"Tactics when fencing with a chainsword." Topic

Do you ignore the point totally and just slash?

Are there curved chainswords, like a saber?

The Ciaphas Cain novels do actually address this to an extent. I can't remember the specifics, though, and there's 8 novels now.

The standard Space Marine issue chainsword is a straight, single-edged weapon with no real point.

There are some models where both edges and the tip have an exposed chain edge, which would allow for backhand slashes and thrusts:

There are one or two curved chainswords, though:

link

To me, fighting with a chainsaw speaks of a certain indifference to tactics.

Ron

Are there curved chainswords, like a saber?

IIRC back in the ealy 90's or so there was an ork weapon sprue that contained somewhat curved chainsword.

Chaos marines also tend to go around swinging chainaxes.

And those who have played Warzone might remember that some of the gribblies in that game had chain bayonets bolted to some of their big guns.

Hmmm, try not to slip, and cut your other arm, or legs off?

To me, fighting with a chainsaw speaks of a certain indifference to tactics.

That sounds like heresy to me. You been letting warp entities pack your luggage?

A point on a chainsaw is about as useful as a laser sight. Leave the finesse to the sissy eldar.

I don't like the double-edged chainswords (though I realize the are all double edged one way or the other). Without that guard on the back, their use would definitely be a crapshoot. besides, in a a really close-in melee, using your other hand on the back of the blade to "press" the thing into your enemy might make all the difference.

If memory serves, one of the early Gaunt novels spoke to this. There's a huge amount of arm strength and endurance involved, and the direction of the chain is important, and reversible – changing it in mid-clash is apparently a tactic. Also, the chains are effectively disposable, as any significant use will involve the loss of some of the cutting sections of the teeth.

My experience of chainsaw combat from playing 'Doom' is that a general slashing motion at the pink ogre, fire throwing demon or whatever seems to work best. Accompanied by a sort of grimacing facial expression naturally:)

I'd just wear some of this:

YouTube link

G.

Never bring a chainsword to a blaster fight.

Like samurai of old, the Space Muhrines strive for a bushido way of life, many taking up chain sword carving as an art form. Unfortunately, many of the forest worlds are now going the way of the rainforests of old ;-)

I've located ancient footage depicting the use of Mk1 "Anguinus" pattern combat chainsaws (the percurser to all modern chainswords), and while they differ in many ways from our Mk8, many of the techniques used are amazingly similar to those taught in boot camps across the Imperium.
YouTube link

*User reported for tech-heresy*

In my experience the weed-whacker flail always beats the chain sword with its superior reach…

In my experience the weed-whacker flail always beats the chain sword with its superior reach…

True, but the Skilsaw halberd is still the king of the battlefield.

The wielder of a chainsword is usually a 7 foot Space Marine in powered armor or a 7-8 foot Ork in a foul mood. I don't see a lot of lunge, thrust and parry going on. Also, aren't these usable against vehicles and pressure/blast doors?

Then again, with their strength and experience, a martial art could be developed, close to butterfly knife or european sabre dueling.

Yes, forget the point. Use it like a club. Bash and chop. Use the kind that has a splash guard on it or else you'll get some in your eye.

"The standard Space Marine issue chainsword is a straight, single-edged weapon with no real point."

I couldn't have said it better… ;o)

I'm disappointed. That hook was dangling for over two hours …

I have always just assumed that issuing a chainsaw instead of a sword was done to negate the need for tactics or training.