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It's a thought I had back when I was learning kenjitsu.
A thrust where the edge of the blade slides down the side of the target, like the ribs or neck, is more of a cutting attack than an impaling one.
Should be the same with any point and edge sword.
Now I want to check it on a melon to see if it works at all, or if it's brutally ineffective.
What you are describing is a variation of a thrust-cut, the opposite of a draw-cut, where you push the blade down while thrusting. Works well on unprotected necks and on arms. A biggie move with a real epee or rapier (not sports fencing style weapons.) And is also a move with sharpened saber or scimitar or any curved sharpened edge weapon (vs the slightly blunted sabers used in Europe and America after the Rev War time.)
ReplyDeleteThrust cuts and draw cuts are why 3-5 layer linen doublets and arming jackets were so popular even when not wearing metal armor. Surprising how quilted linen can stop a cut or slash, or layers of wool and linen. Specially if there's a layer of silk in there.
So, yes, you can cut down while thrusting. And if the target has a decent set of clothes on, even a double or triple layer vest over the ribs, that will slow or stop the cut from being deep and dangerous, instead turning it into a flesh wound or superficial wound only.
Of course, you can also thrust cut off the ribs down into the hip or upper leg.
Damage also depends on what type of weapon you're using. Small sword? Eh. Friggin Glaive? Youch!
And, of course, the flatter the angle of the blade to the flesh the less chance of deep penetration, but the better chance of a surface cut. Increase the angle and you slow the cut down the body, but increase the chance of digging in deeper and catching a bone.
ReplyDeleteSpeed and light damage vs Stopping and chonking deep for real damage.
It matters depending on what the rules of the contest are. First blood? First dangerous wound? To the satisfaction? To the Death?
Slashy slices and pokes and scratches are fine for 'First Blood' but won't get much deeper. Unless the attacker is trying to slow his opponent by pain and blood loss.
Back in my SCA days, I could slide thrust down using a glaive or heavy sword and then stick it hard into the hip joint. The act of doing the thrust cut often rotated the opponent to where the hip was much more chonkable using the blade. Same on the neck, thrust-cut and pop the helmet or shoulder.
Ah, the good old days.