you can use it to as a walking stick or to take out zombies using as a spear or wiping about and craking there heads open but in all honasty i would hate for it to come down to hand to hand i rather shoot them with my M14/M1A1
Tonikaku on 02 Jan 2008 at 9:02 am #
+1 to you Hooz on the doing yourself a favor.
I think the key is a variety of weapons available to you at all times and KNOWING how to use them. Let’s face it, when you are holed up you will have plenty of down time to practice, so please do!
Polearm is my first choice, I don’t want to be close to them. If I am mobile i.e. NEED to be on the move, I have a very nice fighting stick that has a great grip even when wet and at the business end is a “ball” if you will for bludgeoning.
If we are getting closer dirtier then of course a good fighting hatchet, machete (not my first choice), tanto, and fighting knife. If we get down to the fighting knife my size 12 boots are going to be doing some booting though.
I still would do all in power to avoid the up close and personal and just sit back in my crows nest over my pad with my scoped .22 and play pop goes the weasel on any that happen to find my location.
Tonikaku on 02 Jan 2008 at 9:06 am #
Oh, I forgot to mention a nice “riot” helmet with face shield and a police riot shield. Think Dad taxi driver in 28 days later, why he had that gear at home but not on the move I will never know.
Shield to fend off your flank while attacking, the face shield to keep fluids off of you.
Evan on 05 Jan 2008 at 5:25 am #
You can get a small chainsaw attached to a 20 foot aluminum pole for a grand. also a pruning saw on the end could be useful in reaching zombies from above or a distance to cut their tendons in their legs and arms to disable them
I wouldn’t go anywhere without a Pulaski or a Self-sharpening pruning saw. Those things are brutal and would easily sever ligaments and limbs to maybe not kill a zombie but disable them enough to make them pretty much harmless.
The longer the bladed/blunt weapon the better.
Hell, a high-velocity paint ball gun with a magazine of marbles might be good as well. you could even mark zombies with a paint ball gun to determine if they are capable of following you or deductive reasoning.
I would carry glow in the dark paint or something, possibly. More of a defensive weapon really, so if you found yourself being pursued into a dark building, you might be able to mark a few zombies with it so that at least a few would be more visible coming into the dark building until your eyes adjusted to the light or whatever. It’s not the best way to see zombies in the dark or when its been dark for long, but it could be enough to save your life
A high-tension wrist-rocket or sling with steel bearings could be put to use if you took the time to become accurate with one. All it takes is time and recognizing distances. Also good for passing the time while you’re barricaded in your hide-out.
Tazers would probably be pointless…
A knife would really be better used as a tool than a weapon unless you were really good at slicing tendons with it.
So i would prolly roll with a pruning saw, 8-12 foot pole, pulaski, wrist rocket with a few projectiles, my 30-30 lever action bush rifle, chainsaw jacket and pants, head and face gear, my climbing harness, pruning cable (its like a garrote, but for trees) rope and lanyard. Zombies beware.
Evan on 05 Jan 2008 at 5:46 am #
oh and about claymores… diesel fuel and nitrates. combined… BOOM. triggers are really easy to make but dangerous to set up correctly. I would go with glass bottles coated on the inside with gasoline, then a few drops of potassium … ptollimate i think is the stuff? Its the stuff they put in rattle-snake anti-venom. Anyways… you have a very potent bomb with that. And if set up say in several bottles or flat-ish flasks under boards with nails set up so that when something stumbls over them it breaks the glass… BOOM! good for perimeter defenses and a sound warning.
ThomasD on 05 Jan 2008 at 12:31 pm #
i’d go with the crobar or the flagpole i have standing here. the most important part of surviving a zombie attack staying on the run. you don’t have to kill the zombies, just break their legs or somethin’
Krysis on 05 Jan 2008 at 5:58 pm #
Tsk tsk tsk, a baseball bat aint gonna do much good people. And I’m surprised a trench spike isn’t top of the list. Your zombie survival knwledge needs a boost!
mark_III on 05 Jan 2008 at 10:32 pm #
in my opinion, for what it matters on the webernets, i think that a pole arm, or 12 foot long poles would just be cumbersome. and assuming that firearms are out, i would carry a crowbar, for its usefullness in the prying and tool area, and as a weapon. i would carry an ax, also for its use as a multi tasker, and a machete, but specifically a gurka kukri. again, useful multitasker. essenially, if it can only be implemented in one way,the i would prefer to not have it, save for emergency situations, in which case a cricket bat would be lovely. whereas a baseball bat is round, a cricket bat, along with being heavier, has a flat surface for hard blunt trauma, and a rounder smaller edge for more precise hits.
explosives would be usefull, not just for killing zombies, also for crippling them, which is almost as good. and fire would be a usefull weapon, so long as you can get away from the flaming zombie and it wont light up everything around you.
DT on 06 Jan 2008 at 12:52 am #
i think a good zombie weapon is the sparring broad sword, extremely easy to use [like a baseball bat] and very durable. its fairly light and packs a punch and anyone who is fluint in martial arts or has been to renasonce festival probally has one.Good at carcking heads :)
ZAC Admin on 06 Jan 2008 at 12:56 am #
“You can get a small chainsaw attached to a 20 foot aluminum pole for a grand. also a pruning saw on the end could be useful in reaching zombies from above or a distance to cut their tendons in their legs and arms to disable them”
This is a great home defense item, but surely something you would need to immediately discard should you need to go mobile. A chainsaw is heavy, and a long pole is too cumbersome to carry. Not to mention the need for gas to power the chainsaw.
However, if kept at home, it would make for a very unique and interested defense method which could cause damage to the undead while keeping you safely away from harm.
Steelfox on 07 Jan 2008 at 12:59 am #
with people making and commenting on lists like this I’m sure to be one of the only survivors if shit ever hits the fan. Read World War Z then think about all you’ve said.
Mines/Explosives: Injure the human body the kill rate of a mine is almost nil.
Fire: FIRE BAD! never use fire unless you want to die too. Fire would take at least a few minutes to destroy the brain and you know what the Z is gonna be doing while on fire? CHASING YOUR ASS! setting everything else on fire and making the surrounding area very crappy for you.
Chainsaw: they’re big, heavy, need room to swing, a constant source of gas and refilling (you ever run and fill a gas tank?) and the splatter alone is a huge liability.
Bats: Useful for a very temporary weapon, hitting a little ball and they last a while. Smash one on a skull a few times and it’s done. Aluminum isn’t much better it will still bend and warp quickly.
Sword: Know how to use one before grabbing it. Also odds of finding an actual battle ready blade are slim.
Crowbar: Yay!
craznfish on 07 Jan 2008 at 9:40 pm #
Steelfox, i’m with you all the way.
yeah, world war z and the survival guide pretty much have it all folks. don’t even bother with the explosives, honestly. first off, acquiring some would be difficult, and like steelfox said, you are going for a head shot. so why bother with something that might just pass right through the body when with a simple rifle you could take one out? that is besides the point as this is non projectile weapons. personally i would go with something like a polearm…or something with some reach at least. the farther the better imo. def. i would have a knife, think about it….if its down to knife…or fist, who the hell is gonna choose a fist? yeah…bro who wanted the chainsaw….good luck to you. honestly, you will need it.
schadd on 08 Jan 2008 at 1:47 am #
of all the weapons listed above, a baseball bat is a must. you typically dont want any object that could become lodged inside of them, for fear of loosing swing time for getting it out. swords are an excellent choice because it will enable you to take the head directly off. weapons of that kind can be found here, battle ready. also a spear-like weapon such as a broomstick with a blade fastened isnt a bad idea for keepin distance between you and the feasting fiends. just make sure you go for the eyes to the brain directly.
zombiefear on 08 Jan 2008 at 11:26 am #
ahhhhhh……..this is scaring me. How likely are we to have a Zombie Invasion?
samuraishy on 08 Jan 2008 at 10:54 pm #
you forgot the trench knife. the number one most useful weapon against zombie attacks from the zombie survival guide.
Trenton on 09 Jan 2008 at 6:43 pm #
1)aluminum baseball bat
2).38 specialty snubnose revolver(to close for comfort)
3)22. mag rifle(long and accurate!)
Hugh on 09 Jan 2008 at 8:24 pm #
Hey steel fox n’ co. (co. being crazenfish) you underestimate explosives and fire
One explosives are not just useful for killing zombies They can also be used for clearing or creating blockages and either of these functions could quite easily save your life while running from a zombie horde. And as for eliminating zombies a boncing betty or claymore mounted at head level is a helluva lot more effective than you seem the frag will go through the average skull and even the shockwave up close will make you some nice ol fashion puree’d zombie brain. Claymores can be made by filling a sturdy metal box 2/3’s of the way up with explosives and a denator and covering it with frag (ball-bearings, metal fragments ect.)
Once thats done mount it at head level in a corridor or bottleneck, hook the detonator up to a tripwire across the passage and you’re done.
As for fire some homemade napalm polestyrine+gasoline until you get a sticky mixture thrown at thier face then ignited won’t take all that long to shut down thier brains, not while thier eyes are on fire. Molotovs would also work well if thrown at head level. (Also apparently equal portions of orange juice concentrate and petrol makes napalm too but I don’t know about that one.)
Hugh on 09 Jan 2008 at 8:25 pm #
Hey steel fox n’ co. (co. being crazenfish) you underestimate explosives and fire
One explosives are not just useful for killing zombies They can also be used for clearing or creating blockages and either of these functions could quite easily save your life while running from a zombie horde. And as for eliminating zombies a boncing betty or claymore mounted at head level is a helluva lot more effective than you seem the frag will go through the average skull and even the shockwave up close will make you some nice ol fashion puree’d zombie brain. Claymores can be made by filling a sturdy metal box 2/3’s of the way up with explosives and a denator and covering it with frag (ball-bearings, metal fragments ect.)
Once thats done mount it at head level in a corridor or bottleneck, hook the detonator up to a tripwire across the passage and you’re done.
As for fire some homemade napalm polestyrine+gasoline until you get a sticky mixture thrown at thier face then ignited won’t take all that long to shut down thier brains, not while thier eyes are on fire. Molotovs would also work well if thrown at head level. (Also apparently equal portions of orange juice concentrate and petrol makes napalm too but I don’t know about that one.)
Hugh on 09 Jan 2008 at 8:35 pm #
Sorry one other thing I’d like to bring to everyones attention two thing one everyone here assumes that zombies will be the only threat but we have to remember that you will quite possibly be the only person with weapons, shelter and supplies to have a good chance of survival and others may decide that it is in thier best interests if they had everything you have so watch out for that. The other thing was that apparantely the Us govt. has a thing called ‘campfire’ protocol which states that ‘in the event of an infection that is deemed both dangerous and uncontainable by conventional means, which I think we’ll all agree a zombie virus is then in order to prevent further infection infected areas will be sterilized by use of thermo-nuclear weapons.’ and I’d say thats a damm good reason to get the fuck out of any major cities valleys or mountain reanges are good because nuclear weapons are completely impactical in such areas.
Boorad on 10 Jan 2008 at 12:09 pm #
Upclose: A machete / crowbar - both valuable as tools and weapons. if you are travelling you need weapons, when you stop you need tools.
The Shaolin spade is a favoured hand to hand weapon for zombie hunting, gives you a degree of range over the other 2 above.
The reason explosives are a no no is because not only are they not guaranteed kills (as opposed to a shot through the head). But they make A LOT of noise. The last thing you want is to attract more zombies.
As someone who has fought in the war, forget the heroics, survival is everything.
For ranged ? A Semi Automatic Carbine weapon that can be silenced is the ultimate choice. The MP5 would be the ideal.
lemonAJAX on 10 Jan 2008 at 12:44 pm #
I’ve got a kit in my car.. stays there at all times.. complete with a 22″ machete, crowbar,
baseball bat, and anyhting else i might need.. and when i get my own house.. zombie
proof shelter in the back yard.. i will ALWAYS be prepared.
Hugh on 10 Jan 2008 at 7:49 pm #
Look Boorad that’s true but exposives still make great perimeter defense and let’s face you can’t be watching all your hideouts entrances all the time, you will have to sleep eventually plus with a good IED their chances of survival or at least being rendered ineffective fighters are pretty slim. And explosives are way too useful for clearing blockages or creating them and you’re only going to use them if lots of zombies are already after you and you don’t have time or ability to kill the zombies or work around the blockage. I would much rather have explosives than not especially in unfamiliar territory. Plus about attracting zombies if one of my IED’s goes off unless I am at a supremely good hideout I’d get out because my defenses are probably breached even if there are no zombies coming to get me. Though I agree with you on all your weapon choices apart from that especially the MP5. Though I think a nice long wrench would be quite effective as well.
FallenKnight on 11 Jan 2008 at 2:12 pm #
I can’t believe nobody has any love for the lowly bayonet! I have one for my WW1-era Enfield that’s about 2 feet long, practically indestructible and cost about $20. Some are even longer, but most have blades between 12-18 inches. It adds close combat practicality to an excellent long range weapon, or you can carry it in a belt sheath if you sharpen it. you need a knife anyway, so why not a multi-function one that’s super sturdy?
I would probably use it as a prybar on most wooden doors, too.
Dr. Cyclops on 11 Jan 2008 at 7:01 pm #
Lightsabers from starwars…. You don’t need ammo and it will cut through almost anything
yea whoot whoot!
nobahdi on 12 Jan 2008 at 4:34 pm #
A heavy weapon will do you no good. Has anyone ever used a sledge-hammer? You got about 10 full strength swings then you have to sit down for a minute or two.
If you are quicker than your un-dead enemy, a sharp, light weapon that you can put some force behind is best..I like the ice ax, but you might have to kick the zombies in the face a few times to retrieve your weapon.
If they are fast-movers, any hand-to-hand combat would only be to sacrifice yourself so the strangers you’ve met along the way can make it on the boat that will take them to the “non-zombie island.”
FallenKnight on 13 Jan 2008 at 11:55 am #
Hand-to-hand combat is a last resort, but against the typical slow zombie you can still come out a winner as long as you prepare. Most handheld weapons have significant shortcomings. Polearms, knives and swords require a degree of skill most people just don’t have. They will also cause fatigue pretty quickly, which will almost always be bad for your chances.
For a good compromise between speed, reach, and damage try an axe or shovel handle with a sturdy knife lashed perpendicular (L-shaped) into the end. You can exert enough force to easily penetrate a skull and a quick sideways wrench of the handle will keep it from being stuck. How long do you think you can swing a full sized axe or an 8 pound sledge? I’m no wuss but I wouldn’t want to find out I only have 8-10 swings in me and then have to run afterwards.
Another good choice that seems to have been overlooked is a tomahawk. You don’t have a lot of reach but they’re wicked fast.
A baseball or cricket bat would be OK, but smash a cantalope with one and try to keep it from splattering all over your face. Tonikaku makes an excellent point about a riot helmet in this case. A splash shield or safety goggles/respirator combo would probably be much easier to find. You could even use a 3/4 motorcycle helmet with a face shield.
A crowbar is a must, its usefulness as a tool and a weapon almost goes without saying, and some skateboard tape could make gripping it much easier when used as a weapon.
Homemade claymores would be great as a perimeter defense, especially against fast-movers, but I think you must concede to Murphy’s Law when on the run, so fire and explosives would not really help you.
trainwreck on 14 Jan 2008 at 9:19 am #
“I can’t believe nobody has any love for the lowly bayonet!”
i have one on my 1861 springfeild rifle from civil war reenacting and it would be a good item to have during this situation… and although its single shot and affective up to several hundred yards..if i could (and can!) get ammunition for it i could so some damage…but would be more like a flare from all the smoke
FallenKnight on 14 Jan 2008 at 2:50 pm #
Hell yes trainwreck! That rig is probably taller than me! Plus the buttstock will bust down a puny wooden door, too.
I bet that thing sounds like a bomb going off…the voice of authority!
Josh Davis on 14 Jan 2008 at 4:28 pm #
I have a battle ready bastard sword, 9 inch curved dagger, compound bow and 6 razor tipped arrows (ok I might need more), and 14 m1’s ready for action… The m1’s aren’t at my house but I figure the bastard sword and bow will be enough to get me to the firearms, they’re one block away!
Josh Davis on 14 Jan 2008 at 4:35 pm #
I forgot to mention my shotgun. The classic 12 guage double barrel shotgun is key here, folks. That should be enough to get me to the post, and that’s where the real fun begins. ;)
zombie hunter on 14 Jan 2008 at 5:30 pm #
I didn’t bother to read the comments. But would like to suggest a spade. The one I have in mind is from Day Of Defeat: Source =.=” A spade can be sharpened on end and is also good for just bashing stuff. AND THEN it can also be used for digging etc. lets see you dig a hole with a sword/bat.
Holes = win.
underthebus on 14 Jan 2008 at 6:05 pm #
Why are the swords gettin no love? You can do some serious zombie damage. Although, I guess you’d want to wear a riot mask so you don’t get infected.
Hugh on 15 Jan 2008 at 6:06 pm #
I reckon its a competition between a long handled wrench, a spade or a crowbar as all three are good weapons that can also be used as tools. though you should always carry a knife it is a bad idea to use it for killing zombies if you use it to prepare meals. Oh and one other thing lets say I’ve made it out of the city but can’t find any food I find zombified cow and kill it is their any safe way to prepare it so I can eat it.
Chimpy on 16 Jan 2008 at 11:05 pm #
I’d cast my vote for a solid baseball bat.
It’s designed to swing at things.
I’d also vote for a machete, especially if you’re in a tropical region where you’d use it for the underbrush.
An axe would be ok, but I don’t think it would double as a weapon as well as the machete would.
A crowbar would be useful too, as it would help you break into places.
trainwreck on 17 Jan 2008 at 3:12 pm #
fallen knight… scince i shoot blanks its not as loud but it is loud…but not as loud as a napoleon cannon (gen. Lee’s favorite cannon)…has anyone read the zombie survival handguide? base ball bats are among the worst things you could have
Hugh on 18 Jan 2008 at 5:07 am #
The wrench, THE WRENCH!!
Aquleus on 18 Jan 2008 at 6:18 pm #
Weapons are a necessity when the zombies come, sure, but why not have a full suit of armor so you can get in close quarters and survive? No zombie is capable of penetrating a modern suit of armor. I’m talking protection for your head, neck, torso, arms, legs, hands, feet, the works! This way you can go out and kill zombies in close combat no matter how smashed you may be at the time!
ZAC Admin on 18 Jan 2008 at 6:23 pm #
“No zombie is capable of penetrating a modern suit of armor”
Maybe so, but a full suit of armor is not the easiest to move around in. Also, not every area of the body would be protected (or so I would assume) so if you got stuck and couldn’t move, it would be the equivalent of tying your body down to where it couldnt move.
Josh Davis on 21 Jan 2008 at 8:07 am #
I’d help yall out if you were tied down. “This is my BOOMSTICK”!
Magna on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:43 pm #
To keep a zombie down
1. 50 calibre machine gun with armor piercing shells
2 a zapara anti-tank grenade Launcher
3 F107 Vindicator Jet Bomber with Napalm
4 Partridge in a Pear Tree
I like Overkill…..
Will on 25 Jan 2008 at 1:13 am #
i’ve allways been fond of a metal baseball bat drilled and filled with concrete. a heavy thing, but once you get used to the weight, it’s sure to bust skulls with ease. heck, one swing could go through two or three skulls at once, if lined up properly.
rodney on 25 Jan 2008 at 10:51 am #
hey guys, please stop calling it a knife, it’s a katana blade ok?
also, I think we should stablish a spot where to gather at while being attacked by zombies, remember that together we achieve more..
and don’t forget to bring your towel…
FallenKnight on 26 Jan 2008 at 12:56 am #
Man, having chopped down a tree about 9-10 inches thick with an axe, I gotta tell you, it will wear you out pretty quickly. So I have to personally give the axe a thumbs down.
A bat of some sort would be OK in an emergency, but their longevity would be an issue, as well as the splash effect.
Fire I would have to disagree with entirely. Murphy’s Law aside, there’s no way to insure whatever you use to start a fire with will act quickly enough to disable a Zombie.
My choices would be:
1- Tomahawk. Fast and light but will do serious damage.
2- Tonfa. Also called a PR-24, side-handled baton, riot baton, etc. Cops carry them for a good reason, they get the job done.
3- Bayonet. Preferably attached to a military rifle heavy enough to make it effective.
4- Nunchaku. It generally takes around 12-15 PSI of force to break human bones, nunchaku can generate over 120. And they’re wicked fast, easy to make and easy to replace.
5- Machete. You gotta have a machete. Even if you aren’t in a heavily forested area, they will prove useful time and time again.
lighterkid19 on 28 Jan 2008 at 9:01 pm #
Just one problem with the claymore, wouldnt a ground-based explosive (which uses shrapnel to kill) have a low chance of one piece of shrapnel hitting and puncturing the brain case? your best bet for an explosive would most likely be a “bouncing betty” or a mine that “jumps” 2-3 feet before detonating? even then, a land mine should not be completely relied on as a good defence
Ziggy Q on 28 Jan 2008 at 10:25 pm #
My weapons (these are readally accesable inside my house at the moment):
Primary - 3.5′ crowbar
Secondary - ball pin hammer - penetrates the skull easily (you could
take down at least five before you end up eating your
best friend)
Last resort - a bottle of moonshine
Look into the Stanley Fatmax Xtreme FuBar
I am heading straight to HomeDepo if a zombie raid ever happens, and blocking the entrances with fertalizer. Anyone with me on that? If its a bad idea, please tell me why.
Ziggy Q on 28 Jan 2008 at 10:33 pm #
And I’m sorry, but where the hell are most people going to get a katana?
madman on 30 Jan 2008 at 10:45 pm #
alright wile every one is talking about bats and axes but people forget about the handles. Wile not exactly the most heavy things in the world they could be made into very study fighting weapons. An item does not have to be heavy to cause damage wile fighting with it.
bruce on 02 Feb 2008 at 9:19 pm #
a chainsaw…
ZAC Admin on 03 Feb 2008 at 3:02 pm #
a chainsaw
A chainsaw would be pretty heavy to carry around for any amount of time. Not to mention you would have to keep a supply of gas with now. Maybe an idea for a stationary defense but certainly an item you would want to abandon if you had to go mobile.
Matt Campagna on 05 Feb 2008 at 4:54 pm #
We’re missing the all-important “Lobo” from this list… part shovel, part axe, all violent. Just ask Max Brooks. Seems like it would be not only effective, but also non-mechanical, light and easy to produce in mass-quantities…
~Matt
Machete Bob on 06 Feb 2008 at 12:17 am #
Machetes would be the best weapon hands down!! Easy to get, simple to use and effective. Bats take too long and axes stick, and crowbars are not effective enough.
As Rwanda has shown. It’s a very grim and sad reality but that would be the weapon of choice.
CJ on 08 Feb 2008 at 12:27 am #
Well. Ninja-to check. but its only sharp on the tip. its not meant for slitting throats, rather its meant for stabing attacks.
Now, a drop point tanto blade is great for slashing, if they can bleed out.
knives? Ive got 3, and I keep my fav on me at all times, in case some douch attacks me.
Ashleigh on 11 Feb 2008 at 8:32 pm #
I wouldnt suggest blunt objects for killing a zombie. They’d be fine if you want to get them out of your way. But it’d take just way to long to kill one. Personally, my list of non-firing weapons would be:
1. Machete
2. Crowbar
3. Katana (if you have one, I do)
4. A large bayonet
Selais on 12 Feb 2008 at 9:44 pm #
Okay, as a martial artist in both the Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Israeli traditions, I have a bit to say about weapons choice.
First is that hand-to-hand weapons should never eclipse the choice of a suitable ranged weapon. Keeping far away from zombies, if at all possible, is preferable. Remember, they can only hurt you at grappling range. So if at all possible, find yourself a good rifle. I’m a believer in the .223 when it comes to zombie elimination, and consider the HK G36 or 416 to be the pinnacle of the quality when it comes to assault rifles in that caliber. Good luck acquiring one, but if you can, you will have a weapon that will serve you well, so long as you fire it semi-automatically. I quite agree with Max Brooks on this point. So a semi-automatic rifle would also be suitable. Caliber should be left up to a more knowledgeable man or woman than I on the subject to decide.
A pistol as a backup, and I stress this, backup, is also a fine idea, and from personal shooting experience I endorse the 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, though I think I would choose 9mm for zombie duty due to ammo availability. (I prefer shooting .40 S&W) Glock is an excellent choice for your pistol, though HK’s line of USPs rank as the best pistols I have shot. As with any HK weapon, they are expensive. I firmly believe that an automatic would be the better choice over a revolver in a zombie situation. But always remember, your pistol is a backup weapon. Do not buy yourself a Desert Eagle. Too much weight, not enough utility. Light to moderate weight, high capacity, available ammo, and controllable caliber. That’s the pistol checklist in my opinion.
I would also remind one to not forget bows, whether they be crossbows, compound bows, or traditional bows. Crossbows in particular are very easy to learn, and much quieter than guns. A good compound bow with a peep sight is about the same. A traditional bow, recurve or long, does take a lot of training, however. Still, it provides a low maintenance, quiet weapon. Ammo storage is a problem with bows, as can be weight.
But this thread isn’t about guns or even bows. It’s about hand to hand weapons. So let’s start with long range and move in. First up is polearms.
The simplest of all polearms, is, of course, the spear. It comes in many different variations, but all of them are effective, easily learned weapons, though true mastery is another story. For anti-zombie duty, I would suggest the Japanese standard yari as the best in its class. Difficult to find, yes, but the double-edged blade is tempered steel with a long tang, the shaft is of solid hardwood, and at its size, it basically gives you a staff with the added blade on one end, and a good smashing weight on the other. Both stabbing and slashing attacks are possible with the blade, though for slashing there are better weapons. Fine, fine weapon. I would caution against using the Chinese quiang, or any pike. The quiang may be ‘The King of Weapons’ against humans, but it’s mostly based on making the target bleed out, and the waxwood shaft simply is too bendy for this purpose. A pike is simply too unwieldy.
Another polearm of use is the glaive. More suited to slashing than stabbing, it is much like the yari, just with the blade’s priorities reversed. Once again, the Japanese got it right with the naginata, which is basically a wakizashi attached to a staff. Long tang, hardwood shaft, and a blade forged as well as any katana. If you can get your hands on one of these, and are willing to practice a little, they make an excellent anti-zombie polearm. The European glaive, with a socketed head, is inferior, and the Chines guan dao is simply too heavy.
Along those lines, the “Shaolin Spade”, while at first glance, seeming to be an excellent anti-zombie polearm, should not be considered. It is far too heavy, and due to it’s double ended nature, offers less reach than a spear, and considerably more risk of self-injury. Halberds, while not as likely to injure you, are heavy and complex. Skip em. Axe polearms such as the Danish bearded axe…are basically glaives without the ability to stab. Heavy to boot. Once again, skip.
As a note on polearms, one should really only carry them if they cannot field a reliable firearm. At polearm range, one is really at the low end of pistol and possibly rifle engagement range, assuming you’ve got the nerve to fire a long gun up close to zombies. Why carry the extra weight? That being said, if you don’t have a projectile weapon, a yari or naginata might be your very best friend. I also noted a mention of bayoneted rifles earlier. I’m conflicted on them. Bayonets are really more of a terror weapon, and generally employed in a stab to the torso. Not exactly anti-zombie tactics. And the in-close use of a rifle as a bludgeon is also suspect against zombies. Still, given that a bayonet is a knife, it’s not a bad idea to carry one. Just in case.
Moving down the ranges, we come to swords and axes. Axes…as a matter of personal taste, I don’t like them, with the exception of the tomahawk. Most axes suffer the same problem as do sledgehammers. A lot of weight is being swung at the end of a shaft, and controlling that momentum is not easy. More, they are prone to getting stuck in bone, particularly skulls. And the lighter hatchets have too short of a reach. The tomahawk has lightness and some reach, along with usability as a tool. Still not my first choice.
Swords…well, there’s all sorts. Personally, I’d skip the great, bastard, and arming swords used in Europe by knights. Fine weapons in their own right, but not the best for this purpose. A falchion, depending on its length, can be quite good. Claymores, rapiers, smallswords…all out the window if you’ve got the choice. Most European weapons were point-focused in their use. A well made backsword, such as a cavalry saber, preferably curved, can be good, but often has its balance point further to the point than I would suggest. The various scimitars or, more properly, shamshirs are much like this as well. Just say no to the kriss. The wavy blade has no advantage. Now, as for Japanese swords, I would personally skip the katana, unless it was one made for heavy cutting. Most katana were duel weapons, optimized for handling and cutting flesh. Against zombies, you will be cutting bone on each ‘kill’ stroke. For this reason, the wakizashi is actually a better choice, as they were commonly forged for close-in anti-armor work. The shinobi-gatana, or at least a proper one, is basically a wakizashi with a longer handle. Very controllable, very good cutting blade. Fine choice. The so-called “ninja-to” straight blade, isn’t what you’re looking for. What you’re likely to buy is overwhelmingly badly forged, and lacks the cutting power of a curved blade. For the lack of cutting power, the Chinese jian is also not recommended. However, the dao is most certainly recommended. In fact, when it comes to anti-zombie swords, I can’t think of much better than a goose-quill dao in skilled hands, or an ox-tail dao in untrained hands. Now, follow, I don’t mean the floppy ones sold for formwork and competitions. I mean well-forged ones, made for battle. The dao is basically a weaponized machete, so any training you have on it is immediately applicable to a machete, or any number of blunt instruments, such as a baseball bat or crowbar. It’s made for cutting, chopping, hacking, and slashing, is more robust than a katana, and can still be used as a machete in a pinch. Fine, fine weapon. I personally have one made of wootz steel that saw action in the Boxer rebellion. Beautiful, battle-tested, and practical.
I feel like I should stop here to give a bit of advice on buying swords. Item one is that no blade over 12 inches in length should ever, and I do mean ever, be made of stainless steel if you want to use it for battle. High carbon spring steel is what you’re looking for at the lower and mid price ranges. At the top of the list is pattern-welded, Swedish powder-steel, true Damascus, wootz, or folded steel. Differential tempering is also good stuff. Item two is tangs. Full-length tangs are a must, though true ‘full tang’ construction is not. Rat-tail or half-length tangs are worse than useless. Item three. Don’t sharpen a blade to ‘razor sharp’. It will tend to turn on bone. Instead, bring it to ‘knife sharp’. Item four. The internet is not the place to buy swords, with the exception of a few reputable dealers. The best place to go is a renaissance festival that has weapons being sold. Of course, ask about the tang and of what steel the blade was forged. The more knowledge you show about long blades, the better off you will be in your buying experience.
For blunt weapons at the same range, crowbars are king, mostly because of the fact that they are usable in a lethal manner, are a very useful tool, and are very durable.
At even shorter ranges than swords? Nunchaku, I saw mentioned. Forget about it. They take way too much training, and aren’t really meant for striking. Hammers? Hell no. Not enough reach. Entrenching tools. Oh, hell yes, and so much the better if you sharpen up the side a bit. And they’re a useful tool to boot. Tonfa and batons…only the ones not designed to be specifically less than lethal, and I’d rather a dao. Trench spikes…only as a desperation weapon. Like knives, you’ve got to get in wayyyyy too close to use them. Effective once there, but risky as hell, and should only be considered against one at a time. Knives are about the same thing, really, though they’re more useful as tools. Knifework is about making the other bastard bleed, not destroying his brain. In a desperate situation? Sure, go for it, but don’t make a habit of it. You’re likely to get your dumb ass bit if you do.
I think that’s most of everything.
Skwerley on 20 Feb 2008 at 9:02 am #
listen. all of you. youre all wrong. every last one. i know everyone as the hardon for a zombie situation in which they are running through a city on a motorcycle with a shotgun, a .45, some cool shades, and a sword, but the REALITY is, the ONLY way to survive a zombie attack effectively is to stick together and most likely pair with the military. you can pretend all you want, but when you saw your first zombie, no matter how prepared you think you are from watching the matrix and playing resident evil, you would be scared to death. and if you did kill a few, your subconscious would not want to believe what was happening and try to rationalize it. and while that was happening, while you were thinking, “when will this end?….it wont end…” youre having your lungs munched on by a clique of teenagers who a week before were gossiping about myspace. pretend im wrong. pretend youre a hardass. but you know its true.
jediwannabe1 on 02 Mar 2008 at 1:58 pm #
Fire. Say you’re holed up inside a wal-mart, It’s got concrete walls on the outside and if you fortify your entrances right, there won’t be anything flammable near the doors. WTF YOU GONNA DO IF THE ZOMBIES ARE ALL CROWDING THE DOORS?!? (Oh. Sure you can stay in the store all you want. until your supplies run out.) make your way to the roof with a couple molotov cocktails and It’ll be like the 4th of July. (might want to wear a deodorant-covered cloth on your face, Burning flesh = death to nostrils.)
jediwannabe1 on 02 Mar 2008 at 2:05 pm #
Dude. Skwerley couldn’t be more right. when Shoomarang (Response # 1) said he would be the “Sam Fischer of killing zombies”, I immediately felt bad for him he will die. as for me finding someplace safe is what I’m gonna be all about when the zeds take over. but once I’ve found a safe place I will do my best to kill as many zombies as possible from a safe spot, such as a roof of a building. Like I said, Cocktails + roof = safe + fun. (It will only be fun if you face the reality that zombies are monsters, not people or even animals.)
jediwannabe1 on 05 Mar 2008 at 5:23 pm #
Think about fire. think about what it does to the human (or zombie) body. It doesn’t have to destroy the brain, hell it might not even come close. But as you can imagine, a burnt body probably wouldn’t bend well. All it would take to make a zombie immobile, while maybe not dead, is just about thirty second of flame, then it won’t be able to move, the tendons and all that stuff will deteriorate and become “crispy” and unusable to the zombie. But still, use fire in a controlled environment, have a ready source of water or dirt to but it out. By the way don’t try to put fire out with flour or starch or anything else like that, because if it is spread into the air enough, it becomes highly combustible and will flash-fry the entire area of the air that the starch or whatever is in.
Albino on 06 Mar 2008 at 9:23 pm #
i would have to say that the best thing for this is… probably the Pick Head Fire Ax. they weigh only about 8 pounds (depending on the model). They are solid, if a firefighter can smash through a door with one, i think we can assume that it can penetrate brain and scull. but my suggestion, keep them far away and blow them away with a firearm.
jediwannabe1 on 14 Mar 2008 at 11:32 pm #
I say nay to axes. you have to aim just right to hit a zombie head with an axe, and that is probably not easily done in a panic. I saying either a sword, some sort of spiky club or baseball bat.
Angryvikingman on 30 Mar 2008 at 11:24 pm #
Evidently some of you people have no idea about human physiology. A youth size aluminium baseball bat is light at about half a pound, and is easily capable of killing a live human in one swift stroke. You could swing it one handed all day and not get very tired. A sword, preferably double edged, is a cinch to learn how to swing at head or knee cap level. A one legged zombie can’t really chase you. You can read an article about sword fighting(NOT fencing) in about 5 minutes and comprehend enough of the technique to be quite lethal. If you’ve got slow moving zombies, then you can decimate them with either weapon. After the bodies start piling up, their advance will slow and you will have more time to breathe between attacks. Axes or anything that is spiked (pick ax, spiked mace), is a bad idea. You have to pull the ax out of their head or chest or where ever. That takes time and exposes you to attack.
A good 3 foot blade is all you need, and you’d be surprised at how easy it will pass through flesh and bone alike. Sharpness has nothing to do with it by the way. The mass of the sword on such a small point of impact will rend the flesh. You could sever a head with a sword that was barely even beveled, much less razor sharp. Also, fire is bad. Which way is a flaming zombie going to go? I have no clue, do you? It could run straight into your home or car, or barricade and at the very least block your retreat and at worst, set your base on fire. Then WTF are you gonna do. RRRRaaaar!! Fire BAD!! As for anything else, I have 2, 12 guage shotguns, an AR-15 with a nice mil-dot scope on a riser so I can use iron sights, a .243 hunting rifle with a nice scope, a few .22 LR rifles with iron sights, 2 walther p22s, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 3500 rounds of assorted ammunition. I have a deep freeze full of food, water purification equipment and shit tons of ramen noodles. I live on the 2nd story of a brick building, and I’m a pretty decent shot. By no means am I a hard ass, but I know I have what it takes to survive. I’d probably starve to death before I ever came close to getting eaten.
Angryvikingman on 01 Apr 2008 at 5:03 pm #
In addition, a good idea for any pistol, rifle, sword, machete, knife, ect. is a lanyard. At least tie a cord to the handle somewhere and make a loop to put your hand through. That way if the weapon gets knocked from your hand, its only a foot away and still within reach.
Platinum on 09 Apr 2008 at 12:22 pm #
Selais: Excellent post. Informative without being boastful. Well-thought and presented. As this thread is about “NON-PROJECTILE” weapon choices, I was happy to see you limited info re: firearms, and that certainly was not the majority or basis for your post.
Having mock-combat experience with a variety of swords, axes, hammers, and a mace or two, I concur with all of your info (if anyone cares if I concur 8) ) One key point however that everyone seems to be missing is that it’s not necessary to immediately “kill” the zombie. It is only necessary to escape and survive. Break the knees, and even a spry toddler can outrun a crawling, ground level zombie. Break an arm (or both) and they are reduced to just lying there, thrashing around and growling at you.
Skwerley: For the majority of the populace, you may have a valid point. For those of us who are trained for, or have experience actual combat, you’ve just been insulting. I don’t have to pretend you’re wrong. I don’t think of myself as a hardass. I KNOW you are wrong, and the motorcycle riding, shotgun toting picture you paint means you’ve been watching too many android movies, not zombies.
The REALITY of the situation is that any true combat experience is unbelievable and root-shaking for both the conscious and subconscious mind. Would I be scared? Of course. Scared does not make you shuffler-lunch. To deny fear is to lie. There are millions of combat veterans who will tell you fear was a constant companion during their trial by fire. It did not, however paralyze them into inactivity. Regardless of the disbelief, or the shock, or the “insert emotion here”, they did what they had to do to survive.
I hope you, and many others posting here will be capable of doing what has to be done. In the long run, it will save me some ammo.
BudZombie on 17 Apr 2008 at 1:02 pm #
A well made native american/hawaiian/aztech style battle club is ideal.
Usually easy to find battle ready impliments at any indian rez or if you happen to have a fanatical friend.
easy to make, given the right materials, a nice round stone, an arms length stick/branch made of something strong, a bit of rope or animal sinew…
fire-polish it, seal it with wax.
You’ve got yourself a long lasting weapon.
THINK people THINK
Go basic… natives had weapons that not only destroyed heads, but lasted battle over battle.
Jediwannabe on 17 Apr 2008 at 6:25 pm #
WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY FIRE IS BAD?!?! As long as you use it in a smart way, in a controlled environment, FIRE CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!! Like I’ve said on a different post, it would be very hard (or impossible) to catch a STONE or CEMENT building on fire. say you’re holed up in a grocery store, If you can reach the roof and somehow catch the zombies crowding the entrance on fire, it will make it so that you can at least get outside the building for a while and the building won’t catch fire.
Platinum on 17 Apr 2008 at 8:05 pm #
…and then the wind changes and the fire spreads to the kitchen cleaners or garden products and you’re stuck on the roof inhaling poisonous chemicals.
Or, the shufflers catch fire (takes a while to boil the brain to a destroyed level) and shuffle on up some stairs to spread the fire to other parts of the building (maybe where they refill the propane..somewhere near under where you’re standing)
Or, it weakens the structure of the non-cement roof and brings the shufflers a nice, tasty, well-done snack when the roof collapses.
Or….well, hopefully you get the picture by now.
Angryvikingman on 10 May 2008 at 2:25 pm #
Generally, any kind of native war club was made from rounded river or creek rocks. Not many people are going to be able to find those in an urban area. At least not close enough at hand to be able to get out and collect them should there be a suprize zombie outbreak. Concrete would be a good alternative here. A nice square of concrete on the end of a stout stick makes a good club, BUT you’re not going to be able to swing it for long before your arms feel like jello.
As for fire. Fire in a contolled environment? Thats an oxymoron. The damn zombie could run all over the place setting surrounding brush, buildings, cars, anything else that is flammable on fire. You have no idea how long it will take to burn a zombie until it cant function. Fire bombs anywhere near anything flammable is just plain stupid. If you want to do some spreadable damage, then maybe some sort of organic corrosive, like acid would be a good idea. Just wear proper protective equipment when handling or weaponizing it, and especially when you’re deploying it. Water guns or squirt bottles made of the proper type of plastic will not dissolve when coming into contact with acid, making them ideal deployment systems. Do your homework on this before attempting it. I’m not responsible for your stupidity. Acid can be neutralized with water. Far less water than it would take to put out a fire.
Angryvikingman on 15 May 2008 at 4:20 pm #
@Platinum :
I guess you missed the part where I said
“A sword, preferably double edged, is a cinch to learn how to swing at head or knee cap level. A one legged zombie can’t really chase you.”
Platinum on 19 May 2008 at 5:48 am #
Angryvikingman: No, I didn’t miss it. I just reiterated it, and added some info. Sometimes the best points need pointed out again, or expanded upon.
Just trying to save myself some ammo 8)
Memphis Zombie Squad on 09 Jun 2008 at 12:28 am #
A lot of you are missing the point of this. These are non-projectile wepons. As not everyone is capable of immediately equipping themselves with these items, We say keep it simple. Have a plan, share your plan with others, protect yourself and all that you encouter, make your way to the designted safe zone while gathering supplies or noting potential caches. Organize and survive.
Just about everyone has a hammer… crack skulls and it will double as a pry tool.
A knife, as previously mentioned, is a great utility tool…and if all else fails and you have nowhere to turn…we will not become the hunters of the living.
A bat, but you do have to realize you want a good solid hardwood bat…not aluminum.
Now I’ve seen people talking bad about crowbars and have even seen people say it’s not heay enough. Well if you have a 12″ crowbar they maybe right… that’s why you need a firefighter or contractor 2′ bar. they are hefty and mean buisness.
If you are lucky enough to have a sword you don’t want anything that will be heavy and clumsy to wield. Katanas, machete, short swords.
But absolutely no fire… zombies are bad enough….flaming zombies will just add collateral damge to potential shelters.
Just remember:
Cover your skin: Layer your clothing
Pack what you need: Travel light. you can gather supplies as needed
Avoid Risk: Fight only if you must. You are not doing anyone any good by running headlong into mob of shuffeling meat-bags
And last but not least: stay alive….we don’t like killing our friends
riley on 18 Jun 2008 at 11:48 am #
ok i dont know about machetes and stuff but fire… whats worse a zombie or a zombie on fire? zombies are pretty much flame retardent and really the only use for explosives is when your in a car using a molotov cocktail or something like a propane bottle and shooting it like in dawn of the dead.
Angryvikingman on 04 Jul 2008 at 1:17 pm #
A wood bat? Really? How many times could you swing a wooden bat before your arms get tired? Go try it and tell me. Wood bats are HEAVY, and not everyone is in as good of shape as a pro athelete. Aluminum is much better. You cant fight off zombies if you’re too tired to swing your wood bat or crowbar. Get a childs aluminum bat and you can crack a skull very easily. its also light and repetative swinging wont tire you out nearly as fast. Use your head and think about the simple mechanics of the problem. Overwhelming force is good, but not at the cost of your own life.
Garbage Man on 07 Jul 2008 at 12:10 am #
It seems odd to me that everyone has been putting down axes… I’m not talking tiny hatchets ( too short of range) or dirty sized sledge/blade combos… i mean a good, sturdy armlength handle, 3lb headed, axe. Nothing fancy and you can buy em ANYWHERE.
Now, i understand that yes, swinging one all day, WILL get tiring. But let’s face it, you take on any more than 10 zeds at once with ANYTHING and you’re royaly screwed. So swinging a 3 pound weight will be nothing in the little bursts that will be required.
Also, i would like to mention that with every blunt weapon mentioned, and the axes, everyone only seems to think that the only thing you can do is swing it wildly. Not true. With any weapon one needs to think of every aspect the thing can put out and judge every situation accordingly. Say facing three at once? Try a smart jab to the throat with the top of the axe ( not lethal, but hit anything at it’s top, especially a wobbly zombie, and it’s gonna tip over) so one’s down, move to the next, don’t risk getting the blade stuck, turn her around and use the back end. Swing diagonally downward and you’ll either hit head, neck, or shoulder. Head’s a kill, neck could break, and ANY of them will topple it. Now, last one. Hold out axe at full length against it’s chest, and hold it back, this’ll give yourself time to judge your next move( or breathe) and then give it a clean boot. One can’t expect to ALWAYS get a clean kill first swing, so instead, train yourself to disable several quickly to allow yourself the dispatch them at your leisure.
Bit detailed, but just gives the idea that ANY weapon has more capability than simply being flailed around… So, any weapon can be made to be ideal. Just, try and think outside the box. Happy Hunting :)
Angryvikingman on 12 Jul 2008 at 12:50 pm #
Yeah, the only problem I have with an axe is that it does tend to get stuck. That’s why I prefer a good double edged 2 handed sword. If you have the right kind of axe however, then it wouldnt be too bad. A lumberjack racing axe thats used for the overhead chop has a large head, but the thickness of the head has been minimized to avoid getting stuck into the wood. They’re also razor sharp, so they’d cleave a head or limb without much trouble. Just keep it sharp.
Garbage Man on 15 Jul 2008 at 8:57 pm #
Yes, sharpness is a must. Carrying a simple kitchen file is a piece of cake. However, so long as it’s sharp, it won’t stick any more than a sword that’s not taken care of. Just practice with whatever’s at hand. And learn to care for your equipment, whatever you decide it to be.
jacob on 19 Jul 2008 at 8:45 am #
blunt objects are practical blades are not to cut of the head u have to go through all that muscle and bone blunt objects u bash till they stop moving and move on
instruisto on 21 Jul 2008 at 9:31 am #
Read your undead history. The mace is by far the best weapon. Edged weapons blunt over time.
Kasper on 31 Jul 2008 at 8:05 am #
If you have choice, an axe and a crowbar. They can take you through doors, fences and padlocks as well. Use the backside of the axe-head for zeds, to avoid sticking, a straight handle will beat a curved one for this. Stacking up too many items means you WILL end up using them more than you ought to.
Now, in my city, anyone walking to work with an axe will likely be reported to the police several times before making it to his destination. Crowbars less so, but still. Lacking a good explanation could lead to the cops confining you at a critical time. I have no excuse for bringing heavy tools to work with me working in a viral lab. Please consider people, that a lot of the items you list will need to be ordered well in advance to reach in time, unless you have a museum or ren-faire close by exactly when you need it. At the lab, I’ll have access to… extension cords, and maybe a mop. Not a great start, but at least the mop can hold a zed at a distance, with the halls being pretty narrow, I might be able to back away to one of the “bridges” that connect the upper floors to each other, then swipe.
Yeah, I’m likely toast, I know.
Do consider what you would do in the case of a surprise outbreak, if “they” knew this was coming, they’d probably have taken measure to prevent it. The equipment some of you list wouldn’t even be found in Patrick Bateman’s trunk. A rake can pin a zed, as can a roll of duct tape if you fill a doorway with it. A spade or shovel will often not be designed for swinging balance, so not a first-choice unless you find a light, straight-bladed one.
A sharpened stick or spear can be good for killing a zed, but how fast do you retrieve it in a close-quarter-crisis. The kind used in medieval times for boar-hunts would be neat, but do you really have one of those.
As for burning zeds off of your doorstep, consider that even a fire-proof building has a weak spot: the entrance your are burninating. A metal door will slowly warp if you light a gasoline fire outside it on a daily basis, and most bullet-proof “glass” is actually plastic polymers. C(x)H(x)+heat gives CO2 and H20, and even though this might happen slowly, I would not recommend applying any stress to your gate-zone. If you have a way of molotov’ing zeds at a distance from fort, or in an all-concrete cul-de-sac, this might not be a bad idea. I recommend a pendulum of doom for the zeds at your gate, not tied to yourself of course.
Kasper on 02 Aug 2008 at 8:58 am #
My apologies on the subject of armored doors, some actual research (too uncommon in these fora, alas) revealed that the problem of repeated heat might not be as much of a problem as I thought.
Most armored glass is in fact glass, either with a metal mesh inside it, or a layer of plastic material between to or more layers of glass. Steel doors are typically in a quality of steel where warping is not a big issue. Check the frame though.
I still wouldn’t want to torch the area directly in front of my door, however. There’s probably some zombies further back.
Angryvikingman on 03 Aug 2008 at 9:15 am #
I agree that a crowbar has its uses, but if you are up against more than one or two zombies, then you’re screwed. Your arms will get tired, and each swing becomes increasingly less effective. Everyone can get their hands on a machete. If you live near a Wal-mart, then you can get one for less than $10. Buy a file for $5, and a honing stone for about the same price. Keep it sharp. Not a hard thing to do. If you want a crowbar to break locks, and pry open doors, then get a 24 inch one and keep it in your mobile zombie preparedness kit. Also a small pair of bolt cutters. But I digress…
another mike on 20 Aug 2008 at 11:30 pm #
I’d rather have a tool capable of defensive demolition and aggressive negotiation than a weapon that can’t knock down the stairs.
In that vein, a married set of Halligan Bar and flat-head ax or fireman’s axe seems ideal.
If this combo isn’t to your liking, here’s the Stanley Fubar, available in three sizes. (sound and flash link, sorry)
Deal with the obstruction, bust into the cache, crack open a few zed heads, then secure your six as you bug back home. Ahh the perfect day.
Chelnov on 24 Sep 2008 at 4:17 am #
A garden spade with sharpened edges - you can bury them afterwards too
-- on 29 Sep 2008 at 9:42 pm #
Fire sounds like a damn good idea for a horde. Pick up a bottle of wine, stick a napkin in it, light it and and toss. If you’re lucky, there will be some sauteed brains for dinner.
Zander on 30 Sep 2008 at 7:26 am #
1. Blades don’t need reloding.
2. Speed and tight cloths are your d-fence
3.Get up stairs and then destroy them
4.Zombies can’t swim
Zander on 30 Sep 2008 at 7:29 am #
Fire only intimidates zombies
it makes then walk faster+ blowtorches will not burn thruough skulls and u use up gas and propellend too fast and it is to heavy to hall around(point 2.speed)
Zander on 30 Sep 2008 at 7:32 am #
5.keep quiet zombies can hear sound too-some are strong and some are decayed and don’t have good strengt(they fall apart right there and then)…
45. is the lowest fire arm to go(it takes thing down 1 shot anywere)
Zander on 30 Sep 2008 at 7:33 am #
sorry for my spelling im in a hurry…
Zander on 02 Oct 2008 at 7:19 am #
AK-47 are the best rifle to use. They are a one shot take down and can shoot throught trees. There also good in extrems, you and clean it out with a wet finger or cloth(can be mubby) and you could bend the baral 90 degre. bend it back and it still fires(this will hurt acuracy thought) + run over it with a car and it still works.
laden christoff on 06 Oct 2008 at 10:58 pm #
i think the crowbar would the best choice in this matter, what better weapon is there where u can stab them thou the eye socket, crust there skull, and with the same item can open doors or vending machines. a all around tool that a must in my equipment
the other, other mike on 16 Oct 2008 at 11:44 am #
I’m inclined to agree that a solid blunt force weapon is preferable, I’m partial to the crow bar due to it’s many uses, portability, and durability. But I’m surprised to find so many in favor of thin swords that maximize cutting power at the expense of durability. Cutting edges dull quickly on any sword if it’s used to cleave through bone repeatedly and the chance of trapping the blade is significant. A sword or edged weapon that goes for butchery and will not lose effectiveness without constant care. A machete or ax would be a good choice. For blunt force a classic baton with a weighted runner inside, or a slug of mercury would burst a skull easily and the chances of deflection are low.
A weapon I haven’t heard any debate on so far is a pole arm. not necessarily a spear or glave but those would be easy to make, and the reach advantage should offer some protection, especially to a novice. The idea of pinning a bunch of zeds together and watching them struggle is also more than a little appealing
Necrowerx on 17 Oct 2008 at 4:50 pm #
What about the “Woodman’s Pal”, if you have one?
The only thing I’d be concerned about is the pointy end and getting it lodged in some Zed’s skull. I like the fact that it has two “business” ends though.
How many say “yay” for machete? They seem like a good choice to me, and yet I’ve read of people dissing them saying how they’re built cheap in China with flimsy blades. Though I would think, if you used it right, that shouldn’t matter that much. I’d rather it be flexible than crack.
Don’t forget, the main objective, should you have to hack through zombies, is to survive - that is, to get away; you don’t necessarily have to kill them all. Hacking at arms and legs (achilles tendon if possible) will at least slow them down from a shuffle to a crawl, where escape is much easier.
For that reason, in certain circumstances, fire could be useful - like after you have 10 of them hacked to bits, lying around and crawling.. But not all circumstances of course. I just think it’s premature to say all use of fire is bad, period, though.
I don’t agree with everything Max Brooks laid forth in his guide, but I do think a crowbar would be good for a blunt instrument, though they are kinda heavy. Also don’t forget, some zombies will be more decayed than others; some of them will go down pretty easy, others, maybe not so much.
jaxom on 20 Oct 2008 at 8:16 am #
i think a machete would be one of the best weapons out there i mean you could use the non sharpend side to bash skull in or turn it around an use the combo of smash and cut its a 2in one deal here
Dr Who on 20 Oct 2008 at 8:04 pm #
Things to keep in mind with any weapon:
1. You are using it against zombies. You foe does not fear, does not bleed out, does not feel pain. Does your weapon use any of these?
Certain weapons especially chainsaws and big spikey weapons use fear as part of their damage. While not negating the uses elsewise the fear portion is useless. Other weapons are good at causing bleeding or pain, thse features are worthless.
2. How much training does the wielder have? Are you going to spend the time to train with the weapon? More importantly, have your fellow survivors?
Some weapons require years of training to use effectively and this can be exascerbated by using them against zombies. While a rapier it skilled hands could drop zeds left and right with eyesocket shots, how long does it take to get to that point?
3. The durability of your weapon. Axes and machetes won’t get very sharp but keep a chisel point well, where a sword can get super sharp but will need to be constantly sharpened to keep that edge. And the more often you sharpen a blade the less the lifespan of said blade. Older model rifles have wood stocks and can be used to bash zeds while you can only do that once with an M-16 stock.
This is really self-explanatory.
4. The utility of your weapon. Is it your main weapon or backup? Is it offensive or defensive, short range or long range, fast or slow.
Every weapon has it’s uses. Polearms, polesaws, and chainpolesaws excell it static defence positions. On a wall or behind barriers these weapons can’t be beat and if you have a fortress you should have a few for the zeds that get in too close. Heavy axes are awesome in taking single zombies down but will bog you down in an extended fight.
Melee weapons tend to focus their damage in either chopping, bashing, piercing, or cutting. Chopping weapons (axes, two-handed swords) are good for cleaving through bone. Bashing weapons (clubs and maces) crush bone, Piercing weapons (foils, rapiers) stab, and cutting weapons (katanas and sabres) slash through muscle and tendon. Chopping and bashing weapons are going to be best for those who don’t have training in any weapons. They are going to be your best bet for actually dispatching zeds as these have the necessary power to open the skull. Cutting weapons should be left alone or only in the hands of the experts, and even they should pick another weapon if possible. Your cutting weapons will have problems making it through a skull though they excell at rendering your opponent immobile if still living dead. Piercing weapons should just be ignored. Killing shots will either have to have enough power to punch through the thick bone of the skull or have to be through the eye socket to kill one. The chance of disabiling a zed with a piercing weapon is next to nil.
On to the specifics of particular weapons.
Chainsaws: Only for static defences and only to be used with protective gear. Many other weapons are better than these but chainsaws can be started and used remotely. Mounted on a vehicle could save the vehicle from being boged down. But otherwise use them to cut wood and debris.
Swords: Limited utility. Easy to carry and lightweight they take some training to use, but only specific types will be useful. Unless you are a master, decapitation and skull cleavage are had to achieve with any sword smaller than the great two-handers.
Knives: While excellent for survival a knife is no good for fighting zeds. Only use as a last resort, and then probably to kill yourself. Talk to any ER doc or nurse, lots of people come in from knife fights with cuts on their fingers from their own knives. Hit bone with a knife and it tends to slip through your grip. You don’t kill the zombie AND infect yourself at the same time.
Sledgehammers: Really unwieldy, they are good for single targets at a time. Take the legs out first, then a killing blow. A bonus is the sledge is very useful in other situations, thus limiting extra equipment you have to carry.
Crowbars: Get the biggest and heaviest you can find. Better a weapon than a sledgehammer you still have the utility of a tool, and a better tool to carry than a sledge.
Axes: Stick to the heavier axes as a main hand weapon, though a smaller one works fine against single zeds. These also are multipurpose tools/weapons. They are better as the weapon and less useful as a tool than a crowbar.
That’s all I have for now, anyone else?
jaxom on 21 Oct 2008 at 9:44 pm #
you got that out of the survival guide! |:(
jaxom on 22 Oct 2008 at 11:51 am #
the machete i have is the us army standard issue black machete it is at least 1/8 inch thic a\harddend steel blackend to keep from being seen at night even dull it can easilt cleavethrough a skull with out much effort its short enough to use indoors but long enough to keep em offa your while you cleave through there head i love the machete and will always keep it as my melee weapon
Dr Who on 23 Oct 2008 at 9:34 am #
I really didn’t get it out of the survival guide. I read through it once when it came out. Just that much or what it said I agreed with. If you can post what it says about those weapons I want to see how close they are. A machete has some advantages as a tool, but isn’t nearly heavy and thick enough to use as a zombie killing melee weapon. You can use it to disable zeds though. A deep slash right above the knee will cut the tendons and drop it quick. Don’t try to cleave skulls with a machete. While it works fine in the movies so do matrix style wall jumps. Your best shot would just knock it down with a really horrible scalp wound. You want to practice? Buy yourself a coconut and try to cleave it in half. After you’re done remember that a human skull is HARDER!
Josh on 29 Oct 2008 at 10:33 am #
I’de go with a genuine Japanese katana (folded steel). I plan on buying one for decoration around the house. They are widely available from knife shops in shopping centers. Although cheep American ones (ones that are forged) would be rather useless don’t tell me this can’t decapitate a zombie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxcKXWwIwTg
btw, each mat soaked in water is meant to be about as difficult as cutting through a mans upper thigh. So the guy basically cut through 23 male thighs effortlessly. Yes it takes training to do that. but even if I could only manage to remove a couple arms, that would give me a huge advantage in an close-quarter combat.
plus its light, and wont break easily.
Reptarkoto on 27 Nov 2008 at 5:53 pm #
Yeah here are my choices.
1) 22. rifle. 1 thousand roundds is only a few pounds. And penetrates the skull
2) a 12. sawed off shotgun - or a powerful .45
3)Machete
4) survival knife
6)A riot sized batton shield
7) lots of water
8) last is my consciousness. clear your mind. Focus.
I told my family if you are ever acting like a zombie i will kill them in a heart beat. i have 2 katanas under my bed a dagger in the corner of my room. a compund bow above my dresser (20 shafts)
I think something we all need is 1 partner YOU CAN TRUST.
Best thing to do is not side with the military unless you know for a fact they are there to help. There is taht risk they will kill you or use you as a lab rat to study the disease.
They’ve lied to us before.
i’ve found that academy/sports author/cabelas and so on carries M4’s and high powered rifles right behind the counter (gotta find a way to pry them off)
And for a vehicle i would ssay use a bicycle and if alot of equipment.. ATv (Sturdyness, more holding room)
Anyone know if alaska is a non-zombie spawning area?