Clay as a cutting target

[Sir Edward]

The guys over at the NYHFA are experimenting with clay as a re-usable cutting target. They're using cheaper swords to cut with, and not the Albions and the like, since the particulates in clay will wear down the steel and ruin the finish over time.

[Ian]

It seems like you really take a big risk with clay. If it falls off the stand and your sword is stuck in it, if you hold on to the sword, the weight of the clay can bend or break the blade.  If you let go, that can cause a whole different host of problems.  I suppose this didn't happen to them specifically, but it seems like it will eventually with that particular medium.

[Sir James A]

I still have my re-breakable board from karate. Maybe we can get the scientists to start working on some kind of genetically engineered target that we can cut, that regrows or reattaches itself within a few minutes? Anybody?

At 1:42 it gets stuck as the clay falls, and 3:28 it flexes almost out of control. It's a neat idea, would be good to save money on cutting materials for beginners, and you can make a torso sized target that would cost $100 out of multiple tatami rolls.

I wonder how it will affect technique when transitioning to higher end sharps with other types of targets?

[Thorsteinn]

IIRC this came from a HEMA Forum mention of Polacks & Cossack's using clay, among other things, as cutting targets for saber work.

Is it me or are the body mechanics on several of the shots (esp the Underhau) a little off?

[Sir Brian]

Yes they were. Mike Edelson's form was perfect but the other's not so much. A good reason to do actual cutting practice often! 

[Sir Edward]

Yes, the students had a wide range of experience levels, but Mike (their instructor, and the narrator) was much more clean in the video.

[Lord Dane]

I still have my re-breakable board from karate. Maybe we can get the scientists to start working on some kind of genetically engineered target that we can cut, that regrows or reattaches itself within a few minutes? Anybody?

At 1:42 it gets stuck as the clay falls, and 3:28 it flexes almost out of control. It's a neat idea, would be good to save money on cutting materials for beginners, and you can make a torso sized target that would cost $100 out of multiple tatami rolls.

I wonder how it will affect technique when transitioning to higher end sharps with other types of targets?

I say we just collect some DNA from Sir Nathan & bio-engineer some "cutting clones". What do you think?? 

[Joshua Santana]

Honestly, I have seen the video and I first thought that is was insanity.  First because of clay's tendencies to harden and could break a sword caught in the clay, however I think that it is a safe and cheap material for test cutting.  However I can also see a lot of side fun making the clay into a clown or animal for fun sake.   

[Sir James A]

Using the cheap swords, it seems like fun. I don't think I'd let an expensive sword anywhere near it, but since the clay is soft, some stainless steel junk swords could even be useful for watching your form.