Chinese swords are as are diverse as the actual number of dynasties that have populated the history of this ancient land. Some styles can be distinctly traced to what the warriors used in a certain period. However, the evolution of the Chinese swords can be traced back to the prehistoric times, way before any emperor sat at the helm of any civilization. With the bulk of archeological findings to date, stone swords can be declared as the definite progenitor of most swords in China. Although most of these re-discovered stone carved swords are rather short, (no more than 6 inches from hilt to blade tip), many have shown evidence of intricate carvings that suggest that these were used for decorative purposes – either as a sign of blood status, religious stature or tribal rank.

 

  Nonetheless, sword making in China became popular as more and more people found need for serviceable blades during times of unrest. Bronze swords, iron swords, steel swords and wrought iron swords became increasingly popular during the Western and Eastern Zhou period. Many of them were crafted to suit a particular style of sword fighting technique. For many Chinese swords, the longer length of these weapons denotes its use in warfare. Swords like the Dao (changdao, dadao, guan Dao, miao dao, pudao); and the jian (sabers) were extremely popular even until the later dynasties. Some were even seen as late as World War II.

 

   Less convention swords like the Chinese pole swords (i.e. guandao, yan tue dao) could only be wielded by the learned. These were ungainly to use in battle, but extremely effective in hand to hand fighting. Double swords like the hook swords and the hudie shuang dao (butterfly knives) were also used primarily for personal protection.

 

Chinese Swords are great for any collector to add to their collection. There are many styles and designs of Chinese swords to choose from so you can find your perfect design. Shop for your Chinese sword and all sword accessories at Swords of the Ages.