Iron Tiger Forge Cultured Jian – Blemished Grade
In stock
$585.00
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- 30-day returns for standard grade
- Blade
- 1045 & 1065 Folded High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 40 1/4''
- Weight
- 3 lb 11.6 oz
- Brand
- Iron Tiger Forge
- Culture
- Chinese
Overview
Iron Tiger Forge Cultured Jian - Blemished Grade
The Jian, originally a pillar of Chinese militaries, lost in popularity to the single-edged Dao of various forms after the Han Dynasty. The mass-conscripted armies that have been a mainstay of Chinese military history found the Dao easier to train with. The Jian required more skill to master, and thus became a weapon of the noble and gentleman a mark of someone with the time to perfect its use and exploit its forms.
It became then, more typical for a Jian to be ornamented, an expression of the wealth and dignity of its wielder, such as this Jian. With embellished fittings depicting noble plants, flutes and Jian, this sword exhibits the tastes of the Chinese nobles. The pommel lanyard features a plate of white jade etched in the form of a dragon. Chinese high society had an insatiable desire for jade and believed the perfection of the stone was a reflection of the qualities of beauty, grace and purity that they valued.
This Jian was made in Longquan, a region 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 hilt, guard and fittings are handmade brass and the scabbard is wood. The sword comes in a wooden gift box with a boxed cleaning kit and an embroidered silk sword bag.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Iron Tiger Forge
- Culture
- Chinese
- Pommel
- Nut
- Overall Length
- 40 1/4''
- Blade Length
- 28 1/2''
- Blade
- 1045 & 1065 Folded High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 3 lb 11.6 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 3 3/8''
- Thickness
- 9.6 mm - 4.2 mm
- Width
- 44.3 mm
- Grip Length
- 5 1/2''
- Country of Origin
- China
- Type
- Jian
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is this jian's blade steel, and what does the construction mean for durability? Common Question
The blade is folded high-carbon steel combining 1045 and 1065, built up through thousands of folds that Iron Tiger Forge lists at 3,800 layers. Folding this way blends a harder, edge-holding steel with a tougher, more flexible one, giving the blade both resilience and the ability to take and hold an edge. This is a traditional Chinese sword-making method meant to produce a blade that performs as well as it looks.
Q Is this sword sharp, and what is it meant to be used for? Common Question
Yes, the edge ships Very Sharp. Combined with its Battle Ready construction, this jian is built to function as a real sword rather than a wall-hanger, suitable for test cutting on soft targets like rolled mats or similar material. It is not a sparring or stage-combat weapon.
Q What does the point of balance mean for how this sword handles? Common Question
The point of balance sits 3 3/8'' out from the guard, which keeps the weight close to the hand rather than out toward the tip. That balance suits the jian's traditional use: quick thrusts, tight cuts, and the agile, wrist-driven techniques the weapon was designed around.
Q How heavy is this sword, and what is that weight suited for? Common Question
It weighs 3 lb 11.6 oz over a 28 1/2'' blade and 40 1/4'' overall length. That weight, paired with its balance close to the guard, keeps the sword controllable for the fast, precise cutting and thrusting motions the jian style calls for.
Q What are the fittings, grip, and scabbard made of? Common Question
The hilt, guard, and other fittings are handmade brass with relief work depicting motifs like scrollwork and floral designs, and the pommel carries a lanyard with a white jade plate etched with a dragon. The grip is wood, and the scabbard is wood as well, fitted with matching brass end caps and a decorated middle band. The pommel itself is a nut-style fitting, a traditional way of securing the assembly at the end of the hilt.
Q How should I care for this sword to keep it in good condition? Common Question
Wipe the blade down after handling to remove fingerprints and moisture, then apply a light coat of oil to the high-carbon steel to prevent rust, since carbon steel is more reactive than stainless. Keep the wood grip and wood scabbard lightly oiled as well to preserve them, and keep the brass fittings dry to avoid tarnish. Store the sword itself in a dry place rather than leaving it in the scabbard long term, since a scabbard traps moisture against the blade and speeds up corrosion; the included cleaning kit is meant for this routine maintenance.
Q What comes with the sword? Common Question
It ships in a wooden gift box along with a boxed cleaning kit and an embroidered silk sword bag, in addition to the sword and its matching wood scabbard.
Q What does 'Blemished Grade' mean for this piece? Common Question
This sword is offered in our Blemished Grade line, meaning it may carry minor cosmetic imperfections in fit or finish rather than being a flawless first-quality example. It is still the same battle-ready construction and steel as the standard piece, just sold at this grade because of small finish-level variances.
Q Is this jian meant for display, or can it actually be used? Common Question
It is built to be functional: Battle Ready construction with a Very Sharp edge and traditional folded high-carbon steel. That said, its ornamented brass fittings and jade-accented lanyard also make it a striking piece to display in its scabbard when not in use.
The Maker
Iron Tiger Forge
A Kult of Athena developed line, Iron Tiger Forge focuses on high quality Chinese swords and Martial Arts weapons. By working directly with the factory we are able to provide these products at unheard of prices for the level of quality and materials.
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