One mans view

[Conal]

he doesn't like test cutting


http://talhoffer.blogspot.com/2008/02/m ... tting.html

[J HepworthYoung]

The idea of test cutting comes to us from Kendo and Iaido practitioners. Vast hordes of them practice test cutting of various sorts because they believe it will help them to cut better

My understanding about this is that this claim is incorrect. There are 2 fundamental reasons for test cutting, the first is part of testing the edge of a sword and swords have been rated in the past on how many bodies they were able to cut. This is addressed later in the article, but without mentioning that the method, with rice mats instead of bodies, is still a way to test the edge of the sword.

The second reason for test cutting is to ensure that the blade angles are proper when employing proper technique, anyone can swing a 4 foot razorblade into rice matting and cut the stuff, however doing so with proper edge alignment and technique is a test of the development of the sword skills of the individual. This type of test cutting relates to combat sword skill.

I agree with much of the article despite feeling it is an incomplete consideration of the subject.
One aspect I like is the idea that a test cut made with improper technique develops improper skill.
This concept is highly accurate.

[Scott M. Rodell]

Those quick to write off Test Cutting as a less than useful practice might first want to read this Thread-
Test Cutting Soft Targets: A Beginner's Impressions
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=229

New comers are often surprised at how difficult it can be to cut an easy, soft target or how they can cut well coming from one side but not the other. There are also numerous misconceptions that are quickly cleared up once gets out of the arm chair & tests them out on a target. But of course, this is why test cutting was a part of Chinese Swordsmanship in the past...

BTW, if you haven't seen it, please check out our lastest GRTC Video:
Five Elements of Chinese Swordsmanship
http://www.grtc.org/video-clips/5-eleme ... dsmanship/