The versatility of Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD) soldiery is evident in this specialized, two-handed Dao. It is an impressive sword with a long and sweeping cutting blade balanced by a long grip. In capable hands this sword will strike with great force and will cut cleanly and decisively; Chinese Ming soldiers who were armed with these swords as a sidearm could switch from being a ranged element of the army to a cadre of shock infantry with these hard-hitting swords in hand. The length of this Dao was carefully proportioned so that it would not interfere with the crossbow, both of which would be strapped and attached to the waist of the Ming Crossbowman.
The blade of this reproduction is skillfully forged from 60Si2MnA high carbon spring steel which is well tempered to a hardness of 54-55 HRc. The influence Katana of Japan is immediately evident in the wedge-shaped cross section of the blade which features a thick and rigid blade spine with a long, angled plane which terminates in an acute edge – an ideal shape for biting into and widely separating a target as the blade passes through it. The elaborately styled and well-cast guard of antiqued stainless steel is matched with a grip collar and pommel on the hilt. The guard is a 1:1 recreation of a Ming Dynasty original which lends the hilt an elevated level of authenticity. The grip is fashioned from hardwood which is overlaid in bold orange cord. The long tang of the blade extends through the whole length of the grip and the tang is anchored into the hilt with a peen over the pommel and a pair of bamboo pins that firmly affix the tang to the wooden grip.
The sword is matched with a durably crafted scabbard of wood which is tightly overlaid in finely-stitched brown leather which is completed with a locket and chape of antiqued and blackened brass fittings. Included is a sword bag of silk for storage or transport.
Dan B (verified owner) –
SO glad I chose this over a katana. In a video, LK Chen cut seven mats in one slice, and when you hold it you know: this thing is a brutal war machine.
This sword is a close approximation of the shorter dan dao referenced in Dandao Faxuan. It is sort of like a short nodachi with a full tang and Chinese design elements.
Overall quality is excellent, however I am not a fan of the fake leather on the sheath or the extremely thin, already fraying cord that sews it onto the wooden scabbard. This is the only complaint I have, everything else is rock solid including the super tight cord wrap on the handle.
For roughly $400 this thing is a steal. This is a true battlefield sword right here.
Dan B (verified owner) –
SO glad I chose this over a katana. In a video, LK Chen cut seven mats in one slice, and when you hold it you know: this thing is a brutal war machine.
This sword is a close approximation of the shorter dan dao referenced in Dandao Faxuan. It is sort of like a short nodachi with a full tang and Chinese design elements.
Overall quality is excellent, however I am not a fan of the fake leather on the sheath or the extremely thin, already fraying cord that sews it onto the wooden scabbard. This is the only complaint I have, everything else is rock solid including the super tight cord wrap on the handle.
For roughly $400 this thing is a steal. This is a true battlefield sword right here.