Monstrous
Dead... And Not So Dead => The Dead and the Undead => Topic started by: Night Energy on March 11, 2011, 10:27:12 AM
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Which sword type do you think would be the most efficient against zombies?
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A lightsaber! Can cut through anything, and never has a dull edge.
Ok, in all seriousness, I guess if I had to go with a sword it would most likely be a katana. I know, a somewhat obvious choice. But its just what'd I'd rather have. In the case of any blade, I'd go with a Kukri machete.
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Any long range one :lol:
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Chainsaw
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Or the legendary chainsaw crossbow, which can fire chainsaw at over 200 feet. And I change my sword, I'd rather go with a Makhaira. I love the look of the blade, and it is closer to something I'm used to handling.
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Chainsaw boomstick combo. Long Live Bruce!! But on a more serious note, quallity is way more important than style. Dont buy anything that says 440 stainless on it, and even though some of the best swords out there are made in Japan, if "made in Japan" is stamped on the blade.... stay away from it or else one whack and your holding a handle with no blade.
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Chainsaw crossbow? wth? There is such thing? Wow!!! I want one :lol:
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Personally I would stay away from sword like weapons when dealing with such an adversary for a variety of reason, two of the most prominent being that
A.) The closer you are the more likely you are to become infected yourself, not a happy thought
and
B.) With such a weapon you have to cut through the skull and go deep enough to do significant damage to the brain. Every time you do so you risk getting you weapon wedged, and in a situation like this you want to have continual movement and freedom to act.
Saying this there is one such weapon that I would consider IF I had to choose. The Naginata. Not only does it have the advantage of range, but if the blade becomes "Caught" you can separate the haft from the blade and still have a pole like weapon. Long live the Naginata!
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Good choice, but would the brain have to be damaged or just removed? A neck is allot easier to cut through than a skull.
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The swords doesn't require ammo, this is the reason why is a good choice even if it gets wedged.
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I'd be trying to survive, not focused on facing wave after wave of undead. Plus, shooting keeps you focus on a single target. With a blade you can focus on your surroundings. But still, props for the Naginata Muerte. As I said, I made my choice based on what tools I'm used to handling. A Naginata would be something I have no experience with, so I would most likely die within minutes.
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If you can kill a zombie by cuting off its head, I think I would go with a big heavy broadsword. If you actually have to damage the brain, think Id just go with a sledge hamer. It could turn skulls to powder without geting stuck.
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Brain must be damaged. Remove the head and the mouth can still bite.
Also what is the difference between running out of ammo and loosing ones only weapon due to being unable to reclaim it. At least with a rifle you can opt to club s**t with it once you run out of ammo. You loose you sword and that is the end, no if's and's or but's about it. Swords look cool, but in the big picture looking cool will get you killed (or worse). If you want a decent melee weapon go for a nice medium sized pry bar. Same size as a Katana in most cases, it will kill your zombie with a blow to the head, and you can utilize it for other aspects of survival.
I always suggest choosing for survival , after all, who is the one better off. The cool looking one......or the one still living?
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Well a shotgun is only able without ammo to be used as a club, but a sword can pierce and cut the flesh, losing it is another thing.
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Well a shotgun is only able without ammo to be used as a club, but a sword can pierce and cut the flesh, losing it is another thing.
Flesh. And I assume that it is flesh which houses the brain? Also a rifle can be used as a club.
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A well made sword can cut through bone with some ease, the only problem would be keeping it that way.
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My vote goes to the cliche' katana. Now this is not solely for the cool factor the sword provides, the sword is functional.
The Japanese katana is said to be the best balanced type of sword in the world. The katana itself has subtypes and variations as well. The sword is so diverse that each one can be catered to the user. The length and bend are very diverse here. The sword is about 4-5 feet long, that is pretty good reach for a light melee weapon. You cut with the top nine inches of the sword. So it naturally will allow you to keep distance, but then again the idea of holding a katana would inspire arrogance)
I personally enjoy the katana's ability to be catered to my needs. I can locate the one EXACTLY the shape and size that I need. It is a matter of preference here as well but you will know it when you find it.
The problem with this sword is that it is razor sharp (how can that be a bad thing?) Well it will dull quickly, this sword needs a lot of maintenance. You must take care of it after every cut, it will rust easy and dull quickly as well. The thin, sharp sword does not leave much to sharpen.
The sword is designed to cut through soft targets like flesh and thin amounts of bone. Well my idea of this sword's practicability towards zombies is decapitation of the heads. This sword is quite endowed for such a task.
For this sword you will need a cleaning kit and a sharpener. If you do not polish and sharpen this sword it will die quickly. That is the biggest downfall of this sword, in my opinion.
One good thing about this sword is the multitude of martial arts available for use with it. (Iaido, bushido, kendo, and ninjitsu as well) There are also more but these are the most basic. This is a melee weapon that is plausible to get training in.
Now for a REAL katana and not the fake rubbish that is on the internet, we will need to go to Japan. A REAL katana will be anywhere from $3000 to $50,000 (and it can go higher) I have spot a decent one for $500 on swordbuyersguide.com (decent means I think it could kill a man and serve for this purpose but it would be one that would not last)
Despite its price and drawbacks I vote for the katana. This is a light overview of it, but I know my bias is exposed here.
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And a nice dissertation but I will too stand by my choice. (The pry bar, not the Naginata. Naginata would have the same problem as the Katana......seeing as the Naginata is just a Katana blade mounted on a five foot wooden shaft.)
Maintenance on a pry bar = $0
Price on a pry bar = $20
Versatility = Unlimited
It has been much too long since I have had the opportunity to take a sole position in a debate. I hope it can continue. Whom ever reads this gets brownie points.
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I just realized how many threads about cold weapons we have here :roll: and its a bit concerning, this... respect we all hold for such <^>
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Well a zombie brain wouldnt be exactly like a live human brain. If you hit a human in the head with a prybar, it will definatly knock them out, possibly cause a fracture and kill them. But if they did die from it it would be more than likly due to bleading inside the skull. Im not sure a zombie could be killed by a blunt blow to the head unless it was truely devistating. Have you ever hit anything really hard with a prybar? It numbs the old fingers pretty good.
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Well a zombie brain wouldnt be exactly like a live human brain. If you hit a human in the head with a prybar, it will definatly knock them out, possibly cause a fracture and kill them. But if they did die from it it would be more than likly due to bleading inside the skull. Im not sure a zombie could be killed by a blunt blow to the head unless it was truely devistating. Have you ever hit anything really hard with a prybar? It numbs the old fingers pretty good.
Of course I have, every Shade Tree Mechanic worth their salt has. I will admit to going one further however and admit to bashing the occasional assortment of cinder blocks to powder with mine. You get used to the vibrations after a while and in my opinion it is quicker to weild as opposed to a sledge (Though I love my sledges too, and my mauls, oh the damage one can inflict with a maul).
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It would be lighter for sure, and almost imposible to break. But that hand ringing fealing to me is worse than fingernails on a chalk board, makes my skin crawl. I wouldnt recomend a sledge to just anyone either, but it would work pretty good for me. Its also like a master key, if the exit is blocked just make a new one.
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A lightsaber! Can cut through anything, and never has a dull edge.
Ok, in all seriousness, I guess if I had to go with a sword it would most likely be a katana. I know, a somewhat obvious choice. But its just what'd I'd rather have. In the case of any blade, I'd go with a Kukri machete.
I love that you said Light Saber. Perfect!
Such an elegant weapon...it would be a great choice, wouldn't cause as much blood splatter either!
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If you want some beautiful blades for the apocalypse I found some great ones here:
http://zombietools.net/tools/ (http://zombietools.net/tools/)
Of course keeping a distance is best, guns and explosives are wonderful, but as someone already said--swords don't run out of ammo and most of them don't weigh you down too much. Gotta have one in case of a last resort.
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Zombiefan that is a doublepost and a no no. Next time please use the Modify button if you have extra to add within minutes of your last post.
Also Welcome to Monstrous.
Lastly I would like to keep this discussion withiin the real of possiblities. If an Apocalypse were to break out tomarrow I doubt many of us (none of us) would be able to get our hands on a "Lightsaber".
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Ahhh.... im lucky, my bro is a blacksmith ;)
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Not to anger you Muerte, but theoretically speaking I do think one could be constructed using todays technology. But because there is no place for it in modern combat, noone will ever make one. And typing that sentence made me feel like such a nerd. *<:)
I kind of wonder now, if you could only choose something you could find near by, what would be your choice for a weapon? (exluding guns) I have to say I would go with a firemans axe. Even after the blade dulls, you still have weight added to your swing. And it was made to tear through doors, so it would be a master key. Granted, a master key that opens doors permanently, but still. Master key.
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No anger V, the problem is keeping the plasma (which is the closest substance we currently have to make this possible) in a cohesive shape that extends to a specific point without it being contained in a glass (or equivalent) housing. Who sounds like a nerd now. It's the same with lasers, we are just not smart enough to make it happen anytime soon.
As for the Fireman's Ax it is a good choice. I myself have chosen it on previous threads but upon reflection the pry bar won out for me as a more versatile tool. One thing you forgot to mention is the spike found on many versions of the Fireman's Axe. It dose not require sharpening and it is certain to do teh required amount of damage.
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Assuming it is plasma, then it would have to be contained in some sort of barrier which would pass through anything but plasma. Sounds like a fun puzzle. I always though it would either be a contained concentration of light that does all the slicing, some highly focused beams coming together at a point. Or that light was somehow used as a barrier for the plasma.
And right, I did forget to mention the pointy spike. Thanks for that.
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Light has a tendency to travel until it strikes some surface area. Using that you have a Laser. And the problem with the containment of Plasma is that said container could be broken rendering your weapon useless. What "could" be a possibility is synthesizing a form of low level excited Plasma, say a type that is only able to travel a certain distance when an electrical charge is introduced into it. But if it were that simple we would have said weapons already. (Also you have to take into account that you need a receptical for the specific amount of plasma used and take into consideration that you will be using (ie loosing) plasma as the weapon is put to use, so you will have to replace what is lost.
Feasibility as a viable option is still very low indeed.
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I do understand the whole want for use of plasma, read the article as well. But it seems to me the fun part of the whole experiment would be making it work. Not doing it the easiest way possible, but what would result in something more productive. Would you rather spend a longer period of time finding a way to make it without plasma? Or have a use of limited "ammo" so to speak?
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Nanites. Nanites that "eat" infected zombie cells. Leaving us with dead bodies........... and if it was recent, Normal healthy people who need a lot of food and water to recover.
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But, what if nanites get hungry and if they will bide to Asimovs laws of self preservation, they will seek food none the less ;) Will they like chicken? :lol:
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Lots and lots of maggots. They eat only dead tissue, and I assume a zombie is decaying, therefore dead tissue. We drop them by the ton via helicopter, then pop the bubbly and declare victory.
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Vultures would become the new dogs of war. I think if I was a zombie, I wouldnt want to mess with a swarm of vultures.
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Nanites. Nanites that "eat" infected zombie cells. Leaving us with dead bodies........... and if it was recent, Normal healthy people who need a lot of food and water to recover.
We have something similar already and it is readily available in many introductory implements. I of course am referring to fire.
And Vicious, what I want is an implement that would be readily available in the instance of urgent need.
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While it may not be immediate like the other ideas, itwould be easy to get to even after infection spreads.
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The nanites aren't really a bad idea, but they are not any blade type, however they could be effective.
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The nanites aren't really a bad idea, but they are not any blade type, however they could be effective.
Nanites would invade the body of the infected and attack the virus, destroying it, and there by rendering the infect harmless. Think of Nanites as super White Cells.
While it may not be immediate like the other ideas, itwould be easy to get to even after infection spreads.
I find what I am about to say cliché but..............
Joker "See, I'm a man of simple tastes. I like gunpowder...and dynamite...and gasoline!"
As he said, these things are Cheap, and they are plentiful. (Also if you are near a construction/destruction site you may be able to get your hands on some Thermite, fun stuff that Thermite.
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Point made, but a bit messy for my liking. I like to keep in mind how much effort will be required for the clean up.
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Point made, but a bit messy for my liking. I like to keep in mind how much effort will be required for the clean up.
Diesel and a match makes clean up a breeze.
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Too risky. Get a breeze in and you've got undead ashes filling the air. No telling how dangerous that could be.
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a spear even if it get's dulled by the endless hoards of zombies you can still use it to push them back until you can get something else like maybe :spy: :gun:
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Too risky. Get a breeze in and you've got undead ashes filling the air. No telling how dangerous that could be.
I see you caught the "Breeze" reference lol. But I think I should ask, are we assuming that the virus can not be destroyed by fire?
Scenario: If a zombie bleeds on board and you come along a day later and put your hand in the same spot would you catch the disease? What I am getting at is if the virus reaches open air is it still viable (In akin to most others that die within minutes of being introduced to air/atmosphere)
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Too risky. Get a breeze in and you've got undead ashes filling the air. No telling how dangerous that could be.
I see you caught the "Breeze" reference lol. But I think I should ask, are we assuming that the virus can not be destroyed by fire?
Scenario: If a zombie bleeds on board and you come along a day later and put your hand in the same spot would you catch the disease? What I am getting at is if the virus reaches open air is it still viable (In akin to most others that die within minutes of being introduced to air/atmosphere)
i always thought you would need an open wound if not than there goes my full plate mail plan most believe that a zombie virus would be transferable like rabies in the saliva sorry i am jumping in like this :embarassed:
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That's the thing, I wouldn't want to take the risk. I think the bodies would need to be quarantined until more information can be gathered concerning the virus and ways it can be transferred. Which is why I wanted to keep it from getting too messy. Though I guess my maggot comment goes down the drain now, last thing we need is infected flies.
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oh no imagine zombie vultures but with that said what about nature taking over anyway you can't stop maggots and fly's they will happen without human intervention anyway i have a new plan live underground till it all blows over
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I have the imagination, but it'd be easy to kill undead vultures. Undead flies would present a bigger challenge. Especially since they could lay eggs in your eye simply by touching it.
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I have the imagination, but it'd be easy to kill undead vultures. Undead flies would present a bigger challenge. Especially since they could lay eggs in your eye simply by touching it.
And how would something Undead reproduce sexually?
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If the eggs were already within it, would it need to? It could be the infection spreads to the eggs, but obviously one wouldn't know for sure until the time comes.
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i would be interested to see if some animals had resistance or strait out immunity to the virus vultures eat all kind of carrion if a resistance could be found than it would even the odds against the absolute destruction of the human race but since the zombies have not risen yet my curiosity will have to wait
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i would be interested to see if some animals had resistance or strait out immunity to the virus vultures eat all kind of carrion if a resistance could be found than it would even the odds against the absolute destruction of the human race but since the zombies have not risen yet my curiosity will have to wait
I have one word for you. Malaria.
Edit:
If the eggs were already within it, would it need to? It could be the infection spreads to the eggs, but obviously one wouldn't know for sure until the time comes.
I forgot to address that lol. Laying eggs would denote a need for procreation. Would a Zombie Fly feel the need to procreate? Most parasites (the Botfly is an example) lays eggs to further its species. I'll wait to bring up The fertalization process.
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how did i mess up??
You typed "how did i mess up?" What you should have typed is "How did I mess up?"
Punctuation and Capitalization.
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Even if the flies themselves do not become undead, there is still the possibility of them being carriers. And that would be more than enough to present a problem. And while it is true about the biological mechanisms protecting the young, that's assuming that the virus is identified as an outside source/threat. I do believe there have been viruses that get by because they are not immediately perceived as a threat by the host's defenses.
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What about jackals coyotes and Other scavengers, Sense of smell ability to move at increased speeds, That's Not Good
How's That For
Punctuation and Capitalization.
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Even if the flies themselves do not become undead, there is still the possibility of them being carriers.
Excellent, now how would a healthy carrier transmit this disease? Also at this point I think I should point out that the Zombie virus is not an airborne disease, if this were the case than the spread of this epidemic would be unstoppable. I'll say it again, the disease can not be transmitted as an airborne disease.
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Hate to make you angry Muerte, but you're assuming the virus kills and brings you back. If it only brings the dead back, then it being airborne would mean we could be infected but wouldn't turn until we die.
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Real Quick :focus: I Think The Best Sword For The Zombie Outbreak, Is A Claymore Even If It's Dull It Still Has Blunt Force Trauma That Can Easily Kill A Human Sized Target,
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ok, am I the only one who finds this topic outrageously moronic?
At the firsts posts... A wedged sword is useless...
I'dd go for a gun with a blade attached on it for various reasons: ranged attack, you can cut and you can use it as a club as well... but most of all I'dd rather not fight zombies and I don't think I'll ever will :)
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Its not moronic, just all in good fun. None of us are saying that a gun would be useless, but a gun with a blade on the end? You mean like a bayonet, the combat knife they use now, or what? Either may, not as useful as having a gun and a melee weapon.
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yea a bayonette, forgot the word xD or a combat knife, doesn't matter that much.
I didn't mean it wasn't for fun, just saying that the topic name is moronic since swords are almost the worst weapontypes for zombies xD cuz franctly you let them get too close, setting aside the fact you could get contaged by the zombies they come too close your defense will be lower.
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But a melee weapon can be used for small groups so you don't waste bullets, and for opening doors that will never close properly again. They do have their usefulness.
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yes, but killing a zombie is damaging the brain and a sword is not a good weapon for that... the thing about zombies is, don't let them get close to you ^^ but now :focus:
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Yes the reason i said a claymore is the best because the shear weight is enough to powder bone so it's Less likely to get stuck, I just thought of an awesome commercial, ................. Laddies and gentlemen are you tired of using that same old zombie killing crowbar freeman style now introducing, HEAD BEGONE!
That's right one swipe and you are done <^> :-o
:banplea: I am crazy
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I wasn't saying a sword lol, I went with a fireman's axe. And while you don't want zombies to get close, You also don't want to waste ammo when its not necessary. It would be a waste of bullets to take down a small group with guns. And a melee weapon will damage the brain, hell it would even be easy to make it to the brain in one blow.
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Hate to make you angry Muerte, but you're assuming the virus kills and brings you back. If it only brings the dead back, then it being airborne would mean we could be infected but wouldn't turn until we die.
This is where I giggle and reply. If it were an Airborne disease how would it affect those already dead? ( I am speaking of say a cadaver that was shot and had no more contact with a zombie other than simple sharing the same air ) Also what Air born disease is there that does not have a near (notice the word near) instant effect upon the human body. Lastly, with such a viral infection, why would someone who has been bitten be changed within a 24h (or so) period instead of simply healing and waiting to change after natural/accidental death?
There is an answer to my first question, but it is up to others to ferret it out. Also I write this to see who is checking and as a way of showing all that Not all questions I asked are a begin all end all to a conversation, instead most are placed to cause others with the ability to find answers. Fear not however, I already know the answers to my question and have prepared suitable responses far in advance of the upcoming conversation.
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Hate to make you angry Muerte, but you're assuming the virus kills and brings you back. If it only brings the dead back, then it being airborne would mean we could be infected but wouldn't turn until we die.
This is where I giggle and reply. If it were an Airborne disease how would it affect those already dead? ( I am speaking of say a cadaver that was shot and had no more contact with a zombie other than simple sharing the same air ) Also what Air born disease is there that does not have a near (notice the word near) instant effect upon the human body. Lastly, with such a viral infection, why would someone who has been bitten be changed within a 24h (or so) period instead of simply healing and waiting to change after natural/accidental death?
There is an answer to my first question, but it is up to others to ferret it out. Also I write this to see who is checking and as a way of showing all that Not all questions I asked are a begin all end all to a conversation, instead most are placed to cause others with the ability to find answers. Fear not however, I already know the answers to my question and have prepared suitable responses far in advance of the upcoming conversation.
haha good one Muerte^^
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Easy, if the infection from a bite kills you but the virus is airborne. I imagine being bitten by a rotting corpse would maybe, just possibly, under the right circumstances, most definitely cause an infection. And most people would just blow it off, or do something much too simple to take care of it. And last I checked, a severe infection can kill in 24 hours. As to the virus, who's to say how it started? If toxins were released in the air, would those toxins be restricted to being airborne? Would they not infect smaller creatures, perhaps even be washed with the rain? I imagine the water thing happening because of the process in which acid rain is produced. And hell, you could even take a theoretical stand point and say it started like you'd expect. Transferred through bites and what have you. Maybe it evolved into an airborne virus. Things do evolve. *<:)
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People work with the dead all the time morgues, hospitals, funeral home's, IF it was undetectable it could be easily be transferred, DR number 1 goes to the morgue around all the dead bodies. and creates zombie 1 trough 75, which they then go on a rampage infecting everyone in the hospital dieing and dead...........WOW this got morbid fast, Along with the people in the hospital who already have compromised immune systems, ps I burned my eyes on my screen reading tiny print,
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Hate to make you angry Muerte, but you're assuming the virus kills and brings you back. If it only brings the dead back, then it being airborne would mean we could be infected but wouldn't turn until we die.
This is where I giggle and reply. If it were an Airborne disease how would it affect those already dead? ( I am speaking of say a cadaver that was shot and had no more contact with a zombie other than simple sharing the same air ) Also what Air born disease is there that does not have a near (notice the word near) instant effect upon the human body. Lastly, with such a viral infection, why would someone who has been bitten be changed within a 24h (or so) period instead of simply healing and waiting to change after natural/accidental death?
There is an answer to my first question, but it is up to others to ferret it out. Also I write this to see who is checking and as a way of showing all that Not all questions I asked are a begin all end all to a conversation, instead most are placed to cause others with the ability to find answers. Fear not however, I already know the answers to my question and have prepared suitable responses far in advance of the upcoming conversation.
I have input here, this is slightly farfetched but bear with me here. I will defend the airborne disease explanation.
We now have chemicals that react when they touch other chemicals. This is common knowledge. We also have biological weapons now that do the same thing. We can put 1/2 of the mixture in the air and the other half can be introduced at another time. When the two chemicals meet, the reaction starts and devastation arrives.
Now my explanation branches off the airborne origin. I am going to say that the virus is airborne. But it is only 1/2 of the completed formula. We house the chemical in our bodies and it is harmless. Then we die, when this happens our body immediately starts a decomposition process. Now I can imagine, one of the chemicals released or involved in this specific process, may be the key to triggering the airborne agent. It may be the other half of the formula. This would explain how we get the virus and why it only affect people who die.
But then we have zombies who are walking and biting live people. These live people still have 1/2 of the virus in their bodies. The zombies have not stopped the decomposition process. So the zombies can introduce the specific trigger chemical to the live person. Thus starting the reaction and making another zombie.
I have not formed any thoughts on what happens when the reaction stops or if it stops. If it only needs to happen once and it is permanent or if it has to have a continuation in order to keep the 'zombie' effect.
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Props on the explanation Matt.
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Alright then, we will attack it from Matts' angle for a bit.
Assuming that it is a chemical reaction I ponder this question. What virus reacts as if it were a chemical reaction when introduced to dead flesh? ( although it does not need dead flesh to affect humans I suggest we start by looking at herpes simplex virus as an example here since we want to play the dormancy card ) I.E. what does a corpse produce that this virus needs in order to become active? ( I propose that it would have to do with the brain due to the fact that it is the one thing all Zombie theories have in common, destroy the brain, destroy the Organism. ( Wait .......... How would destroying the brain destroy something animated by a chemical reaction? Wait ........ How does a chemical reaction cause action within a corpse? ) I'll stop there for now, but trust me when I say I have other question (as well as answers, arguing with oneself is always entertaining...) but these will entertain you for now. Well ........ one last question. If the virus is airborne capable, how does it get there from the corpse? We introduce viruses by breathing, but what need does a corpse have to breathe?
Possible answer to question one. It could be caused by a difference in PH levels in the body during the early stages of decomposition that this virus looks for. For number 2 I personally have always theorized the organism ( anyone notice that I did not say virus?) finds its way to the brain and once there becomes the "Brain" for the newly reanimated body. As for three, how do you all think we do what we do every day? I hope someone points out these facts, other than myself of course. My last question I will let you guys figure out for yourself, but I will say this, I have a great idea for it that would also be plausible.
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I doubt anyone here can name the specific virus or chemicals. I assume that most people here do not know. I also am not sure if the chemicals currently exist or not.
The most likely disease that is closest to a zombie would be rabies. This causes an animal to get angry and if approached, bite other animals. When other animals are bitten, the same thing happens to them. However, when contracting rabies, you are alive and your life span is shortened if not treated.
I would assume the zombie causing agent would be a man made strain of rabies. But as far as chemical A and chemical B, I have no idea.
The animal with rabies bites your flesh, nothing to do with our brains. The zombie, I guess, would also be similar. If it is based on the rabies virus then brains are not the target.
Let me rule out the brains, not all zombies are after the brains, some are just after the flesh. The brain is not a specific goal, just part of the flesh. The brain would be just as good as your arm or foot.
My source for this is of course, zombie movies. (great citation) I also have zombie survival literature that can support me here.
The dawn of the dead, day of the dead and zombie land, are all movies where brains are irrelevant. The zombies want your flesh, no specific goal in mind, 100% of your body is their food. There are many more movies that portray the zombies indifferent to brains. However, movies may not serve as a good citation.
So time for books, which much of the information came from movies... The zombie survival guide by max brooks (the most famous and referenced zombie survival literature) In this book, the author also claims that the zombies are not after brains. He states that any part of your body is fine. (paraphrased and not sure where in book that is)
In the zombie combat manual by Roger Ma(great read, but more story then actual information) In this book there is another reference to zombies not seeking brains. The brains are irrelevant here, what matters is the flesh.
So I argue that the brains are not what the zombies are after. Which means, I don't have to come up with any complicated explanation about the zombies wanting brains. Plus, I doubt there is a logical reason for zombies just wanting brains. That seems a bit wasteful of the prey. Then if you eat the brains, that corpse cannot reanimate and the zombie species will die out.
Now, how does the zombie come back to life? How does the infected body, come back up and harm others?
I am going to assume the man made virus has a great hand in this, but we need to dissect how it works. Somehow the virus is making the body move, after all organs shut down. It is also assumed that the organs are not coming back online.
My guess would be that the airborne agent is inside our bodies and sticking to organs. Then when chemical B comes in the reaction occurs on our organs. This reaction may become an catalyst for an mutation. Basically it is re-wiring your body to function more efficiently.
So how does the mutation work? Well, I have no idea. I have not got that far yet. The smart scientists at the biochemical labs are one step ahead of me...
I am going to assume that some organs are working to a smaller degree. Since shooting the brain kills the zombie.
Many zombie movies show zombies being able to see and hear. So they have senses and the brain still processes that. Which means, to some degree the brain is working. This also means that not all organs are staying offline.
I suggest the mutation made all organs more efficient and did not use unnecessary ones.
So we can cut out the lungs and heart. The zombies don't seem to need oxygen, but I could be wrong on that. No point in pumping the blood which carries oxygen if you do not need it.. But then the brain needs blood and zombies do bleed when shot, in the movies..
Now since the brain still seems to work, shooting it makes sense. You eliminate the senses and the control center. The dead can stay dead.
But all of this is only applies if I am correct. If I am wrong, then in my opinion, life will suck.
This is as far as I got, someone please assist me with this argument.. Most of this is logical, but is also stuff I just pulled out of my hat.
I look forward to where this goes.
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Never said that Zombies were after Brains, what I said was
I.E. what does a corpse produce that this virus needs in order to become active? ( I propose that it would have to do with the brain due to the fact that it is the one thing all Zombie theories have in common, destroy the brain, destroy the Organism. ( Wait .......... How would destroying the brain destroy something animated by a chemical reaction? Wait ........ How does a chemical reaction cause action within a corpse? )
I am referring to the fact that you have to destroy a Zombies brain in order to destroy it. Since this is the only real weakness a Zombie has then wouldn't it make sense that we should start there when looking for the why of things? Also if the Virus(?) only take effect after death, and is not the cause of death, what is produced by the brain after death to cause the virus to become active. Like I would make a rookie mistake by claiming Zombies only want “Brains”. LOL!
I see parallels in your theory that coincide with mine, maybe if you are good I'll share it with you. Oh, and did you check out the Virus sample I gave you? Since we are staying with dormant virus(s) it has more relevance to the current conversation than rabies, which is enacted almost immediately upon introduction. Or do you wish to abandon the dormant Virus theory?
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look people, the topic was which sword is most usefull, we've had this discussion about how zombies work a gazillion times... :focus:
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If I actually had a sword during a zombie apocalypse, I'd probably go with the cutlass or saber-one handed, versatile, and easy to use-relatively speaking.
Though I'd try to stay out of the zombies reach and use guns or explosives...
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Well Ladygriffin if we want to get really technical, then yes, you would be correct. The brain does need oxygen and not just blood. The question now is "does the brain of a zombie need oxygen?" "If it does, then how does it get it?"
I apologize Muerte, I was clearing that up in case it was going to come into conversation. I had known before I posted that you did not reference the eating of brains. However, my previous post did not state that clearly enough.
So I will simply say, I was wrong.
Well LeXtruX this actually might be relevant to the topic. (If I have to use the word "might" then any real relevance comes into question..)
We are debating how the virus works and how it is introduced. This is indeed crucial for choosing a weapon. If we can determine that the virus works in such a way, that removing the head is all we need to do, then we will choose blades more suited for that. While there is a chance the head may still be animated after being decapitated, in which case a bludgeoning weapon and not a blade, would be required.
In further discussion, we can determine if assaulting any limbs of the zombie will have any effect. We may be able to determine if we can slow or halt the movements of our opponents completely. These are crucial points to consider when we choose our weapon..
But in reality, I am just trying to justify a good debate.. This is a poor argument pulled out of my hat as an excuse.
So I suggest we make a new topic on how the virus works. (2011 edition) :focus:
I still vote for the Japanese katana. There are many cuts made with this sword that are for severing limbs. Such as arms, legs, torso and head. These would be valuable targets against a zombie, at the least it will slow it. These swords are also rather long for melee weapons. So your reach is going to be more beneficial compared to other weapons (such as machete)
The draw back is that the blade needs constant polish and maintenance. A good quality sword will cost a large sum of money as well. Then you also need training with the weapon. It is not as easy as it looks and gets pretty tiring..
If you manage to chip your sword or break it in half (takes a lot of effort) repairs will be almost impossible. (Unless, you know how to forge a katana and have about 30 days to spare.)
But since I have some knowledge in my favor here, I choose this weapon as my preferred over all others. (Even more then guns, if I had to choose between a gun fight and a sword fight, I would much rather use the sword)
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I would love to go for a katana, but as I've stated before, it would be better for me to use something I have more experience with. Therefore it comes down to a fireman's axe or a kukri machete.
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What about a rapier, one stab to the head damages the brain kill's the target simple quick effective,
:gun:
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I like the way u think Drake, but wouldnt a simple screwdriver do the same?
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Too short not much force behind it, You would also have to get very close to mister chomp chomp and risk getting bit, But if the zombie apocalypse roll's around i am getting in a car and welding circular saw blade's to the front , Also i would test said zombies before a melee fight occurs,
Most likely with a 22. rifle by picking a target on the body let's say the heart, if the zombie fall's to the ground and does not get back up then he requires a heart to function, a rapier can also be used to destroy joint's and therefore slow it down, and it does not spew blood and gore everywhere decreasing chance of infection,
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You don't want to get involved in the argument concerning the virus, because a lot of thought has been put into both sides and I don't think either will yield. I don't think a shot to the heart would work drake, especially if these things are attacked before turning. If blood was vital, seems they wouldn't have been torn up before hand.
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well, if he got so close to me that a rapier can neutralize him, its but a sneeze away of becoming the undead as well.
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I like the claymore. You could chop off 3 heads in one swing with that thing. But I would prefer an automatic rifle and several pistols. Mostly cause they're easier to get ahold of.
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What i said was study the zombie with the 22. considering we can't test on a zombie right now,(unless you have one which in that case may i barrow him) Know your enemy, how do i know brain damage will or will not kill him, Testing is key instead of blasting away choose key vital organs if one shot to the head kill's the zombie that he needs his brain, If a shot to the heart kill's the zombie than he need's that to, This means if a zombie get's close i know what to aim for as a last resort to save my life
I was not saying that a zombie need's a heart to function, If you want distance get a spear and fit a wing like protrusion on each side of the shaft so you can stab and push the zombie away, i think some spear's have this built in the design, the claymore is good but in closed spaces you lose lot's of power and I have no idea how hard or how easy it is to stab something with a claymore and then pull it back, :spy:
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Yeah, but it will take time for you to be in optimal circumstances for your testing. By then, you will have probably already figured out the best way.
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(sigh) Yeah that's life, Race you to the first zombie, :gun: :-D
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- - - - - and I have no idea how hard or how easy it is to stab something with a claymore and then pull it back, :spy:
I'm far from an expert on swords, but I don't think a claymore is made for stabbing. I might be wrong, but a two-hand sword is used to strike with rather than stab and it's not uncommon for it to have blunt edges in order to minimize the risk for it getting stuck in the opponent during battle. The true powers of a two-hand sword lies in it's weight and reach - and in the skill of its wielder.
a claymore is a gigantic 2 handed sword wich is for cutting and blunting in case the sword's edge is no longer sharp :) if you want to stab someone with a claymore you need a lot of strength to make a forward thrust with this weapon... it's heavy as hell, so LG is correct on this one ^^
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Then i would go with a rapier because it take's minimal effort to stab the enemy and kill, Also i don't want a gigantic sword getting stuck on things while running away from zombie's, (i never thought i would type the word zombie this many time's without hearing the word crazy thrown at me )
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well a claymore would be effective but like you say, it's too heavy to carry with you
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It would be funny to watch though, i would be on zombie youtube,
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I still say sledge hamer. One blow to the top of the head and everything bone all the way to the pelvis is broken. Dosnt matter if it kills it or not, how the can it be a threat if it cant move? But like I said, its not for everyone.
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Hmm...you could always just run the damn things over-even a smaller car is pretty impressive in what it can do to a human body-although a bigger one would be better...full size van, pick-up...maybe a caddy.
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How heavy is the sledge hammer ?
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How heavy is the sledge hammer ?
too heavy to carry around all day
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I'll stick with my 1060 carbon steel Italian rapier; two cutting edges, stabbing accuracy and a 43" blade. that and my other weapons certainly help me feel safe at night :P