At 09:54 AM 4/6/98 -0600, you wrote:

Because, as Ryouga finds out when he *does* try it, it only works 
against "inanimate" objects and not against people.

I think he's referring more to the notion of just using brute strength
to stab his fingers into him, and ripping.  There's a few simple answers
to this one.

1. Ranma 1/2 is a children's show (like it or not, it's true).
2. Ryouga doesn't really want to kill Ranma anymore.  They settle more
   for irritating/taunting/annoying each other, and of course, fighting
   plenty.

-Deuce