Poisoned Blades: Fact and Fiction

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fearn

Actually, since I've got a cut that I'm keeping clean right now, I did have a non-random thought.

In the long run, the purpose of poisoning a blade is to kill someone. But in the short run (i.e. in a fight) it might be equally useful to put an irritant on the blade, so that even a minor nick hurts like iodine...excuse me...blazes. Sorry that slipped out Anyway, the flinch from getting hit by an irritant (toxic or not) might be useful in a fight.

Just a thought. Guess it shows where my mind is when I'm swapping out a bandage.

Best,

F

Hi Fearn,
Actually that tactic is something actually used in certain degree in various combat with edged weapons, and distracting wounds were often part of the strategy. I believe in fencing, that is actual duelling, there is a slashing cut termed the stramazone (if memory serves) which ideally on the forehead, causes bleeding into the eyes. Other cuts to the wrist (in Scottish broadswords) or sword arm were obviously to disable the opponent.

The only thing that would diminish the prospect of pain as a distraction in edged weapon combat would be that the adrenalin would pretty much negate that particular dynamic. It seems in any type of heated combat, one is often entirely unaware of many key wounds which are not realized until the action subsides.

You are right though, there is a merciful numbing of pain in major wounds in most cases in normal circumstances, but a minor accidental cut without the presence of adrenalin.....ouch!!!!

Be careful when you're playin' with those blades!!

All the best,
Jim