Opponent picks topic.

As previously stated, my first post only dealt with the contention that blades are the most effective personal weapons in a zombie apocalypse. In this post, I will be proving that cutlasses are preferable to all other blades in the given situation. I will be rebutting my opponant's arguments in rounds three and four.Contention Two: Cutlasses are the most effective blades one could own in a zombie apocalypse. Versatility:As a "cut and thrust" weapon, the cutlass is far more versatile on the offense than, for example, the katana (a nearly exclusively cutting weapon) or the rapier (a nearly exclusively thrusting weapon). It can be used for excellent point work, and it cuts as well as any other blade. In addition, from the tip, to the edge, to the basket hilt to the pommel, the cutlass maintains what is known as a "continuum of force," as all parts of the weapon can be used for fighting (see pictures below). This is especially relevant in the case of zombies, as if one closes in, the basket hilt and pommel can be used like brass knuckles without risk of injuring the wielder. Although there are plenty of other cut and thrust weapons, (such as the Shaska that my opponant references) it is this factor primarily that allows the cutlass to rise above the others. While excellent on the offense, it is this increased defensive capability that makes for such an effective blade.http://www.coldsteel.com...http://www.swords-and-more.com...Lethality:As touched upon earlier, the cutlass excels in nearly all forms of offense. A narrow tip means that the blade slids into a target far more easily than any katana, while the curve makes the wound larger than a straight thrusting blade. A heavy, shorter blade allows for the blade to come down like an axe without being particularly heavy, and that coupled with the curve means that, despite being one handed, the weapon can easily remove heads and limbs in a single stroke. On top of all of this, a stamped steel basket hilt in the case of the pattern 1917 means that a punch hits like a hammer - more than enough power to crush a zombie skull.Handling:While the broadness of the blade allows for heavy strokes, the somewhat shorter length means that the blade is not too heavy, and that it performs wonderfully in tighter spaces (such as zombie infested hallways!). This combined with the metal basket hilt means that the point of balance is quite close to the hand, allowing for a responsive blade that changes direction quickly. Unlike blades with no such counterbalance, this means that the cutlass can be readied after a strike extremely soon after the blow is delivered. As demonstrated in my next video (under "technique"), light, saber - like weapons are some of the quickest cutting blades, with the cutlass designed specifically for this purpose (as it is a naval weapon).Technique:Unlike two handed weapons or blades like the rapier, the cutlass' effectiveness scales smoothly with experience (as opposed to being nearly impossible to use if the wielder doesn't know what they're doing). For the less experienced wielder, it can basically be used as one would use a machete, more than capable of clearing building after building of the walking dead. However, when the wielder has been properly trained, the weapon not only becomes more effective against the undead, but it also becomes quite lethal as an anti human weapon. As previously stated, it's more than powerful enough to cut cleanly through legs, arms and necks despite requiring little energy per swing. On top of this, the basket hilt makes catching an opponant's blade easy, making it far more defensively capable than something like a longsword or a katana. While the reach may be more limited, in the modern landscape where close quarters are a constant reality, this is a blessing rather than a curse. Watch these two experienced historical fencers spar with full weight dueling sabres, weapons that handle almost identically to the cutlass (they are the non naval equivalent).Note: To those who may be reading, the other videos of the people in the one I've shown above are all phenomenal, especially the ones set to music! I personally suggest the sword and buckler vs spear video.