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A little bit about Chinese SwordsI got an email from somebody (Frank) who is a big fan of the medieval period. And he has some knowledge of Chinese weapons. He has shared some of this with us. So here is an article about Chinese swords and chinese halberds. Oh and my thanks go to Frank for sharing some of his knowledge with us. Here is what Frank has to say about Chinese swords: Mostly we categorize "Dao" and "Sword" to be two different weapons in Chinese, and "Dao" means the one with unequal width of blades while "Sword" means the one with equal width of blades and symmetrical by the central line. "Swords" are pretty similar to normal medieval combat swords used with one hand but they have very little hilt just for beauty. (Because in Chinese sword combat techniques people never use hilt.) Also, just like other civilizations did, we sculpt decorations all over the sword but mostly they're cloud patterns, bat patterns and Chinese dragons.
From Will: I have a drawing here to show you several types of Chinese swords and I have included a Chinese Halberd. The Chinese "Dao" - this is typically a single edged sword with a broad blade. Typically it has a bit of a curve to it. It is often still used in martial arts like Wushu. It is a bit of a generic term that covers that ground. The Chinese Sword - Typically it is a straight sword and edged on both sides. And, as Frank says, they tend not to have a prominent hilt because hilt use isn't part of the Chinese sword fighting art. The Butterfly Sword - shorter swords, typically they were about forearm length and were often hidden right in the sleeves. Often used in pairs. They have a broad blade and are sharp on one edge. The Dadao - Often known as the chinese broadsword. THis is a longer sword, with a blade as long as three feet in length. Typically a hand and a half or a two handed sword. It is very similar to the European Falcion. The Chinese Halberd - Called a Ji. It is a traditional weapon still used today in modern martial arts. There were varations in this halberd but you can see that it offers multiple points of attack including spearing from either end. And slashing on both sides. Sometimes it was single bladed and the crescent blades could also be used to hook and pull an opponent, particularly off a horse. More about the Butterfly Sword from Frank:
This is the Spring Steel Jian Tai Chi Kung Fu Martial Arts Sword. The blade of the sword has been constructed from Spring Steel with a shallow ridge. Engraved into the wood of the scabbard is a dragon and the ball of wisdom.
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