The best sized sword for a man of average strength is one weighing 3¼ lbs., with a blade 1¾ inches wide and 31 inches long. The size and weight, however, depend a great deal upon a man’s strength. A weak man would cut better with a smaller one, and a very powerful man would find a larger one more suitable. It greatly rests on the velocity you are able to give it.
The bar of lead, which you can cast yourself if you are provided with a melting pan and mould, should be about 12 inches long and triangular (equilateral) in shape with flat ends, so that you can stand it on one end.
It may be either suspended or stood on end on the top of a table or stool; I prefer the latter way, as it is not so steady when suspended.
A three-legged stool about 4 feet high, for a man of 5 feet 8 inches, with a level top 9 inches square, will be found as handy as anything for this purpose.
Place the bar of lead so that your sword will first strike the most acute angle (should the bar be not quite equilateral), then put yourself in the position of “guard,” with the toes of the right foot in a line with the lead, and at such a distance that when you deliver the cut you will strike it with the centre of percussion of your sword.
Having taken your distance, throw your hand quickly back into the bend of the left arm or on to the left shoulder to get an impetus, and keeping both feet firm on the ground, deliver a horizontal cut from left to right as rapidly as possible, using the elbow and forearm freely, and throwing the weight of the body into the cut. Arm straight and point of the sword to your right front at the finish of the cut.
In cutting, the wrist should be well sunk, the upper knuckles turned up, and a firm grip of the sword maintained, particularly at the moment the sword strikes the lead.
The sword, with the edge leading, should not be turned in the slightest degree, but kept on a level line so that the cut will be perfectly horizontal.
When the lead is suspended, aim a little above, and when standing, a little below the middle.
It is dangerous for any one to stand on your right when you are practising this feat, as the pieces of lead sometimes fly to a considerable distance, and with great force.