What swords are NOT for

[ApprenticeMan]

There is ALOT of hype around swords as everyone knows. Swords that can cut rocks, cut through gun barrels, rip through armor among many others all of which are total BS, and i don;t mean BlackSmithing. One thing you should know however is just what swords are NOT for. Swords are NOT for cutting down trees, hacking through brush, chopping wood, splitting logs, cutting through other metal things or any other ridiculous targets like that. If you want to cut trees and branches and brush, by all means get the RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB, an axe or machete. THE BOTTOM LINE IS, swords have evolved over thousands and thousands of years to cut one thing and one thing ONLY, and that is flesh. Swords however are no longer used as a primary everyday self defense weapon, nor are they brought to war anymore, so swords have evolved into something new altogether.

Most modern swords fall into two categories, users and shelf queens, with some being both(very rarely though). Shelf queen swords are self explainatory, swords that are so VERY beautiful, so extremely well made and so pristine that they are actually an investment depending on the maker. They will undoubtedly cut like a lightsaber, feel light as a feather and practically cut the targets by themselves, but at hefty pricetags most are not likely to see much use.

Users on the other hand, are not quite as pretty as shelf queens, but are no less effective when it comes time to cut. They are meant to be used and roughed up and therefore are not quite so pretty. No mirror finish, no high polish, no gold, no silver, no fossilised mammoth bone, no bells no whistles. Plain materials, leather, steel, hardwood. They are no less a high performance blade as a shelf queen, but you don't feel near as bad about that little scratch on a user.


Now i mentioned cutting, but since swords are no longer used for fighting JUST WHAT ARE THEY USED TO CUT ANYMORE? Cutting with swords has fallen into sort of a hobby, or as a crucial part in martial arts understanding and study. Modern sword use when applied in a martial arts atmosphere takes the form of TAMESHIGIRI. For an example of Tameshigiri, see this video of James Williams owner of the BUGEI company, a highly reputable modern production sword making company.

YouTube - Bugei Tameshigiri - James Williams

He is cutting the traditional rice straw mats, known as tatami, a standard for tameshigiri. They increase in the amount of rolls, and therefore skill level. Tatami are considered one of the standard measures of a sword's cutting ability, as they are pretty standardised in materials and assembly. Tatami was used in substitute of the very gruesome test target of cadavers. The more rolls and thicker the tatami was it would correspond with the like-size part of the human body. More rolls for the torso, less for the hand wrist or leg.

But I get off topic. Proper things that modern swords should cut should mimic what swords were originally meant to cut IE soft things like flesh. While tatami is in my opinion the best test target, there are MANY MANY other more cheaper easier to acquire suitable targets. These may include but are not limited to water filled milk jugs(my personal favorite), water filled soda bottles, water filled plastic garbage cans. Rolled up and soaked newspaper, cardboard packing tubes, pool noodles, styrofoam blocks.

Modern use of swords is both a fun and satisfying hobby. Using the easy to acquire targets listed above, you can both enjoy and refine your cutting technique. Things to consider are edge alignment, stance, form, and most of all SAFETY. Setup a small area in your backyard, making sure it is clear from obstructions that might trip you or cause you to fall. Make sure there are no other people or animals/pets around either that could be hit by an errant off balancing swing. Don't just swing away like it's a baseball bat. Proper cutting technique involves finesse and strength NEVER brute force. Make sure your targets are setup on a sturdy wood stand. You can use metal, but wood is best in case you miss your target and lodge your blade into your stand, less damage is done. With safety, knowledge and the right information, cutting things can be both safe and fun!

[shaun]

and to think, in the old days the japanese use to test their newly made katanas on prisoners and convicts, il stick to tatami and straw bundles myself, by the way apprentice man good article you wrote, you know a good bit about swords, but be sure to dry your blade well after cutting water filled objects.

[jimmy seale]

he just showing off cause the rest of us is ignorent about such things.great article a m thanks for the info. you keep it up and i'll just set here and listen. ain't it good when someone knows what there talking about! thanks, jimmy