"At the request of several members in firearm-challenged areas, I've added this thread to the mix. Same drill; pick your favorite melee weapon, and why.

My #1 nomination is the standard hammer. It's light enough, compact, more than powerful enough to do the job, cheap, and has tons of uses as a tool.

Nominated so far: Hammer."

"Yeah, Kukri are good and all, but their range is even worse than most hatchet's. =*_*= I say if you want a weapon, go with a long kukri, =^_^= A falcata (or kopes, whichever name you want)

Its basically just a long and less curved kukri that was made for fighting. They were ancient world armor and shield busters. "

"Yeah, Kukri are good and all, but their range is even worse than most hatchet's. =*_*= I say if you want a weapon, go with a long kukri, =^_^= A falcata (or kopes, whichever name you want) "

"As axes and hammers have both been mentioned, why not combine the two. I nominate the Riggers Framing Axe:

http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/Estwing-E3-R-Riggers-Framing-Axe-p/est-e3-r.htm

Hammer on one side and axe on the other, with a full one piece steel handle that will probably never bend or break. Whether for splitting firewood or splitting heads, pounding tent stakes or bustin' skulls, the Riggers Framing Axe has you covered."