Our team has been working to train people for the coming Zombie Apocalypse through tools and tips learned in their various fields of expertise. We expect to give you the same tools and training to ensure your one of the survivors, and not part of the undead plague.
By keeping up to date on the latest literature, tools, and training we plan to show you how to stay healthy and avoid becoming one of the undead horde that will pillage humanity. So check back with us on a regular basis to ensure you are prepared to survive the Zombie Apocalypse
Machete: The Efficient Zombie Killer
The Machete
Ah, the machete. Whether your hacking a path through the thickest of jungles, or the thickest pack of the walking undead, there is nary a better weapon to have. In fact, we recommend that you carry at least two, and preferably four with you at all times.
The machete is one of the most inexpensive, and yet most useful weapons available on the market today. A decent machete (or “shete”) will only put you back $20 or so, and it’s durable, easy to use, and does the work of multiple tools.
Pros/Cons
While we would not recommend it as your primary zombie slaying tool, the machete is also a great weapon to help in killing the undead hordes pounding down your doors. Here are some of the pros we’ve put together in recommending the machete as your best backup weapon option.
Pros:
- Cheap (a decent one is usually around $20-$30)
- Multiple uses (hack and slash, cut and carve, dig and entrench)
- Durable and light weight
- Easy to learn to use
- Extends user’s reach beyond zombie bite radius
- Good for close quarters fighting
- Good for cracking or smashing skulls
Of course, as with any weapon, the machete does have its drawbacks. Here are some of the cons we’ve discovered.
Cons:
- Poor defense against large groups or hordes
- Typically not well balanced
- Trouble cutting through thicker bones, like arms and legs, and often catches
- Cannot be used as a projectile or thrown weapon
Tactics
If you can swing a bat you can use a machete. It was made for hacking through thick forest and dense jungle and rarely hangs up when slicing through ground cover and brush. Simply lift it over your head and slice downward to one side or the other. Raise again, and repeat.
Against an oncoming zombie, a machete can be a man’s best friend. To slay a zombie, simply raise your machete over your head, wait until the creature is just over a foot outside of your reach, and hack downward, always (of course) aiming for the top of the skull.
A good machete should have no trouble crushing the top or side of the skull, exposing the brain pan. To follow up on your first successful strike we recommend you either continue hacking at the forehead area or, if possible, jab the machete into the opened brain case and scoop or stab repeatedly. These actions should destroy the brain fully and thus put an end to the walking undead.
Of course when using a machete, you should continue moving backward and from side to side from your quarry to ensure you stay out of the bite radius. While the machete is a good weapon and gives you an extension to your normal reach, using it does require you get into closer quarters than most people would prefer.
For this reason, as well as the cons listed above, we do not recommend the machete as a primary weapon. Rather it is a necessary backup for anyone on the front lines or travelling through any territory (rural and urban) that may be infested.
Crafting
There are many types of machetes available on the market. You have many options from cheap and extremely inexpensive to rather pricey. We recommend you find one of middle to high quality, and if you have the option, we recommend picking one up in person rather than ordering online. This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the heft of the weapon and whether or not you will be able to easily wield it.
As for what brand of type to purchase, we suggest you find a reinforced carbon steel blade, preferably with a diamond ground edge. Look for a pommel of leather or some other material that will wick the sweat away from your hand to ensure you can maintain your grip.
Summary
Overall the machete is one of our favorite weapons. It’s fun, versatile, and simple. While not to be used for a primary zombie killer, it is highly recommended as an essential backup. We strongly recommend you purchase one today and start training with it tomorrow.
Related Posts
There seems to be a great deal of confusion on whether or not zombies will attack animals, and if they do, will those animals become infected, simply die, or go on with their lives. As this video shows, some types of zombies will indeed attack animals that enter their vicinity, but this is not always the case.
Some types of zombies will indeed attack an animal, though those same types will typically attack any warm or moving object. Some types of zombies will only attack certain types of animals (e.g., mammals but not lizards,) and some types of zombies will only go after a human being.
To make this a little more straightforward we have come up with the following lists to help you in knowing whether or not your family pets are safe.
Zombies that Will Attack Animals:
Zombies that Will Only Attack Humans
- Chemical Zombies
- Nano-Zombies
- Techno-Zombies
- Other Miscellaneous
To understand how to identify each type of zombie, please click on the links above and review the various articles. This will advise you on how to identify your zombies, and find out whether they are a threat to only you, or if you need to protect your pets as well.
One important item to note when reviewing the articles, not all zombie types can be spread to your animals. So while you may want to protect Spot from being eaten, if he does get bitten, you do not necessarily need to put him out of his misery.
If your pet/horse/cow/sheep does receive a bite, and you are unsure what type of zombie you have encountered, the safest option is to put the animal down. We understand that this is difficult (nigh on impossible for some.) We are pet owners and animal lovers ourselves, and to have to put down your own animal is one of the most difficult decisions one can make, even if it isn’t due to an infected bite from a zombie.
That said, the infected pet is no longer the loving, caring creature you have shared time and adventures with. If not now, then soon it will turn into a vicious, ravenous creature with only your death in mind.
If you cannot bring yourself to put your pet down, and you have not been able to identify the type of zombie bite it has received, you have two options.
- Have an acquaintance do the dirty work for you. Do NOT let a friend do it. It will ruin your relationship completely. You will always question your decision, and if a friend has to put down your beloved pet, you will forever look at them with that question, and that anger. Make sure the person you ask is someone you either don’t like, or don’t have a close connection with. It will change your relationship with them as well, but it’s less likely to ruin a friendship. Ironically, it may even lead to a stronger connection with that person.
- Lock the possibly infected animal up and monitor it over the course of several days. An infection that can spread to an animal will show its signs within 72-120 hours (three to five days.) If your pet is still its same old self after that time, you can consider yourself reasonably safe and release them.
NOTE: We cannot stress enough how dangerous, and frankly stupid this option is. Primarily, keeping a potentially infected animal locked up for up to a week can cause issues of its own. What if you have to move because of a coming horde? What about the animals natural biological processes and the necessary cleanup? Where can you keep a horse locked up that where you can guarantee it won’t escape, break free, etc.?
Additionally, there is no guarantee that even after five, ten, or even 100 days that your pet is guaranteed infection free. All creatures have different resistances to infections. Your chihuahua may be naturally immune to the zombie bacteria, but can still pass it on if he bites you. The only way to guarantee your safety from your pet is to put it down, no matter how difficult the decision.
To be blunt, it’s you or them. In a war against the zombification of all humanity your pet may become collateral damage. It’s sad, it’s difficult to come to terms with, it’s your only guarantee for safety.
In the war against zombies, animals are often caught in the middle. Many people are forced to abandon their pets when they go on the run. Even more are turned and have no recollection of their family and friends, much less their pets.
While some animals are trained to help humanity against the zombie threats, many are left to fend for themselves and have been known to become a danger in themselves. Feral packs of both dogs, cats, and even escaped zoo animals have been known to roam urban wastelands after an outbreak.
For these reasons, we recommend that if you are a pet owner and you realize that an outbreak is occurring, please do something about your pets. They will not likely be able to make it through the outbreak alive, and may even become a danger to you and your survival group. We know it’s difficult, but it may become necessary.
Video Credit: VideoSlave
Your post suggests swords or machetes as a good weapon for zombies. The most likely scenario for zombies is going to be a disease. In that case you would want to be as cautious with zombies as you would a person with HIV or hepatitis. You definitely wouldn’t want to use a weapon that would splatter their infected blood all over you. I know that no scenario is perfect but with my many years in the military dealings in violent environments I have learned the importance of team work. Never be caught alone. An overwatch with a scoped rifle is great for watching your back. And a little ,22 semiautomatic rifle would be perfect for that. They are light, inexpensive, you can carry tons of ammo. Small hole in. No hole out. 1-3 shots quick and easy. I would suggest checking out some sniper training books and military operations manuals for the infantry and spec opps units. They can be found free online if you look for a minute. In general, if they are close enough to bite you, you might as well carry some salt and ketchup in your pockets for them.
Posted on July 2nd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Your post suggests swords or machetes as a good weapon for zombies. The most likely scenario for zombies is going to be a disease. In that case you would want to be as cautious with zombies as you would a person with HIV or hepatitis. You definitely wouldn’t want to use a weapon that would splatter their infected blood all over you. I know that no scenario is perfect but with my many years in the military dealings in violent environments I have learned the importance of team work. Never be caught alone. An overwatch with a scoped rifle is great for watching your back. And a little ,22 semiautomatic rifle would be perfect for that. They are light, inexpensive, you can carry tons of ammo. Small hole in. No hole out. 1-3 shots quick and easy. I would suggest checking out some sniper training books and military operations manuals for the infantry and spec opps units. They can be found free online if you look for a minute. In general, if they are close enough to bite you, you might as well carry some salt and ketchup in your pockets for them.
Posted on July 2nd, 2011 at 1:03 pm
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