Writing a character using an absurdly sharp blade

Hi tropers, been browsing the forums, and made an account after having one question too many. Anyways, after watching MGS 2 I decided to write a character who also used an absurdly sharp blade (but is not a cyborg). However, I have no experience in the military, so I wouldn't know much about fighting. So, how would someone wielding a super sharp sword fight besides the obvious answer of picking up a gun and firing away (that is first priority; the scenario I'm thinking of is basically barebones equipment)? Like would they just be sneaking around and ambushing people, or what? I would appreciate some input help.

Well, I'm not a military person, but I would think the most important thing for someone using a blade (absurdly sharp or otherwise) in a modern environment is to close the distance without getting shot. So I'm thinking lots of stealth. The blade itself could be used in some unexpected ways — people don't expect to be stabbed through walls or floors, for instance.

Modern day commandos and old legends of ninja use blades for much the same reason.

It kills people.

Also, unlike guns it will never run out of bullets and there won't be a loud attention attracting bang and flash if you use them.

Throwing Your Sword Always Works. just ask Darth Vader.


Though really, a little research on youtube^note swordsman vs gunman; sword vs gun; examples of such scenes in movies, games, etc. will help a lot. there's a reason I Know Mortal Kombat is a trope.

edited 26th Jun '13 4:51:09 AM by ShanghaiSlave

As long as you can keep close, a sword is a viable weapon. Contrary to popular thought because of FPS games at 27 feet or less a guy with a knife (or any other melee weapon) is more dangerous than a guy with a shotgun in combat conditions.

Assuming you're going with the more extreme version of the Absurdly Sharp Blade, the sword style would be rather unique and functionally useless with a less-super blade- basically, the most effective way to use the thing would be to go for a killing strike every time, given that there's no actual way to block the thing. Alternatively, they could go the Wolverine-in-PG-rated-media route, and start hacking apart enemy weaponry.

Your swordsman would want to be extremely fast and light on his feet (her feet, whatever), since they'd need to be able to close distances quickly and change direction rapidly- broken-field running and wind sprints would be useful.

Also, depending on what they're cutting through, they'd have to be cautious- the blade could still be trapped by a large weight settling on the flat, for example (so if they're lopping a support beam in half, there's a good chance that they could end up losing their fancy sword because most of the weight of the building is now sitting on it, halfway through the beam).

Only if the gun is down. If the gun is up...

You could potentially slice bullets in half if they hit the sword edge-on. Then you'd be hit by dangerous shrapnel instead.

An Absurdly Sharp hoe then.

edited 1st Jul '13 5:58:38 AM by m8e

Wow, thanks for the answers everyone! I 'm also sorry about responding so late, just so much to do as a college student.

I suppose it would probably help with a bit more detail. Originally the sword (and the character) were an expy of Raiden (pre cyborg and minus the bullet blocking) and his ridiculous blade, except in a more modern fantasy world. However, looking at someone's replica based on scale (33 inch blade with 10 inch handle?!), I decided said absurdly sharp blade would have a 19-22 inch blade, so wakizashi or blade bayonet length. I should also mention this isn't quite a military story, so arguments about heavy weapons etc will not apply much.

Major Tom: That distance thing you're referring to is the Tueller Drill right? But I thought that was more of a guideline for distance where they can get shot and still kill you?

edited 2nd Jul '13 5:02:56 AM by EdH

^ It's the distance you have to where the average firearm will fail to kill a charging opponent before he stabs/slices you. You have to have the best stopping power on Earth (like a 203 loaded with buckshot/flechette ammo) to make a melee foe a non-threat at that kind of point blank range.

Anything less than full sized rifle caliber (and depending on hit location not even that) will at best result in a Mutual Kill of you and the charger. Not exactly a favorable outcome.

No it isn't. The Tueller drill is about how long it takes for someone to draw a holstered pistol and shoot the attacker twice. My general understanding is that it's for civilian law enforcement, not modern warfare. I'd also question the stopping power needed to stop someone, but as I have no military or firearms experience, I suggest asking someone who does.

There's an entire thread about swords in a modern setting in world building, in which people with actual experience with combat have commented on this matter; I suggest looking there.

The Tueller Drill: http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Tueller/How.Close.htm

edited 2nd Jul '13 7:46:50 PM by Lhipenwhe