Longsword would be awkward inside, especially in a small room or hallway.
Might not be as scary, but I suspect a kukri or similar weapon would be more effective.
>>Longsword would be awkward inside, especially in a small room or hallway.<<
Depends on how you use it. You can thrust with the point of a longsword. You can also swing it like a baseball bat, rather than the wide overhead swings you see in the movies. Watch the video from Cold Steel below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I6ulWwB99E
The navy cutlass was designed for tight spaces aboard ship. Just big enough, heavy in the blade but nimble enough for hallways and other indoor places. Like noted above a very good advantage of a blade over a gun indoors is that there's no danger of over penetration into other rooms. Except for the mess.
I think I would rather carry a kukri than any other bladed weapon when facing an intruder. They are wicked looking things. It will make the other guy think at least three times before closing with you.
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