In several historical times and places, the average peon would not be allowed to own a weapon, and especially not a status symbol weapon like a sword. Especially if you're in tight spaces and trying to be stealthy. If you're constantly maneuvering through tight quarters with visibility rarely more than a few feet, a melee weapon might be a better choice. If you're facing an enemy across an open field, they're not a good choice. A firearm that's ready to use might discharge unintentionally.īasically, there are plenty of potential advantages to melee weapons if you will usually survive until you are close enough to use them. A sheathed knife is very safe but can be used almost instantly.It may be easier to conceal a melee weapon.Firearms, even suppressed, are loud and will, at minimum, alert your enemy that something is going on. In some situations, it can be faster to attack with a melee weapon than with a ranged weapon.Melee weapons generally need little maintenance.Melee weapons generally don't need ammunition.

Mythbusters tested the whole 'bring a knife to a gunfight' thing, and under a certain distance, the knife actually wins. I can't believe no one else has said this yet.

How to gentleman melee