Master Zhi sword chopping Dao
Jul 5, 2010 3:40:33 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 3:40:33 GMT
Master Zhi sword chopping Dao
Review by : Thana Sathirachinda
Introduction
I bought this Da Dao back in mid 2009 and did lot of cutting with it but never get a chance to post review so here it is.I came across this Da Dao in 2008 during my E-bay window shopping but I had to reserve the fund for long anticipate introduction of Jin Shi Da dao . Strangely ,as time went by and I bond with my Jin Shi Da Dao I got more and more curious about this Zhi sword Da Doa . I have to say it is the simplicity and utilitarian look of this dao that attract me the most and finally I give in to the little voice inside my head that kept repeating “there is no such thing as too many Da Dao “
Ordering this sword , actually finding this sword take a bit of work because it seem to me that Zhi sword did not consider it as their flag ship sword and hide it in side their online store. In order to find this sword one must look for Zhisword web page or goes to E-bay and type Zhisword on the search item box , then click on any sword that came under Zhi Sword and click the visit store button ,then China dao ,then Wushu and Kung fu dao section and scrawl down to the picture of this da dao which official name is Hand forged chopping Kung fu and Wu shu dao . Zhi sword did not sugar coated or overly advertising this sword and there is even a picture shows the hammer mark or imperfect casting on the iron hand guard.However, Zhi sword has very good customer service because I kept asking about their sharpening service twice and they even remember me asking the same question over and over again .I decide to try this $40 hand sharpening service and request such service after purchasing the sword. This is my first Da dao that has such customize touch and I am eager to try it
Historical overview
Da Doa evolved from long line of Chinese sword but it closely associated with civilian militias and revolutionaries .It was used by some of famous Chinese saber unit like the 29th battalion against Japanese force .Its long handle mean for hand and a half or two hand hold with forward balance for chopping and slashing action . This type of sword was mean for the mass who had little or no training but still could use it effectively in combat sort of like AK 47 of its day .There were two different training manuals for Da Dao during Republic of China before WWII one known as Yin Yu Zhan slashing saber practice and other was Huang Bo Nien ‘s Xingyi Fist and Weapons instruction and one of our forum member Chessman pointed out that since Da Dao form was closely associated with the KMT and Northern China there was very limit number of schools and instructors for this type of sword .
Initial impression
I was informed that the hand sharpening service will add 4 weeks into shipping time but I receive the sword within 3 weeks . I had to e-mail them to make sure that they perform this hand sharpening service and they ensured me that it is done and the reason for such speedy shipping because they were a little slow at the shop at this time. The sword arrived straight from China in Styrofoam box securely wrap with tape and no extra fancy box come with it .
The Styrofoam box gave an impression that it would not offer much protection during transit but the box arrived in tact and because of the massive blade and simple construction ,there is little in the way of damage this dao short of accidentally run over it with forklift
The sword wrap in plastic with preservative oil cover the blade wrap in the plastic
Statistics
Blade length is 24.5 inches
Handle is 13.5 inches including the ring pommel
Overall length is 40 inches
POB 6 inches from the guard
COB 19 inches from the guard
Weight is 3 pounds exactly (bathroom scale)
Component
The blade
This sword compare favorably with Jin Shi Da Dao with about 1.1 inches longer blade and it has slightly more curve with means more cutting surface for this Dao. At glance they look like sibling if not twin with fuller run along the length of the blade and less pronounce tip (less pointy ) This is clearly a slashing and cutting Dao with less emphasis on thrusting .
The widest part of the blade is beefy 4 inches so it has plenty of cutting surface area for major damage to flesh and bone , they won’t call this “Beheading sword “ for nothing
The handle, Guard and pommel
The 13.5 inches handle is easily accommodate two hand and it wrap with similar black fabric but with the end piece of fabric glued in place so no more annoying loose wrapping that require frequent retighten. The handle is a bit more round instead oval shape so it
feels rather bulky in my hand but it is still comfortable to hold. The guard is basic shape that looks exactly like Jin Shi and it serves its purpose of protecting the hand from ride up to the sharp edge. The guard has no tool mark and looks much better than the one show on Zhi sword web site. The ring shape pommel is cover by fabric and looks like other Da Dao so nothing special here.
Scabbard
I have come to accept that most Da Dao will come with some sort of cheap guard mean for protecting the blade and owner’s hand during transport and this one is no surprise. It comes with rubberized /plastic material with zipper that serves its purpose .The only problem is that the zipper locates in the wrong direction .Instead of the back of the blade the zipper locate in the front so I have to zip and unzip this scabbard along the entire length of very sharp blade .I have yet to cut my hand doing this zip and unzip this blade but I treat it like I unload the firearms ,I mumble to myself “keep fingers away from the sharp edge , pull the zipper away from the scabbard , move up slowly, slowly ,slowly ,the scabbard is secure ,scabbard is secure , scabbard is secure “ Just like in boot camp when we had to scream three time after peeking through the emptied chamber “chamber is clear, chamber is clear , chamber is clear “ I guess it is not such a bad thing , it force me to respect the Da Dao or else I will have very nasty cut on my fingers. I just wish it come with nice scabbard but this one I can live with
Handling characteristic
At 3 pounds with balance point of 6 inches and C.O.P at 19 inches this da dao is not going to glide to target with grace and precision like well made Jian or Ox tail Dao .The handle is heavy but it doesn’t do the job of counter balance the blade so the cut really require lot of muscle and force and recovery time is a bit slow. Zhi sword is right by naming it chopping sword because it is really good for chopping and hacking with all the mass behind but with bit of practice and strength I was able to gain some sort of control with this blade
Test cutting
With enough practice , this Da Dao is not so bad with cutting ,Here the extra $40 sharpening fee paid dividend handsomely because I can cut all sort of material with out batting them across the room
Big and small soda bottle , Gatorade , that $6 afternoon tea (my most hatred enemy due to its delicious and refreshing taste yet costing $6 !!!! ,must chop it down with impunity ) .the blade still unforgiving for bad form and many flop cut still occurs but if I miss the bottle and hit the stand ,the stand will suffer not the blade ,this is probably one area that beefy Da Dao shine ,other swords might be chip , nick or even bend but the Da Dao keep on going
I was inspired by Sir Lancelot Chan cutting video using rolled up newspaper and I have to get rid of 5 years worth of old catalog and newspaper so I rolled them up and soaked them in water . I had doubt that this dao can cut through this rolled up catalog but it does slash them down .It turn out to be the most fun cutting material
Conclusion
I have to say that it is a welcome addition to my small family of Da Dao .It looks historically correct , it is big and bad looking Dao and it is rather fun to cut thing with .Zhi sword has good customer service and this one is very affordable at $90 plus $40 sharpening fee .The shipping will be the deal breaker because it cost $50 to ship this item from China but once in a while Zhi sword will have free shipping promotion .
Pro
Historically correct and right with in the mil spec of Da Dao circa 1930’s
Excellent craftsmanship and good customer service
Affordable
ConScabbard zipper is in the wrong direction
It is heavy and lack the proper distribution of weight so make it rather slow blade
Bottom line
I would recommend this sword to those who like to collect Da Dao (probably only one person here –me ) because it is historically correct and look close enough to those sample from 30’s /WWII . It will make an impressive display piece and good for cutting . I am hesitant to recommend this as the first sword or first Da Dao because its excessive weight and that lack of proper weight distribution but by no mean if potential buyer want to put some time and effort to practice then it is not such a bad Da Dao to have .
Review by : Thana Sathirachinda
Introduction
I bought this Da Dao back in mid 2009 and did lot of cutting with it but never get a chance to post review so here it is.I came across this Da Dao in 2008 during my E-bay window shopping but I had to reserve the fund for long anticipate introduction of Jin Shi Da dao . Strangely ,as time went by and I bond with my Jin Shi Da Dao I got more and more curious about this Zhi sword Da Doa . I have to say it is the simplicity and utilitarian look of this dao that attract me the most and finally I give in to the little voice inside my head that kept repeating “there is no such thing as too many Da Dao “
Ordering this sword , actually finding this sword take a bit of work because it seem to me that Zhi sword did not consider it as their flag ship sword and hide it in side their online store. In order to find this sword one must look for Zhisword web page or goes to E-bay and type Zhisword on the search item box , then click on any sword that came under Zhi Sword and click the visit store button ,then China dao ,then Wushu and Kung fu dao section and scrawl down to the picture of this da dao which official name is Hand forged chopping Kung fu and Wu shu dao . Zhi sword did not sugar coated or overly advertising this sword and there is even a picture shows the hammer mark or imperfect casting on the iron hand guard.However, Zhi sword has very good customer service because I kept asking about their sharpening service twice and they even remember me asking the same question over and over again .I decide to try this $40 hand sharpening service and request such service after purchasing the sword. This is my first Da dao that has such customize touch and I am eager to try it
Historical overview
Da Doa evolved from long line of Chinese sword but it closely associated with civilian militias and revolutionaries .It was used by some of famous Chinese saber unit like the 29th battalion against Japanese force .Its long handle mean for hand and a half or two hand hold with forward balance for chopping and slashing action . This type of sword was mean for the mass who had little or no training but still could use it effectively in combat sort of like AK 47 of its day .There were two different training manuals for Da Dao during Republic of China before WWII one known as Yin Yu Zhan slashing saber practice and other was Huang Bo Nien ‘s Xingyi Fist and Weapons instruction and one of our forum member Chessman pointed out that since Da Dao form was closely associated with the KMT and Northern China there was very limit number of schools and instructors for this type of sword .
Initial impression
I was informed that the hand sharpening service will add 4 weeks into shipping time but I receive the sword within 3 weeks . I had to e-mail them to make sure that they perform this hand sharpening service and they ensured me that it is done and the reason for such speedy shipping because they were a little slow at the shop at this time. The sword arrived straight from China in Styrofoam box securely wrap with tape and no extra fancy box come with it .
The Styrofoam box gave an impression that it would not offer much protection during transit but the box arrived in tact and because of the massive blade and simple construction ,there is little in the way of damage this dao short of accidentally run over it with forklift
The sword wrap in plastic with preservative oil cover the blade wrap in the plastic
Statistics
Blade length is 24.5 inches
Handle is 13.5 inches including the ring pommel
Overall length is 40 inches
POB 6 inches from the guard
COB 19 inches from the guard
Weight is 3 pounds exactly (bathroom scale)
Component
The blade
This sword compare favorably with Jin Shi Da Dao with about 1.1 inches longer blade and it has slightly more curve with means more cutting surface for this Dao. At glance they look like sibling if not twin with fuller run along the length of the blade and less pronounce tip (less pointy ) This is clearly a slashing and cutting Dao with less emphasis on thrusting .
The widest part of the blade is beefy 4 inches so it has plenty of cutting surface area for major damage to flesh and bone , they won’t call this “Beheading sword “ for nothing
The handle, Guard and pommel
The 13.5 inches handle is easily accommodate two hand and it wrap with similar black fabric but with the end piece of fabric glued in place so no more annoying loose wrapping that require frequent retighten. The handle is a bit more round instead oval shape so it
feels rather bulky in my hand but it is still comfortable to hold. The guard is basic shape that looks exactly like Jin Shi and it serves its purpose of protecting the hand from ride up to the sharp edge. The guard has no tool mark and looks much better than the one show on Zhi sword web site. The ring shape pommel is cover by fabric and looks like other Da Dao so nothing special here.
Scabbard
I have come to accept that most Da Dao will come with some sort of cheap guard mean for protecting the blade and owner’s hand during transport and this one is no surprise. It comes with rubberized /plastic material with zipper that serves its purpose .The only problem is that the zipper locates in the wrong direction .Instead of the back of the blade the zipper locate in the front so I have to zip and unzip this scabbard along the entire length of very sharp blade .I have yet to cut my hand doing this zip and unzip this blade but I treat it like I unload the firearms ,I mumble to myself “keep fingers away from the sharp edge , pull the zipper away from the scabbard , move up slowly, slowly ,slowly ,the scabbard is secure ,scabbard is secure , scabbard is secure “ Just like in boot camp when we had to scream three time after peeking through the emptied chamber “chamber is clear, chamber is clear , chamber is clear “ I guess it is not such a bad thing , it force me to respect the Da Dao or else I will have very nasty cut on my fingers. I just wish it come with nice scabbard but this one I can live with
Handling characteristic
At 3 pounds with balance point of 6 inches and C.O.P at 19 inches this da dao is not going to glide to target with grace and precision like well made Jian or Ox tail Dao .The handle is heavy but it doesn’t do the job of counter balance the blade so the cut really require lot of muscle and force and recovery time is a bit slow. Zhi sword is right by naming it chopping sword because it is really good for chopping and hacking with all the mass behind but with bit of practice and strength I was able to gain some sort of control with this blade
Test cutting
With enough practice , this Da Dao is not so bad with cutting ,Here the extra $40 sharpening fee paid dividend handsomely because I can cut all sort of material with out batting them across the room
Big and small soda bottle , Gatorade , that $6 afternoon tea (my most hatred enemy due to its delicious and refreshing taste yet costing $6 !!!! ,must chop it down with impunity ) .the blade still unforgiving for bad form and many flop cut still occurs but if I miss the bottle and hit the stand ,the stand will suffer not the blade ,this is probably one area that beefy Da Dao shine ,other swords might be chip , nick or even bend but the Da Dao keep on going
I was inspired by Sir Lancelot Chan cutting video using rolled up newspaper and I have to get rid of 5 years worth of old catalog and newspaper so I rolled them up and soaked them in water . I had doubt that this dao can cut through this rolled up catalog but it does slash them down .It turn out to be the most fun cutting material
Conclusion
I have to say that it is a welcome addition to my small family of Da Dao .It looks historically correct , it is big and bad looking Dao and it is rather fun to cut thing with .Zhi sword has good customer service and this one is very affordable at $90 plus $40 sharpening fee .The shipping will be the deal breaker because it cost $50 to ship this item from China but once in a while Zhi sword will have free shipping promotion .
Pro
Historically correct and right with in the mil spec of Da Dao circa 1930’s
Excellent craftsmanship and good customer service
Affordable
ConScabbard zipper is in the wrong direction
It is heavy and lack the proper distribution of weight so make it rather slow blade
Bottom line
I would recommend this sword to those who like to collect Da Dao (probably only one person here –me ) because it is historically correct and look close enough to those sample from 30’s /WWII . It will make an impressive display piece and good for cutting . I am hesitant to recommend this as the first sword or first Da Dao because its excessive weight and that lack of proper weight distribution but by no mean if potential buyer want to put some time and effort to practice then it is not such a bad Da Dao to have .