Sword Handle Umbrellas

If you’ve never jabbed an umbrella like you’re weilding a impermeable nylon scimitar, or at least pressed the little button towards someone to poke them like a Go-Go-Gadget-friend-prodder, then mister, you’re a better man than I. Because, of course, besides that whole blocking the rain thing, it’s what umbrellas were designed for.

Stephanie and Bruce Tharp, who form the Chicago-based design firm Materious, understand that, and so present the “Umbrellas for the Civil but Discontent Man” which combines

a symbol of gentlemanly refinement—the full-sized, dark umbrella—with an element of more manly sword-bearing times.  The umbrellas offer brief psychological respite from the dictates of social amiability; aggressive fantasies are allowed and encouraged on the daily commute to the office.  The effete civilian’s grasp of the handle takes him into the world of the masterful samurai, the medieval barbarian, or the triumphant cavalryman.

The Broadsword and Samurai sword versions are for sale on ThinkGeek for around $40.

Umbrellas for the Civil but Discontent Man [via LaughingSquid]