The Importance of Melee Weapons and Hygiene...

ZSB is dedicated to bringing you the best information out there we can find; whether it will be about what guns to use or gum to chew considering the circumstances.


"Oh no, zombies? Good thing I have Trident Layers!"

There is absolutely no science proving that chewing Trident Layers is going to save your life. It just tastes good and will keep you from nic-fitting (if you're a smoker).

Now for some reason, hygiene still tends to be a problem with people today, even before any indication of an apocalypse could happen (go figure). Now is it out of pure laziness?
Well yes, yes it is.

And by golly, those douchebags who used to smell in front of you at Starbucks all of the time who couldn't afford a bar of soap but a six dollar coffee are going to get eaten first. Yes, that was a run on sentence, but I feel very strongly about it.

Most people don't think about hygiene when it comes to trying to survive, or even planning for any catastrophic event. I'm assuming most people are just going to try and 'cave-man' it, using their hands for things they've never done before and just dipping themselves in a dirty irrigation ditch every now and then to rinse off...

Because if you're not going to die from being infected, you're surely going to die of something that you could have EASILY prevented.
Let's cover some of the things you can get just by being a dirty little bastard...

Head Lice

Now Head Lice is something that you can get from just about anyone, not because you don't wash your hair. I'm putting this up here because during a zombie invasion, you're probably going to be sharing some things with the people in your group. There are three kinds of lice; head lice (stated above), body lice, and pubic lice (Crabs). All of these pretty much act the same way; jumping from one person to another via clothing, pillows, etc. I suggest starting something like a "Check-Up" day, where once every two weeks everyone checks eachother for certain things. It could really clean up any debates about who started anything, and you could possibly stop something before it will even start.

This means brush your teeth, and in result this won't happen to you.

HANDWASHING!

Your mom, doctor and grandmother have always nagged you about washing your hands, especially after handling raw meat (or even your own meat, for that matter). Not only that, but history shows us that bad things tend to happen when you're around someone who doesn't wash their hands; and that bad thing tends to be you dying.
Think of it this way; you're in a group of say five, and you have one person that knows how to cook over an open fire. He's an ex-vet, has some teeth missing, and rambles on about how the zombies remind him of the war. You're walking around one day (why you're walking around, is totally baffling to me) and you stumble upon him taking a number two behind a bush. He waves you off, and you run back to camp scared like a ninny.
When you finally see him come back, you realize that:
1) He did not have a water basin or handwashing soap.
2) He did not have hand sanitizer.
and 3) ...Did he even use paper?

Now he's making dinner.

That's a great example isn't it? All of the bacteria just lying around on his hands, as he fondles your food, mocking you as you stare; mouth agape and thinking about running into the horde you find next.
Which brings me to another statement: ZOMBIES ARE DEAD. You probably will be rummaging around zombie pockets, touching things that zombies have touched, thus contracting viruses and bacteria that could kill you.

" Because the students didn't wash their hands between touching the dead and the living--handwashing was an unrecognized hygienic practice at the time--pathogenic bacteria from the cadavers regularly were transmitted to the mothers via the students' hands.
"The result was a death rate five times higher for mothers who delivered in the hospital than for mothers who delivered at home" said Dr. Gerberding. "

So; stock up on handwashing soaps and sanitizers in your BOB's & EDC's; because you're definately going to be needing them.

Here's a list of things I find useful, as well as some things they can be used for:

SANITIZER: Keeping those damned hands clean!
BABY WIPES: If you're at a loss for water, you can always use these to scrub yourself down. One for the face and neck, one for your, ah, naughties, and one for the rest of the body.
INSTA-TOOTHBRUSHES: You've seen them, those little brushes you don't need water for? Go raid that Walgreen's on the corner. I'm sure they have a shit-load.
GUM: Certain gums can help with preventing plaque; which can prevent Gingivitus. So if you have no water, no toothpaste, and no insta-brushes, this would be your best way to go.
CLEAN RAGS: If you're a female, and you still recieve Mother Nature's gift of love, please realize that tampons and pads won't last forever. You can also wash to re-use.
(Or if you really want to be ready ladies: http://www.keeper.com/index.html.)
Q-TIPS: Prevent ear infections with the build-up of wax.
ALCOHOL SWABS: To clean minor cuts and scrapes; can be used as a hand sanitizer as well (it will dry out the skin.)

DEODERANT: Need I explain?
CONDOMS: Because a zombie apocalypse doesn't stop the human race from having sex, and let's face it, getting a STI that causes pain or itching can slow you down; not to mention getting pregnant.

A Zombie's idea of a "Two for the Price of One" Special:

MELEE WEAPONS

I'm going to touch-up on some Melee weapons that can be used for defending yourself from flesh-eaters if there's a lack of guns nearby. Unfortunately, I fall into the category of "Dumbass-Who-Doesn't-Own-A-Gun"; so I know this category pretty well.
Melee weapons are better than guns for one reason, and one reason only: YOU NEVER NEED TO RELOAD/USE AMMO.
Of course, things CAN break; but guns can also jam if not cleaned well etc.

"Remember when picking a Melee Weapon. Can it crush A skull in one blow? If not, can it decapitate in said blow? Is it easy to handle? Is it light? Is it durable?" -Zombie Survival Guide, Max Brook

Warhammer

Bat'leth

Originally made for the Star Trek series, the Bat'leth is a Klingon weapon designed by the martial arts enthusiast working on set. I know you may be thinking, "Are you pop-tarded?"
I can assure you, I'm not.
"The bat'leth is a curved blade with spiked protrusions and handholds along the middle of the blade's back. In battle, the handholds are used to twirl and spin the blade rapidly."

-Taken straight from Wikipedia, because it's easier to copy and paste than type it out.The size of the Bat'leth generally tends to depend upon the user, but in all in all it can be anywhere in length from two to four feet. Keep it sharpened, and you could possibly kill a zombie with one swoop. The reason I posted this is for the length; during hand to hand combat I would like to keep my distance between myself and the teeth in front of me.

Other weapons, that I probably need not elaborate on, are axes, crowbars, tire-irons, katanas and sledgehammers. If you want a more in-depth list of what to use; click here.

I'm cutting this short because for one, this post is already very long; and two, I'm pretty much done with working on it. There's nothing more I can say.
xD
Next post should be more in-depth about excercises from the other writer, so stay tuned!

(brain)



Fun with Guns is the name of this blog.

So because human instinct will tell you to arm yourself to the hilt, I’ve decided to dedicate this blog to the brief over-view of weapons, focusing on firearms mostly. Later on throughout the blog I will go in-depth on specific types of weapons so I can help you be affective with any weapon you pick up. Even if it is so much as a rock.

                                                                       Handguns:
This is a favorite among many for so many different, but great reasons. However, for you, my future Last Survivor. I would suggest NOT making it your primary weapon of choice. But secondary for sure. Here’s why: handguns are primarily meant for close range. The closer you get to you zombie, the more stress you will experience. Lets add in 3 more variables. The barrel of a handgun is typically very short, making long range shots difficult enough. Next issue, a zombie’s head will look to be about as big as a softball from 30 yards away. And last, it’s a moving target. Need I say more? Unless you’re John Wayne, which, you’re not, so don’t even fucking try, you don’t stand a chance. However, handguns are small, lightweight, and have smaller ammunition. Depending on what type of ammunition your handgun uses, it may be used in a carbine. Also, you can choose a handgun with a longer barrel and sight radius. A laser can be attached, but when it’s battery dies, you have a useless piece of shit and are back to square one.

There are two main types of handguns to choose from. Semi-automatic or revolver.
        
                                                               Revolvers:
Revolvers are simple. Bottom-line. Easier to clean, less to go wrong. BUT they hold less ammunition and are not designed for laser sights and such. If you do choose this revolver, this girl says go for a Beretta semi-automatic pistol.

                                                          Semi-Automatic:
Semi-automatic handguns also have advantages and disadvantages. It’s major advantage is its ability to hold more ammunition and its ease of changing magazines quickly for reload. Yes, we have all played the games and have been killed many times while reloading. FUCKING RELOAD. Just remember, this isn’t a game. You won’t respawn if you die other than as a zombie. Promise.


                                                                .22 Caliber:
This gun is quieter by nature and has a lower recoil making it fairly accurate. But I wouldn’t want to use this on a home invader, much less a zombie. The smaller caliber just isn’t effective enough for killing…anything.

                                                                    40 S&W:
This gun was designed for law enforcement. It is equipped to use 10 mm ammunition but can be retro-fitted into medium frame(9mm) automatic handgun. It uses .40 inch diameter bullets with a decent weight range (9g to 13g). Most ammunition for it is hollow-point which would effectively destroy a zombies brain. It would be like placing said zombies brain in a blender. It is a better choice for a secondary weapon.

Note**Handguns are hard to load and cock for someone who has never used one before. I recommend practicing doing these things and weight lifting to make you stronger and faster at reloading and shooting.

                                                   The Heavy Machine Gun:
2 things:
You wont find it. And if you do, it wont do you any good. Period.

                                                        Sub-machine Gun:
Similar to the heavy machine gun, it wont do you much good and will only serve to waste ammunition. This gun tends to jam a lot and only serves to be a danger since it is a short range weapon.

                                        The Assault Rifle/Semi-Automatic:
Again with the ability to do rapid fire, you waste ammunition when one, well placed bullet is more effective. Many assault rifles are flawed, tend to jam easily and are difficult to clean and keep maintained., with a few accretions. We all know the AK-47, as well as the Galil and Chinese Type 56.

AK’s are fun to shoot. However, there are now better options. The M16, which is currently used by the US military is much lighter than it’s Russian cousin. However, the M16 is currently being phased out and replaced with the M4 Carbine which is shorter and works better in close combat. However, it disperses 3 rounds per-shot, also making it wasteful. If you are determined to only carry 2 types of weapons and you can choose a bolt/lever action rifle, avoid the semi-automatics. Ammunition is precious and not infinite. You need to slow down and make every shot count.

                                                                The BOOMstick:

So this is one that could potentially serve a purpose. It could fill in as your secondary weapon. The shotgun, affectionately also known as the “boomstick”, is known for it’s power and ability to kill and destroy at a close range, more more than 10 feet(preferably less). The farther away from your target you get, the more pellets spread out and the less lethality they have. The disadvantage is the gun itself is bigger and heavier and the shells are big and bulky. Whereas the handgun is not.

                                                    The Bolt/Lever-Action Rifle:

Don’t be fooled by the common misconception that these are regarded as obsolete. While the flashy sub-machine gun will lure you in with lies and un-kept promises, the rifle will give you the truth. A rifle is powerful and can help put distance between you and your attacking zombies. Why be the jackass on the ground attempting to throw a nun-chuck at said zombies when you don’t have to be? While he is trying to split a zombies skull in half, Chuck-Norris-Wannabe down there is having his foot chewed off by another. In the time it will take him to attempt and die, you could have shot him, and five other zombies around him in the head. Depending on how good of a sniper you are. People say this is the cowards way out. Why be a hero when you don’t have to be? Hero’s get eaten.

When choosing a rifle, hunting rifles will almost always be your best(and only) choice. They have simple and easy to clean and maintain designs and ammunition will be easier to acquire and more plentiful.

However, if you happen to have the luck of coming across an older military rifle, and can find the ammunition, this one could be your best friend. It was designed for close-hand combat. Just be sure you learn the proper ways to use your rifle as a CQC weapon so you don’t smash your gun to pieces.
                                                                        Lever:

Lever-action rifles tend to hold less ammunition. It is an excellent ambidextrous weapon and extremely popular with hunters and not the military.

                                                                         Bolt:

Bolt-action rifles were adopted but then replaced by semi-automatics and selective fire. It is preferred as a sniper rifle because of it’s power. This design is simpler and easier to maintain and keep clean.

Remember: Always use your guns safely and responsibly. It is your job to have a thorough working knowledge of your guns and keep them oiled and clean. And always have it by your side.

Zombie and Horror makeup done by GreenLotus. Sara Green is the woman behind GreenLotus. Follow ZSB to our FaceBook page to view more of her work and contact her through ZSB or private message via her FB page. Thank you to everyone for all of your support, it means a lot to us! Don't forget to share with your friends. Imput is always welcome! So let us know how we are doing!!

[EDC] Every Day Carry Info...

One of our writers is having a hard time trying to work out her schedule with posting an amazing article on weaponry. So in the mean-time, I've found a video you Firsties might like to watch. Enjoy!

More EDC stuff to come soon.

(brain)