No, it isn't hard but you need some practice. We used to do it all the time at a friends winery, but they had a really meaty short sword that was more of a machete. The sword in my hand is an English infantry officer's type (thrusting weapon, straight, not much blade) and is a lot longer and more fine than the one I'd used before. I think I could nail it first time with this sword if I did it again.