Chainsword

File:Imperial Chainsword.jpg

An Imperial Chainsword

An Ork Chainsword

A Chainsword is a common form of chain weapon which is essentially a sword with powered teeth that run along the blade like that of a chainsaw. Most versions make use of monomolecular-edged or otherwise razor sharp teeth. The weapon makes an angry buzzing sound as the teeth spin around, intensifying into a high pitched scream as they grind into armour.

It is a popular weapon of Imperial Guard officers, and boarding and assault parties - such as Space Marine Assault Squads, Chaos Space Marines, especially Raptors, and Eldar Striking Scorpions.

Versions

Eldar

• Biting Blade - a large chainsword used by Striking Scorpion Exarchs.
• Scorpion Chainsword - a lightweight one-handed chainsword used by warriors of the Striking Scorpion Aspect. Its advanced design augments the user's strength making it an incredibly deadly weapon against infantry and lightly armoured targets.⁵

Imperial

• Mk. Xf Hell's Teeth pattern. This is the most current version used by Imperial forces.
• Eviscerator - A large, two-handed chainsword, comparable in effect to a Chainfist.
• Frost Blade - An ornate chainsword used by the Space Wolves Space Marines.²

Famous Chainsword users

• Ciaphas Cain
• Karandras
• Leonatos
• Ibram Gaunt
• Mad Chainsaw Johnson, Commander of the White Scars

Sources

• ¹ Ciaphas Cain Series books
• ² Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
• ³ Codex: Dark Angels (4th Edition)
• ⁴ Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)
• ⁵ Codex: Eldar (4th Edition)
• ⁶ Warhammer 40,000: Wargear

Related Articles

• Chain Weapons
• Space Marine Armoury