Why combat damage changes specifications for ordinary equipment

Military equipment must account for damage caused deliberately by an opponent, including hazards that ordinary civilian purchasing can overlook. Some ashtrays were designed to break into large chunks under an explosion because those pieces were expected to travel less far and be less likely to impale someone than small fragments. The larger pieces could still cause other injuries, so that choice carried its own tradeoff. A wire cutter that works adequately at home presents another problem if its handle coating melts onto the user's skin during a fire. These requirements can change materials, increase costs, and require more testing.