The Perfect Weapon

The history and science of blunt weapons, including chain flails and war hammers.

Early uses of gunpowder as a weapon are explored; a cannon is tested; an Enfield Civil War rifle is test fired on a pig carcass.

The destructive power and accuracy of siege engines, including a mangonel and a trebuchet, are tested.

Projectile weapons, including slings with rocks and bows with arrows, have influenced killing machines across history.

Sharp implements, from flint to steel knives; the science behind cutting; assessing the damage that bladed weapons can cause in battle.

The history, design and use of various armor on the battlefield, including chain mail, plate mail and Kevlar.