[Lucky Jim]

Yeah a machete has a greater deterrent effect and also chops stuff better, but it's cumbersome to carry around.
So a Bowie-type knife like the one below would be more convenient, you can keep it tucked up your sleeve, but if you had a longer machete up your sleeve you wouldn't be able to bend your arm.

"Okay Buzz show us what you got!"

Big knife trumps little knife, right Kathy?
"Right"

PS- Knives/machetes never jam and never run out of ammo..

 

[Lucky Jim]

Swords have got a longer reach but are awkward to carry around.
Machetes are easier to conceal on your person, possibly in a sheath slung around your neck and buttoned under your jacket.
A knife has a shorter blade but is quick to draw if you keep it up your sleeve, this is mine in action-

PS- it only cost me a dirt-cheap 10 GBP (15 US dollars) so it must be low-grade steel but that doesn't bother me because it's main purpose is to scare zombs, hell it sure scares me..

 

[Lucky Jim]

P.S. I LIKE STICKS........
Did I mention that ?

Good thinking mate, because when the oil runs out sometime this century we'll be plunged back into stone age weaponry, right General?

"Ugh"..

 

[Lucky Jim]

knife, yes, knifes are so great in survival situations.
sword, no.
Multiple guns, yes.

But knives never jam, misfire or run out of ammo..