Swords are rosette plants so they don't really have "stems", each leaf begins as a small leaflet in the centre of the rosette. As it grows, smaller leaves form behind it effectively moving it outward.
If you want to take some large leaves off, cut the leaf low, but obviously avoid damaging the crown. Cut with sharp tools. "Nipping off with your fingers can cause damage which enables rot to set it which can destroy the plant - not the italics, it is unusual, but it can happen.
Or are we talking runners here?