SWORD FEATS.
PLATE XXX.—LEAD CUTTING (BEFORE DELIVERING THE CUT.)
SWORD FEATS.
PLATE XXX.
Lead Cutting.
To cut a bar of lead in two at one stroke.
This feat is sometimes called the “Cœur de Lion,” deriving its name from the feat said to have been performed by Richard I. when he met Saladin the Saracen at the station of the Diamond of the Desert, vide Sir Walter Scott’s “Talisman.”
It is one which every sabre-player ought to practise more or less. It teaches how to apply force and edge, and to finish your cuts with quickness, by which they are more effective. It also shows the power of a sword-cut when properly delivered.
The great secret of this, and most of the sword feats, is a free delivery, true edge, and striking the object with the part of the blade called the centre of percussion with great velocity.
The sword generally used for this purpose is something like a naval cutlass, but longer and heavier.