Question: Not only does the word itself sound more fluid, but I also think the connotation it has is more appropriate to the meaning Slate intends.
The word in context is the most appropriate one, there are no alternatives.

Answer: no

Question: you can feel all the way through it's like a knife like a sword like a sword a sword slicing in half or whatever
I wish that I had a sword like that.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: Punches and needles carry a lethal threat
Needles can kill anyone easily.

Answer:
it is not possible to tell