Chinese swords – beautiful, historic, and precise – have been prized for thousands of dynasties. For enthusiasts, Chinese swords are not just weapons but symbols of tradition and discipline. At the Samurai Sword Store, we offer a thoughtfully curated selection of Chinese swords of the highest quality. From historical reproductions to practical modern blades, our selection is the ideal combination of function and craftsmanship.
Our Chinese Swords: Legendary, Hand-Forged For Accuracy
- Masterful Craftsmanship & Authenticity: Our skilled craftsmen forge and polish each of our Chinese swords precisely using traditional methods.
- Time-Tested Materials: We forge each sword from high-carbon steel, which ensures a sharp blade and a balanced handle.
- Battle Ready: Our battle-ready swords can be used for practice, competitions, or martial arts.
- High Quality: We offer battle-ready swords with full tang and heat-treated steel for enhanced strength.
- Variety: From basic designs to complex collector's swords, our inventory caters to every need and budget.
- Customer Support: In need of assistance? Our employees are happy to help you find the right blade.
Types of Chinese Swords: Jian and Dao
Chinese swords consist of two large categories: Jian (straight sword) and Dao (curved saber).
Each one has characteristic traits suitable for different martial arts and ages.
Jian: The Gentleman of Weapons
Traditionally referred to as the "gentleman of weapons," the Jian is a double-edged straight sword with a history dating back over 2500 years. The jian is as much a weapon as it is a work of art. It's primarily used for practice in Tai Chi and Wushu.
Dao: The Saber of the Soldier
The Dao is a curved, single-edged sword and was the preferred weapon among soldiers. Emphasis on the dao is placed on power, momentum, and broad swings. Forms like the Niuwei Dao (Ox Tail Saber) or Liuyedao (Willow Leaf Saber) are especially popular among reenactors and martial artists today.
Choosing the Proper Chinese Sword
Before buying a Chinese sword, reflect on its purpose.
- Collection or Exhibition: Choose elaborately decorated styles with highly polished blades and intricately curved guards. These usually have brass, bronze, or carved wood hilts.
- Martial Arts Training: Choose functional swords with weighted balance, full tang construction, and high-carbon or folded steel for solidity and toughness.
- Gifting Purposes: Some of our customers purchase Chinese swords as a nice gift to celebrate graduations, milestones, or martial arts achievements.
Each sword in our collection is built with precision and integrity.
Chinese Swords vs Japanese Swords: Key Differences
Although Chinese and Japanese swords both originated from ancient martial cultures, they present distinct design philosophies.
- Blade Shape: Chinese swords, such as the Jian, are straight, while Japanese swords like the katana are curved.
- Usage: Jian is intended for agility and accuracy, while the katana is for potency and effectiveness in slicing.
- Cultural Symbolism: Jian carries a learned and spiritual meaning, but the katana typically symbolizes samurai honor and bushido - the samurai code of conduct.
Interested in Japanese style instead? Visit our Japanese swords collection for a closer look.
FAQs About Chinese Swords
What are Chinese Swords Called?
Chinese swords traditionally fall into either Jian (straight, double-edged) or Dao (curved, single-edged) categories. Within each category are a number of subtypes on the basis of historical period and use.
Is Jian Better than Katana?
Neither one is better than the other since both are used for different purposes. The Jian is appreciated for balance and subtlety, while the katana is known for its cutting prowess and longevity. It all depends on your intended purpose.
What is the Best Chinese Sword?
The "best" Chinese sword depends on your requirements. For martial arts, a hand-forged Jian or Dao in high-carbon steel is best. For collectors, consider swords that are historically accurate and elaborately crafted.
What is the Most Famous Chinese Sword?
The Sword of Goujian, discovered in Hubei Province, is one of the most famous Chinese swords. It was forged almost 2,000 years ago and is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and near-perfect preservation.
What is the Chinese Equivalent of Katana?
The Dao, particularly the Niuwei Dao, is most likely the Chinese equivalent closest to the katana due to its curvature and use in combat.
What are the 5 Chinese Swords?
China boasts many famous sword types throughout history, but five that are named most frequently are Jian, Dao, Niuwei Dao (Ox Tail Saber), Liuyedao (Willow Leaf Saber), and Yanmaodao (Goose Quill Saber).
Add a Chinese Sword to Your Collection
Whether starting your first collection or expanding upon one you already have, our Chinese sword collection offers craftsmanship you can trust.
Shop our complete range of Chinese Swords to find the perfect blade that reflects your style and purpose.
