Final Girls Guide to Surviving Horror Movies

Chapter 6: Weapons

In this chapter, I will be talking about the advantages of having different types of weapons. There are many situations in horror movies that call for some sort of weapon, and so here I will talk about the many advantages of having a weapon the disadvantages to those weapons.

Categories

Sharp things

Knives- Although these are relatively simple of a weapon with the pointy bit going to your attacker a knife isn't always a reliable weapon depending on many factors. One of these is material. If it is too flimsy of material it can bend and or break, and use over time will dull it. Depending on if it is serrated or not will also factor into how effective it will be as a weapon. If you are grabbing a knife you are most lively in a kitchen. It is a great handheld weapon that is good for close range, and long-range if you can throw it decently. Other knifes such as pocket knives are good, but there are still the factors the same. If it is a household knife I suggest a standard carving knife, good for turkey, flesh, and overall toughness. If you have a cleaver in your kitchen although it is aesthetically pleasing it can be too bulky, and if you don't strike at your attacker right then it won't be so effective in stopping them. A hunting knife is good with both ends having a variety of teeth or of hard steel is a good knife for the attack but for survival as well. The teeth on this knife are important for sawing and cutting so if you need to hack something into pieces, or saw things to get out of bindings or gather supplies in the woods to set up traps.

Saws

Most saw teeth are used so that when you hack through something or someone the surface area has something to grab onto and better cut. A saw blade can be a good tool, but overall wouldn't be a top suggestion of weapon. Most sawing items use power and electricity and that isn't always accessible in the woods, or in remote areas. Chainsaws included have the drawback of using up gas, which isn't always accessible depending on your location. Overall unless you have the power and strength a saw is good in a pinch, but as a weapon for carrying around wouldn't be so effective. If you do have a round saw blade you can throw it, but depending on the force and energy you exert to throwing it, it won't do as much damage.

Chainsaws

Although this falls under the saw category I figure chainsaws are most popular in horror due to Ash Williams and of course the ever-changing family of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If you are opting for a chainsaw to replace your hand, or to use a chainsaw overall you have to get used to the balance and bulk of a chainsaw. It is bulky which is good of course for getting a lot of surface-era, but if you don't have enough strength and control you could accidentally hurt yourself. Depending on how long the chainsaw blade is can be a factor in balance as well for some chainsaws are made extra long. You should also watch out of this if you go up against another being with a chainsaw. Yes you might look cool, yes you can make sparks with your chainsaw, but if the chain of the saw breaks or you run out of gas, you're screwed. you could use the but of it as a bulky weapon to bash one's head in, but to carry all the dead weight around after a night of fighting someone who is wearing your friend's face as a mask is not wise. If you do want to go with replacing your hand with a blade try a smaller blade or try an alternative like a knife or hook.

Swords

With swords, although they can look cool and awesome a sword requires a lot of training and maintenance. Samara swords for example are good for slicing, but if you don't get a quality sword it can break on you. With swords, if made well can be perfectly balanced, but a sword isn't like a toy and can weigh more than expected.  You have to build strength in your arm to hold it up properly. Without this training and strength, you can't properly duel with your killer without hurting yourself and exerting a lot of energy just to flail around a sword like a wanna-be knight. If you can learn some training in this do but start out simple with a stick so that you can better be prepared.