After returning from India in 1865, Hutton focused on the study and revival of older fencing systems and schools. He began tutoring groups of students in the art of 'ancient swordplay' at a club attached to the London Rifle Brigade School of Arms in the 1880s. In 1889 Hutton published his most influential work "Cold Steel: A Practical Treatise on the Sabre", which presented the historical method of military sabre use on foot, combining the 18th century English backsword with modern Italian duelling sabre.