LK Chen - Tang Heng Dao
Apr 7, 2022 16:43:02 GMT
Post by Murffy on Apr 7, 2022 16:43:02 GMT
I got interested in this sword when I first saw it on Kult of Athena about a year ago. I finally bought it and I'm really quite pleased.
Stats:
Weight: 838g / 29.5 oz
Length: 37.5" / 95 cm
Blade Length: 28.4" / 72 cm
Spine: 6 mm --> 4 mm (at the false edge)
Scabbard Weight: 527g / 18.5 oz
POB: 4.5"
At the moment this is the only sword I have that wouldn't be considered a short sword, although it's not particularly long by most standards.
The feel of it is great in one hand, better than other swords I've handled of similar size and heft. It's got a really nice distal taper and a sharp false edge. Mine is mono-tempered from "65 Mn High Carbon steel". Looks like you can get differentially hardened folded steel versions directly from LK Chen but I'd just as soon have a mono-tempered blade.
I like it's no-frills, working-man's look. Part of what interested me is the sword's Persian roots in the Sassanian Empire. Going back to the 7th century Tang Dynasty, it's a design of considerable vintage but seems like it would hold up well to swords of later eras.
I haven't been able to do much more than slow-motion drills with it. It's too long to swing around vigorously in my basement. I look forward to warm weather when I can dispatch some water bottles in my backyard.
Member Ken Shane did a nice review of it here (much more expert than I could manage).
Stats:
Weight: 838g / 29.5 oz
Length: 37.5" / 95 cm
Blade Length: 28.4" / 72 cm
Spine: 6 mm --> 4 mm (at the false edge)
Scabbard Weight: 527g / 18.5 oz
POB: 4.5"
At the moment this is the only sword I have that wouldn't be considered a short sword, although it's not particularly long by most standards.
The feel of it is great in one hand, better than other swords I've handled of similar size and heft. It's got a really nice distal taper and a sharp false edge. Mine is mono-tempered from "65 Mn High Carbon steel". Looks like you can get differentially hardened folded steel versions directly from LK Chen but I'd just as soon have a mono-tempered blade.
I like it's no-frills, working-man's look. Part of what interested me is the sword's Persian roots in the Sassanian Empire. Going back to the 7th century Tang Dynasty, it's a design of considerable vintage but seems like it would hold up well to swords of later eras.
I haven't been able to do much more than slow-motion drills with it. It's too long to swing around vigorously in my basement. I look forward to warm weather when I can dispatch some water bottles in my backyard.
Member Ken Shane did a nice review of it here (much more expert than I could manage).
