Street Blade

A street blade is a kind of simple bladed instrument common amongst criminals on Ousho. They are simply made weapons ground often from barstock, or forged from rebar. They are of varying quality, and were originally a few designs "pioneered" by the Kumo clan Yakuza for sale on the black market.



Legality Status
Though the Weapons Act of 2406 allows weapons up to 22" long to be carried with special permit, they are not manufactured by the Corporation and thus not on the "approved" list. Typically, however, unless one is carrying one obviously over 22" and within heavily commercial areas (where weapon carry remains illegal), police do not investigate.

Usage
Blades of this type have been around since the Kumo began machining weapons for the black market and their own use, and were for a while used by the Clan itself, as firearms were (and remain) difficult to obtain in Ousho City. They were typically associated with criminals, as they were a relatively cheap, long and dangerous weapon. The Clan itself does not use it anymore, but makes a few per year for sale on the black market. There is no general style that teaches their use, instead used by brawlers to hack their foes apart - foes who typically also lack skill.

Manufacture
These blades are currently manufactured by various criminal groups who have access to complete or makeshift grinding equipment. Typically made out of readily available steels, they vary in quality but are never too good. Prone to bending or breaking, they're never heat treated and often have soft, easily lost edges. However, they are still lethal and easily manufactured. All one needs is a single billet of steel of nearly any quality, a grinding wheel and a drill or motor - materials easily scrounged or purchased on the black market.