LK Chen – Huang Taiji Yao Dao
In stock
$489.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel
- Overall Length
- 38 1/4"
- Weight
- 2 lbs 7 oz
- Brand
- LK Chen
Overview
LK Chen - Huang Taiji Yao Dao
The design, style and form of LK Chen's historical Chinese swords are heavily influenced from LK's own measurements and hands-on experience with museum collection originals. The Huang Taiji Yao Dao may be one of the finest examples of his experiential scholarship and dedication to craftsmanship and the creation of weapons fitting for the modern martial artist and is the culmination of a three year project of research and planning to create this fine replica. This immaculate Dao is heavily influenced by his experience with a sword that is a national treasure of China; the Dao saber of Huang Taiji, the 17th century founder of the Qing Dynasty. The sword is a designated national treasure in Shenyang Palace Museum due to its historical, cultural and artistic significance and its high level of preservation with original fittings and scabbard is a wealth of information.
The sweeping blade has a thick spine at its base and midsection which radically tapers into a thin tip ideal for quick slices and decisive saber slashes and cuts. The twin fuller grooves exhibit fine craftsmanship and attention to detail and blade geometry and the larger groove is highighted in red cinnabar hue lacquer. The blade itself is composed of 1065 high carbon steel melded and forge folded with T9 Tungsten-Vanadium high speed tool steel. This composite blade after polishing and treatment shows the beautiful ripple-like patterning of the skillfully folded steel.
The hilt fittings are crafted in brass in the open metal work style in the Mongolian / Tibetan style popular to late Ming and early Qing Imperial Dao swords. The original was iron with silver and gold gilding while LK has opted for a solid, bright brass option here to give a golden appearance that highlights the high quality of the casting work and the details captured by the original engraver. The wooden grip is wrapped in braided brown cord to complete the sword. The sword is matched with a wood scabbard which is overlaid in faux leather and completed with immaculately detailed cast brass fittings to match the hilt. A cloth sword bag for storage and transport is included.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Pommel
- Integrated
- Overall Length
- 38 1/4"
- Blade Length
- 29 3/4"
- Blade
- GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel
- Weight
- 2 lbs 7 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 5 1/4"
- Thickness
- 7 mm - 2.2 mm
- Width
- 38.8 mm - 40.4 mm
- Grip Length
- 5 5/8"
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
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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’m surprised no one has reviewed this sword yet. I ordered one from KOA last year and it’s absolutely beautiful in every respect. I couldn’t imagine a better reproduction of this sword for any amount of money. The handling and balance are isuperb and it’s probably the sharpest out of the box of anything I have ordered so far (25 and counting), with no secondary bevel. It goes through water bottles like a hot knife through butter. Fit and finish are flawless. My theory is that LK Chen took extra pride in this one as it’s a Chinese national treasure and I’m sure he was given hands on access to the original which is housed in a museum. Maybe some find the lacquered red stripe on the blade off putting but it’s perfectly executed and true to the original. Photos just don’t do it justice. This is the first sword I’ve reviewed and I thought it needed the recognition it deserves,
This is a fantastic weapon. Very ornate, but ready for action too. It’s moves around very effortlessly. I like to use this one for forms performances, but it’s great to practice with as well.