It is only fairly recently that test cutting has found its way back into many swordsmen's minds and into many schools\u2019 training routines. Many schools of swordsmanship have no codified cutting regime. Where should one begin if this is the case? What makes for safe test cutting practice? What materials should be used and why?

Scott M. Rodell provides such a guide in this work: A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship.

Teacher Rodell is a swordsman in Yang style taiji jian swordsmanship who almost single-handedly is keeping this branch of historical swordsmanship alive and vital into the future. This guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to develop his or her skill with the jian or dao. This guide is also for the emerging schools of swordsmanship, European and Japanese or other, that are rediscovering the true nature of the sword and the swordsman. If you are searching to better understand your sword or bladed weapon art through test cutting practice, this guide will be an invaluable starting point."

Scott Rodell has produced a book here that does not exist elsewhere. The title sums it up, as this is a true, practical guide for students to practice test cutting as a part of their martial arts regimen. It takes a common sense approach, covers the major aspects, and shows the "dos" and don'ts" that many sword practitioners often forget. While the book is coming from a Chinese swordsmanship background, it easily applies to any other form of swordsmanship, from German to Japanese, in regards to safety and proper mindset as well as what materials to use. It is a useful addition to any historical swordsmanship student's library.

Any student of traditional swordplay (whether Asian or European) who is interested in what makes swords cut, and wants to acquire proficiency in cutting, should pick up this book. Author Rodell does an admirable job in covering a topic that he obviously knows very well.

I find the book to be well-organized and clearly-written. The prerequisites for safe practice and productive training are plainly stated, as are pointers on how to select a suitable sword for cutting practice and how to maintain the blade. One of the best things about this manual is its focus: on cutting techniques which have practical use in combat, as opposed to spectacular feats that only serve to showcase the swordsman's strength or the power of a blade. Of course, nothing beats hands-on training in the presence of a QUALIFIED live instructor, but a student who wants to augment his training-hall experience, or an experienced martial artist who wants to add another dimension to his skill-set will be well-served by this useful little volume.