The Fighting Bull Ming Jian is a close reproduction of a historic original after a scholarly examination by LK Chen. It is an early Ming Jian and the sword takes its name from the “Bull Horn” style pommel. The bull-horn-shaped pommel was a status symbol that was originally forbidden to civilians and even most court officials. Later, the Ming Emperor allowed these swords to be gifted to the highest-ranking tier of the court, where the sword served as part of their official ceremonial attire. In Chinese culture, the bull or ox symbolized strength, endurance, moral authority, and disciplined power. Bearing these symbols marked one out as a official of power and dignity in the court; but to bear this symbolism without express Imperial permission was tantamount to challenging the power of the Emperor.
The Fighting Bull Sword by LK Chen features a carefully forged blade designed to balance strength, resilience, and historical accuracy. The blade is made from GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel which is heat treated to a final hardness of approximately 54–55 HRc. Its a fine steel and hardness giving the blade excellent edge sharpness retention while maintaining the flexibility needed to absorb stress. In the hand the sword is lively, agile and easily becomes an extension of the hand despite having a blade with considerable reach. Careful attention to mass distribution has created an excellent cut and thrust Jian that fully rewards the scholarly study swordsmanship with the Jian.
The hilt components are constructed from tough stainless steel and the grip is fashioned from hardwood and finished with a cord wrap for a secure, comfortable hold. Included with the sword is a carved wood scabbard which is coated in black lacquer and finished with matching stainless steel fittings. An embroidered cloth sword bag is included.
Dan Hex (verified owner) –
This is an expressly martial arts oriented weapon, not built for battlefields but for training, dueling and defense. The cast steel fittings are well built and provide excellent counterbalance, and the horns are not sharply pointed backward so you can put your palm on the pommel. The wooden grip is covered in ray skin and really tight and durable cord. In the hand it is smooth and quick, and despite its narrow profile it cuts and pierces aggressively. The duck tongue tip enables slashing techniques I’ve never thought of before, and overall the blade is a martial artist’s dream as it handles like a race car but maintains a high level of aggression that feels missing from some of the models with narrower blades.
The sheath is of fantastic quality as well, very sturdy with steel fittings and lacquered wood. Retention is nice and snug. In all, this is a sword for people who want to practice. It’s lacking the ornamentation of other models and has a very stark, almost industrial look to it. But the overall design, with the long, tapering blade, slightly lower point of balance, and sturdy construction makes this an easy win for anyone looking for a defensive option.