By lyuesword | 10 December 2020 | 1 Comments
Chinese Sword - Dao
Chinese swords are divided into two types: the Jian and the Dao. They were both considered one of the Five Weapons - along with the spear, halberd, and staff.
The Dao is a traditional Chinese sword originating during the country's Shang Dynasty ( 1766 BCE to 1122 BCE).
Etymology
Dao (traditional & simplified: 刀, 1st tone) is a Chinese word that originally meant “knife”, though it later expanded to include the meaning of “knife money” (a type of old currency) and, more recently, the “US dollar.”
Characteristics of the Dao
Like other traditional Chinese swords, many different versions of the dao were produced. The size, shape, style and aesthetics varied depending on the swordsmith and the time during which it was made. With that said, most Dao featured a sabre-like design with a single-edged curved blade.
The dao's curvature wasn't as prominent as other curved-bladed swords like the katana, however. As shown in the photo above, it featured just a slight curve towards the tip of the blade. Historians believe this curvature allowed warriors to thrust the dao more easily.
How the Dao Was Used
The Dao was used primarily by Chinese warriors on the battlefield. With its moderate length blade, it proved instrumental in defending against enemy attacks. Furthermore, the Dao was particularly popular among warriors on horseback. They could easily draw it from the sheath, engaging opponents at a safe distance.
Brief History of the Dao
Some of the first known uses of the dao date back China's Bronze Age in the Shang Dynasty period. Back then, these swords were either straight or slightly curved and made of bronze. Of course, bronze swords were not only difficult to produce due to the sheer amount of resourced they required, but they were also susceptible to damage. Towards the end of China's Warring States period, however, Chinese swordsmiths began making the dao out of iron and high-carbon steel, the latter of which proved particularly useful in creating strong, durable blades.
There were other swords in China during this time, however, including the jian. The jian was used primary as a self defense weapon, though, whereas the dao was a more versatile weapon used for both attacking and defending. The jian gradually faded from popularity, and by the end of the Three Kingdoms period, it was replaced with the dao.
Today, the dao is used in a number of Chinese swordsmanship and martial arts practices. And because of its historical significance, it's also a popular sword owned by collectors.
Fun Facts
Even though Dao swords are single-edged, they will sometimes have a few centimeters of the spine sharpened to aid in thrusts. Also, they are considered much easier to learn - it was once said “it takes a week to learn a dao, a month to learn a qiang (spear), and a year to learn a jian!”
Want a unique sword? Feel free to contact us:
Email: lyuesword@hotmail.com
Website: www.lyuesword.com
Custom Sword Page: www.lyuesword.com/Custom-Sword/customization-options/Create-Your-Own-Swords
Recently Reviews
Read MoreLeave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *