I took an interest in various “heavy thing on flexible or semi-flexible handle” type weapons lately, with a mind specifically toward defensive use. Lot of details on the history in Saps, Blackjacks and Slungshots by Robert Escobar.
I’ve made a few paracord and marline items over the years designed to attach to heavy (8-10 oz) objects, usually with an 18” long “handle.” But something I’ve noticed in practice is that when I go to hit bag targets, I instinctively want to wrap the cord around my hand or choke up until the striking end is only a few inches above my fist.
Swinging the weapon with it’s full cord length feels very slow and uncoordinated. It takes a long wind-up to go from rest (hanging straight down) to moving a way you can strike, and changes to the strike angle are almost impossible. Sure, a longer weapon is going to generate a lot more power. That might be good if you're squared off for a sparring match/duel or hitting someone from behind. But in personal defense it seems to me like you’d want strikes to be simple, fast and surprising. My theory is that this is probably why saps are rarely longer than about 10”.
Anyone noticed similar? Is there a benefit to using a longer flexible weapon that I’m missing?
No need for comments regarding legality. I follow the law and I've got lawyer/judge friends and family to advise me.
I’ve made a few paracord and marline items over the years designed to attach to heavy (8-10 oz) objects, usually with an 18” long “handle.” But something I’ve noticed in practice is that when I go to hit bag targets, I instinctively want to wrap the cord around my hand or choke up until the striking end is only a few inches above my fist.
Swinging the weapon with it’s full cord length feels very slow and uncoordinated. It takes a long wind-up to go from rest (hanging straight down) to moving a way you can strike, and changes to the strike angle are almost impossible. Sure, a longer weapon is going to generate a lot more power. That might be good if you're squared off for a sparring match/duel or hitting someone from behind. But in personal defense it seems to me like you’d want strikes to be simple, fast and surprising. My theory is that this is probably why saps are rarely longer than about 10”.
Anyone noticed similar? Is there a benefit to using a longer flexible weapon that I’m missing?
No need for comments regarding legality. I follow the law and I've got lawyer/judge friends and family to advise me.