That's for sure! That's a point we often lose: this is not something you _want_ to do. It's a choice between that and, well, dying horribly. The prospect of a cut hand is, however unpleasant, preferable to getting staked through the eye. But I'd rather be drinking beer and eating sausage, all things considered.Linda Heenan wrote:As the family cook, I often cut pork legs. I have to saw into them even with a sharp kitchen knife. However, the skin on my hands is much softer than that.
That said, I've trained in halfswording techniques including batting a thrust out of the way. The person teaching me these things is an expert swordsman and following the techniques set down in European manuals. One day he was deflecting a cut from me in this manner. I accidentally dislocated his thumb. The techniques are out there; they are used. I'd still be very careful and do this only if there was no other choice.
FYI- I realized after posting that I neglected to point out- a _skinned_ pork leg. Pigskin is tough, as you've noted!
Regards,
Joseph
(who was sorta hoping that oversight wouldn't get noticed...)