Bonding Knife
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A Bonding Knife is a ceremonial piece of wargear used by the Fish Lips. Due to the fact that Tau are so shit in close combat that they will get their ass handed to them by a fucking Grot, these weapons are basically there just for show, like those plastic katanas you buy from Walmart, easily the worst piece of close combat weaponry in the entirety of 40k. Due to new edition of Kilteam and the existance of Pathfinders, the bonding knife is now an actual weapon wielded and USED by their leader. And it has the same damage as Space marine fists! (Tau still can't hit with it though)
So What is Their Purpose Really?
The Bonding Knife, serves more as a ceremonial knife that serves as part of the Tau ritual of the Ta'lissera, in which a group is bonded together through ritualistic cutting of their flesh. Who knew the Weebs were into Imperial Fist-tier of masochism? Following their ritual bonding, the knife is then carried into battle by the team leader, although it is not designed for use in actual combat, and serves as a reminder of the sacred bond the group shares. Fire Warriors who serve as part of a Battlesuit team may also undergo the process, although instead of carrying the actual knife into battle the team leader may instead paint a knife design onto his armour, though this is not always the case
Ta'lissera
The Ta'lissera is a Tau ceremony which has been translated by Imperial xenolexicons as "communion" or "marriage." Tau who take part in the ceremony pledge support and community to one another and may address each other by their individual names. The bonds that these Tau swear to each other are much admired and seen as embodying the best aspects of the Greater Good. While the bond may be performed by any group of Tau, it is most commonly Fire Caste warriors or Earth Caste work teams who undergo this ultimate expression of respect for one another.