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Iron Tiger Forge Tang Dynasty Dao with Folded Steel Blade

SKU: KOA_BC0810 Category: Tag:
(2 customer reviews)

$347.00$398.00

During the Tang Dynasty (618907) the single-edged Dao was a popular weapon, having muscled out the Jian for military preeminence centuries earlier. Notice how the blade bears a resemblance to the katana? During the Tang Dynasty, many Chinese and Korean smiths emigrated to Japan where their metallurgical skills were in demand. From these Tang smiths the Japanese would adopt the swordmaking techniques of folded steel and the use of clay for differential hardening. Even as late as the 12th century, many Japanese smiths were claiming fabled Chinese smith Ganjiang as the original patron of their skills. After the Japanese mastered the skills of sword-making to new heights, Japanese blades became collectors items by the Chinese Song Dynasty nobles.

This Tang Dao was made in Longquan, a region that was central to sword production in the Song Dynasty. The blade is folded high-carbon steel of 1045 and 1065 containing 3,800 layers. Folded steel was a common blade-making technique in China as it minimized impurities and melded hard and flexible steels together for a compromise containing both qualities. The guard and fittings are handmade brass and the scabbard and grip are of darkened wood. The sword comes in a wooden gift box with a boxed cleaning kit.

Overall Length32 7/8''
Blade Length23 1/4''
Weight1 lb 14.3 oz
EdgeVery Sharp
Width32.1 mm
Thickness6.2 mm - 3.8 mm
PommelIntegrated
P.O.B.3 5/8''
Grip Length8 1/2''
Blade [1045 & 1065 Folded High Carbon Steel]
TypeDao
ClassBattle Ready
CultureChinese
ManufacturerIron Tiger Forge
Country of OriginChina

Iron Tiger Tang Dynasty Folded Steel

2 reviews for Iron Tiger Forge Tang Dynasty Dao with Folded Steel Blade

  1. Dakota M.

    Iron Tiger Forge Tang Dao For people who don’t want to read a long review: This sword is very well made and constructed. It’s a steal right now at 400$.

    I have to say, this is my first Chinese sword so I did not exactly know what to expect, plus the small amount of reviews on a lot of Iron Tiger’s products didn’t help. However, I have to say that nothing about this sword disappoints. First of all, it arrived in a wooden gift box that has a beautiful finish, contained in a silk bag elegantly decorated in Chinese design. Upon opening the box, the sword is lavishly presented; resting in yellow plush along with included sword bag and traditional maintenance kit, along with a simple pair of cloth gloves to keep hand oils off the blade or wood.

    Moving on to the sword itself, the scabbard and handle are made of very solid feeling darkened wood. It’s hard to see in the photos, but the wood is a very dark brown finish that appears charcoal colored in most lighting. The wood is very smooth and feels very luxurious, not cheap whatsoever and it goes very nicely with the brass fittings and guard. Mine came with the pictured yellow cord attached to the scabbard fittings, however to my surprise and delight, I got a different sword tassel. Instead of the yellow one pictured here, I got the black one with the jade ring similar to the one the special edition has. Not sure if that’s always the case, but just be aware.

    Battle wise, the sword construction feels extremely solid. There is no movement or looseness whatsoever when I shake or knock it around a bit. When I tap towards the bottom of the handle, you can feel the whole blade construction stiffly vibrating from point to pommel giving me great confidence in its integrity. You can’t really get a good idea from the pictures that easily, but the blade spine is pretty freaking hardy, it is thick and rounded, coming to a very sharp point. You feel most of the weight in the blade, but this is normal for most dao. Handle it a bit and you’ll feel it, this sword is a brutal chopper and very quick on the thrust. The edge arrived sharp, but not sharp enough to cut paper. I haven’t used mine to test cut with yet, but nothing about the construction gives me any doubt. Nothing about this purchase feels shoddy. You get a culturally-inspired, beautiful, well-made, and battle ready Dao. I appreciated mine even more once I handled it in person.

    Also did I mention the Chinese folded steel is awesome? And be careful not to accidentally insert the sword in backwards, given it’s a single edge sword with a straight scabbard. I caught myself almost inserting it wrong, you’ll definitely damage your scabbard if you’re not paying attention. Can’t wait to get my hands on more Iron Tiger products in the future.

  2. Joe D.

    Nice Sword but blade was mounted on no longer available BC0810_RD Parts This is a very nice piece for the price. I had it for a while when it occurred to me that tassels were wrong. When I and looked deeper into the matter I discovered that the blade was mounted with the entire grip, scabbard, fittings, and tassels of the “Iron Tiger Forge Tang Dynasty Dao with Red and Black folded steel blade – BC0810_RD” which is listed as Also Available on this page. It is actually No Longer Available. I must admit I may have ordered that sword instead because of it’s blade; had it been available, and the price was right. The sword build I received does look better with the scabbard, grip, fittings, and tassels it was supposed to come with. I would like to have what I ordered even though it took me four months to discover this. It is always in the box under my bed, and I only looked at briefly two times prior to today since I received it What do you say KOA?

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