I think a mine that propels a grapnel encased charge up into the air before exploding would certainly be a surprise.
Of course he might have meant a Scottish sword. But those were so large it would be hard to hid one, therefore "springing" a surprise would be a real trick.
60 posted on 09/11/2019 2:27:46 PM PDT by ASA Vet
(Make American Intelligence Great Again. Bring back ASA.)