tameshigiri

Tameshigiri (試し斬り) is the Japanese practice of test-cutting with a sword, typically a katana, to evaluate the blade’s performance and the practitioner’s cutting technique. The term literally means “test cutting” and is associated with traditional Japanese swordsmanship.

Historically, tameshigiri emerged in Japan during the Edo period as a practical method for assessing sword quality, balance, and edge geometry. It was used by swordsmiths, instructors, and samurai to determine whether a blade would cut cleanly in use and to train students in proper technique, stance, and control. The practice also served as a standard demonstration of a sword’s capabilities for buyers and patrons of swordsmiths.

Practice involves a prepared target, most commonly a bundle of rolled wet tatami mats known as tatami-omote. The mats are bound and mounted to form a dense, resistive target; other traditional materials such as bamboo or straw may also be used. A practitioner delivers controlled cuts, typically downwards, diagonally, or in multiple directions, with attention to form, alignment, and timing. Evaluation focuses on the cleanliness of the cut, the condition of the target, and the blade’s behavior, reflecting factors such as blade balance, geometry, and the practitioner’s technique.

Modern tameshigiri persists in some traditional kenjutsu and iaido settings, often using shinken or training swords and tatami targets or modern substitutes. The practice emphasizes safety, discipline, and precision, preserving a historical method for judging sword performance and developing cutting technique.