That is my second favorite weapon, right after Zweihänder ^^ and don't tell me it's the same, it isn't ^^ many people dont now the difference between, Zweihänder, Claymore and Bastardsword. I know you guys do, otherwise you wouldn't write here. But still, just wanted do mention ist :P
Hellburners were medieval versions of today’s weapons of mass destruction. An explosive take on the concept of fireships — old wooden scows set on fire and steered toward enemy ships to cause panic and fusion — hellburners were packed to the gunwales with gunpowder charges ignited by a delayed fuse mechanism. Because their decks were set on fire when they were set on course, enemy sailors would believe they were conventional fireships and attempt to extinguish the fires. They were made painfully aware of the deception when the hellburners exploded violently. These floating bombs were used to great effect during the Eighty Years’ War between the Dutch Rebels and the Habsburgs.
No matter how big the enemy warship was, this would destroy it instantly.
Dayum! Sounds pretty cool! Reminds me of one of the early black powder used in Korea I believe, they showed it on Mythbusters a while back - basically a rocket-propelled arrow launcher with a couple of hundred tubes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhSXA3AKh4
They were made for unarmoured enemies. If used against a semi-profesional army, it would be worthless. Not to mention it required more training than a long bow, and most damage came from a pulling motion.
It was made for fighting peasant armies (or rebellions) in Asia who don't wear (heavier) armour.
I've seen that video before, it's a pretty stupid comparison, particularly the bit where he hits the ice block with the longsword. The part of the blade he hits it with isn't even sharpened and the point of impact for the katana was much further up the blade, giving it more force. At the bit with the cuirass, he strikes lower with the sword than he does with the katana - a point where armor of that design is usually thicker. And he wasn't half-swording with it, which is the reason the lower part of the blade isn't sharp!
One of the other 'myths' I've heard about the katana is that it can hack right through chainmail - this is simply false.
I don't think either of the weapons are particularly better than the other, I just think katanas are talked up a little *too* much.