Abnehmen

Taking Away

Also known as Oben ab Genomen (lit. taking away above).

15th Century

The taking off above is an action taken against an overly strong bind. Generally simply called "Abnehmen" (taking away) or more fully "Oben abgenomen" (taking off above).

The opponent has pushed the fencer's blade well off to the side following a thrust or cut such that the opponent's own point is not an immediate threat (this not about the point is not specified in the text but is the product of experience). In response the fencer slides their own sword up and off the point of the opponent's blade, and typically cuts down the opposite side of their blade.

The exact wrenching/tearing/sliding up action is not described in details, though there are two main methods:

1) The blade is drawn up and cuts back down with a back and forth levering of the hands and no appreciable turning of the blade. This is a very quick action but leaves the fencer momentarily exposed to a thrust or cut as they slide upward.

2) The blade is drawn up with a slight turn and lift of the hands almost as if winding up to a left Ochs but not quite going there. This lifting is slower but gives additional safety - if the opponent thrusts during the action it is effectively displaced in a similar way to Ablauffen.

The Application of Abnehmen can by found in Application 3 of the Zornhau, with a corresponding counter in Application 4.

16th Century

The tactical concept of Abnehmen is not give a specific section in Meyer's text, however the principle is seen in many of his techniques.