Here is an uncomfortable truth. The vast majority of people that think they know how to swing a sword effectively do not.
A replica blade sword can be a striking weapon, but first and foremost it is an edged weapon. It has that edge to cut through targets, not to produce percussive damage.
Yet, there are a whole bunch of people out there who think they are supposed to swing a sword like a hammer.
Think of a sword less as a club and more as a precision instrument. When wielded effectively, it will offer the user much greater cutting efficiency.
Here’s what to know.
A Caveat
First things first, never swing any sword unless it is battle ready. Battle ready, even though it sounds like a gimmicky moniker, actually means three critical things:
- That the sword is made with a suitable steel alloy that can withstand the rigors of live use.
- That the sword’s blade has been appropriately tempered to withstand the same.
- And that the sword is constructed with a full tang that is appropriately secured to or integral with the hilt.
If any of these three attributes is lacking, the sword you are considering is not battle ready and should not be swung at all, let alone swung into a target.
Doing so could cause the sword to snap or shatter, or worse, which as you can imagine can result in grievous injury.
Bottom line: do not practice any live cutting play with any sword but a battle ready sword, period.
Swinging Your Sword for Maximum Slicing Leverage
First things first, you need a solid grip on the sword. If the sword is a one-handed sword, grip it so it indexes with the edge facing the target when you swing it.
If it is a two handed sword, grip the hilt up against the crossguard with your dominant hand, and place your second hand low on the grip, or on the pommel. This will give you maximum leverage and control.
When you swing at a target, you must ensure that the edge contacts the target squarely. If you contact the target at an angle, you may damage the edge or roll it. At best, the blade will bind in the target, or deflect off of it, which is more likely.
Secondly, you want to draw the edge through the target, not just hit the target flatly with the edge. To do so, as the edge contacts the target, bring your elbows into your body so that you are drawing the edge along the target.
This is the critical slicing action, called a draw cut, that will produce much better cutting results and which will enable you to draw the blade through wider, denser targets.
Armed with this crucial information, and with a battle ready replica blade sword, your cutting form and technique should improve drastically.
Where to Get a Battle Ready Replica Blade Sword?
Here for a battle ready sword with a good edge that can be used for live cutting practice? Shop True Swords first. They carry a wide range of battle ready swords and replica blade swords that can actually be used. Visit their website for more information.
For More Information About Lotr Sword Replicas and Tengens Swords Please Visit: True Swords.
