Generation 2 - The Gen 2 Lucerne comes pre-sharpened and is razor sharp out of the box (like most Gen 2 swords) with a flattened diamond section edge (does not have a secondary bevel). Though it is only .5 pounds heavier than the Shrewsbury and with a lower balance point. The heft and feel of the sword made me confident that it would be able to attempt the cut. The warm up box cut went through as if the box was not there. (The CoP is 12 inches from the tip and the Secondary Node is 2 inches below the crossguard.)

The Cut - On the first rolled rice mat cut attempt the Lucerne went through the target with ease. I must admit that cutting with this sword is a joy, after the other brands had been tested I did a second cut with the Lucerne. The blade was still in pristine condition after both cuts.

Picture Above - The Lucerne cut through the mat and dowel with ease! This cut would have taken a grown man's leg off through the thickest part of the thigh.

Paul Chen - The Paul Chen Hand and a Half Sword (SH2034) comes sharp out of the box with a flattened diamond section edge (does not have a secondary bevel). (The CoP is 13 inches from the tip and the Secondary Node is 2 inches below the crossguard.)

The Cut - The warm up cut on the box went through with ease. The first test cut on the rolled mat went through the first layer of the mat and dowel rod but did not cut through the back layer of the mat. Upon inspection it was easy to see that the blade was bent. I straightened the blade and attempted a second cut with the same result. The blade only made it through the dowel rod and stopped and the blade bent again (which is expected as once a blade bends it has a weak spot). Keep in mind I had made the same cut with the Lucerne and 15th Century, and even had a miss cut with the 15th Century without it bending.

Even a good blade can be bent if the cut is not done properly, but it is my opinion that the blade was not stressed anymore than the other brands and the bend was due to an improper temper. The CoP is 13 inches from the tip - the bend in the blade occured between the 13 and 14 inches from the tip. I would recommend this sword be used for light cutting only.

The Paul Chen Hand and a Half cut through the first layer of mat and dowel rod, but did not make it through the second layer of mat.

The force generated on the blade when attempting the cut bent the sword.