In theory yes, although Ive never used a blade in a fight I train as such. Ive studied the black panther system in Bando which incorporates staff and blades as well as Escrima, dual sticks which the strikes are translated to blade cuts. So yes I test my muscle memory while cutting cacti. Its been really fun to do. Until I started using it for the Wachuma Id never needed to sharpen or clean the blade, it pretty much stayed on my wall unless I was cutting air. Now its more a tool.