Q IS FOR QUARTERSTAFF

MURDER BY QUARTERSTAFF

A Quarterstaff is a fighting stick: a long heavy wooden stick tipped with iron, formerly used in hand-to-hand fighting. 

I only found one murder where the use of a quarterstaff was even mentioned, but as a weapon, it would do the trick. I guess today, since we all own baseball bats we need not buy a quarterstaff!

Stick fighting or the use of the quarterstaff date to the 15^th century Europe and England and was even taught to boy scouts during the early 19^th century. It was omitted from the handbook due to health risks. However, here is a copy of what was in the handbook:

Boy Scout Quarterstaff

The following is in regards to the case I uncovered where a quarterstaff was mentioned:

"Duffy was very interested in martial arts. He trained with swords, knives, a quarterstaff and a garrote, and was much taken with the martial art of Zen Budo, which he believed dictates: "Leave no witnesses." 

You can read about these horrific killers by following this link:

John Duffy and David Mulcahy were known as the Railway Killers!

Does it surprise you that these weapons were created before the gun, or that we have new and more vicious versions?

If you want to join in on the fun of Arlee Bird's blog hop The A to Z Challenge just go HERE!