Tibetan Sword

Swords were the most important hand weapons in Tibet from at least the 7th century until the early 20th century. They represent an old style of sword that was common in a wide area, including China, but was replaced by curved swords in China from the end of the Song Dynasty. Only remote areas such as Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim and the regions of Yunnan and Sichuan retained straight single-edged swords until recently. This sword has a single-edged blade, some are double-edged, but that is very rare. Besides their intended use, they could also be clear indicators of value and status based on the quality or quantity of decoration. For the Tibetans, such as the Khampa Tribe in East Tibet, a sword is so important that it is still used in their traditional clothing. The sword also has a rich symbolic meaning in Tibetan Buddhism, especially as the Sword of Wisdom, which represents the ability to break through spiritual ignorance.

Many cultures have developed ways of making swords from different types of steel to obtain a sword blade of the desired hardness and durability in the right places. What sets the Tibetans apart is that their blacksmiths worked at high altitudes where oxygen was scarce and fuel was limited, making it difficult to heat large forges to high temperatures.

As a result, ways were found to weld the layers together using as little heat as possible, by stacking the layers instead of folding them. This results in a characteristic "hairpin", named after the hairpin shape of its various layers.

It was formed by combining harder and softer iron, called "male iron" and "female iron" in traditional Tibetan texts, which were folded, nested and forged into a single piece using a blade-making technique called pattern welding. The handles are usually made of silver engraved with coral or turquoise, or in some rare cases of iron damasked with gold and silver carefully hammered and pierced.

 

1. Dpa'dam (Pa Tam)

Dpa'dam sword

Dpa'dam is the long sword of the Tibetan cultural region. Alternatively, it can be spelled pa tam, under which it appears in the Qing Multilingual Dictionary of 1766. The Chinese equivalent given here is yāodāo or "belt sword" and in Manchu loho.

A very good example of a Dpa'dam, a common side arm of a Tibetan warrior. The long single blade is well made using the traditional hairpin forging method of bent bars of hard "male iron" (pho lcags) and softer "female iron" (mo lcags) bent into a hairpin and woven into the blade. In this way it combines seven parts, forming up to 13 layers from the spine to the edge.

 

2. Yiong (Yigong) Sword

one-edge Yiong sword 

The Yiong sword dates back almost 400 years and is known for its unique materials and craftsmanship. The blade of the Yiong sword is forged from three iron ores in the local mountains. The handle and container are made of wood from the ancient forests of Yiong. Yiong swords vary in length, but all have long, narrow blades and are light, sharp and stainless.

double-edge Yiong sword

Today, the Yiong sword is still a rarity. One swordsmith can only make a few swords a month. In Yiong, sword heirs are in charge and work together to make swords. In this way, the skill of iron and fire is passed on to later generations.

 

3. Ke-tri Sword

one-edge Ke-tri sword

Tibetan sword Ke-tri. These extremely rare battle swords were still used by Tibetan warriors at the turn of the 20th century. The heavy single-edged blade, 25 to 30 inches long, is forged from laminated steel folded into a hairpin at the tip. The handle is fixed with perforated steels and the handle is covered with silver wire. Attached to the bottom of the handle is a large round white metal roundel in classic Tibetan style, decorated with a red coral stone. 

double-edge Ke-tri sword

Pommel is also set with a smaller coral stone. The wooden box is covered in black leather and framed by a U-shaped steel frame with long perforated white metal panels at the top and bottom. The sword comes with its original strap with white metal buttons, braided leather tip and steel buckle. Total length in case 32-37 inches.

 

4. Tibetan Vajra Sword

Tibetan Vajra sword

In general, a sword is a long-bladed weapon (when cut), often used as a symbol of honor or power. But in Vajrayana Buddhism, the sword has a special meaning and significance. It is a symbol of the enlightenment of the world, because "as a sword cuts a knot, so the intellect penetrates the deepest recesses of Buddhist thought".

Sometimes it bursts into flames, like this one. This sword became symbol in Manjushri (Wisdom Bodhisattva), which was in his right hand. Manjushri's sword is called Pradjnakhadga. It is believed to destroy the darkness of ignorance with its rays of light. Symbolically, the sword represents justice, righteousness, justice, love and creativity.

Manjushri sword

This double-edged sword of wisdom has a flame on its tip. The lower part represents the blade of a sword coming from the mouth of a makara (crocodile). In the lower part of the handle is the five-pronged half Vajra. These five peaks symbolize the five elements of purity: earth, water, fire, air and ether.

Tibetan Vajra Sword was also used as a ritual object in the Fire Rage ceremony in Tibet/China. A fire ceremony is an offering dedicated to a particular deity, usually performed after a religious retreat. This ceremony aims to expel evil spirits. It is held on the 29th or 30th of the month at noon or midnight at the slaughterhouse in the southern part of the region. This ceremony should only be performed by a Lama with high spiritual understanding and very strong concentration.

The ceremony must be of no benefit to the person who performs it, who must be motivated by compassion, which arises from the belief that if a harmful being lives longer, it will continue to harm itself and others. The Lama representing it faces south and wears dark blue or black clothes. The bound sand mandala is triangular in shape. The practicing Lama first visualizes rays rising from his heart and becoming a Vajra lasso that binds the hands and feet of the evil being or spirit to be conquered and destroyed. The lasso then becomes a chain with padlocks at the ends. The Vajra hook then catches the evil being and brings it to the fire ceremony. With other tools, one of which is the Vajra Sword, the lame creature can be scared into changing its bad behavior. For example, it can be hit with a hammer, cut with a knife and sword, and cut with an ax. A Lama can also threaten to burn an evil creature. Because the evil being knows how powerful the mala is, they usually ask not to be harmed and promise to change. According to this method Padmasambhava is said to have defeated evil spirits in Tibet and converted them to the service of Buddhism.

It is called the Vajra Sword because there is indeed a Vajra in sword pommel.

Chinese Jian Sword

The Jian is a straight, one-handed, double-edged sword that originated in China in the 2nd century BC. The first Jian swords had blades that ranged from 17 to 31 inches in length.

Larger versions of the Jian sword were also used in the practice of certain Chinese martial arts. The first Jian swords were made of bronze, and as metallurgy advanced, swords were made of steel. The blade of the sword was made of three steel plates that were layered on top of each other. The outer plates were of mild steel, while the protruding core was of hard steel. The prominent central plate was essentially a sword blade. Sometimes more than 3 layers were used. The forging technique, which used multiple layers of different grades of steel, eventually made its way to Korea and Japan, where it later led to the development of the famous Japanese katana sword.

 

1. Jian Bronze Sword

Jian is the name for a double-edged straight sword in China. This title has long been used by the Chinese people, approximately since 7th century BC. The first mention of Jian was allegedly derived from the word "Goujian". This word is found on bronze sword artifacts dating from the Spring and Autumn Period (c. 770 to 481 BC).

Sword of Goujian (left) and Bronze Jian artifact (right) 

Historic one-handed versions have blades 45–80 centimeters (18–31 in) long. An average sword with a blade length of 70 centimeters (28 in) would weigh approximately 700–900 grams (1.5–2 lb.). There are also larger two-handed versions that many Chinese martial arts use for training.

Originally Jian, it took the form of a straight double-edge dagger. Estimated to be around 500 BC, Jian found its modern form with varying weight, length and balance in over time. The jian was made to be a versatile cutting and thrusting weapon capable of both striking with effective and accuracy. Although the various forms and schools of Jian swordsmithing are different, the general purpose and use are still not lost.

 

2. Han Jian sword

Han Jian sword is the name for the Jian swords developed during the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). At this time, the use of bronze has been replaced by iron. Jian's sword at this time also became lighter because of its thinner thickness but stronger. The size is also longer and has better sharpness.

Han Jian

The existence of the Han Jian Sword is very important in the history of Chinese swords, because it was the main weapon on the battlefield during the Han Dynasty. The length of the dagger is about 50-70 cm. The blade is slightly wider; the brush is slightly thinner. It is decorated with copper netting. The average length of Han Jian's sword is about 70-90 cm. Han Jian's long sword, average length of 100-110 cm with a hilt that is not too long, about 20 cm long and width about 3.1 cm.

The blade changes from narrow to wide and has a clear belt near the tip of the sword (the purpose of the belt is to reduce the weight of the front of the blade to shift the center of gravity to the back, so the longer the sword. the more obvious it is). The thickest part of the blade is usually about 0.7 cm and the flattest part less than 0.1 cm. The length of the super long sword is more than 120 cm, some reach 160 cm.

  

3. Shuangshou Jian

Shuangshou Jian is a two-handed Jian sword. The Shuangshou Jian is an impressive sword and an impressive weapon, less commonly seen than the shorter Jian. Historically, the Shuangshou Jian was up to 1.6 meters (65 in) tall, and the two-handed grip could be used as leverage to lock an opponent's arm when needed. Shuangshou Jian uses large rings in its construction.

Shuangshou Jian

Balance is an important design feature of any sword, but it becomes especially apparent when using a blade of this length, as the ratio of blade weight to handle changes its characteristics dramatically. The weight of the handle makes the sword easier to control and change direction, but it has less momentum on impact. With a heavier blade, the sword requires more power to control and may be slower, but it is more devastating when it hits.

Shuangshou Jian size comparation

Because of its size, it was primarily a battlefield weapon designed to clear a path in any direction. Like other long weapons such as the spear, it can be a useful tool against an attack. Although it is a two-handed sword and carries considerable weight, it has a surprising amount of one-handed behavior among its behavioral principles, making it an excellent training tool for developing strength and control.

 

4. Tai Ji Jian

Tai Ji Jian is a sword used in the Taijiquan martial art. A straight sword, sometimes with a tassel and sometimes not, is used in traditional taijiquan schools for upper body training and combat. Some schools use different forms, but remain the same type.

Tai Ji Jian

Historically, the Yang and Wu families were involved in the training of officers in the Qing dynasty and taught the Jian technique to their students. Since the historical type of Jian was not created specifically for taijiquan, the forms were designed to use current functional Jian with the appropriate weight, balance, sharpness and flexibility to be effective in armed combat.

The "taijiquan" routines of the Wushu curriculum also use a lighter version of the traditional sword and theatrical versions of traditional sword forms. Wushu uses the Tai Ji Jian sword with a thin blade and makes sound when swung during competition. Mostly there is a tassel on the pommel sword.

Tai Ji Jian for Wushu demonstration

Jian variants used in Tai Ji Jian Wushu demonstration or as training tools in modern martial arts often have characteristics that make them unsuitable for historically accurate combat. These features, such as the extreme thinness of the blade or the high flexibility compared to the historical battlefield level Jian, are intended to add sound and visual appeal to wushu performance.

Wind and Fire Wheels

 

Wind and fire wheels are paired melee weapons associated with Chinese martial arts such as baguazhang and taijiquan. Visually, they resemble chakrams, although unlike chakrams, they do not throw weapons.

Each wheel is a flat metal ring about 38 cm (about 15 inches) in diameter. One quarter segment has a padded handle with a cross guard; the other three segments have protruding flame-like blades. With one wheel in each hand, the practitioner can slash, stab, parry, or disarm an opponent.

In the mythological story Fengshen Yanyi, Immortal Taiyi gave Nezha a wind wheel and a fire wheel. They stood as a magical tool while chanting spells.

Hook Sword

 

The hook sword, double hooks, fu tao, hu tou Gou (tiger hook) or Shuang Gou is a Chinese weapon traditionally associated with northern Chinese martial arts styles and wushu weapon practices, but is now commonly used in southern styles as well.

Reliable information about hook swords is hard to come by. Although it is sometimes referred to as an ancient weapon and described as dating from the Song Dynasty to the Warring States or even earlier, most ancient examples and artistic depictions date from the late Qing period or later, suggesting that it is a relatively new design. They were also exclusively civilian weapons, not included in any of China's official weapon lists. Extant pointed examples indicate actual use as weapons, but their rarity and the training required to use them strongly suggest that they were rarely used as such.

Also known as "tiger hook swords" or Qian ku ri Yue dao (literally "Sword of Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon"), these weapons have a sharp blade similar to the Jian, though perhaps thicker or sometimes unsharpened, with a barb or a spike. hook (as a shepherd rogue) near the end. The guards are prominent, in the style of butterfly swords. Often, the hooks of paired weapons can be used to grab or redirect other weapons.

 A halberd has five parts:

• Back, often used as a normal sword.
• A bar hook was used to trip enemies, grab weapons and strike.
• The end of the handle that is sharpened.
• A crescent shield used for blocking, grappling and slashing.
• The link used when using a pair.

The two hooks can be loosely connected and the swordsman swings one hook sword, the other extends further, almost six feet. When the other is in the air, the dagger in the handle will cut the target. In this way, the operator can extend his reach from three feet to six. Hook sword exercises are taught in northern schools such as Northern Shaolin and Seven-Star Mantis, as well as some southern martial art schools such as Choy Lay Fut. Modern hook sword routines are often very spectacular and may include techniques such as combining paired weapons and using them as one long, flexible weapon. One person does most of the routines. Some Baguazhang schools also teach a similar weapon, often called the "deer antler knife" or "mandarin duck knife."

These weapons usually have a much shorter or missing main hook and instead focus on various cutting and stabbing blades around the sheath. Due to the various protruding parts and the high probability of accidental hooking or stabbing, they are almost never used in fighting and are rarely used in two-person routines.

Deer Horn Knives

 

Deer Horn Knives, also known as crescent knives or duck blades, are special Chinese bladed weapons consisting of two crossed blades. They are used in Chinese martial arts. This junction gives rise to four curved claw-like points, one of which is extended into a "head lobe".

The practitioner grasps the wrapped center of the elongated crescent while the other acts as a hand guard. They are relatively short weapons that can be easily hidden by traditional Chinese clothing and are usually used in pairs, one for each hand. Deer Horn Knives are particularly associated with the mild-style Chinese martial art of Baguazhang, known for its versatile weapons. They are mostly used to grab an opponent's weapon to help bind or break an opponent's weapon, arm an opponent, and other melee programs. Deer Horn Knives are usually used for longer weapons such as spears, swords, broadswords, or any weapon that uses a safe distance to attack. One advantage of the Deer Horn Knife over a longer weapon is that because Deer Horn Knives are direct appendages of the hands, they can be used with great speed and precision and are easily concealed and can easily be used to catch an opponent off guard.

Some variations of horn cutters include pairs where one crescent is longer than the other, with the larger blade presumably used as the "head hand" and the smaller blade as the "guard hand". Another variant of this weapon called Duck Knives.

Mandarin Duck Knives

Achang Knife/Husa Knife (Kachin Dha)

Achang knife, also known as "Husa knife", gets its name because it is mostly made in the Husa and Lasa areas of Longchuan District, where many achang live. Such a knife is "well forged and skillfully made and very sharp, tight, durable." Coats made of wood, leather, silver and other materials are also very good.

The Achang knife comes in different lengths and shapes. More than ten different knives are available for your own use. You can find, for example, a work knife, a knife for everyday use, a long sword for hunting and self-defense and a dagger for killing domestic animals, etc. The Achangs also make knives for other Brethren nationalities, such as the Tibetan knife and the Jingpo knife. Due to its exquisite craftsmanship, Achang knives were cherished as a national heritage not only by the Achangs, but also favored by other neighboring ethnic groups such as the Han, Dai, Jingpo, Tibetan and Bai. Now Achang knife left Yunnan and sold to Beijing, Tibet, Sinkiang and Heilongjiang etc. Even some foreign friends would like to collect Achang knife.

Kachin Dha or Yunnan Dao

The Achang ethnic group has a history of making knives and other knives for more than six hundred years.Tradition says that the Ming dynasty army stationed in the Husa and Lasa regions had men with fairly good blacksmith skills who were assigned to produce weapons. These men married the local people and gradually assimilated with them. Achang inherited and developed the smelting and forging skills of the Ming army and began to produce many knives with national characteristics. Their techniques have also become more sophisticated. They have a relatively specific division of labor between villages and each village has its own famous products. The entire Husa region is like a craft factory, and every village known for one product is a workshop. For example, Laifu village is famous for its long black knife and Hugang knife (ornamental steel knife); In Mangdong Village, a sword and a small sharp knife; Lajie village for the sawtooth sickle; Xin Village portable knife; Scabbard of the village of Mangsuo. The Husa knife is very durable for two reasons: first, it is made of well-chosen materials; secondly, Achang has very good skills in hardening and tempering of steel; In addition, it is carefully and beautifully polished. Thanks to these virtues, knives made by Achang can be very sharp even after a little sharpening. Some old craftsmen can even make fixed and flexible knives, some of which can even be bent if desired. For example, a long sword, when not in use, can be wrapped around the waist like a belt and straightens itself when needed. Their craftsmanship is truly admirable. Achang knife is also called Kachin Dha sword or Yunnan Dao.

Chinese Dao Sword

Dao are single-edged Chinese swords used primarily for cutting and chopping. The most common form is also known as a Chinese sword, although those with a wider blade are sometimes called a Chinese sword.

In China, Dao is considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with the Gun (staff or stick), Qiang (spear) and Jian (double-edged sword), this called the "General of Weapon". The word Dao can be used for any single-edged weapon and usually refers to knives, so the term is sometimes translated as knifes or big knife (swords). However, in Chinese martial arts and military contexts larger "sword" versions of the Dao are usually provided.

Although Dao’s have varied greatly over the centuries, most Ming and later one-handed Dao’s and modern swords based on them share several common characteristics. Dao blades are moderately curved and single-edged, though often sharpened a few inches from the trailing edge; the moderate curve allows them to be reasonably efficient in terms of thrust. Handles are sometimes angled, curving in the opposite direction of the blade, which improves control for certain cuts and jobs.

The string is usually wrapped over the wood of the handle. The hilts can also be pierced like a Jian (straight bladed Chinese sword) to add a string, although modern show swords often have tassels or scarves. Shields are usually disc-shaped and often cup-shaped. This was to prevent rainwater from entering the scabbard and to prevent blood from dripping down the handle, making it difficult to grip. Sometimes the guards are thinner pieces of metal with an s-curve, the lower part of the curve protects the wearer's knuckles, very rarely they can be like Jian’s. Other variations on the basic pattern include Ba Gua Dao and Pu Dao.

 

1. Zhi Bei Dao (Bronze Dao)

The earliest Dao’s date back to Bronze Age China during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) and are known as Zhi Bei Dao (straight back knives). As the name indicates, these were straight or slightly curved single-edged weapons. These weapons were originally made of bronze from iron or steel in the late Warring States period, when metallurgical knowledge had advanced enough to control the carbon content.

Bronze Zhi Bei Dao

Originally a less common military weapon than Jian (straight sword), the Chinese double blade, Dao became popular with cavalry during the Han Dynasty due to its durability, excellent cutting edge, and relative ease of use. It was generally said that it takes a week to master a Dao sword, a month to master a Qiang (spear), and a year to master a Jian (straight sword).

Shortly thereafter, Dao’s began to be issued to the infantry and the replacement of the Jian as standard equipment began. The Dao of the late Han dynasty had round handles and ring handles and ranged in length from 85 to 114 centimeters. These weapons were used with rectangular shields. 

By the end of the Three Kingdoms period, the single-edge Dao had almost completely replaced Jian on the battlefield. Henceforth, the Jian became known as a self-defense weapon of the educated aristocratic class, worn as part of court dress.

 

2. Han Dynasty Dao Sword

"Han" was a royal surname, as well as the name given to that particular era of Chinese history. The Han dynasty began in 206 BC. - 220 AD During this time, there were many changes in blacksmithing techniques, as well as in various metals such as bronze, iron and carbon steel.

Han Dynasty Dao Sword; artifact (top), replica (bottom)

Early Chinese blacksmiths were pioneers, making some of the best steel hands in the world in their day. This kind of sword was made in the early stages, about two thousand years of steel sword forging history. The Dao of the late Han dynasty had round handles and ring handles and ranged in length from 85 to 114 centimeters. These weapons were used with rectangular shields

 

3. Zhanmadao

The Zhanmadao was a single-edged Chinese cavalry sword. It originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) and was particularly common in Song China (960-1279).

Zhanmaodao

Zhanmadao is a sword with one long broad blade and a long handle, suitable for two-handed use. It was used as an anti-cavalry weapon by Emperor Cheng of Han and was made to cut through the legs of a horse. It is mentioned in the 1072 military manual "Wu Jing Zong Yao". It featured prominently in the campaigns against the Jin army from 1129 to 1141.

Zhanmadao blade was originally straight, but after contact with Mongol army (Yuan Dynasty) the blade became more curved. Surviving examples include a sword that may be similar in construction to the Nagamaki (from Japan); it had a 37cm long wrapped handle, making it easy to pick up with two hands. The blade was 114 centimeters long and very straight, but slightly curved in the last half. The Zhanmadao may also have been the inspiration for the Japanese zanbatō; both are written with the same characters and are said to have been used to kill horse and rider at the same time.

Japanese Zanbato

Possible variants of these swords were; the Changdao; the Wodao; and the Miaodao.

a. Changdao

The Changdao was a single bladed Chinese long sword. The term Changdao translates as "long sword", "sword save" or "long-handled sword". During the Ming Dynasty, Changdao was often used as a general term for two-handed swords. Tang Dynasty sources describe the Changdao as being identical to the Modao, but unlike the Changdao, the modao may have been a double-edged weapon.

Changdao

Cangdao (left) and Modao (right)

The Changdao appears to have first appeared during the Tang dynasty as the weapon of choice for the vanguard infantry units of the Tang army. It was described as having a total length of seven feet, consisting of a three-foot-long, single-edged blade and a four-foot-long staff handle. Because of its considerable length and size, it became one of the hallmarks of Tang's elite infantry, often used at the head of an army against enemy formations.

b. Wodao

Wodao is a Chinese sword from the Ming Dynasty. It is usually long and slender, but heavy, with a curved back and a sharp blade. It is a variant of Zhanmadao with a shape resembling of Japanese Tachi or Odachi. Extant examples have a handle approximately 25.5 cm long and a slightly curved blade 80 cm long.

Wodao (Two from Bottom) resembling of Japanese Tachi (top)

In Chinese, “wo” refer to Japan and “wodao” meaning Japanese Sword. The term "wodao" sometimes refers to Japanese swords, but it mostly refers to similar swords developed in China, referring to Japanese swords. The Chinese wodao was developed from a Japanese sword used by wokou pirates, a mixed group of Japanese and Chinese who repeatedly raided the Chinese coast. Ming Dynasty general Qi Jiguang (1528-1588) studied wokou tactics and Japanese swords to repel wokou pirates. General Qi also wrote a military book called Jixiao Xinshu, which detailed the use of wodao among other things. He also included the wodao branch in his army along with other weapons. Another Ming general, Li Chengxun, in his 1588 revised edition of the Jixiao Xinshu, quoted General Qi as saying that the long sword (probably referring to the ōdachi and tachi) was introduced to China during the wokou invasion of the Ming dynasty.

Wodao (bottom) resembling of Japanese Odachi (top)

The Chinese martial art of wodao is believed to be a combination of medieval Japanese sword fighting styles and traditional Chinese two-handed weapon techniques. The term wodao was used in China until the Qing dynasty, as reflected in several Chinese novels of the time.

c. Miaodao

The Miaodao is a Chinese two-handed dao or Republican-era saber with a narrow blade, a long handle, and an overall length of 1.2 meters (47 inches) or more. The name means "Against sable", probably referring to the resemblance between the weapon and the newly sprouted plant. An early reference in Jin Yiming's Single Defense-Saber links the miaodao with the Qing-era wodao and mentions both one-handed and two-handed versions of "Miaodao", suggesting that the name originally only described the form, without its meaning. size Although the miaodao is a new weapon, the name was used for several earlier Chinese long swords such as the Zhanmadao and Changdao. Along with the Dadao, some Chinese soldiers used the miaodao during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Miaodao

Although miaodao is rarely practiced in modern Chinese martial arts, some Piguaquan and Tongbeiquan (in the Guo Changsheng lineage) and xingyiquan schools practice the weapon. It is also often mistakenly claimed that the miaodao was one of the weapons taught at the Nanjing Central Military Academy. the weapon in question was actually a European-style officer's sword, although some later schools may have used Miaodao techniques in that form.

Miaodao, "miao" should not be confused with the Miao ethnic group, which is not related to this weapon.

 

4. Tang Heng Dao

Tang Heng Dao is a single handed straight Dao featuring a scabbard with two-point suspension system influenced by the Sasanian swords.  The two-point suspension system allows the Dao to be used in a more or less horizontal position (Heng).

Tang Heng Dao; artifact (top), replica (bottom)

Tang Heng Dao was used in battle both on foot and on horseback. Tang Heng Dao was compact, lightweight, and was the standard regulation side arm for conscripts, elite troops, commanding officers and imperial guards. 

Tang Heng Dao was expensive to make and each piece worth about one month's salary of a junior level government official.  As an expensive military resource, Tang Heng Dao was forbidden to be used as funeral goods.  Therefore, very few exhibited specimens have been found today. Fortunately, Tang Heng Dao was pursued by the Japanese delegates and sent back to Japan as treasures for the royal court and those few rare Tang Heng Dao samples are preserved in Nara today.

 

5. Yanmaodao

Yanmaodao or “feather goose sword” is a type of Dao used as a common military weapon during the Ming Dynasty and Middle Qing Dynasty (1368-1800). Blade design originally from Zhi Bei Dao, but after seeing curved Mongolian swords (during Yuan Dynasty era), the blade becomes curved near the tip (about the last 1/4 of the blade to the point).

Yanmaodao

The center of impact is the point of the blade that experiences the least amount of vibration on hard contact, the point of the blade that transmits the greatest force to the target during a hard impact. It allows striking attacks and general manipulation similar to Jian Swords, but retains much of Dao strengths in slashing and slashing. This type of sword seems to have fallen out of favor in both martial arts and martial arts by the end of the 18th century. Yanmaodao almost always have straight handles, although Ming works have downward-curving handles. In the last century of the Qing dynasty, curved handles became much more common than straight ones.

 

6. Liuyedao

Liuyedao, or willow leaf sword, is a type of Dao used as a military sidearm for both cavalry and infantry during Ming and Qing dynasties.

Liuyedao

A descendant of the earlier Mongol Saber, the liuyedao remained the most popular type of one-handed sword during the Ming dynasty, replacing the military role of Jian Sword. Many Chinese martial arts schools originally trained with this weapon.  This weapon has a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This reduces thrust (although quite effective) and increases the power of cuts and slashes. The handles are usually straight, but from the 18th century they can also be curved downwards. It weighs two to three pounds and is 36 to 39 inches long. Many examples often have a decorated collar at the throat of the blade called a tunkou, stylistic remnants of earlier Mongolian designs.

 

7. Piandao and Dadao

Piandao is a big sword for slashing and cutting. Including a one-handed sword with a large, wide blade. Unusual weapon, usually used by rioters/destroyers (skirmishers) that can destroy shields. The shape of the blade was originally straight but curved after the influence of the Mongolian (Yuan Dynasty) swords.

Piandao

Two-handed Piandao called Dadao. Dadao is also known as ‘The Great Chinese Sword’. Like Piandao, Dadao blade is wide and between two and three feet long. Dadao has a long hilt that is meant for two-handed use although it can still use by one-handed. Dadao generally has a weight-forward balance.

Dadao

Some Dadao were produced for military use, but mostly they were associated with civilian forces or revolutionaries. Although not a particularly sophisticated sword, the weight and balance of the Dadao gave it considerable cutting and chopping power, making it an effective melee weapon for untrained soldiers, but it continued to be used in that role into the 1930s during the Second Sino-Japanese War. During Operation Nekka, the Chinese claim that whenever they got a chance to engage in close combat, Dadao was so deadly that he could easily decapitate Japanese soldiers. The Dadao March, a military marching song, was composed as a rallying cry for Chinese soldiers during the Second Sino-Japanese War to praise the use of Dadao in the fight against invaders.

Piandao and Dadao blade sahapes

 

 

8. Niuweidao

Niuweidao or "oxtail saber" is a heavy bladed weapon with a distinctive sliding point. This sword is also often called Beidao. This sword is used in northern kung fu martial arts and today, it is the archetypal "Chinese Sword" of kung fu movies.

Niuweidao

It was first recorded in the early 1800s (second half of the Qing dynasty) and as a civilian weapon only, there is no record of it being issued to the soldiers, and it is not listed in any official weapon list. Its occurrence in films and contemporary literature is therefore often anachronistic. The larger version is Ba Gua Dao used in the Baguazhang martial art.

 

9. Nandao

Nandao is a type of sword that is mostly used in modern Chinese wushu exercises and forms. This is the Northern Broadsword or the southern variant of Beidao.

Nandao

Its blade is somewhat similar to a butterfly sword, which is also a single-edged weapon of southern China; The main difference is the size and that Butterfly Swords have D-shaped knuckles. The main difference from the beidao is that the Nandao is mostly used with two hands due to its heavier weight, and has a large metal cross guard useful for stopping blows and hooking an opponent's weapon; although the Nandao is single-edged, it is not curved like the northern broadsword.

 

10. Jiu Huan Dao (The Nine Ring Great Broadsword)

This version of The Nine Ring Great Sword becomes the symbolic weapon of Cantonese Ng Ga Kuen (Five Family Fist) traditional martial arts. The loose rings on the back of the Jiu Huan Dao blade store the blade's energy as it swings and release it back when it reaches the target, increasing the force of the strike.

Jiu Huan Dao

The same physical principle has recently been used in advanced kinetic energy tennis rackets, the hollow body of which is filled with loosely packed metal beads. The Chinese experimented a lot with such weapons; many traditional spearheads are large and hollow; many performers partially fill them with metal beads. Rings can also be seen on the handles of other civilian weapons in southern China. Jiu Huan Dao rings also prevent the attacker's blade from sliding past the defender's blade before striking (Chinese Fencing Tactics). It is always said that tire noise can throw an opponent off balance. Nine is an auspicious number in Chinese culture, suggesting long-term prosperity and harmony. It is also a symbol of the emperor, whose robes were often embroidered with nine dragons. In addition, The Lucky Dragon of Chinese mythology grows up carrying nine dragon packs.

 

11. Butterfly sword

The butterfly sword is a short dao or single-edged sword that originated in southern China, although it was also used in the north. Butterfly swords probably date back to the early 19th century. Several English reports from the 1840s describe the local militia in Guangdong as being trained to use "double sabers", or short swords with a hook that protrudes from the guard and fits into a box.

Butterfly Sword

The blade of the butterfly sword is roughly the length of a human forearm, which allows for easy concealment inside open sleeves or boots, and allows for better maneuverability when twisting and turning in close combat. Butterfly swords are usually used in pairs. A pair of swords are often carried side by side in the same scabbard to make them appear as a single weapon.

The butterfly sword has a small cross guard to protect the user's hands, similar to a bread, which can also be used to block or hook an opponent's weapon. In some versions, the cross guard is extended to create a second handle. In this position, the swords can be swung similar to a pair of Tonfa. They can also be used as brass handles if non-lethal use of the weapon is desired. 

Traditionally, the blade of a butterfly sword is only sharpened from half of its edge, from the middle of the blade to the tip; it can be seen in all the old Qing dynasty samples. The blade is blunted down the middle so it can be used for non-lethal strikes and blocking without damaging the sharpened edge. Butterflies were usually commissioned for individual martial arts, not mass-produced, so each set of swords is different, but the average blade today is about 11 1⁄2 inches long with a 6-inch hilt.

Model 1922 Cadets Sword

Sometime after 1922, the West Point sword was modified with the Academy's seal depicting Athena's helmet from Greek mythology, reflecting its addition to the Academy's coat of arms in place of the letters "MA" on its shield. Introduced at the turn of the 20th century, the seal was designed with a classical helmet facing sinister (heraldically to the viewer's left or right).

In 1922 it was pointed out that this was contrary to the best heraldic usage, which places greater honor on the right side (heraldic right or viewer's left). The helmet was then turned to the smart. All crested swords examined had the hilt facing right. The earliest examples of these are well made with brass handles. On either side of the straight blade is a wide central storm with two edges running from the ricasso to the tip 8 inches. The back of the blade is engraved "U.S.M.A."

The handle is similar to the previous model, except for changes to the proportions of the elements, the use of white metal on the handles and the use of a guard instead of the letters "MA" on the cover. The hood is exactly the same, except the frame is extra.

The current manufacturer is WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik in Solingen, Germany.

Model 1872 Cadets Sword

The first pictorial evidence found of the use of the sword is a photograph of a group of cadets from 1875. This design is known not to have been used in 1870, but the exact date of the change between this design and the previous design is unknown. Determined 1872 saw many other changes to the army's sword regulations, so this was tentatively chosen as the date for the sword exchange at West Point, although it may actually have taken place as early as 1871 or even 1875.

The straight blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section and tapers evenly towards the tip. It has a strong square ricasso, stamped "U.S. ARMORY/SPRINGFIELD" on the reverse. The hilts are cast to resemble a coil of wire and probably used the same mold as the 1840 NCO sword. At either end of the handles are sleeves decorated with floral scrolls. The bomb is the reverse of a cone surmounted by an eagle flanked by arrows and palms and surmounted by a scroll with a pierced gable knot. The shield consists of straight crossed quillons, with an Eagle's head at either end, and an oval cartouche in the center of the obverse, surrounded by a spray of flowers, bearing the letters "MA" in Old English script. The entire handle is cast brass. Hutre is iron that may have originally been blued but is now clear. For the frog, there is a needle throat and an asymmetrical pull tip, both brass. 

There are several small variations of this model. Some swords are from private makers such as EandF Horster (Germany), Meyers, Rock Island and Ames, as well as Springfield Armory, and are engraved "U.S.M.A." in a cartouche on the back of the blade.

Sometimes, they tried to give the non-commissioned officers of the cadet regiment simpler weapons and nicer models for the officers, but this was abandoned and the swords were distributed indiscriminately.

Frederck T. adds to the confusion. The illustration of Chatman from 1885. It shows two cadets, the first in Summer and Full dress, the second in White Fatigues. The swords of both cadets are well displayed, some originating from before the first orders of 1872 and some from the 1839 model.

Springfield Armory produced a total of 253 swords between 1868 and 1914, followed by an order for hoods in 1920. Armory inventories show that the following number of swords were received between 1868 and 1920; 1868 - 36 pieces, 1874 - 25 pieces, 1876 - 28 pieces, 1880 - 14 pieces, 1882 - 50 pieces, 1893 - 50 pieces and 1914 - 50 pieces. A total of 253 swords plus 100 swords.

The academy's maintenance department often uses parts of swords to repair another, causing considerable confusion. Peterson on page 181 shows a photo of Cadet M.M. Kimmel, U.S.M.A., class of 1857, with swords of that type 10 years older than the model, and Todd refers to an illustration by Fredrick T. Chatman on page 60, dated 1885, of cadets carrying pre-model swords under their arms. 20 years from now. The reconstruction of the swords continues today.

Model 1850 Cadets Sword

Little is known about the exact design of the cadet swords ordered by the US Department of Defense from the Ames Manufacturing Company, and few examples have been found so far. The cadet swords were probably purchased by the United States Military Academy (West Point, New York) and the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I.) in Lexington. Cadet swords were inspected and marked with the inspector's initials "USA" and the year of approval.

Ames also sold this sword to other academies and private buyers until 1923. The Army Chief (Records Group 156) sent the following correspondence to both N.P. Ames or James T. Ames:

 

The final order from the War Department for Ames-made cadet swords is somewhat confusing, as the original order of 100 swords was not recorded.  The only letter found on swords is:

 

War Department records show that James T. Ames delivered 100 cadet swords on July 25, 1856, in addition to other swords. As noted in Colonel Talcott's letter of August 22, 1849, the cadet sword cost $10.00 each. they are apparently of the same pattern as the model (1850) made in response to that letter. The civil war caused a delivery delay of 7 years.