I want some of my elite troops to wield a special weapon. This essentially consists of a dagger-length blade attached to a steel cable/chain around four feet long. These weapons are used as both long range (swing it around until it gets some speed, than release it in an upward arc. Not great accuracy, but fairly good rate of fire and no need to carry a heavy bow around) and short range (longer reach than a sword, small slashing attacks to keep the enemy back and retain the momentum of the weapon).
How feasible would this be? If the weapon isn't feasible, how could it be changed to make it feasible (but still retain main characteristics). Also, what would the range be on the weapon when thrown?
I have decided to call the weapon a wireblade.