In the Pipeline: the Phalanx, the Squid Ax, and Spike
You asked for it, you got it. Here’s an update on what we’ve got in the new weapon pipeline.
First up, the Phalanx. The Phalanx started out as the next evolution of our Urban Bone Machete line. We called it the Mark IV. But as the design evolved, the blade lengthened and the edge profile changed, and we realized that we no longer had anything that you could reasonably call a “machete.” What we had was a short sword.
And a damn fine short sword she is. Everyone who’s touched it remarks on its balance, maintained in spite of its length and heft, and the handle is one of our best yet for comfort and grip. She’ll take a little strength and skill to wield, but in the right hands, she’s a killer. The Phalanx sells for $299 and will go on sale at the end of the week. We’ve only finished two so far, so contact us if you’re interested in having one of the first. First email, first serve.
We’re also working on a two-handed version of the Phalanx. A little longer, with a few extra inches on the handle. We’ll call it the Phalanx Deuce. And we can’t wait to cut with her.
(Click images for larger view.)
Next, we have a few experiments with smaller deadly toys. We have always loved throwing spikes. Back in the day, every Saturday afternoon swordfighting session almost always included throwing some spikes (and eliminated Joey’s security deposit on his apartment). We haven’t done it in a while, and we miss it, so we decided to make our own ZT style. Thus, Spike was born.
True to the ZT M.O., Spike is a beefy chunk of metal, 8-inches long, made from the same 5160 spring steel we use to make blades. And its really easy to throw—easier that the smaller, more rounded spikes we used to throw, and a good toss can bury Spike deep into a door. But better yet, we discovered that you can thread paracord through the hole at the ass-end and Spike suddenly transforms into a wicked rope dart. We’ve been practicing over the past few days and have gotten pretty good at swinging Spike around and sticking it, then pulling the rope and retrieving with something resembling grace. Loads of fun. Once Chris gets his video editing shit together, we’ll shoot some video and show you.
Spike will not be available for a few weeks, as we may be tweaking the design just a hair.
Finally, we have one of the more unique pieces of metal to come out of ZT Labs. We call it the Squid Ax. We’re not exactly sure what the Squid Ax is about, but we like it. We’re going to change the blade profile to add a slightly nastier tip and a slightly longer blade. And we’re changing the handle a bit so it fits more comfortably in our big mitts. She may not kill a bitch, but the Squid Ax would be a nasty addition to any close-quarters encounter.
Beyond that, we have a design for a larger weapon that’s still a sketch in Max’s notebook. But we’re all excited about it, especially Max, and when Max is excited, things happen fast. Stay tuned—we’ll probably have something to talk about in a couple weeks.
Keep it tight.
Posted by Zombie Tools on Aug 24 2010 |
31 comments
Comments
First to comment. Awesome work, as usual, guys. I love the phalanx. Really looking forward to the 2 handed version and Max's sketch. Keep up the awesome work.
I reckon you guys should make a section for your old blades that you can still order (I think you can still make special orders for em, right?) Like the Mark II Bone Machete and the 2 Handed Apocolax. Those blades were pretty bitchin'.
I'm loving the Spike and that Squid Ax. I'm looking forward to its finished versions. And to the sketch, too.
All sweet new designs! What do you guys think about marketing the Spike in sets, with a bandolier, a la Judas Priest's "The Sentinel?"
@facade,
I'm pretty sure the ZT guys no longer make those two models, as in completely discontinued them.
Not 100%sure, but pretty damn sure.
And these new blades look wicked!!!!!1
whoa the squid ax looks sick, i would def. take that overseas with me into combat
I would definitely like to buy a set of the smaller spikes you had mentioned on your facebook page. Let me know 381-2176
The Phalanx looks sweet. I like that it has a weighted tip. It should hack effortlessly.
Ok, that squid axe... looks kinda like a gut hook.. WHICH I LOVE!!!
Holy shit.. I am SO getting that Phalanx!
am definately investing in a squid ax and a spike or two
Thanks guys. We're really proud of the PHALANX. We'll be making a prototype 2-hander in a week or so.
Facade -- Good idea on the page for the older, discontinued designs. We'll work that into the new web site redesign.
As for the SPIKE -- we're working hard to figure out how to make these reasonably priced, because they're currently too expensive to make. We've got some ideas, though.....
We've made a second round of prototypes for the SQUID AX, and it's getting closer, but it's not quite there. We're trying to work out the hand ergonomics. And Joey has worked out some initial ideas on the sheath design.
And we have one PHALANX left from the first production run. Drop a note to contact@zombietools.net if you're interested.
Thanks for the support, ideas and comments.
-Chris
hey everyone i bought the first two phalanx ever in existance and they arrived yesterday they are fucking perfect it says 3 1/2 lbs but because of the balance being almost perfect from blade to hilt (and i checked) it creepy how perfectly balanced they are it feels like just under 2 lb sword i have a harvwester also and the zt crew does amazing work but these 2 beautys break the mold there awesome put ur names down on the list to have onee of these made or a pair like me cause if the zombie apocalypse happened tomorrow u better believe id have these by my side haha seriously though for the price u cant go wrong if u have the cash seriously pick one up u wont regret it =D
oh other thing i need help naming them as they are twin swords i want the names to cooinside i have a cople possiblilities dawn and dusk
wrath and ruin
pacem and bellum
ordo and chao (means order and chaos in latin
any other ideas anyone has would be greatly apreciated thanks i love these swords they are perfect
Glad you like the blades, Michael. Use them well.
The Phalanx is now officially for sale on our blades page. We've got a freshie in stock, and another that could ship later in the week.
Any idea on the pricing of the squid ax and the spike? I'm thinking these and a bone machete would be a good first purchase from you guys...
We're still not sure on the pricing for the Squid Ax and Spike, but it will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 for the Squid Ax and $20 for the Spike. Subject to change.
Wow!! its such a nice. i want one
***********
Mx lee
Tool Insurance
hey zt crew i got a question for u or for anyone with any ideas i bought the first two phalanxes ever and named them ordo and chao for anyone who gives a shit lol but im wondering how to rig the kydex sheaths so i can get both swords on my back any suggestions?
Mike,
Our best idea at the moment is a tactical vest like you'd find here: http://www.tacticalcombatgear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&One;problem might be the weight pulling the vest back -- you might have to ballast the front with a drop holster for a pistol connected to the front of the vest. Take care when you draw those blades from over your back -- those scalp wounds are big bleeders.
so now that i can honestly say im in love with the squid ax. the topic of ergonomics was brought up and i was curious if a classic karambit style finger loop would be a possibility. this would give the user a considerably better grip. however i realize that not everyone is a fan of said design, so this is just an idea
some examples:
I like coreys idea for the squid axe, but what if you used the karambit handle style, with maybe a sharp spike on the opposite side that the blades one, so you can cut or spike zombies skulls in. just a thought
Will the Spike be available for a Zak-Christmas?
Definitely like the spiked handle idea. Whats the chance of incorporating a WWI style trench-spike onto something like the phalanx or even one of the smaller blades? And will you be selling all your merch' and blades at ZomBCon?
See you at ZomBCon!!
hey zt crew out of curiosity how did u guys come up with the name the phalanx for ur short swords their great i need to get one when tax returns roll around haha i was just wondering on the origin of the name sick sword thanks
The spike will be on sale on Tuesday Oct 12. The Squid Ax will follow by a week.
Tom Smith: "phalanx" is the name of the ancient greek combat formation that had a square of men locked together and moving as one unit. You can wiki it for more detail. We liked both the suggestion of defense and the crunchy sound of the "anx".
Cant wait to purchase some tools. was wondering if you ship to canada? Was also wondering when the phalanx deuce will be available.
Ryan,
Yup, we ship a lot of stuff to Canada. And the Deuce will be on sale the first week of November. We are debuting it at ZomBCon in Seattle on Halloween weekend, along with 2 other new blades.
Just got my Phalanx!
It ROCKS!
Bring-On ZAK!!!
Just found your site this mornin'. A+ on the page and the tool designs. I really like the Rock and Ready machete. REALLLLLLY like the Squid Axe. Can't wait to see the finish design. Think Imma gonna need one. Like the thought of more point for it. That would be my utility blade. More point and a reverse should split any "bitch" melon open.
if your looking at this and sniayg omg awesome and you havent played ninja gaiden well ninja gaiden will blow you away sure this game looks very pretty and cool looking action scenes but ive watched alot of videos on this game and i must say that ninja gaidens battle system is still unrivaled by any game today
