On 16 Aug 2015, at 08:24, Tim <xxxxxx@little-possums.net> wrote:

> On Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 07:45:38PM -0400, Jonathan Clark wrote:
>>
>> - Bonded Superdense. [...] Requires two powered stabilizing fields,
>> supplied by a power system set into the handle. Loss of the
>> stabilizing field leads to loss of the blade by (relatively minor)
>> explosion.
>
> So minor damage or interruption to the field circuitry can mean it
> unexpectedly blows up in your hand (or in the sheath right next to
> your body).

It's worse than that, crystaliron, superdense and bonded superdense
are common construction materials at these tech levels.

So these rules would imply that any body armour, tank or starship
that loses power will explode.

The problem that vibrio knives were trying to solve was how to have
light sabres in Traveller, so what they need is a power source that
has some effect on the cutting edge to allow them to cut through
high tech materials, presumably by vibrating the atoms in some way.

This suggests that without the power you just have a heavy, blunt
knife.

OTOH, a heavy, relatively blunt weapon that can cut through things
when wielded by someone in battle dress does make sense. The
main requirement for such a weapon would be to be tough enough
not to shatter on impact.

Phil Kitching