Beginning Test Cutting

[Chris Jarko]

Within the next six to eight weeks, I will be receiving my first sharp sword. I have never test cut before, and would like advice on how to get started, to include suggestions on cutting materials, stands to hold the materials, safety advice, or any other information you might think helpful. Thanks.

[Guest]

I would recomemnd starting with easy targets such as pool noodles and water-filled plastic bottles. You'll quickly notice any edge alignment problems and can work on that. Then work up to tougher targets like heavy cardboard carpet tubes. Above all, use realistic form. I see way too many people spending a long time taking practice swings, measuring off the distance, or preparing themselves in some way to make a cut. In a fight, your opponent probably won't allow you to do this <img src="/forum/images/icons/smirk.gif" alt="" /> . Just assume a fighting stance and cut just like you do in excercises and drills.

[Guest]

Be careful, be safe.
Swing too hard at a really soft target and you can get hurt.

[Shane Smith]

One more thing, be mindful of proper footwork and be sure to pass/step with the cut.If you cut cross handed/footed on a right handed downward diagonal blow and your left leg remains forward,that leg is in the way of the follow-through. <img src="/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif" alt="" />

[Chris Jarko]

Thanks. Do you have any suggestions about cloting to wear for safety purposes? Are kneepads advisable?

[Brian Hunt]

I have seen pictures, and read accounts of people with Katana's putting so much power into their cuts that they get too much follow through and hit themselves in the leg or foot. I also witnessed a person lay their own arm open on the back of their tricept when they forgot they were swinging a double edged european sword instead of a katana. 35 stiches later, plus a lot of healing, he was fine. . . .
My advice would be use the force necessary to cut the target and don't be a buffalo. : )

just some thoughts.

enjoy yourself.

Brian Hunt.

[Shane Smith]

You wrote"Thanks. Do you have any suggestions about cloting to wear for safety purposes? Are kneepads advisable? "


Kneepads and other pads are not neccessary. I would recommend a pair of safety glasses for heavy-target cutting though others may disagree.A broken blade or flying chips of it's edge can do horrible things to eyeballs I'm certain.

[GaryGrzybek]

Everyone has good advise here as usual. I would also include that it is importaint to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure anyone else watching is at a safe distance. One person entering the target area at a time helps. Also, make sure the cutting area is free of obstructions that can get in the way. I was cutting small saplings once and snagged a branch behind me. It momentarily caught the blade and almost pulled it from my hands. Very scary with a razor sharp blade

Have fun but remember safety.

[JeanryChandler]

My friend has an old World War II katana which isn't very valuable (it's an NCO's weapon) but is plenty sharp. We occasionally do some test-cutting with it. People are used to working with a machete or a swing blade or something don't understand how sharp a sword can be. To get people in the right mind set I usually tell them to think of it as a loaded gun.

JR

[Patrick Hardin]

Everybody here has made excellent comments. One little technical point I'd just like to add is, do not neglect the use of your wrists when cutting. The more joints you utilize in your arm when you cut, the faster and the deeper the cut will be. Too often I've seen people test-cutting for the first time and keeping their wrists stiff. <img src="/forum/images/icons/mad.gif" alt="" />

Patrick Hardin