Beware the obvious choice

Well, today I would like to ad a little thing to the review of the double-handed axe. As I said then, the big axe is an apparently obvious choice : It cuts, it's heavy, it's bad ass. And hey, it's in the movies ! Seen on TV ! But unfortunately, the "obvious" choice isn't always the best one. When deciding to use or not to use a tool, ask yourself a few questions :

Is it solid ?
Is it hard ?
Is it light or heavy ?
Is it handy, easy to manipulate ?
Does it require military training or GM-body ?
Is it sharp ?
Why do I actually want it to be sharp ?

For a strange and primitive reason, a surprised victim of a ghoul attack will, often, go for the sharp tool. Why, people, why ? This is not a grand-ma-handbag-robber or your usual psycho-neighbour ! You don't really need to cut, actually, but to crush and pierce first. The slicing is part of the funIMEANsaftey, like close-combat situation. Allow me to direct your attention to the fact that you have to go through one of the thickest bones of the body : The skull ?

Hello, Saw. You sharp, you sexy. But wait a second...

Let's use a concrete example. A saw, for instance.

Yes, it's sharp, and it's light, and the grip is safe (even if not really convenient for that kind of job). But hey, it's awfully FLEXIBLE ! The saw is the perfect example of a tool fitting lots of the usual requirements without being actually effective. Well, OK, as a Cleaning Tool, perhaps. Or if you're so desperate you want to cut your veins open with an over-dramatic blade and funny sound effect. but aside that, pardon me, but it sucks.

Some say that if the ghoul is rotten enough, a nice semi-circular swing can slice the head off. If you are a crack in body decomposition, go ahead and be my guest ! I will step a few meters aside and enjoy the show with my Billhook, just in case you overestimated your expertise.

So, if given a choice, I strongly recommend to grab solid tools before sharp tools, unless you're up for some sophisticated hunting. But then you should definitely make your arrangements before leaving camp, friendly advice. If you are not familiar with the Zombie Hunting, you go for the crushing, not the slicing. Oh, and a crushing you can physically handle. Avoid therefore these huge hammers you see in Clas Ohlson and that you can't actually raise by yourself, for you will have to carry it around for a while, and swing it in the air.

Several times in a row.
 

The Saw : I don't know for you, but a blade that makes "woopwoopwoop" when you shake it does not inspire me any trust.