L K Chen Military Da Dao
Jun 23, 2022 3:35:09 GMT
Post by ambulocetus on Jun 23, 2022 3:35:09 GMT
This sword is an accurate reproduction of those used by some Chinese militia units against Japanese invaders in the Second Sino-Japanese War. While not a particularly sophisticated sword, the weight and balance of the dadao gave it considerable slashing and chopping power, making it an effective close combat weapon for untrained troops. They were designed to be cheap to make, easy to learn, and powerful enough to stop the infamous Japanese bayonet charge.
Lately I have been focussing my personal training on the martial arts that were used during the Second World War, as a way to consolidate my training in both the Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts, and one can't claim to study those arts without at least a little knowledge of the sword that was made famous at The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, where it was vital in defeating a superior Japanese force.
I was looking at the Hanwei version, but they changed their design and it didn't appeal to me. Fortunately L K Chen came out with a superior version right when I was shopping around. His website is informative and easy to navigate, ordering was easy and the sword arrived without a prolonged waiting period. Not only is L K Chen a skilled sword maker, he also has it together on the business end.
Some say the Da Dao was largely symbolic, and of little use during modern warfare, but the weapon was used on the battlefield against a more prosperous and modern army, and China had to use every tool in the toolbox.
I ordered the sword on the first and it arrived on the 22nd. The entire process from start to finsh was free of problems, and the item came in perfect condition. The sword comes with a vegan leather sheath and a broadsword tassel tied on the ring pommel.The simple woodem handle is wrapped with cotton cord.
I usually practice with a Jian or a Katana, so with a cutting edge of 60 cm and a weight of 1200 grams, it's a bit heftier than I am used to, but it's not unmanageable. It is a beast. After trying a few swings, I must say that this weapon actually makes me a little nervous. I've cut some tatami in my day, but this thing seems like over-kill for tatami. A wound from one of these would be a messy thing. It is sharp. Not crazy sharp, but sharp enough. I haven't cut with it yet, but I can tell that it will take whatever you throw at it.
It's a heavy sword, but with a POB 4 inches from the guard and an 11 inch handle, it's got a good balance.The blade has distal taper; it goes from really thick at the base down to pretty thick at the tip. It's a beefy mother. The fullers on the blade are shallow, but they terminate nicely.
The handguard fits well and is not loose at all.
The ring pommel is solid and I like the way the wrap is tied off. The Hanwei version has the wrap going all the way around the ring, and that doesn't seem practical to me. This way is better.
Another shot of the handle.
Conclusion:
I was shopping for a Da Dao for a while, and I looked a several models. There are a few out there from various companies, but this one is the one that I finally chose, and I couldn't be happier. This is my first peice from L K Chen, and now I see why the whole internet is talking about him. When you want a peice of history, LK is your man.
Lately I have been focussing my personal training on the martial arts that were used during the Second World War, as a way to consolidate my training in both the Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts, and one can't claim to study those arts without at least a little knowledge of the sword that was made famous at The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, where it was vital in defeating a superior Japanese force.
I was looking at the Hanwei version, but they changed their design and it didn't appeal to me. Fortunately L K Chen came out with a superior version right when I was shopping around. His website is informative and easy to navigate, ordering was easy and the sword arrived without a prolonged waiting period. Not only is L K Chen a skilled sword maker, he also has it together on the business end.
Some say the Da Dao was largely symbolic, and of little use during modern warfare, but the weapon was used on the battlefield against a more prosperous and modern army, and China had to use every tool in the toolbox.
I ordered the sword on the first and it arrived on the 22nd. The entire process from start to finsh was free of problems, and the item came in perfect condition. The sword comes with a vegan leather sheath and a broadsword tassel tied on the ring pommel.The simple woodem handle is wrapped with cotton cord.
I usually practice with a Jian or a Katana, so with a cutting edge of 60 cm and a weight of 1200 grams, it's a bit heftier than I am used to, but it's not unmanageable. It is a beast. After trying a few swings, I must say that this weapon actually makes me a little nervous. I've cut some tatami in my day, but this thing seems like over-kill for tatami. A wound from one of these would be a messy thing. It is sharp. Not crazy sharp, but sharp enough. I haven't cut with it yet, but I can tell that it will take whatever you throw at it.
It's a heavy sword, but with a POB 4 inches from the guard and an 11 inch handle, it's got a good balance.The blade has distal taper; it goes from really thick at the base down to pretty thick at the tip. It's a beefy mother. The fullers on the blade are shallow, but they terminate nicely.
The handguard fits well and is not loose at all.
The ring pommel is solid and I like the way the wrap is tied off. The Hanwei version has the wrap going all the way around the ring, and that doesn't seem practical to me. This way is better.
Another shot of the handle.
Conclusion:
I was shopping for a Da Dao for a while, and I looked a several models. There are a few out there from various companies, but this one is the one that I finally chose, and I couldn't be happier. This is my first peice from L K Chen, and now I see why the whole internet is talking about him. When you want a peice of history, LK is your man.
Things have changed!