"with most weaponry you need to focus on several key things.

1. how long is it.

the length of the weapon reduces the users ability to wield it affectively.

2. weight.

The weight of it can and will wear down the user unless you have conditioned your body to prolonged use.

3. strength of the object, everything is subject to damage over time and quality should never be overlooked versus quantity.

4. speciality.
Swords, spears, axes in fact nearly every weapon requires skill, joe six pack isn't going to know how to wield a katana or spear as soon as he picks it up so, if you don't know how to sue it properly, simply don't pick it up.


5. Hang ups.

Will my weapon get caught up in the object its hit, things again like Axes, bill hooks, pikes, spears,chain saws rakes anything with a pole of spikes will get caught up in what they hit, knights knew it, gardeners know it and so should you, only consider a spear or anything similar unless you have trained with it.

also ammunition and fuel comes into play when you consider firearms and things like chain saws, you best bet is and always will be a stout medium length machete, simply because they are not to heavy, are a good cleaving weapon and WILL NEVER RUN OUT OF AMMO OR FUEL"

"you cant possibly fathom the number of threads that are already dedicated to this subject.

LOCK PLEASE"

"As I learned quarterstaff with Norse Film and Pageant back when men were men and health and safety was just the wet dreams of insurance salesmen, I am disagreeing the whole 'how long it is' proposition.

You might want to check these fellas out;

http://www.quarterstaff.org/
_"

"Staffs in the right hands as you point out brilliantly are excellent and I did say they only really work in the hands of "Trained" users."

"But I suggest that any couple of lads could train themselves to reasonable proficiency with some evening practice sessions. They might not reach this standard ; )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odYgdfqoKFU

But they would probably knock the s**t out of most baseball bat waving wallies and mall ninjas. And all without getting into bother about 'offensive weapons' or unduly upsetting parents and guardians.
_ "

"I feel the pain. There isnt much "available" land for practicing bushcraft left in my area. Of that which is not privately owned almost all of it is now county parkland. I use a little bit of land that is still owned by the state but isnt parkland --- yet! *crosses fingers*"

"you want a picture of a stick???
_"