The first hour was all about the history of the noble profession. How it was used to be handed down through the family and how jobs started to become scarce in the latter 19th century.
Then we spent two full hours going over the tools of the trade. First swords, then axes, two headed axes and so on. We then joined together to desecrate the guillotine as it really took the sport and skill away from the job.
After a little break we watched some films on the proper methods of beheading and what not to do. LOL. What a riot.
Did you know some headsmen had to take several swings to actually sever the darned thing? Man, we'd never graduate with a record like that!
For the last session we worked on sharpening techniques and how to clean our tools after a hard days lopping.
Tomrrow we're going to start practicing on small things like broom handles and work our way up to 2" thick oak by the end of the week. The thing is, it's not enough to be able to chop "through" the object. You have to be able to hit it in the right spot. I mean, honestly, how would it look to spectators if you hit between the shoulder blades??
If we pass the "dull blade and blood" test we'll get to wear black hoods and move on to the final stretch where we can proudly call ourselves "Headsmen".
Of course there are job placement services available but that's not until the end of the class.
I knew you'd all be interested.
