Originally Posted by nightkrawler
recently i have been tossing the thought around about fabricating a wrist/forearm mounted stilletto type knife.
Originally Posted by ArmBladeCreator
my weapon wont be so much as a stiletto, but more of a arm short sword. a 14inch blade that is hidden on your forearm, totally unseen and all you see on your arm is an aluminum steel frame, then, boom the blade comes jolting out, with built in auto lock, ready for any fight!
I will first say this: I am a very opinionated person, and I have a habit of voicing my opinions in a manner that often agitates people. I am also stubborn, and I have a low tolerance for stupidity and uselessness. I had intended to write an abrupt, condescending, and rather negative response to this thread in my normally arrogant style. Instead, however, I have decided that I will approach this particular subject with a degree of cautious sensitivity, and in a logical manner.
Please bear in mind that everything I say should be taken with a grain of salt.
With that said, I must begin by stating my thoughts regarding the construction of the
"forearm mounted stilleto knife" and the recently discussed automatic
"arm blade." I personally believe that these devices are wholly useless in nature, being based almost entirely in fantasy. In my opinion, the idea of building such a contraption crosses the boundary from constructive creativity to fruitless absurdity. Nevertheless, I respect any individual's right to pursue whatever conceivable desire they may have, regardless of how ridiculous it may seem to me. I am not, in any way, attempting to infringe upon anyone's ability to construct or possess what they wish. To quote a well-known cliche: "It's a free country." I only ask that everyone, particularly nightkrawler and ArmBladeCreator, consider the implications of my next statements.
My concerns are as follows:
First, these forearm-mounted blades are fantasy weapons. They are not practical as a weapon or tool. They would necessarily be very delicate devices, and if not constructed with precision, they could potentially harm the user. It would likely be a hindrance if the user were required to perform certain tasks with the device strapped to the forearm, due in part to the sheer size and weight. Wearing such a contraption in public would require one to dress only in long-sleeved garments; this could become quite uncomfortable. These "arm blades" appear useful in movies only because the director is not forced to deal with such "real-life" considerations.
Second, I am concerned with the use of the term
"weapon" and the phrase
"ready for any fight!" If the motive for possession of such a device is to actually use it as a weapon, then I really must object. To attempt to use this "arm blade" as a weapon, even for defense, would be extremely dangerous. To have any blade, especially one 14" in length, attached to one's forearm would be many times more dangerous than to have a similar blade held in the hand. For example, if the need arose, it would be virtually impossible to remove the weapon with a single hand. Also, the design would need to be fool-proof, with integrated safety features to prevent an accidental activation of the mechanism. If the blade were to accidentaly discharge in close proximity to another individual, he or she might suffer life-threatening injuries as a result. Additionally, one must consider the consequences of using this device as a weapon. Under most circumstances, using such a weapon in a fight would be not be considered justifiable, even for defense. The law generally allows for the use of appropriate and proportionate lethal force when a person feels that his well-being has been threatened. Eviscerating an attacker with an arm-mounted "short sword" would most likely be considered an unnecessary and criminally negligent use of lethal force.
Third, one must consider the legal aspects of possessing such a device. If this "arm blade" utilizes a mechanism which automatically deploys the blade at the push of a button, it is therefore technically considered an "auto-knife." Automatic knives are illegal in many areas of the country; it is unlawful to manufacture, buy, sell, or simply possess these knives. Also, as the function of the device would necessitate a relatively long blade, the device would be in violation of certain blade-length laws. It is most certainly illegal in most areas of the country to carry a 14" blade that has no practical application other than as a weapon. Imagine the chaos that would result if a law enforcement officer discovered that a person was wearing this "arm blade." In today's society, people are becoming increasingly unfriendly toward knives. The sight of this arm-blade device, obviously intended as a weapon, would utterly terrify some people. How would the wearer of such a device respond to the question, "Hey... what's that on your arm?"
Finally, I find it unusual that there are almost no responses questioning the practicality of the proposed device. Many of the members of Bladeforums share a dislike for "mall ninja" types (mall ninjas are generally described as those people who are inclined to purchase inexpensive and poorly manufactured knives and weaponry with the belief that it makes them "cool" or "badass"). In fact, I have even been criticised, as I am sure others have, for my love of large fixed blades; the reasoning being that small knives are good enough for any possible cutting chore, and possessing anything large is considered "showing off." Given these facts, I would expect many forumites to be posting their objections to this "forearm-mounted blade" concept. I would have believed that the idea of an automatic short-sword strapped to a person's arm would have everyone here crying "Look out for the Mall Ninja!" Am I the only one here that believes this idea to be rather immature and slightly reckless?
There. I have said it, and have sealed my fate. Now will come the fuming criticisms and bitter remarks. For those of you who took the time to read this entire post: I'm sorry for wasting your time. For those of you who skipped over those last few paragraphs and decided to read this last part first: don't worry, you didn't miss anything important.
nightkrawler: If I have offended you with my remarks, then I apologise.
ArmBladeCreator: If I offended you, I really don't care. Frankly, I think you're full of bullsh*t. However, show me a completed, fully operational, and foolproof "arm blade," and I'll gladly eat my hat.
This will be my final post here until sometime after December 25th. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season. Peace, friends.
TheSurvivalist
