Absetzen
Setting Off
15th Century
16th Century
A parry with simultaneous attack.
Meyer's longsword canonical Absetzen begins in a low guard (right Wechsel) and as an opponents cut from above or thrust comes in the fencer displaces with the long edge against the strike, turning to the short edge immediately on contact. The movement is accompanied by a Passing Step of the right foot left (and somewhat forward), cutting or slicing to the head in a single motion.
In effect it is largely the same as the basic 15th century version of the technique.
The technique is used with the point in the Rappier section, often from Pflug or Eisenport, and the same movement (not named as absetzen) is also carried out by winding or cutting down into Pflug instead of moving upward.
There are no specific applications for Absetzen as it is adequately demonstrate in the other techniques such as the Zwerch parry, or the Winden movements.
