Broadsword

[fopah]

Hello,

I am looking for a good Dao, I don't want a wushu broadsword but I don't know much about how heavy they are supposed to be or where the point of balance needs to be or what to look for in terms of craftsmanship. It would be awesome if I could keep this purchase around $100.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=PC2063&name=Hanwei+Practical+Kung-Fu+Sword

this is what I am looking at. I've read a couple reviews and it seems to be the most accurate in my price range but I wanted to see what the forum had to say.

I may even be interested in purchasing something gently used from a reputable person.

thank you,

Michael

[Lokhopkuen]

That sword is razor sharp FYI;)

[TenTigers]

why would anyone want a razor sharp "practice sword?" that's just plain stupid.
Unless you are doing practice cuts, or going out to war, there is no need.
BTW-I've sliced my hand just taking it out of the scabbard-The guy at the counter neglected to mention that the scabbard was slotted.
And as far as "practice cuts" go-it is one thing to study a art like Iaido, and devote yourself to the development of your skill, combining body, mind, self-cultivation, self-perfection., ,etc.
It would be a rarity to find people training in broadsword or gim, who actually take it to that level.
Most people just like to say, "Look what I can do!"
(insert clip of Stuey here...)

[Lokhopkuen]

That sword is the only sword I ever cut myself with for the exact same reason.
I keep it high on my sword rack and have done a few practice cuts with it.
Slices most sliceable objects like proverbial butter.

[TenTigers]

I am also always looking for that perfect sword, be it gim or dandao.
I once bought this nice dandao at a toournament. Nice balance, stainless steel blade, unfinished wooden grips, so when your hand sweats, it doesn;t slip. Great.
A few weeks later, after doing comps, demos, etc I happened to notice that it was sharp! Great. Now what do I do with it?
I'm taking a file to the edge.
You have to be carefull even with practice swords. Many are very thin, on the top edge as well. Run your forearm against it (circle around the head and conceal the sword) and you can slice your arm.
Some things are just plain stupid.

[Shaolin]

I do not condone a beginner practicing with sharpened weapons. But, it will teach you to respect the weapon. In our modern day practices most have forgotten that the classical weapons are in fact instruments of death not toys.

In regards to the TS, you may not want a wushu steal but it doesn't sound like you know much (if anything) about the broadsword and therefore should start off with a wushu or spring steal training sword (avoid wooden dao's they're garbage). But do what you want, you do have that freedom. If you cut yourself, you deserve it.

[SanHeChuan]

Well, If you cut yourself with it you KNOW you're doing it WRONG. :cool:

[GeneChing]

I seldom do anymore, but it adds a certain reality to your training. I suppose that's fallout from my iaido days. It's definitely not for everyone.

Our forums sponsor carries that Hanwei piece too (but a tad more pricey :o)
High-Carbon Steel Kung Fu Broadsword with black scabbard (Sharpened) (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-2063.html)

Another nice Hanwei dao is this one:
Dao (Kung Fu) sword (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-1011.html)

If you're looking to stay under $100, fopah, try this one from Dragon Well:
Broadsword (Dao) - Spring Steel - 28", 30", 32" (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-66sp.html)

Here's a heftier version, also from Dragon Well, and a little over $100:
Broadsword (Dao) - Combat Steel - 28", 30", 32" (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-66cs.html)

And lastly, here's the same piece sharpened:
Sword - Sharpened Single Broadsword Combat Steel (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-66kk30.html)

As for balance, some might lecture you about 'correct balance' but it's really a matter of personal preference. My first master tended to like the balance point back towards the handle, more like a power tool. Fencer talk about two-finger balance and such, akin to two fingers of whiskey ;). People that are just starting cutting practice tend to prefer the balance to be more blade heavy because it makes it easier. That's actually more like chopping then cutting, but I won't quibble.

As for these blades, I like them all. The first one is just a little short for me. I like the second one a lot. I have yet to invest in either though as I own several Dragon Well dao - both spring and combat steel versions. Combat steel can be a little heavy for some, but I like that because it builds arm strength and confounds wushu people.

Hope you find what you're looking for fopah.

[Drake]

Gene,
Wasn't there an article about Dragon Well many moons ago? I don't even remember if it was good or bad...

[fopah]

Thanks Gene, You're the only one who was trying to be helpful. I think I'm going to go with the unsharpened combat steel dao. I would like to get the hanwei, But my wife would prefer this.

[GeneChing]

If it turns out to be too blade heavy for you, the handle can be disassembled and you can add a few washers under the pommel. Be very careful about disassembling swords however. They are simple to unscrew, but as the actual handle part is wood, it's easy to crush it when re-tightening it. This often happens when an inexperienced person strips the sword and then can't reassemble it without it being loose. Don't keep tightening it in this case. You'll need to toss in some lockwashers and possibly square the edges of the handle.

I'd also cover the handle of that sword as it is just plain wood. You can get great materials for re-handling tennis rackets very cheaply at any sports store. It's perfect for sword handles.

P.S. I think Lokhopkuen was trying to be helpful.

Drake, thanks for the plug - that Dragon Well article was in our 2005 January/February The Sword Collector's Special (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=567): China's Most Precious Swords - The Legend of Dragon Well Forge By Jonathan Oh (with Gene Ching) There's also a nice piece on Hanwei in that issue: Chinese Pride - The Hanwei Forge of Paul Chen By Mike Song

[Shaolin]

P.S. I think Lokhopkuen was trying to be helpful.



That hurts Gene. I thought I was being helpful. :(

[GeneChing]

...much ;)

On second read, yes, you were trying to be helpful too. We just disagree about wushu dao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-66sm.html) for beginners and wooden dao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/40-04.html). I only advocate wushu dao for those practicing the sport of wushu. If you're are traditional beginner, a wushu dao is of little use - you might as well just move right into normal dao. Of course, when I was a beginner, there was no such thing as a wushu dao, but there you have it. I also find wood dao to be very useful for two reasons. First, they're hecka cheap. Second, they're great to drill techniques like you would with boken (http://www.martialartsmart.com/40-03.html). They don't get all macked up like if you were training with steel, and again, as they are hecka cheap, if they do break, you don't really care.

[SPJ]

yes, even with the practice sword with dull edges

we have to use it and practice it with respect as if it is the "REAL" thing.

the weight is more of a consideration

be it da dao or guan dao

how much weight we may practice to wield, depending on our physique

and of course, the length has to be considered, too

---

[SPJ]

I mean instead of focusing on how sharp your practice sword is

find out the right weight and right length for you to practice

are far more important

--

;)

[TenTigers]

as far as using a wushu dao is concerned, since the blades are very thin, as I stated before, the back edge of the blade is also thin.
Thin=SHARP.
Running your forearm across the back edge of a thin (sharp) sword will slice you up pretty bad. A blade cuts on the draw, so even sliding your forearm an inch will open you up.
I reccommend a standard practice sword, possibly spring steel or chrome hard steel, so long as the back edge is not too thin.

I knew a guy who while trying to do flowers behind the back with a wushu dao, sliced himself up pretty good. 48 stitches to be exact.

[fopah]

Has anyone used this sword? I want to train using a heavier blade. The description sounds perfect, but that could be total BS.

http://www.wle.com/products/wgl452.html

Thanks,
Michael

[David Jamieson]

Has anyone used this sword? I want to train using a heavier blade. The description sounds perfect, but that could be total BS.

http://www.wle.com/products/wgl452.html

Thanks,
Michael

I think everything you've been given as an option is acceptable with a nod towards gene giving you pretty robust advice.

In truth, a light (but strong) blade is desirable and a heavy one is not desirable on a sword. Weight impedes movement.

:)

[sanjuro_ronin]

Some people like to train with a heavier sword than they would normally fight with.
The silliness of that is obvious, we don't fight with swords anymore.
I don't agree with blunt blades, you don't get the right feel or sound when you do your stuff.
Uber-sharp is pointless unless you are test cutting.
If you can afford it, get 2 swords, one for practice and one for test cutting.

[kristcaldwell]

for a beginner, i would definitely suggest a blunt sword.

as far as brand is concerned, i echo gene's advice: the lungchuan swords pretty much set the standard for their price level. to hit any higher grade of quality usually comes with a disproportionate jump in price. that being said, i recently acquired a hanwei sword at a rock-bottom price and have been quite pleased with it.

[GeneChing]

I used to train with some seriously heavy blades. I have this wonderful custom made dao that's a bloody wristbreaker. I even competed with it a few times, just as a statement.

There's great kung fu in super heavy blades. As sanjuro_ronin says, it's a bit silly to contemplate practicality. Heavy blades become like this alternative weight training method, along the lines of kettlebells or stone locks. Ever see someone work a super heavy guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81cs.html)? I love that stuff. That's just bad ass.

[TenTigers]

on the scabbard of my sharp dao, it says LQJW. Anyone know what that stands for?

[GeneChing]

LQ is probably Long Quan, or Dragon Well (http://www.martialartsmart.com/weapons-dragon-well-forge.html). Not sure what JW might mean. Any more clues?

[hungheikwan]

There are swords available that are solid-cast aluminum. They have a nice weight, and there's no tang to break if you drop it. (stop that giggling - I'm referring to the threaded rod in the handle, which is usually single-welded to the blade) I think I got mine through Beijing Imports, but I'm also thinking that BLT carries them too.

[TenTigers]

BLT, like so many other NYC Chinatown icons has gone with the wind....(sigh..)

[Lucas]

I like wooden practice swords for sparring.

[David Jamieson]

I used to train with some seriously heavy blades. I have this wonderful custom made dao that's a bloody wristbreaker. I even competed with it a few times, just as a statement.

There's great kung fu in super heavy blades. As sanjuro_ronin says, it's a bit silly to contemplate practicality. Heavy blades become like this alternative weight training method, along the lines of kettlebells or stone locks. Ever see someone work a super heavy guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81cs.html)? I love that stuff. That's just bad ass.

I have your super heavy gwan dao, I work it and I am a bad ass indeed.

Beware all pussies. lol

[MasterKiller]

I have your super heavy gwan dao, I work it and I am a bad ass indeed.

Beware all pussies. lol

I had that one, but honestly it isn't balanced well. I eventually sold it on ebay and then got raped by the shipping fee.

What I need is a good monk spade.

[bawang]

13 pound guan dao isnt heavy lol u guys ned to lift weights

[David Jamieson]

I had that one, but honestly it isn't balanced well. I eventually sold it on ebay and then got raped by the shipping fee.

What I need is a good monk spade.

really? yours wasn't balanced well?
Mines fine for all intents and purposes.

I like that it is entirely metal and that the blade is ridiculously thick. (I think it's made out of reforged rails from train tracks. It's good steel though, no rust on my blade.

[GeneChing]

I've never worked with those aluminum swords. They always seemed a little odd to me as aluminum is so light. You might as well use a wushu sword.

At my old school, we did have these dao that were cut from thick sheet aluminum that we used for our sparring forms practice. Those were homemade, basically a silhouette of a dao which made the guard just a flat crossbar, but with nice leather-wrapped handles. I was never keen on the feel of them as they were so light, but they took a beating and never broke. They were ugly things though.

[David Jamieson]

13 pound guan dao isnt heavy lol u guys ned to lift weights

13 lbs? that's the ***** gwan dao we were talking about, not the heavy one that ~G sells. It runs between 23 and 30 pounds and is the heaviest you can get without making your own or finding some obscure place somewhere that has one.

[MasterKiller]

really? yours wasn't balanced well?
Mines fine for all intents and purposes.

I like that it is entirely metal and that the blade is ridiculously thick. (I think it's made out of reforged rails from train tracks. It's good steel though, no rust on my blade.

The one I had was extremely front heavy. It was like swinging a broom stick with a cinder block attached to the end.

This was about 7 years ago, so maybe they've fixed the issue since then. But I was not impressed with it.

[David Jamieson]

The one I had was extremely front heavy. This was about 7 years ago, so maybe they've fixed the issue since then. But I was not impressed with it.

hmmm, it's listed as being 13 lbs, but mine is just over 27 lbs.
the blade is heavy, but I don't find mine to be totally unweildy.

They are all different I think. the ad says the weight and length varies even. :)

[bawang]

13 lbs? that's the ***** gwan dao we were talking about, not the heavy one that ~G sells. It runs between 23 and 30 pounds and is the heaviest you can get without making your own or finding some obscure place somewhere that has one.

wow nice
i ned one for train but im poar

[GeneChing]

The old shafts that came stock were wood and they tended to snap because the blade was so heavy. Now the shafts are replaced with metal rods. For David's, I personally packed the rod full of nacho sauce to add weight. Okay, no just kidding. :o However, I'll try to get the weight should be updated.

As for the weight of a guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81cs.html) versus weightlifting, well, it doesn't take too much to make a weapon heavy as you do very complicated maneuvers that you wouldn't do with a barbell, one-handed twirls, tosses, etc. Sure, 12 pounds isn't excessive - I've seen guandao that weighed in at over 100 lbs. That's seriously bad ass. However, these days, anything heavier than a wushu guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81wu.html) is respectable.

[Lokhopkuen]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/IMG_0055.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/IMG_0052.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/IMG_0051.jpg
I balance this off of my unit when practicing iron crotch! All of that and a bag of chips I am;)

[Lokhopkuen]

The old shafts that came stock were wood and they tended to snap because the blade was so heavy. Now the shafts are replaced with metal rods. For David's, I personally packed the rod full of nacho sauce to add weight. Okay, no just kidding. :o However, I'll try to get the weight should be updated.

As for the weight of a guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81cs.html) versus weightlifting, well, it doesn't take too much to make a weapon heavy as you do very complicated maneuvers that you wouldn't do with a barbell, one-handed twirls, tosses, etc. Sure, 12 pounds isn't excessive - I've seen guandao that weighed in at over 100 lbs. That's seriously bad ass. However, these days, anything heavier than a wushu guandao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-81wu.html) is respectable.

You know a lot of us have bought a lot of sh!t from yous buddy I think it's time for the Tiger Claw Rewards Card:rolleyes:

[Lokhopkuen]

I mean instead of focusing on how sharp your practice sword is

find out the right weight and right length for you to practice

are far more important

--

;)

A good swordsman has his "quiver" in where is always the right tool for the right job:D
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/swords.jpg

[MasterKiller]

http://nyc.3432.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/article-0-09C254F5000005DC-619_634x813-480x615.jpg

[Fei Li]

In my school there are some old sabers, that are quite heavy and with a simple design,
the blade looking like it was from chrome steel.

I never saw those in any shops (online). Anyone knows where one could get those?
Those above mentioned all have this kitchy brass/gold-look with ugly motives on them…

[GeneChing]

Card? We don't need no stinkin' card. We gotz Claw Cash. Get with the program, Lokhopkuen, and save!

Claw Cash Rewards Program (http://www.tigerclaw.com/offers.php)

:cool:

[Lokhopkuen]

Has anyone used this sword? I want to train using a heavier blade. The description sounds perfect, but that could be total BS.

http://www.wle.com/products/wgl452.html

Thanks,
Michael

I have an old set of doubles like that. Good weight for training once you understand the basic principles but the balance is off and a bit more "blade heavy".

Gene great tips about sword maintenance and reassembly.

[Lokhopkuen]

Card? We don't need no stinkin' card. We gotz Claw Cash. Get with the program, Lokhopkuen, and save!

Claw Cash Rewards Program (http://www.tigerclaw.com/offers.php)

:cool:

Looks like I have a bunch of retroactive rewards due me?:D

[RenDaHai]

Whenever I'm near the antique markets in the citys (zhengzhou, shanghai, beijing) you can often find a lot of old Sabers and real ones at that. A lot are left over from the war with japan where they still used sabers. They tend to fall in two categories, some that are very beautiful and exceptionally heavy (too heavy to use for a 1 hand sword, no matter who you are) and the ones that are ugly and look actually used which are exceptionally light. Really a lot of the best REAL sabers I handled were actually really really light. Heavier than a performance one but balanced to the extent that you don't feel it.

The two handed ones are more common and are also not heavy, they are easy to wield with one or two hands. To be honest the same goes for real samurai swords that I have held. I know there is a huge variation in old swords but think of yourself using it all those years ago... I'd pick a light sword every time. I don't get this whole really heavy sword thing.

The Guan Dao is another matter. I have come accross some which i can barely lift off the ground let alone wield. A lot of the them are exceptionally heavy.

Any way, I don't think there is much purpose in buying a sharp one, its too dangerous and if you are anything like me and can't resist picking it up every time you walk past, if you get a sharp one you will do even more damage to the furniture :-)

[GeneChing]

I don't think Claw Cash (http://www.tigerclaw.com/offers.php) is doing anything retroactive.

[David Jamieson]

I think "cold hard clawsh" would be cooler!

[SteveLau]

Fopah,

The single edge sword that I would like to have is close to the Hanwei broad sword you first mentioned. Yes, I agree with Ten Tigers on that it should be non-sharpened. Also, the material would be combat steel. No, I do not want spring steel and certainly not aluminium. I have got a hand on aluminium broad sword before. Its feel is odd and the outlook is weird.



Hey, Lokhopkuen,

Your place looks great with such decoration of certificates and rack of weapons. But the only single edge sword is the Japanese sword at the top of the rack. Is there other single edge sword in your place? I would like to have place decorated so too, both for decorative and usage reason.




Regards,

KC
Hong Kong

[SPJ]

yes. it takes some funds/money to have a nice collection of practice swords

yes, it is like toys for grown up/

when I was a little kid in the 1960s. I did not have a pair shoes till going to primary school--

I was poor or my family did not allow expensive toys.

--

when I first learned weapon stuff from my teacher and later teachers

guess what I was told to throw rocks/pebbles. they are costless and everywhere in the countryside. yes, throwing rocks as weapon training

later, a bamboo stick for sword fight,

hammer metal caps from soda bottles for throwing ninja star practice

a longer tree branch, smoothed out by sand papers, for staff training

only in high school kuo shu club, we had wooden broad sword and straight sword.

only in college, I saved enough money to buy a metal tai chi sword. I still practiced with wooden ones,

I saved the metal one for performance only.

from rock throwing, to sword play, -- we came a loong way. yes.

so in the beginning of classes, we had to go and gather some pebbles first.

----

[David Jamieson]

Not only money, but to actually find a sword that feels right is not an easy quest.

I've had expensive swords that were top quality but they just didn't feel right.

It's difficult to pair yourself with such a thing at times. I mean, in a pinch it doesn't matter, but for esoteric practice and personal cultivation, there is an essence in everything that either interacts well with yours, or not so much.

I know, it sounds hippy, but in my experience it's true.

[SPJ]

how do you know the broad sword or straight sword is fit for you?

in general

1. the length, when you hold the sword and it reaches your ear. so it is a bit longer than your arm.

2. the weight

the straight sword, not to hurt your wrist, if it does, it may be too heavy, there are more wrist moves with the straight sword, such as flowering, cloud--

the broad sword, not to hurt your shoulder, if it does, it may be too heavy.

we sway a broad sword with the whole arm more.

3. the feel, as pointed out

the sword becomes part of you with practice, we are familiarizing ourself/body movement with the sword. --

just like a pair of shoes, it does notfit, it ain't your shoes

when you wear them, it does not feel comfortable, it may be needed to be worn out or just not right for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_b6xaVvgeM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD4ib9-laGY

the first time I heard the music and the song

hey hey hey, I knew instantly, it is my music and song.

:D

[bawang]

this good song for kung fu tranings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR56UVKk-t0&feature=related
i platice chum kiu for 4 hours to this song

[Lokhopkuen]

Fopah,

The single edge sword that I would like to have is close to the Hanwei broad sword you first mentioned. Yes, I agree with Ten Tigers on that it should be non-sharpened. Also, the material would be combat steel. No, I do not want spring steel and certainly not aluminium. I have got a hand on aluminium broad sword before. Its feel is odd and the outlook is weird.



Hey, Lokhopkuen,

Your place looks great with such decoration of certificates and rack of weapons. But the only single edge sword is the Japanese sword at the top of the rack. Is there other single edge sword in your place? I would like to have place decorated so too, both for decorative and usage reason.




Regards,

KC
Hong Kong


Thanks KC;
Just moved to a new place so I'm still settling in. The sword at the top in the earlier pic is actually a Korean blade that was gifted to me by some friends in the mid-west. I've been collecting swords and knives most of my adult life and i have some interesting pieces. Some of my favorites were gifts from friends and students. Gene featured my antique deer horn knives in the Wu Dang print issue of KFM a little while back.
I have several sharp, broadswords and sabers but my office motif is in Gim most of the time.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/DSC05169.jpg

I'll include here a few close ups of the Paul Chen sharp broad sword. If you ever decide to practice with a sharp sword I recommend focus. I find a "live" sword a great meditation.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/DSC05168.jpg

[bawang]

why do u have a giant condom on ur wall

[Lokhopkuen]

Got Big d!ck I guess:eek:

[David Jamieson]

Got Big d!ck I guess:eek:

He's jealous of your cooly hat. lol

Bawang, you can get those on dundas on any given weekend. they make lousy condoms though... being straw and all. :D

[Lokhopkuen]

He's jealous of your cooly hat. lol

Bawang, you can get those on dundas on any given weekend. they make lousy condoms though... being straw and all. :D

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a good coolie hat?!?!?

[David Jamieson]

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a good coolie hat?!?!?

well, on saturday it's not too hard, but on monday they're out until the weekend it seems. at least, where i live. lol. That cooly hat looks like it is not bad quality too. This is a really nice one though:

http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/Chinese%20Hat.jpg

look at all the hexagons! and magens! lol must be a jewish coolie...

[sanjuro_ronin]

My wife doesn't let me keep my swords in my office, I have them down in the basement :(

[sanjuro_ronin]

That is one fine looking nipple hat there Dave.

[SPJ]

1. always handle sharps with great care.

if you drop one by accident, you may lose/sever a toe etc

2. as for the straw hats, we may weave one ourself.

--

yes I am also envious of the collection.

;)

[David Jamieson]

That is one fine looking nipple hat there Dave.

it tops my breast shaped noggin well and all the babies want a go!

[Lucas]

using sharp or live blades has a certain fun element to it, its like not wearing pads or a helmet and bombing a 1/4 mile dead decline hill on a skateboard. you know the only thing keeping you from eating some serious **** is your skill and the size of your cajones. Or doing some moderate rock climbing without gear, or dating american women, or....

[SteveLau]

Lokhopkuen,

Congratulation. What a good collection of weapons you have. In fact, there are many weapons and corresponding techniques I love. But for practical reason, now I only train the single sword. Everyone has only limited time and energy. The Chinese broad sword I am using is also the first one I bought in ~2004. It was too long, too heavy, too curved, and too wide on the broad part. A few swings of it has caused pain in my wrist. So I was certain it needed to be customized. Now it weighs about 1 lb. 8 oz., with total length 32 inches.

My ideal single edge sword looks like the one shown in the following linked webpage:

http://www.swordsoftheeast.com/hanweibeiledaochinesesword.aspx

It allows all sword techniques like slashing, hacking and piercing.



Also the sword first mentioned by Fopah is very close my ideal one. I agree with other members' post that sure there are good swords around, but whether they fit us is the ultimate question. It is very true.



Regards,

KC
Hong Kong

[Fei Li]

My ideal single edge sword looks like the one shown in the following linked webpage:

[url]http://www.swordsoftheeast.com/hanweibeiledaochinesesword.aspx[/ur


This one (like most modern ones) is too heavy, historical sabers did not weigh more than 1,7

[SPJ]

bei le ye

or just bei le is the prince or son of a king

bei le of man chu or qing

they had to learn all fighting methods including archery, spear and even firing a gun

---

[SPJ]

actually, there would always be body guards or army to protect a bei le.

there were 8 flags army or ba qi

each flag army was led by a bei le.

in short, bei le did not need to fight alone. he had to learn to lead an army and fight, just like a general.

[Fei Li]

What about this one (http://www.wle.com/media/W015-T.jpg),
it is a rigid, blunt, heavy blade and best of all it does not have a cheesy design as most of the others…

[bamboozled]

Just a question on terminology...

Is a "wushu dao" the same as a dao made of spring steel?

:confused:

[SteveLau]

Fei Li,

Yes, the one you showed is very good, and very close my ideal dao. If the front tip is more towards the front rather than curved up, it would be ideal in shape to me.

One question that I would like to post to members here - why is the front part of the broadsword designed to be broad (wide)?




KC
Hong Kong

[Yum Cha]

A good swordsman has his "quiver" in where is always the right tool for the right job:D
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q69/lokhopkuen/swords.jpg

WOW, look at the rack on that!

[Eric Olson]

Go for a combat steel, Lung Chuan dao (Dragon Well)