LK Chen – Royal Arsenal Han Dao
In stock
$349.99
- 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
- 29 7/8"
- Weight
- 1 lb 5.5 oz
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
- Era
- Han Dynasty
Overview
LK Chen - Royal Arsenal Han Dao
The Royal Arsenal Han Dao by LK Chen is a near-exacting 1:1 reproduction of a classic Han military Dao; the original it is closely based on was recovered from the Chang Royal Arsenal and care was taken to ensure that this replica closely recreates the dimensions, weight and balance of the original. In the hand this sword is remarkably swift and fantastically easy to wield and its blade retains enough length and width to ensure it can cut and even thrust with great ability.
These Han military swords would have been a common weapon and sidearm for the soldiery and although the general styling is austere and simplified as befits a utilitarian mass military sword it is actually a surprisingly complex and well-considered blade design. A long fuller groove runs the length of the blade which effectively reduces weight while sacrificing little in durability. Like the original, the blade has a slight inward curve along its cutting edge. This combination of fine and subtly complex design with practical settings and fittings creates a sword with an elegantly streamlined design which loses no ground to well-optimized usability.
The grip of wood overlaid in black cord is surmounted by a brass bolster and a blackened steel pommel ring. The companion scabbard is carved wood with brass fittings.
Please note: Scabbard may some minor cosmetic blemishes such as scuffs and indentations.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- LK Chen
- Culture
- Chinese
- Era
- Han Dynasty
- Overall Length
- 29 7/8"
- Blade Length
- 24"
- Blade
- Folded 1065 carbon steel and T8 High-Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 1 lb 5.5 oz
- Edge
- Very Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 5 1/8"
- Thickness
- 7.5 mm - 3.8 mm
- Width
- 26 mm
- Grip Length
- 4 1/2"
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
- Type
- Dao
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
Video
See it in motion
LK Chen: Royal Arsenal Dao Review Part 1
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
This one is very nice. Only issue is the scabbard is a bit tight. Not too worried about that. It is very light and super agile. Came very sharp. Worth the money,,
Lovely little sword that is a lot of fun to take to the backyard and dismantle water bottles with. Light and agile with a robust edge geometry reflecting its Bronze Age roots. If you’re looking for an EDC sword, you could do a lot worse.
I did an impressions video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/htoCXjeWsMs