The key to Wakanda's prosperity is vibranium. It's one of the most versatile substances in the Marvel Universe, and when wielded properly can be a means of progress or a weapon of great power. The Black Panther's suit, for example, is made entirely of vibranium. All except for his claws -- those are made of a special variant of vibranium known as Antarctic Vibranium or Anti-Metal. This is an intentional design, one made for a very specific purpose. For while the rest of his suit provides the Black Panther with defense, the claws made of Anti-Metal are solely for offense.
The special variant of vibranium known as Anti-Metal can only be found in the isolated region of Antarctica known as the Savage Land. Though it is not entirely understood how, the vibranium found in that region has the ability to emit vibrations that cause the molecular and atomic bonds of nearby metals to slowly break down, effectively liquefying any nearby solid metals. This is in direct contrast to Wakandan vibranium, which absorbs the kinetic or vibratory energy that it comes into contact with to strengthen its molecular bonds.
But it isn't hard to imagine why T'Challa would want to use a small bit of this highly destructive metal for his claws. Vibranium is an excellent source of defense. It can absorb most of the blows dealt to him, but Black Panther has come across foes who also use the metal or substances of similar durability. This can sometimes lead to stalemates where it comes down to who can last the longest.
But using Anti-Metal can change the game. With it, the Black Panther could use a minuscule amount of metal to slowly wear down any enemy that uses metal in their attacks, breaking down that which makes them powerful until all he has to do is tear apart the openings he's made. Anti-Metal could very well be a death sentence for someone like Iron Man or Doctor Doom. And this isn't even taking into account how rare the substance itself is.
That alone makes it even more valuable to have in a fight. This type of vibranium only appears in one part of Earth, and an extremely dangerous one at that. So the Anti-Metal has the natural defenses of the Antarctic and the Savage Land. And only a handful of people actually know about Anti-Metal's existence, meaning that only those select individuals have the means to acquire it for any use they might have.
It gives Black Panther an edge in battle because he's not only using something that can tear apart his enemy's defenses or weaponry, but also because it's so rare that its almost a guarantee that he is the only one packing it in a fight. And of course, the scientific edge he has over his foe when utilizing it. The Wakandans are experts in vibranium science, and Black Panther has found a way to use a metal that breaks down other metals in his entirely metal suit. It's the perfect blend of a unique offense coupled with a perfect defense.
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