It's not realistic though, well then again the undead are roaming around so I guess who am I to question the reality in that. Seriously though… more I stated why I think a Katana wouldn't be an inefficient weapon on page 2 but if you're still not convinced. Katana's new metals cannot cut through bone and it would likely break the blade before even cracking the skull, now, marring and skinning the zombie, that would happen, but it would in no way kill them unless you get a perfect pierce through the eye cavity, which is hard to do with such a long blade. You are much more likely to be bitten when slicing into a zombie when your blade breaks in two and they collapse upon you. This is not a last resort weapon, it's a weapon that's going to get yourself killed. If you still are skeptical then watch this video with a real Katana trying to cut through bone. The bone actually chipped his blade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTcdlvsPELk#t=19
Best combination of weapons for the zombie apocalypse:
A machete, a crowbar, a semi-automatic machine gun that uses a common caliber bullet, and a glock with silencer
Reasons:
Machete - Katanas are more prone to breakage over repeated use - machetes are sturdier weapons (plus more multifunctional). Also requires less skill to use than other bladed weapons like katanas.
Crowbar - ultimate multifunctional tool, easily modifiable, no skill to use, plus can be used as a weapon as well
Semi-Automatic machine gun - in case you're outnumbered by zombies, it's good in a pinch, can be changed between single fire and burst and automatic, has an easier-to-find caliber of bullet when scavenging, good against other human beings/other threats (insane people, raiders, escaped zoo animals, etc)
Glock with silencer - backup weapon, easier scavenging for ammunition
Plus all can be carried together without being cumbersome or heavy.
Reasons I didnt pick stuff like shotguns, crossbows, bows, katanas, broadswords, hammers, sledgehammers, whatever...
Shotgun - too loud, not very accurate except at close range - the spread would be useful against humans, but not as much against zombies - other firearms are better
Crossbows - despite Daryl and its easily replenishable ammo supply, most people don't know how to even cock a crossbow. Also, very cumbersome, slow to reload if surrounded, requires skill to aim
Bows - see problems with crossbow (minus the cocking problem) and increase the difficulty of use for the average person. Also more difficult to penetrate a skull with an arrow fired from a bow than a bolt from a crossbow
Katanas, Broadswords, etc- 1) hard to find a real one, and the reproductions break fast if subjected to real use. 2) requires a lot more skill to use well vs a machete, 3) requires more maintenance to keep in good condition than a machete, 4) not very multifunctional, 5) for the most part, a lot more cumbersome than a machete
Hammer - requires a lot of strength to use effectively, blunt trauma takes more to kill a zombie than a quick stabbing motion, shorter reach, not very effective against other threats (raiders, crazy people, animals)
Sledgehammer - requires a lot of strength to use effectively, very heavy and cumbersome - difficult to run while carrying one
Comments
Kenny and Lee's axe
That guy has really bad technique but your points still valid.
No brainer really..
Yeah, but then you get zombie goo all over your person. Saw a video that talked about this.
Best combination of weapons for the zombie apocalypse:
A machete, a crowbar, a semi-automatic machine gun that uses a common caliber bullet, and a glock with silencer
Reasons:
Machete - Katanas are more prone to breakage over repeated use - machetes are sturdier weapons (plus more multifunctional). Also requires less skill to use than other bladed weapons like katanas.
Crowbar - ultimate multifunctional tool, easily modifiable, no skill to use, plus can be used as a weapon as well
Semi-Automatic machine gun - in case you're outnumbered by zombies, it's good in a pinch, can be changed between single fire and burst and automatic, has an easier-to-find caliber of bullet when scavenging, good against other human beings/other threats (insane people, raiders, escaped zoo animals, etc)
Glock with silencer - backup weapon, easier scavenging for ammunition
Plus all can be carried together without being cumbersome or heavy.
Reasons I didnt pick stuff like shotguns, crossbows, bows, katanas, broadswords, hammers, sledgehammers, whatever...
Shotgun - too loud, not very accurate except at close range - the spread would be useful against humans, but not as much against zombies - other firearms are better
Crossbows - despite Daryl and its easily replenishable ammo supply, most people don't know how to even cock a crossbow. Also, very cumbersome, slow to reload if surrounded, requires skill to aim
Bows - see problems with crossbow (minus the cocking problem) and increase the difficulty of use for the average person. Also more difficult to penetrate a skull with an arrow fired from a bow than a bolt from a crossbow
Katanas, Broadswords, etc- 1) hard to find a real one, and the reproductions break fast if subjected to real use. 2) requires a lot more skill to use well vs a machete, 3) requires more maintenance to keep in good condition than a machete, 4) not very multifunctional, 5) for the most part, a lot more cumbersome than a machete
Hammer - requires a lot of strength to use effectively, blunt trauma takes more to kill a zombie than a quick stabbing motion, shorter reach, not very effective against other threats (raiders, crazy people, animals)
Sledgehammer - requires a lot of strength to use effectively, very heavy and cumbersome - difficult to run while carrying one