What is the method for executing the amputation of a thief's hand?

Primary text

The amputation of the thief's hand must be performed using the easiest method possible. The thief is seated and secured to prevent self-injury. The hand is then bound with a rope and pulled until the joint of the wrist (the carpometacarpal joint) is clearly separated from the forearm joint. A sharp knife is placed between these two points. Force is applied by striking above the knife to sever the limb in one blow, or the knife is placed directly on the joint and cleanly drawn through in a single stroke. If a method known to be easier than this exists, that method must be used for the amputation.