Well, what Ruro said, and a few tips from me. First, remember than the opponent can always redirect the sword's momentum and throw a new strike in response to a dodge, so outmaveureving the attack doesn't guarantee that you won't get butchered by the next. Then you also have stay wary of any pommel strikes, kick, headbutts and ect., since a combination of those can put a great deal of distance between you and also make you vulnerable to any follow up attacks. And while the sword's speed indeed decreases the closer you are to the hilt, it still remains a bladed weapon, so there are quite a few way to harm with it even then, such as a pull-cut. Blocking also doesn't render the weapon useless, as one can slip the sword over you block. Last, but not least, keep in mind that if your opponent is allowed to move away from you, any advantage is immediately lost.