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Post by ShooterMike on Dec 6, 2008 13:50:49 GMT
I have always been enthralled by the way cuts can be made from the scabbard with Japanese swords. There doesn't seem to be any info that I've found about doing anything similar with European medieval weaponry. I wanted to know how it would work, so I selected a European medieval-style sword and started testing. I chose my ATrim AT1557 and scabbard from Brian at DBK Custom Swords, since at 27 inches of blade length it is closest to the length of a katana I would select. (most of my other medieval single handers have blades of 32-34 inches) I had better luck than I ever thought I would, being totally self-trained and kind of just "stumbling along in the dark" trying to figure things out. Here are some of the results. Enjoy!... And the practitioners of JSA should feel free to laugh like crazy at this silliness.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2008 14:22:53 GMT
Hey Mike, I would love to see this, but it says it is no longer available? One comment I would make right away (without seeing the video) is that when most people are beginning to learn this technique they are pretty hard on their scabbard. I think that using an old one would be a pretty good choice over one of your customs (or be prepared to do repairs sooner). But I am guessing your technique is probably good already OK, I finally saw it! Awesome cutting. I wish I could "stumble along" as well as you do, you must have some powerful night vision goggles . I do not think it is not craziness at all. Are there are no WMAs that practice this? Thanks and +1 Debbie
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Post by alvin on Dec 6, 2008 14:30:14 GMT
For " being totally self-trained and kind of ' just stumbling along in the dark ' " , you're one deadly dude Mike !! Great cuts. Those Type XVIII's seem to be very general purpose - they can make excellent cuts and are very pointy. Thanks for the very interesting demonstration.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2008 14:38:32 GMT
That was awesome Mike, such speed and accuracy!
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Dec 6, 2008 15:24:35 GMT
Beautiful cutting Mike. +1
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Post by Brian of DBK on Dec 6, 2008 15:37:08 GMT
Sweet video. That is one of, if not the fastest swords I've ever handled to date.
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Post by brotherbanzai on Dec 6, 2008 15:47:38 GMT
That's pretty sweet Mike! I've often wondered that myself but since none of my sharp western swords have scabbards I've never tried it out.
I second djmahoney's caution that it can be very hard on the scabbard.
The Japanese sword has the advantage not only of being curved but also of not having the saya fixed to the belt. When you do an iai with a katana you slide the saya back next to your body and along the belt as you draw the blade (saya biki). Nice job getting a western sword to work without those advantages.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2008 16:05:32 GMT
Very nice cutting Mike! I've always figured that there would have been some technique for drawing and cutting in one movement in western sword arts but perhaps those were lost in time.
Anyway nice cutting!
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Post by YlliwCir on Dec 6, 2008 17:09:51 GMT
Well done, Mike. I've seen this done with gladii but not with medievals. Thanks for blazing the trail and the vid. +1
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2008 23:32:38 GMT
outstanding, Mike. Very nice transition between cuts. how sharp did you get the blade to get that kind of proformance? -anthony
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Post by ShooterMike on Dec 6, 2008 23:52:28 GMT
Thanks for the kind words everyone. This was definitely a learning experience and a LOT of fun. I tried it with 32-33 inch blades today, and I couldn't get anywhere near the consistency, power or speed. My arms are fairly short, so I think 27 or 28 inch blades are about max for me doing this. The biggest "secret" is to make the draw a "punching" motion with the pommel that clears the blade straight out the scabbard before starting the cut, so that the edges don't drag on the scabbard on either side. The fact that the blade has a pretty radical profile taper really helps a lot in this regard. I think a sword with little profile taper would make it more difficult and leave less room for error. Anthony, my 1557 is just sharp enough to start cutting paper. It doesn't slice it cleanly at all, but will cut just a little. I have the edges fairly thick since it is a late medieval Type XVIII made for fighting in full plate or lots of plate and mail. As I said, this is much fun. I hope others try it and like it. ... Rick? Go for it, buddy. ;D
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Dec 7, 2008 1:12:35 GMT
DAMN YOU MIKE! every time I start thinking about doing some sort of unusual thing with western sword cutting you read my mind and beat me to it. just like when you did the left handed cutting.
oh and DAMN YOU for being so DAMN GOOD.
oh but ummm your noto needs work . . . ;D
just kidding Mike that was awesome in every single way.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2008 1:39:39 GMT
Very good, nice form and now I know how you keep your hair short! No trips to the barber for you Huh?
...SanMarc.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2008 13:36:38 GMT
superb cuts
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Post by ShooterMike on Dec 7, 2008 14:45:22 GMT
Heh, heh, heh... Tom, one word of advice (in best Japanese accent)... "No noto with double edged sword... Or no knuckle for long." ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2008 17:44:09 GMT
That was a truly sweet video mike. Well done, awesome cutting.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Dec 7, 2008 22:43:39 GMT
Heh, heh, heh... Tom, one word of advice (in best Japanese accent)... "No noto with double edged sword... Or no knuckle for long." ;D Oh boy, that sounds like a challenge.
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Post by randomnobody on Dec 8, 2008 0:34:07 GMT
It took me entirely too long to read this thread, but I'll echo the "nice cutting" remarks, though it's rather a given on your videos, Mike. I've actually toyed with this concept a few times with my various euro-y swords (the old Godfred, the William Marshall, and the AT 1315) and have felt rather restricted (probably a matter of, as you say, length and profile taper) but I wouldn't argue that it's certainly possible to do and I like thinking I could work toward making it a bit easier. One of these days I'm going to have to buy some tatami and have a go...maybe on my next trip to Texas I'll swing by again.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2008 5:13:54 GMT
Nice cutting and very inspiring ,I would love to try but I don't have any Mideval sword to practice with .
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2008 7:50:12 GMT
You know I was playing around with this idea using longswords...did not work very well. I think Fiore's method of jabbing them in the face as you draw may be the best answer for longswords in scabbards . But it's good to see this is something I can play around with arming sword hehe. Nice cutting as always there Mike.
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