Chinese Swords

Chinese swords have a long history and period started from stone swords and then there was the time of bronze swords and later swords were made of iron and steel. Length of this sword was extended from 100cm but normal length ranges from 70cm-100cm.From 3^rd to 6^th century Chinese swords were used in Japan but in Hein Era native Japanese swords were more preferable.

Shang Dynasty achieved the mastery of bronze and that time bows, axes, arrows were made of bronze and later bronze knife was invented with animal headed pommel that eventually named as ring pommeled sword. Soon iron and steel took place into designs of Chinese swords. Han Empire introduced carved wooden fittings, lacquered bamboo scabbards and jade ornamentation. The first Doa was developed and used by Chinese militants and it was considered as cutting weapon and took position as staff weapon because of its cutting blade. Most Chinese valuable swords were made in 17^th and 18^th century in the period of Qing. Gorgeous jeweled jians were made for the Imperial Court.

Chinese swords have very fascinating history. Dao and Jian are two major name of this history. Dao swords are invented by Sui Renshi, who made it by melting pure gold. Jian had mythical origin and made of gold with supernatural power of evil spirits or morphing in animal form.

Some different types of Chinese Swords not as popular as the Japanese Samurai Swords, the Chinese use their swords in their martial arts to deadly effect and will always have the edge in movement and speed.

Butterfly swords: It is short Dao or single-edged blade, originally from the South of China. Butterfly swords are used in Chinese martial arts like Wing chum, Lau gar etc. In Wing Chum principles of butterfly sword are basis to learn all other weapons. That is why it is very good learning tool for the practitioner.

Dao swords: Dao means Knife; it is a single edged weapon for chopping and slashing. Its blades are moderately curved with few inches of the back edge sharpened. Cord is usually wrapped over the wood of the handle, disc shaped Guards are to prevent water getting into sheath, and to prevent blood from dripping down to the handle. This sword was used during Ming period.

Dadao Swords: This is Chinese great sword having broad blades. Two to three feet long with weight forward balance. Commonly used by civilian militants or revolutionaries. It was so deadly that helped Chinese in cutting the head of Japanese during Operation Nekka (Defense of the great Wall in China). Mostly television series were based on this weapon.

Hooks sword: It is also known as tiger-head traditionally associated with Northern style of Chinese Martial Arts. Five major characteristics are; back which is used as regular sword, hook is used to trip enemy and to catch weapon, end of hilt is sharpened into dagger, crescent guard is used for blocking and slashing.

Jian Sword: It is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China.