On Sat, Aug 15, 2015 at 07:45:38PM -0400, Jonathan Clark wrote:
> This type of blade is very illegal in almost all jurisdictions where
> there is actually a functioning law level, and requires its owner to
> either be a Noble, or to have a permit signed by one (usually the
> character must be working for the Noble as a bodyguard or
> equivalent).

This seems exceedingly restrictive for something that is essentially
just an ordinary tool for the given tech levels.  Doubly so when a
number of the variants can be more dangerous to the wielder than to
anyone else.  Sure, it's dangerous if used as a weapon.  So is
everything else, often to a much greater degree.

> - 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).

> - Neutronium. [...] Loss of the stabilizing field leads to loss of
> the blade by usually fairly major explosion

This doesn't sound like anything you would want a bodyguard to have
anywhere near you.

- Tim