Wakizashi

Wakizashi is a melee weapon in Fallout 2.

Background
A Wakizashi is a type of Japanese sword with a blade length between 30 and 60 centimeters (12 and 24 inches), similar to, but shorter than, a katana. The wakizashi is usually not a primary weapon for samurai and was often worn together with the katana. The pairing of a katana with a wakizashi is called the daishō.

The first usage of a wakizashi dates back to the period between 1332 and 1369. It handles with one hand only, the handle being generally sized to the width of a palm of hand. It can also be used as a tool to decapitate defeated enemies and sometimes to commit seppuku for samurais. As the blades were relatively short, fighters had more control over their movements than when using a longer blade. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Yakuza were permitted to carry a wakizashi, which has generally become their weapon of choice in melee.

Gameplay attributes
The wakizashi is little more than a boosted combat knife, with the same AP, Strength requirement and range, for a little more damage. It is slightly weaker than "Little Jesus". However, it does seem to be able to bypass the Damage Threshold of any armor, justifying the in-game description.

Locations

 * In random encounters with the Yakuza faction around New Reno.

Behind the scenes
Wakizashi means "side arm " or "short sword" in Japanese.

Wakizashi Вакидзаси