Safety: Mark Off the Test Cutting Area

This Forum is a place for students of swordsmanship to ask advice from moderators Paul Champagne & Scott M. Rodell on how to practice test cutting in a manner consistent with how swords were historically used in combat. Readers use this Forum at their own risk.

Moderators:Scott M. Rodell, PaulC

Post Reply
Scott M. Rodell
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts:1364
Joined:Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:50 pm
Location:Virginia
Contact:
Safety: Mark Off the Test Cutting Area

Post by Scott M. Rodell » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:02 am

It should go without saying that Safety must always come first when practicing cutting with a sharp blade & at every other time during training. Unfortunately, sometime in the anxiousness to try your hands at a new skill, we forget the obvious.



When someone is test cutting, they tent to be quite focused on what they are doing & the result of his or her cut. Thus they are not always mindful of others outside their field of vision. For example, view this video:

http://www.grtc.org/video/cuttingdanger.mov



Obviously, this could have been a bad accident. In other to prevent such possible accidents, if there is more than one person present when test cutting, clearly mark off the test cutting area with rope, picnic benches, or in someway that reminds those observing to stand clear & stay back. Remember, it is also possible for a blade to break in the course of test cutting & fly off in the direction of near by observers. Also, never approach the person who is cutting from outside their field of vision. Speak to them clearly & make sure they heard you, before you step forward, so they are aware you are approaching & only approach from the front.

Scott M. Rodell
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts:1364
Joined:Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:50 pm
Location:Virginia
Contact:

One more reason to Mark Off the Cutting Area

Post by Scott M. Rodell » Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:18 pm


Aidan O'Brien
Rank: Yang Chenfu
Rank: Yang Chenfu
Posts:35
Joined:Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:04 am
Contact:

Re: Safety: Mark Off the Test Cutting Area

Post by Aidan O'Brien » Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:18 am

Ouch, not good. Not good at all

Post Reply