News - 4/08

Thanks to input of many students and colleagues, my new book, "A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship" is off to press! The latest pre-publication review is below:

"Scott Rodell has produced a book here that does not exist elsewhere. The title sums it up, as this is a true, practical guide for students to practice test cutting as a part of their martial arts regimen. It takes a common sense approach, covers the major aspects, and shows the "dos" and don'ts" that many sword practitioners often forget. While the book is coming from a Chinese swordsmanship background, it easily applies to any other form of swordsmanship, from German to Japanese, in regards to safety and proper mindset as well as what materials to use. It is a useful addition to any historical swordsmanship student's library." - Bill Grandy, head of Historical European Swordsmanship program at the Virginia Academy of Fencing

In other news, I continue to work behind the scenes with different forges and swordsmiths, helping them improve their products while keeping an eye out for new swords that meet the standards we need for serious forms and test cutting practice. We hope to be able to off a wider selection of swords in the near future.

Wishing all the best, Scott M. Rodell

We're expanding... we're adding CAS/Hanwei products to our catalog starting with sword stands & test cutting mats. We just got the stands in & were quite impressed. Crafted of solid oak, they are honestly more than we expected. We particularly like the way the dragons at the top slide inwards to hold the sword upright & secure. The MSR for these stands is $125, our price is just $108.

-Scott M. Rodell