This morning we decided to brave the summer heat and gathered in our hermetically sealed, super secret, Area 51 type test installation known as "Gregs backyard", where we conducted a bit of matocide on some unsuspecting tatami mats of both single and double roll configuration. Let me apologize in advance for my poor form. I twisted my back while in the gym the day before, so I was not at my most relaxed. I've been trying to get back into the gym on a regular basis since the first of the year and every day it reminds me that I'm no longer twenty years old.
:eek:

The wooden post used as a base is set into the ground, with the cinder blocks added for additional reinforcement.
I opened the mornings festivities with the Big Johnsson, made by Peter Johnsson.
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A couple of cuts:
My first cut was a downward cut from right to left.
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...followed by an upward cut from left to right.
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I don't think I blew a cut with this sword all morning. As I've said before, this is an absolutely magnificent weapon that I love more every time I use it.

Greg broke out the "Beast", also known as Albions St. Maurice.
We took this still photo to specifically illustrate the large size of the St. Maurice.
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Greg is 6' 2"-3" so this sword fits him well.
Getting her going!
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I tried the St. Maurice several times myself and we both had pretty good results this time around, now that we're getting a better feel for this massive sword.

Immediately after using the St. Maurice I had Greg switch to the Albion Reeve.
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I wanted Greg to feel the difference between such a massive sword and one like the Reeve. He was impressed by the Reeves easy handling qualities when compared to a much larger single-hander.
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I had to give this butcher knife of a sword a workout too.
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And continuing...

I've never done any cutting with Milestone, my custom sword by Vince Evans.
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I decided to remedy that.
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My patented "sucking the lemon" look.
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There were no big surprises with this one. Milestone cut through the targets with ease and authority, but considering who made it that's no shocker.

The final sword used was the Albion Baron. This is a particular favorite of both Greg and myself, as it's really one of the easiest cutting swords we've used in this type of excercise. It almost feels as if the sword is doing the work and you're just along for the ride.
Two pics of the Greger himself.
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Overall we had good success this afternoon. Greg took a few pics with his camera, including a few of my 12 year old son Sean cutting with the Reeve. Hopefully we can get a few of those posted. On Seans very first session with a single-mat roll he executed three flawless cuts, as if he'd been doing it for years. Greg and I raised our eyebrows on the first one and our jaws were hanging open by the third and final cut. The boy's a natural!

Good to see you posting again Patrick! I really like the picture of Greg and the St. Maurice sword; it really gave me a much better impression of how big it is! Looks like you guys had a good time. I went out back myself today and executed a few milk jugs lying around with my Crecy.

The Milestone is one nice looking sword :)

All of the swords are beautiful. Milestone is especially eye-catching thanks to its double fuller.

Which one would you say you had the most fun cutting with?

The Maurice looks absolutely terrifying. Capable of producing Maciejowski-esque cuts, I'm sure. :D

Great shots (I particularly like the ones of the Reeve), and thanks very much for sharing them.

Some nice action shots, 1st and 2nd action shot pictures show some Samuri moments! :lol: It's easy to see the St. Maurice is a fearsome and huge beast of a one hander sword! Reeves looks like a swift sword, the "Big Johnsson" I've always liked and wondering when you are going to Christen the "Milestone"?

I've not done any mats yet but on Thursday nights I go about the neighborhood capturing detergent jugs from my neighbors garbage and cat litter jugs too. The most fearsome cutters I have in the two and one handed category respectively are the A&A Highland Claymore and the Albion Berserkr.

Those mats look like a lot of fun, I gotta look into this. Nice cuts and awesome swords Patrick and Greg!

Bob

It's so great to have you back posting Patrick!!!!!!!!!!

Seems very relaxing. :D

Hey Patrick,

Nice pics. Looks like you and Greg had a good time. Nice choice of swords to cut with, very impressive. I hope you take some pics of you guys cutting with the Svante when you get that one. Thanks for sharing.

John

By the way after looking at the photos again your form doesn't look bad. Your cuts look pretty clean to me.

Are the pool noodles awaiting a later execution?

:lol:

Bob

My son Sean during his first cutting experience.
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Greg snapped this interesting one of the Big J in action. This illustrates how the blade flexes during a cut.
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Ah yes, I don't think it would be possible to have two more diametrically opposed forms in swords than what you see between the Reeve and St Maurice. Patrick calls the Reeve an overgrown butcher knife, and in a way that is true. Yet, to me at least, of the pair it is the delicate, light, lively, and responsive blade that seems to merely sing it's way through the cut. It has "blade presence", yet in such a muted way as compared to other blades of it's type, it seems to amaze and delight with each and every cut through the medium. You feel the cut, and the slowing of the blade as it passes through the grass mat, so you know you have hit something; yet 'tis a sweet flow beyond that minute hesitation, and then on through with the swing.
Then you have the St Maurice. The "monster". In several practices cutting and just working freehand with this blade, there is no doubt that as Patrick writes, it represents the completely opposite end of the spectrum. It gives new meaning to the respect I have for the fellows of old in their abilities and strengths. When you pick up this blade, the "presence" literally overwhelms, and you immediately wonder what a man on horseback had to be thinking as he drew it out to fend of the saracens in the Crusades. When swinging at a target you wait for that tug and pull or at least slowing in velocity as it reaches it's intended victim - surprise crosses your mind as you think "Did I miss?", for it glides through with a massive swipe and no feel at all transmitted to your hand or arm when the sword rings and the be-headed piece falls to the earth.

To be sure, the morning was fun, and relaxing, and yes my arm did tire from swinging the swords in a too short of time. And yes, I would do it every day if I had the chance. There wasn't a sword tried that we didn't enjoy. Each one has it's distinct characteristics, and every one was a true pleasure to hold and cut with. I'm glad for the opportunity to do so, and look forward to trying other blades in the future. Can't wait to take pictures of Patrick with the Svante!

Nathan, I must apoligize as I said I would get some pictures of the St Maurice showing the size over a month ago. Well our trip to Scotland kind of took over all my time and I haven't had the chance until now. As Patrick said, I am around 6'3", so that should give you a reference on it's size.

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Patrick,

I have a suggestion. Judging from the photos, it looks like everyone is taking a passing step forward with the cut, which is good to see. It would probably help if you bent your knees more. When you bend your knees you can step with greater ease and effectiveness, and we've got good indication that it was done historically, which should be no suprise given that bending one's knees is common in athletic movements, and sword fighting most certainly is athletic.