LK Chen – Dragon Sparrow Hidden Hilt Dao
In stock
$369.99
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- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- Folded 1065 and T9 Steel
- Overall Length
- 34 1/4"
- Weight
- 1 lb 11 oz
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
Overview
LK Chen - Dragon Sparrow Hidden Hilt Dao
The Dragon Sparrow sword from LK Chen is rather unique with a slim blade and grip which slide fully into the scabbard, leaving only the ring pommel exposed. The design of this Dao comes from the Northern Dynasties Period (386-589 AD) and few of these cavalry swords survive today. The exacting dimensions of the LK Chen reproduction come from a hands-on and exhaustively thorough inspection of one of these rare originals. It is speculated that this arrangement of the sword sheathing so deeply into the scabbard was intended to prevent the sword from falling or even being pushed out of the scabbard when riding a galloping horse. It also serves to make for a short and slim-profiled weapon that can be unobtrusively worn both on foot and horseback.
The folded steel alloy blade is forged from 1065 high carbon steel melded with T9 tungsten-cobalt-vanadium steel. This Dao is well-adapted to both cutting and thrusting with its chisel-tipped piercing point coupled with a thickened blade spine which grants it excellent rigidity. Its final tempered hardness is 54-55 HRc. The blade was finished with a fine polish which visibly brings out the ripple-patterning of the blended steel blade. The wood for the grip is well-polished teak and the grip collar and pommel of the sword are cast from brass to complete the sword. The scabbard is likewise crafted from fine teakwood and finished in brass fittings. It is arranged to allow for a hanging double loop so that the sword can be slung from a sword belt at a 45 degree angle to optimize it for cavalry use. Scabbard hangers are not included.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
- Pommel
- Integrated
- Overall Length
- 34 1/4"
- Blade Length
- 25 1/2"
- Blade
- Folded 1065 and T9 Steel
- Weight
- 1 lb 11 oz
- Edge
- Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 4 3/16"
- Thickness
- 6.8 mm - 3.4 mm
- Width
- 26 mm
- Grip Length
- 4 1/8"
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is the blade steel and hardness? Common Question
Folded 1065 high carbon steel blended with T9 tungsten-cobalt-vanadium steel; tempered to 54–55 HRC.
Q How does it handle and where is the balance point? Common Question
Slim, rigid blade with a chisel tip suited to cutting and thrusting; point of balance is about 4 3/16 inches from the guard.
Q Is it suitable for cutting or reenactment? Common Question
Classed as battle ready with a sharp edge for cutting practice; use in reenactment depends on event rules since it is sharpened.
Q What is the historical inspiration? Common Question
A Northern Dynasties Period (386–589 AD) cavalry dao with a hidden hilt that seats deeply into the scabbard leaving only the ring pommel exposed.
Q What are the grip and fittings made from? Common Question
Well-polished teak wood grip with cast brass collar and ring pommel; teak scabbard with brass fittings and double hanging loops.
Q Does it include scabbard hangers? Common Question
No. The scabbard is arranged for double loops but hangers are not included.
Q What are the key dimensions and weight? Common Question
Overall length 34 1/4 inches; blade length 25 1/2 inches; width 26 mm; thickness tapers 6.8 mm to 3.4 mm; weight about 1 lb 11 oz; grip length 4 1/8 inches.
Q Is the edge sharpened? Common Question
Yes, it comes sharp. Observe local laws and practice safe handling.
Q How should I care for the blade and wood? Common Question
Keep the carbon steel lightly oiled to prevent rust and wipe dry after handling; periodically condition the teak and avoid prolonged moisture exposure.
Q Where is it made and by whom? Common Question
Manufactured by LK Chen in China.
Video
See it in motion
Kult of Athena LK Chen Double Dragon Dao and Hidden Sword Cane Dao Review and Cut Testing
Northern Dynasty Hidden-Hilt Dao 'Dragon Sparrow' by LK Chen - Sword Review
LK Chen Dragon Sparrow Dao stress test
Drawing and cutting with the Dragon Sparrow Dao by LK Chen
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
A unique and historically significant sword design. Excellent craftsmanship .
https://youtu.be/Png0-Sfz6Nc