Opponent picks topic.

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). The "Cutlass Machete is also a "-cut and thrust" 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 opponent 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.Used like a brass knuckle? The sword will certainly cut through the wielder's hand.Lethality:As touched upon earlier, the cutlass excels in nearly all forms of offense. A narrow tip means that the blade slides 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 ... 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.Removes head and limbs in a single stroke? No, can't even cut through cardboard at once. Look carefully at the video, and you'll see how weak the cutlass is.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 ... of the quickest cutting blades, with the cutlass designed specifically for this purpose (as it is a naval weapon).But, short-swords allow zombies to approach dangerously close to the attacker. Then the zombies can surround & destroy the attacker.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 opponent'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).Little energy per swing??? NO! That wouldn't even cut through a cardboard box. Besides, sabres don't require much training. 'With an effective saber a person of reasonable strength can easily cut off limbs, split human skulls, and decapitate heads. Actual test cutting has proven this assertion beyond any doubt and the historical record (such as the British cavalry against the French during the Battle of Waterloo) backs up this claim.'[1]ARGUMENTSabres are a "cut and thrust" weapon like a cutlass. With a sabre, draw-cutting is automatic, not requiring the co-ordination of 'time' of a master. Obviously, sabres can be can be used for point-work (a very important skill in modern fencing), and the sabre is a cut-and thrust weapon. As shown in my rebuttals, tests have shown that sabres can easily decapitate heads etc. The Point-of balance is also very close to the hand, which prevents the wielder from dropping the sword or using too much energy. Since a cutlass is VERY similar to the cutlass, but not precisely the same, most advantages the cutlass has the sabre has. The sabre also doesn't require much experience to operate basically.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------http://www.wikihow.com...http://zombie.wikia.com...http://en.wikipedia.org...Thank you.