LK Chen – Double Dragon Sui Dao
In stock
$465.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- Folded 1065 carbon steel and T8 High-Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 42 15/16"
- Weight
- 2 lb 3.1 oz
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
- Era
- Sui Dynasty
Overview
LK Chen - Double Dragon Sui Dao
The Double Dragon Sui Dao by LK Chen is inspired by a magnificent Sui Dynasty (581-618) Dao which has been in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of New York for over 90 years. In following classic Han Dao tradition the Sui Dao has a ring pommel which is richly detailed with two dragons chasing a flaming pearl; a symbol which was the preserve of the Royal court and its officials.
The blade of this straight-bladed Dao is stiff with a thickened spine; a design intended to give it considerable piercing power against the armor of the time. The skillful bladesmith forged the blade by melding and folding 1065 and T8 high carbon steel into a single blade; its tempered hardness is 58 HRc. The guard, pommel and blade collar are finely cast from brass and the grip is robust ebony wood.
The scabbard is of carved and polished Rosewood and its brass fittings take their design and function from contemporary Iranian swords which belie the influence of the Silk Road in this period. This double-ring setting for the scabbard allows for the sword to be worn horizontally, making it ideal for the horse-mounted warrior and a nod to the importance of heavy cavalry.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
- Era
- Sui Dynasty
- Pommel
- Pinned
- Overall Length
- 42 15/16"
- Blade Length
- 31 3/8''
- Blade
- Folded 1065 carbon steel and T8 High-Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 2 lb 3.1 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 4 1/4''
- Thickness
- 6.8 mm - 2.6 mm
- Width
- 28.4 mm
- Grip Length
- 6 13/16"
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
- Type
- Dao
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What does the Double Dragon Sui Dao feel like in hand? Common Question
It balances close to the guard with a P.O.B. around 4 1/4 inches, giving a lively, controllable feel for point work and quick cuts.
Q Is this suitable for cutting practice? Common Question
Yes. It is a battle-ready dao with a very sharp edge and a stiff, thick-spined blade designed for strong piercing and cutting.
Q What steels are used and how hard is the blade? Common Question
The blade is folded from 1065 carbon steel and T8 high-carbon steel with a tempered hardness of about 58 HRC.
Q What are the guard and fittings made of? Common Question
The guard, ring pommel, and blade collar are finely cast brass; the grip is ebony and the scabbard is carved and polished rosewood with brass mounts.
Q Does it include a scabbard and how is it worn? Common Question
Yes, a rosewood scabbard with dual brass rings is included; the double-ring setup lets it be worn horizontally, ideal for mounted carry.
Q Is the pommel construction secure? Common Question
The pommel is pinned, providing a robust mechanical connection.
Q What is the historical inspiration for this dao? Common Question
It is modeled after a Sui Dynasty straight-bladed dao, following Han tradition with a ring pommel decorated with two dragons chasing a flaming pearl.
Q Where is it manufactured? Common Question
China, by LK Chen.
Q Any care tips for the blade and wood? Common Question
Keep the carbon-steel blade lightly oiled to prevent rust; periodically condition the ebony grip and rosewood scabbard with suitable wood oil and avoid prolonged moisture exposure.
Q Is it legal to carry? Common Question
Laws vary by region; verify local regulations regarding carry and transport of swords.
Video
See it in motion
LK Chen Double Dragons Sui Dao Review: Part 2 - Abuse, Destruction, and Final Thoughts
The Maker
LK Chen
LK Chen produces faithful recreations of historical Chinese swords and weapons  with highly precise blade geometry and balance. They take great efforts to adhere to the authenticity of a weapon and its particular historical era in order to produce the most accurate recreations available.
Often paired together
I enjoy this piece a lot, the sword feels handmade with minor imperfections that at a higher price point I would complain about. Rough blemishes to the brass furniture, the handle not being perfectly glued together in places leaving a small gap. But given that there is no other way to get LK Chen affordably with tariffs I will take what I can get. The sword itself handles interestingly with the model here being the longer 2 handed hilt version it feels better two handed but lacks the weight to feel correct in the swing. This sword is extremely light and upon handling it I agree with the YouTube reviews I saw that say it handles best in the one handed version. It can be handled one handed but tends to feel a bit awkward on the balance this way. It is a beautiful piece and came reasonably sharp from the factory. I would buy again and plan to once the tariffs end.
Writing this as an update a few months later, the sword is now showing signs of what u suspect to have be a QA issue. In just being in my home with some light handling and no cutting the handle of the blade is beginning to develope a small crack at the pommel. The brass fitting directly above the pommel is starting to come loose and was I suspect held together with an adhesive. A little disappointed in all honesty given the reputation for high quality work from LK Chen.