Cutting with the Medieval Sword: Theory and Application

An incredibly valuable book for anyone who practices with swords. Working with correct mechanics not only improves the end result, but improves the efficiency with which you can reach that result, and also reduces the chance of injuring yourself in the process. This book sets out all the necessary information to improve both your mechanics and the way you practice, in clear and simple language, and with plenty of good quality images in colour. The production value is high and the text has been edited well.You should buy a copy and read it several times!

As expected from this author,a very fine and detailed work on the art of cutting with medieval blades. Full of great coaching and tips for the novice and expert alike. I did not like the belt sharpening technique as I believe it is just as easy to learn how to use a simple whetstone,and you dont need all the struggle with multiple grit belts. But what can I say,the author is American so can be forgiven. The amount of work put into this book is truly impressive,it is indeed an admirable manual by any standards and will serve for a very long time. The author promises ongoing updates to this work which makes its price even more attractive. I come from an extended family of Italian Master Cutlers so feel qualified to critique this work fairly. This book is one of a kind and is unlikely to be bettered for a long time to come,so long as the author stays true to his updates. It now takes a pride of place in my Sword Collectors and Martial Arts library and I shall refer to it frequently. Mr,Edelson is a fine and well known swordsman who speaks plainly and is without ego or pretence in his art. If you love swords and enjoy cutting with them,you need to buy this book.

A comprehensive look at test cutting with a two-handed longsword. Covers all aspects of this. I.e body mechanics, theory, training practice, the sword itself.Minor reservations:Book appears to be print on demand, so not full quality , but not too bad.I may be mistaken, but the author seems to have come from a Japanese Kenjutsu/Tameshigiri background that he has directly applied to the European longsword. I don't know how authentically European medieval his approach is.There will always be conflict between the perfect stroke for test cutting a rolled mat vs the tactical considerations of sparring/combat with a resisting opponent. This is maybe beyond the scope of this book, but I would like to have seen it considered.

I consider this book, the AHA Study guide and Von Danzig by Harry R my favourite KDF books, and this one might be the best of the 3.No book is a replacement for proper in person instruction, but where that is not an option you cannot get more comprehensive and practically set out than this book.Following this books instruction (and the instruction of followers of Mike's over in the UK), I managed to get my cutting to a decent standard. I sent Mike a video asking for tips, and he was kind enough to send me a few pointers, fortunately very few were required, thanks to this book.If you practice HEMA, BUY THIS BOOK!

This is a book that was missing from the historical fencing agenda. It is a useful tool for every sword practitioner or scholar who is seriously interested in the various ways of cutting with a sword. It analyzes mechanics and function on an easy to understand way. The layout and the dtp are really well made and it is a joy to read ! Highly recommended!

It is marketed as HEMA, but I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anybody who practices any sword arts. (I study iaido).Edelson gives a clear no-nonsense explanation of the basics with clear illustrations. But more than that, he shows how these basics affect all techniques and gives exercises so that you can incorporate the points into your practice.

Great purchase - aimed at all experience levels, though probably of more benefit to those with some experience. Great advice on sharpening and test cutting.I'd advise the author in future editions to split the text into two columns to make it more readable - otherwise the content is great

Happy