The Four Straight Cuts in Joachim Meyer’s Longsword (1570)
In his Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (1570), Joachim Meyer defines the “straight cuts” (gerade Hiebe) explicitly as those cuts executed against the opponent with the long edge and with extended arms. He states there are four such cuts, from which other derivative cuts arise: the High Cut (Oberhau), Wrath Cut (Zornhau), Middle Cut (Mittelhau), and Low Cut (Unterhau).
Primary source descriptions are drawn from the draft English translation by Rebecca Garber (2022), available on Wiktenauer and in the full draft translation PDF, cross-referenced with consistent interpretations in modern HEMA studies.
Oberhau (High Cut / Oberhauw)
A descending cut from above, targeting the upper openings with power and reach.
How to perform: Stand with one foot forward, raise the sword high (often from Vom Tag), extend both arms fully forward and upward, and cut downward with the long edge in a direct line through the opponent’s upper openings, continuing the motion past the target.
Zornhau (Wrath Cut / Zornhauw)
A strong diagonal descending cut, executed with force as if in anger, targeting from high to low.
How to perform: Stand with one foot forward (typically left), position the sword high on the shoulder, extend the arms fully, and cut diagonally downward with the long edge (usually from right high to left low), stepping offline to displace potential counters while striking to the opponent’s openings.
Mittelhau (Middle Cut / Mittelhauw)
A horizontal cut at middle height, targeting the sides or arms.
How to perform: Stand with one foot forward, hold the sword at middle height with extended arms, and cut horizontally across with the long edge to the opponent’s middle openings (left or right side), maintaining forward extension through the line of the cut.
Unterhau (Low Cut / Underhauw)
A rising cut from below, targeting the lower or middle openings.
How to perform: Stand with one foot forward, position the sword low, extend both arms fully downward and forward, and cut upward with the long edge in a direct rising line (diagonally or vertically) through the opponent’s lower openings, ending high.
Glossary of Terms Used
- Straight cuts (gerade Hiebe) — Cuts performed with the long edge and extended (outstretched) arms, distinguished from crooked or derivative cuts.
- Long edge (Lange Schneide) — The primary cutting edge of the blade (the “true” edge aligned with the knuckles in standard grip).
- Extended arms (ausgestreckten Armen) — Arms fully stretched forward during the cut for maximum reach, power, and structure.
- Openings (Blößen) — The four target quadrants of the opponent’s body that these cuts threaten.
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