Attacking Targets with Sharp Swords to Improve Technique and Interpretation

When studying Historical European Martial Arts, there will come a time when you will be told to “watch your edge alignment” or that “your hit was flat”. People may even go as far to point out that your sword is not a lightsaber and cannot just cut through things on contact. But why is this such an important concept when learning swordsmanship?

Today, we will be exploring how attacking targets with sharp swords can improve your technique and also help your interpretation of a given system. Just to be clear, this is an exploration of using swords against targets such as tatami mats and water bottles, not friends. Do not use sharp swords against other people.

I consider myself a novice when it comes to cutting with sharp swords. At best, I am a backyard amateur. However, there are incredibly smart and well-practiced individuals willing to help you get started with sharp swords. 

Brittany of Mordhau Historical Combat, a well-accomplished competitive sharp sword wielder, recommended Michael Edelson’s Cutting with the Medieval Sword. While the book primarily focuses on longswords, the general advice and science behind cutting with a sword is applicable to all bladed weapons. This was a great starting point for me and helped me focus on the technique that mattered.

Another helpful resource was the Sword Buyer’s Guide, which helped me with the dos and don’ts of buying swords online.

​Safety Warning

​Wielding a sharp sword requires utmost caution and respect for the weapon's potential danger. Before engaging in any practice or demonstration, ensure you have received proper training from a qualified instructor. Always handle the sword with care, keeping it pointed away from yourself and others. When practicing strikes or maneuvers, maintain a clear and controlled environment, free from obstacles or bystanders. Never perform techniques beyond your skill level or attempt reckless stunts. Inspect the sword regularly for any signs of damage or wear, and never use a blade that is compromised in any way. Remember, the sharpness of the sword demands the utmost respect and responsibility. Failure to adhere to safety precautions may result in serious injury or harm. Swordplay is a disciplined art, and safety should always be your top priority.

Learning How Swords Work

Sharps swords can be useful tools to teach fencers the why behind emphasized-technique in HEMA, such as edge-alignment. Swords are designed to cut and thrust and are agile weapons. However, for the sword to be fully utilized, form and technique must be factored in. Edge alignment, blade motion, body mechanics all become highlighted when trying to attack a target with a sharp sword. 
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In HEMA, the term “baseball swinging” gets thrown around when a fencer drops their shoulder and swings the sword like a baseball bat. While this can generate a lot of force, the truth is that swords do not have the mass distribution for this attack to effectively cut. Using a sharp sword on a target will quickly highlight the issue with these types of swings as the target receives minimal damage. 

​Improving Interpretation

Another advantageous use of sharp swords is the improvement in interpretation. When interpreting systems, it is always important to ask if a technique is functioning as we expect. Using sharp swords and targets can help instructors visualize the lethality of a technique when it is performed. It also can help instructors understand what attacks are a threat instead of more incidental strikes. One of the better examples is when a sword is deflected low and is brought to make contact using a short distance to contact the opponent’s leg. Because the original attack lost its power and the structure is broken, the attack to the leg (depending on distance traveled and other factors) may not be effective. These are the types of actions that can be explored with sharp swords.
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With that in mind, let’s look at a few attacks in I.33 with a sharp sword!

​Other I.33 scholars have also joined in on the use of sharps to improve technique. Aegis Historical Combat did a great short clip on Instagram highlighting the effectiveness of the sturtzhau from halfshield. 

​Closing Thoughts

Improving technique and interpretation are ultimately the second and third reasons to attack targets with sharp swords. The number one reason is because it is fun. Swords are unique weapons, and we all realize how fun they are (otherwise, you likely would not be reading this blog today).
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So, let’s close out by watching videos highlighting experienced swordsmen cutting targets with arming swords!