There are three weapons in Lugaru:
Knife
The knife is the smallest and fastest weapon in the game. Although it has a short reach, it is the only weapon in the game that can be thrown at enemies. It has low damage, but if used effectively can kill any enemy in 1-2 hits.
If a thrown knife hits a rabbit he will be killed instantly; however, a wolf or armored rabbit can still survive a thrown knife. In some cases, the knife may seem to disappear when it hits a body. In that case, kick the body to expose the knife to pick it back up. Some enemies can grab knives when you throw them or, in the case of wolves and armored rabbits, take them when they get hit by one.
Staff
The staff is a large, wooden weapon that gives a longer fighting range, and is capable of deflecting or blocking attacks. The staff is fragile, and usually breaks within a few hits.
Sword
The sword is the deadliest weapon in the game and capable of killing any enemy in a few hits. It has a long range and is capable of parrying other weapon attacks.
General Strategies
Close Combat
Knife on Defense
The knife is an edged weapon and cuts with every hit. Any new or amateur player can find it hard not to get sliced every once in a while, even while attempting a reversal. Remember to keep in mind how many times you get cut. Unlike regular hits done by punches and kicks, knife cuts don't heal well over time. That means that running away and resting isn't always a viable strategy to take. The best thing to do is either dodge, use a reversal to steal the knife, or kill the wielder. Also keep in mind that an enemy isn't going to fight hand to hand if there's a knife on the ground. Pick them up if you are able. BE WARNED: The claws on the hands and feet of wolves are like knives. They will put numerous cuts in only one swipe or kick.
Knife on Offense
Got a knife? Good, now you can end a fight with a bit more ease. Knives do more damage over time than kicks and punches and can usually get a quick kill in, if used effectively. Knife cuts make your enemy bleed; if you cut a guy a few times, in a few minutes he will eventually bleed to death (if you are patient and sadistic enough to wait). Reversals get a knife stabbing upgrade, which make them more deadly. Also a few good stabs will end in a cut throat finisher. Try your best to dodge reversals. If an enemy successfully blocks your stab, he'll be the new knife owner and you will have to go back to being on the defensive. BE WARNED: It's hard to hold on to a knife when you're getting smacked around. Your enemies will try to sweep kick and knock you down to get that knife away from you. Dodge and reverse and you should do just fine.
Staff on Defense
That isn't a fancy walking stick your enemy has, it's a staff. A long wooden stick may not seem like much trouble, but staff users are rabbits you don't want to mess with. Staffs are a little more powerful than kicks and punches; they are also swifter and can be harder to block for the novice player. Staffs have a longer range than a knife, so you need to get a little closer if you want to use a reversal to take it. Staffs can also whack weapons out of your hands as well as block weapon attacks, so be careful. Staff hits are not cuts so you can run to heal them, but they can take a little longer. Just make sure not to fall prey to a succession of staff hits, or you will die quickly.
Staff on Offense
You are now in possession of one powerful wooden pole. The staff is a speedy weapon with hard blows that can knock an enemy out of his mind in seconds. The staff may not cause enemies to bleed, but can end a fight much faster than a knife can. Staff blows take their toll longer and more quickly than knives and punches; you'll find enemies will run away a lot sooner when you have a staff in your hands. It can also parry other weapons. All of its blows are powerful enough to knock any enemy down, which leads to why it is such a quick killer. Staff hits on the ground are fast, hard, and numerous. It only takes one ground hit to knock an enemy out, but many find pleasure in whacking their enemies senseless, as if they were candy-filled pinatas (minus the candy). The only bad thing is that a staff is limited: after a while it will eventually break. You can find comfort, however, in the fact that it rarely breaks from your pinata exploits.