Evaluating Cutting Swords: The Structural Analysis TestWhile I am happy to see so many practitioners

Evaluating Cutting Swords: The Structural Analysis TestWhile I am happy to see so many practitioners learning the value of test cutting, most are rushing into the practice without much knowledge of safety measures or methodology. One essential practice whenever anyone gets a new sword meant for cutting is to do a Structural Analysis Test. It might be a surprise to learn swords break. When they do, the broken piece can fly any direction, including back at the cutter. Even professional forges with excellent reputations can unintentionally produce a sword with an unseen internal flaw. So for safety’s sake each sword should be individual tested by its owner. This Structural Analysis Test is preformed by cutting into a relative soft wood, such as pine. I use a long dead pine tree. A block of 4 X 4 lumber in a vise will work just as well. One cuts repeatedly into the target starting with relatively light blows building to full power. Full power in this situation is as hard as you would cut with the sword to go through a typical target at the tougher end of the spectrum. An example would be a single rice mat wrapping a 2” diameter green bamboo stalk, or a dried 2” diameter stalk.If the sword can deliver 100 solid cuts in a row to your pine block without damage, it is unlikely to fail. Note however, that passing this test is not a guarantee the sword will never break and when cutting, spectators should always be kept at a safe distance. During the testing process, one should pause frequently to check the entire blade edge for cracking. Given that the blade could break, the cutter should wear heavier clothes and eye protection at a minimum. Paul Champagne, a well known smith who taught me this, would test his sword to the point of destruction. This would include striking into his anvil with the sword. Something one would not do with a sword meant for cutting even tough targets. He recommended wearing more protection and donned his welding mask and leather apron when he tested swords. All the best to everyone in their practice, train safely…~ Scott M. Rodell -- source link

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