While simple clubs and bludgeons have been used as weapons and tools for thousands of years, the creation of this DIY or Die Trying project was inspired by a particular historical piece of gear called the Kanabo.
Used by Samurai warriors and their retainers, the Kanabo was designed to smash the armor and break the bones of enemy forces – as well as the legs of their warhorses – to great affect. Measuring anywhere from the length of a forearm to over 6ft, the Kanabo varied greatly in size and weight depending on the intended application and level of force needed. (Click here to learn more about the Kanabo and its applications).
For the purpose of simple and sustainable survival, anti-Zombie tactics and DIY construction, we’ve simplified the Kanabo to its simplest form… we call it the Beat Down Bat.
Easy to carry or stow away, relatively lightweight, extremely effective and very low-cost, the Beat Down Bat is a simple solution to a potentially complex and harrowing problem: Zombie outbreaks and/or survival in an apocalyptic world.
The Beat-Down Bat, while simple in design, has four rows of force multipliers across the main area of impact. These studded impact points allow for a more effective transfer of force. Simply put, that means more damage to the target, with less effort for the swinger… which is an especially good thing when it comes to battling the undead.
Great for both small enclosed spaces or wide-open battlefields, the Beat Down Bat is a simple, yet versatile tool for anti-Zombie and apocalyptic preparedness. The basic model can be made in a matter of minutes with two very simple and easily sourced materials: a pack of furniture nails and an old wooden baseball bat.
Tools: Hammer, pencil or grease marker, vise (optional) and cloth (optional).
Materials: 25+ furniture nails with domed heads (nickel based or stronger recommended), wooden baseball bat and grip-tape (optional).
Step 1. Starting about 1-1/2 inches from the top of the bat, use a pencil or grease pen to mark 5 way-points (spaced 1-1/2 apart) down the length of the bat on one side. Repeat this process on the three remaining sides of the bat.
Step 2. If available, use a vise to hold your bat in place while you complete this step. If a vise is not available, place a few layers of folded fabric or leather on a solid surface as a support for the bat to keep from damaging the wood or furniture nails. Follow the way-points and carefully hammer the furniture brads into place until they are flush with the body of the bat. Use caution and care, over brute force, when hammering in the nails. Getting to aggressive will cause the shaft of the nails to bend, making them useless to you.
Step 3. Add additional furniture nails (as needed), placing them in staggered steps between the main rows and spacing them 1-1/2 inches apart from each other. This helps cover and even greater surface area, causing further damage with each swing that makes contact.
Step 4. Apply a tightly wound layer or two of grip or hockey-tape to the handle for added control and comfort when operating the Beat Down Bat.
Modifications: While the basic Beat Down Bat is an effective method for the removal of unwanted intruders and aggressors – like the undead at your door or vigilante survivors on the prowl – sometimes a little modification can make a big difference to the end result.
Weighted Core - This modification is best done BEFORE adding the force multipliers.
Step 1. Remove the top inch of the bat with a thin bladed saw and set it to the side.
Step 2. Secure the bat to a sturdy surface, making sure it’s level.
Step 3. Carefully core the top 9 – 10 inches, removing only the center material from the bat.
Step 4. Fill and pack the hollowed center of the bat with a dense and heavy material like BBs, lead shot, sand, etc.
Step 5. Recap the bat, securing the top in place with a thick industrial adhesive.
While the Beat Down Bat might look awesome and be fun to swing around, it is not a toy. Capable of causing serious injury and/or damage, use of the Beat Down Bat should never be taken lightly. But if you need to take out a window, Zombie, vigilante survivor or otherwise during a disaster scenario or apocalyptic situation… well, it’s a great tool to grab.
Just like with any and all of the Zombease DIY or Die Trying projects, it’s up to you to use them responsibly. We can not be held liable for any accidents, misuse, illegal activity, damage to property or otherwise illicit or dangerous behaviors and incidents resulting from the use, making, modification, or otherwise of the Beat Down bat.
WARNING: Studded bats and some modified tools/weapons may be illegal to carry in some locales. Always check with local laws before building, modifying or carrying a weapon or tool.
