Poisoned Blades: Fact and Fiction

Atlantia · 21st July 2009, 09:55 PM

Intresting subject.
I find myself thinking of the 'most famous' example of using a blade as a delivery system for poison, the dagger with the serpent on one side and the cutting of the apple. I believe this would be an effective way of administering a lethal dose as long as the 'assasiin' was careful in the cutting of course.
Essentially I can easily believe that a blade could effectively administer poison, but unless the substance was something akin to essence of poison arrow frog, I cant see even a fairly good cut influenceing a fight. And a really deep thrust should do its own work.
However! As a secondary effect, its a different matter.
If fast acting is not a factor, then poisoned traps can be very effective.
How about 'punji sticks'?
I find myself thinking of the narrow holes, calf deep with bamboo sticks at 45 degrees so that an emeny impales his leg when pulling it out.
Didn't the Viet-Cong smear them with faeces, which would guarantee the need for immediate evac and medical treatment to avoid very unpleasant infection?
In fact isn't the term 'punji stick' an old one from India?
I do realise sharpened bambo is not exactly a blade, but the idea might take the thread in a new direction.

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21st July 2009, 09:55 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Intresting subject. I find myself thinking of the 'most famous' example of using a blade as a delivery system for poison, the dagger with the serpent on one side and the cutting of the apple. I believe this would be an effective way of administering a lethal dose as long as the 'assasiin' was careful in the cutting of course. Essentially I can easily believe that a blade could effectively administer poison, but unless the substance was something akin to essence of poison arrow frog, I cant see even a fairly good cut influenceing a fight. And a really deep thrust should do its own work. However! As a secondary effect, its a different matter. If fast acting is not a factor, then poisoned traps can be very effective. How about 'punji sticks'? I find myself thinking of the narrow holes, calf deep with bamboo sticks at 45 degrees so that an emeny impales his leg when pulling it out. Didn't the Viet-Cong smear them with faeces, which would guarantee the need for immediate evac and medical treatment to avoid very unpleasant infection? In fact isn't the term 'punji stick' an old one from India? I do realise sharpened bambo is not exactly a blade, but the idea might take the thread in a new direction.