While originally the name was slotted was something far more sophisticated, it was nicknamed 'The Shank' and later it was decided this name would stick. It was designed in the second half of YE 40 by Galactic Horizon as their second alternate gauntlet weapon.
The Shank follows in the footsteps of its close cousin the Sonic Defender Gauntlet as the second gauntlet weapon designed for power armours. Unlike the Sonic Defender, however, the Shank is a physical melee weapon, specifically a collapsible monomolecular-edged sword.
Primarily designed as a close quarters option for larger power armours, it can easily be fitted to any power armour. Its light weight makes it easy to carry and does not require strength-enhanced soldiers or armours to wield. Unlike the Sonic Defender, this weapon does not require a major overhaul to the gauntlet portion itself and rather works as a bracer which can be attached to the forearm of any existing power armour.
General information, including the designer, manufacturer, basic information, and a nomenclature tag.
The Shank is composed of the large blade housing and the forearm bracer. From the outside, the entire item resembles little more than a dull grey bracer with an equally dull grey box attached to it with a dull grey sword contained within.
The bracer is little more than an extra layer mounted to the existing PA arm with the required mounting point for the blade housing. It adds no real protection and is used almost solely for mounting the blade.
The blade housing is a long rectangular box about the length of the forearm which is mounted to the bracer; within the housing are the several sections of the complete blade along with a spring and winch mechanism.
General information about the discharge of the weapon, including details of visible and audible actions and effective ranges.
General descriptions about how the weapon functions and cycles.
General information about the pricing of ammo, attachments and replacement parts.