Tactical Tuesday: The Katara

Short Katar

Tactical Tuesday #9

I'm in the mood for steel. So forgive me as I suggest a slightly ridiculous but nonetheless effective weapon one could rely on in the event of a zombie apocalypse. I am a big fan of melee weapons because I personally enjoy the idea of a weapon with as few moving parts as possible, since it generally means less maintenance and less margin for error (lose a screw out of a gun and you're screwed--hah).

Ladies and Gentlemen: the Katara.

Three-Bladed Katar=not good zombie weapon

The weapon is Southern Indian in origin and is meant for fast and close quarters combat. The weapon is designed as a short stabbing weapon to be used against armored assailants. The blades themselves can range in length and width--some Kataras were created from the fusion of a European blade and an Indian blade. Generally, the weapon has a broad double edged blade with a raised center line extending from the point, creating a sharp, broad point.  The blade can be as short as a few inches or as long as a few feet.  Some Katars are designed to open into three seperate blades (as popularized on SpikeTV's Deadliest Warrior). While an effective disemboweling device, this would be useless against a foe whose bowels are probably dragging the floor already.

Notice the horizontal grip with the wrist strap

What drew my attention about this weapon was the design of the handle and sideguards.  The handle effectively makes the weapon an extension of the user's hand. This would make the most common strike a forward, upward or straight punch out, which requires very little skill and only moderate effort (especially considering that when I'm scared or startled my first instinct is to lash out). The other interesting design aspect is the longish side guards available on some blades. These have their benefits and their problems. These guards could possibly provide decet protection from a bite when striking a ghoul, since the real danger with melee weapons is the "up close and person" fighting. That being said, the longer styles (some almost as long as the blade itself) can be garishly clumsy and difficult to carry. Thus if one is interested in utilizing this weapon as an effective anti-zombie device I would recommend a weapon with a 8 inch blade and a 6 inch handle--making the overall weapon a little over a foot. This would make the weapon right around managable to be carried on the belt and easily withdrawable in the advent of sudden attack.

This would be an optimum Katar in zombie defense

The only real downside to this weapon is its rarity in the United States, but never fear that is changing. With its appearance on the television recently the popularity of the Katar is growing, which means it may soon be as common in hobby and collectible shops as the Katana or Broadsword. So I feel while slightly silly the Katar could reasonably be something to consider when planning your end of the world party.

I hope that I've been helpful in your search for a good melee weapon. Enjoy and HAPPY SURVIVING!