to kill (a human) using a blade (sword, machete, knife, etc.)

assassination

killing a passerby in order to test a new sword

crossing swords

trying out a new sword or blade (originally on someone, but now on soaked straw targets)

to assault with a sword

slaying 100 enemies with one's sword ②bedding 100 people

right of samurai to kill commoners for perceived affronts (Edo period)

hacking to pieces

clean sweep

being just before one is generous

slash

novel

sword that cuts iron

decapitation ②decapitated head

putting to the sword

zanbatō

novel

killing a villain (with a sword, dagger, etc.)

(execution by) decapitation

beheading

letter explaining the reasons for cutting down an alleged villain

decapitation

innovativeness