Only Knives » broadsword http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:44:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Competition Wushu Broadsword from Dragon Well Forge | Martial Arts Chinese Battle Ready Swordhttp://www.onlyknives.com/competition-wushu-broadsword-from-dragon-well-forge-martial-arts-chinese-battle-ready-sword/ http://www.onlyknives.com/competition-wushu-broadsword-from-dragon-well-forge-martial-arts-chinese-battle-ready-sword/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 14:52:07 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9749 Competition Wushu Broadsword fromThe fine craftsmanship of this competition broadsword from Dragon Well Forge of Lungchuan, China, makes this wushu weapon an excellent collector's piece. One of the best broadsword choices for training, this sword comes in nine different men's sizes. Check with your teacher for guidelines on fit, since proper length varies with the style of practice.

Approved for competition use by the International Wushu Federation, the broadsword comes with a certificate verifying that the sword meets all IWF standards. Refinements include a light hollow ground blade with a strong but flexible spine -- good for the fast movements and flourishes of wushu routines. The spring steel used in this sword will take a fine edge, and the construction is certainly good enough to be dangerous, although it's not as strongly made as a heavier combat version. Bladeguard and pommel are solid brass, and the handle is a strong rat-tail tang within a tapered hardwood grip.

Fittings on the hardwood sheath are polished brass, and the workmanship of the sheath is much better than many of the combat-quality swords from Lungchuan. Calligraphy decorates the black lacquer of the scabbard; symbols engraved in the blade itself translate as Quian Kun, or Heaven and Earth.

The nine different sizes cover a range of blade lengths from 27-1/4 inches to 35-1/4 inches, overall lengths from 33 inches to 42 inches, and weights from just over one pound to 1.6 pounds. Choosing the right size of sword is very important. One measurement system in Tai Chi uses the distance from eyebrow to waist as the critical standard, but different styles use other proportions. Somewhere here is a size that fits.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/competition-wushu-broadsword-from-dragon-well-forge-martial-arts-chinese-battle-ready-sword/feed/ 0 Chinese Qing Dynasty Replica Broad Sword | Kung Fu Ox Tail w/ Red Scabbardhttp://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-qing-dynasty-replica-broad-sword-kung-fu-ox-tail-w-red-scabbard/ http://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-qing-dynasty-replica-broad-sword-kung-fu-ox-tail-w-red-scabbard/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:18:28 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9532 Chinese Qing Dynasty Replica BroadDesigned in the same style as combat broadswords of China's Qing Dynasty, the Ox Tail Kung Fu Broadsword from Hanzo Steel offers lighter weight than a true sword but still much of the same feel. This broadsword is good enough for practicing movements but not built solid enough for striking.

With an overall length of 37 inches and a 31-inch double-edged blade of high carbon stainless steel, the Hanzo Ox Tail Sword is a big step up from the beginner's wooden or aluminum model practice blades and deserves some respect. Though it's lightly built with plastic pommel and pressed metal bladeguard, the factory-sharpened blade could inflict real damage. Cupping of the bladeguard actually matches the style of old combat swords, designed both to keep rainwater out of the scabbard and to prevent blood from running onto the grip.

The Qing Dynasty broadsword design was derived from the sabres of the Mongol warriors. The niuweidao (or oxtail sword) developed in the early 1800s and became popular with civilians, but was never military issue even though modern movies often portray it as such. A counterpart to the European cutlass, the broadsword is used more often for slashing and chopping than for piercing thrusts. In kung fu broad sword routines, whirling movements are common.

The look of the sword isn't bad at a glance, but the colored metal scabbard and synthetic cord wrappings of the handle make more of an impression at a distance. This version of the Ox Tail is one more step up the training ladder towards one of Hanzo Steel's functional broadswords.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-qing-dynasty-replica-broad-sword-kung-fu-ox-tail-w-red-scabbard/feed/ 0 House of Flying Daggers Sword of Leo | Chinese Kung Fu Broadsword w/ Scabbardhttp://www.onlyknives.com/house-of-flying-daggers-sword-of-leo-chinese-kung-fu-broadsword-w-scabbard/ http://www.onlyknives.com/house-of-flying-daggers-sword-of-leo-chinese-kung-fu-broadsword-w-scabbard/#comments Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:07:00 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9347 House of Flying Daggers Sword of Leo This replica of Captain Leo's broad sword from the hit kung fu movie House of Flying Daggers looks better than most true combat broadswords of today. Antiqued cast steel fittings give the sword an authentic appearance with quality materials and workmanship throughout.

The 38-inch-long sword's 2-1/4-inch high carbon 440 stainless steel blade fits a solid hardwood scabbard covered with dark leather that matches the character of the sword itself. This replica weapon's scabbard deserves as much attention as its 26-inch polished blade. You'll probably prefer to display this weapon in the sheath, since the gleaming stainless steel doesn't match the dark steel of the Tang Dynasty, the historical setting of the House of Flying Daggers story. Ground with a single bevel and flat spine, the sword does match the style of many heavier weapons of old China where the broadsword was one of the most common soldier's arms. All this one lacks visually is the dark patina of old combat steel.

Similar to Captain Jin's sword, Leo's broad sword has its own unique style with a heavy cutlass blade and squared hand guard. In the story of these two Tang Dynasty police captains, each man appeared to follow the same ideals, but beneath the surface, the two detectives fought for different reasons. To some degree, the similarities and differences of their personal broadswords symbolize key themes of the movie -- one man more refined and the other more brutal, but both focused towards the same grim ending.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/house-of-flying-daggers-sword-of-leo-chinese-kung-fu-broadsword-w-scabbard/feed/ 0 Anduril Sword Sheath from Lord of the Rings, Aragorn | Fantasy Movie Replica Accessorieshttp://www.onlyknives.com/anduril-sword-sheath-from-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-fantasy-movie-replica-accessories/ http://www.onlyknives.com/anduril-sword-sheath-from-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-fantasy-movie-replica-accessories/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:35:38 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=8271 Anduril Sword Sheath from Lord of theUnited Cutlery's Anduril, sword of the hero Aragorn from the Lord of the Rings saga, is no cheap imitation. This blade recreates the legendary weapon forged from the shards of Narsil, the sword shattered during the battle at the end of the Second Age. The two-handed broadsword Anduril matches the Tolkien weapon in size -- 52-7/8 inches overall with a 1/4-inch thick blade 40-5/8 inches in length. Anduril could be a fine sword to carry as well as display, provided you acquire the matching sheath.

Materials in this sheath are top notch, something refreshing to see in an industry that often makes fine blades housed in cheap scabbards. Twenty-four carat gold plated decorations, antiqued metal fittings and buckles, and genuine leather straps lend functional authenticity to the design. The appearance of the 44-5/8-inch LOTR Anduril scabbard matches the counterpart in the movie The Return of the King. Originally the sheath was designed to strap to the saddle of King Elessar's horse, but fittings allow for use by foot travelers as well. This scabbard fits either of three LOTR swords from United: Anduril, Narsil or the Anduril Limited Edition.

In keeping with the mythical theme, runes inscribe the plate of the scabbard with a message in the ancient language of Quenya. The phrase etched on the plate, written in the runes of Eregion and bracketed by the kingdom's symbols of sun and moon, translates as "Flame of the West."

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/anduril-sword-sheath-from-lord-of-the-rings-aragorn-fantasy-movie-replica-accessories/feed/ 0 Tiger Claw Broadsword | Wushu Training Spring Steel Sword in 26, 28, 30 or 32 Inchhttp://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-wushu-training-spring-steel-sword-comes-in-26-28-30-and-32-inch/ http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-wushu-training-spring-steel-sword-comes-in-26-28-30-and-32-inch/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:37:59 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7542 Tiger Claw Broadsword In the progression from wooden training sword to the real combat weapon, this sword ranks low -- just above wood in quality. For beginners, it's still a reasonable choice, built for learning movements rather than strikes. The heavy handguard and pommel as well as the blade itself are chrome-plated steel. The weight of the traditionally heavy slashing blade has been cut back, placing less stress on hands and wrists new to the trade.

Though flexible, if bent too far or too often to test the ability to return to its straight form, plating could be weakened and broken loose. Wushu weapons are often expected to flex as far as 180 degrees without damage. Wushu broadswords made of heavier steel usually have a maximum bend of 90 degrees, and often less. Striking targets certainly could damage this lightweight training blade, and trying to put an edge on it isn't recommended. Chrome plating doesn't go very deep.

For learning forms and demonstrating early skills, this is an appropriate quality of weapon. Advanced students build upon the skills acquired with less dangerous swords such as this one.

Available in lengths from 26 to 32 inches, the broadsword should be carefully matched to the person who wields it. While some match different lengths to a person's height, old methods used measurements from palm to shoulder, throat, or brow. Shorter blades are easier to handle, but the true length of a correctly matched blade is dependent on style and teacher. Essential aspects of movements could be missed or misinterpreted with a mismatched blade.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-wushu-training-spring-steel-sword-comes-in-26-28-30-and-32-inch/feed/ 0 Tiger Claw Broadsword | Spring Steel Sword | Chinese Wushu Training Weaponhttp://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-spring-steel-sword-chinese-wushu-training-weapon/ http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-spring-steel-sword-chinese-wushu-training-weapon/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:33:08 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7539 Tiger Claw Broadsword Anyone about to begin training with the Chinese broadsword should get ready to collect some swords. The swords used in training differ considerably from the combat versions, progressing from light wooden replicas through a series of heavier steel builds. Each does find a useful place in a training regimen, although the less realistic versions get left behind quickly.

This Lung Chuan broadsword forged from high carbon spring steel is an intermediate training weapon, a good choice for wushu practice where weight could hinder movement but the weapon still needs to look authentic. The polymer handle, formed around a solid steel tang, is a little garish and meant to be eye-catching. Brass pommel and hand guard are simple and heavy, providing some balance in this naturally forward-weighted sword.

Tempered to flex from 45 to 90 degrees without permanently being thrown out of line, this broadsword isn't as flexible as some wushu sword blades. Even in spring steel, this blade has more heft and a stiffer action. Broadswords take a little more wrist strength than many modern people have in their early training. Practicing with a lighter sword first could prevent some painful problems.

Even unsharpened, this full-sized broadsword is a dangerous weapon. Complex movements should be mastered before moving up to a sword this close to the real thing in potential. The broadsword comes with a lacquered scabbard, black with a dragon motif and banded with pressed brass fittings. The sheathed weapon should be transported in the form-fitting black nylon carrying case provided.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-broadsword-spring-steel-sword-chinese-wushu-training-weapon/feed/ 0 Tiger Claw Martial Arts Weapons | Wushu Twin Broadswords | Chrome Steel 30 Inchhttp://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-martial-arts-weapons-wushu-twin-broadswords-chrome-steel-30-inch/ http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-martial-arts-weapons-wushu-twin-broadswords-chrome-steel-30-inch/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:25:01 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7278 Tiger Claw Martial Arts Weapons The design and appearance of this Twin Wushu Broadsword set from Tiger Claw is a good match for the heavier combat broadsword set which inspired it. Much lighter than the combat swords, these chromed steel broadswords are equal in length but not in weight or quality of steel.

Designed for forms practice and wushu competition, the forward part of the 30 inch blades uses a slimmer version of the traditional slashing broadsword pattern. The heavy build of the handles helps give the wushu broadswords more balance than in the original weapons, making them easier to wield and faster moving than the heavy fighting blades. Wushu swords are meant to bend and snap back to their original line -- these should bend as far as a 180 degree arc and recover. A 90 degree bend is all that Wushu swords need. Pushing this test to extremes could cause damage.

Certainly not harmless, these twin broadswords were not intended for either fighting or striking targets. Using them for cutting practice will damage the light steel blades. Even though these 40-inch-long weapons look very much like the real thing, they are no match for combat steel.

For learning the movements of the very complex twin broadsword forms and for demonstration of that skill, this is a good set. The light broadswords won't put too much stress on wrists unused to the unbalanced weight of the combat broadsword. The swords still require the same basic strengths and skills as with the real weapons.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/tiger-claw-martial-arts-weapons-wushu-twin-broadswords-chrome-steel-30-inch/feed/ 1 Nan Dao Southern Broadsword | Martial Arts Practice Weapons | Tiger Claw Swordhttp://www.onlyknives.com/nan-dao-southern-broadsword-martial-arts-practice-weapons-tiger-claw-sword/ http://www.onlyknives.com/nan-dao-southern-broadsword-martial-arts-practice-weapons-tiger-claw-sword/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:36:51 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7281 Nan Dao Southern Broadsword The origin of the Nan Dao or Southern Broadsword is murky, with few historical examples of old weapons that actually match this pattern. The Nan Dao may have been designed for training rather than actual fighting, built in the pattern of the Nine Ring Broadsword or even simpler weapons of China's peasant soldiers. Tiger Claw's version strips down the design to essentials to lighten the weight for Wushu competition and forms practice. Wushu spring steel allows the straight blade to bend and return to shape, and the simple construction makes this Nan Dao Southern Broadsword a strong weapon for performance of fast chopping and slashing movements.

The cloth-wrapped handle conceals a solid steel bar which ends in a large steel ring pommel. Protected by an S-shaped steel handguard, the slender handle makes orientation of the blade uncertain. Since the sword isn't intended for striking practice, that's forgivable. This Nan Dao Broadsword evolved away from the details of practical weaponry to become a symbol of the real thing -- well suited to forms and basic weapons handling practice.

The 26-inch tempered steel blade comes unsharpened, and for forms practice should stay that way. No steel sword is harmless, and a mistake with the Nan Dao can cause serious harm even when the edge is dull. Thirty-six inches overall, the broadsword comes with a black nylon carrying sheath but no scabbard. The soft-sided sheath fits to the weapon neatly but offers only marginal protection for the blade. Consider carrying the sheathed blade in a gym bag for safety reasons.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/nan-dao-southern-broadsword-martial-arts-practice-weapons-tiger-claw-sword/feed/ 0 Martial Arts Twin Broadsword Set | Chinese Replica Weapon Spring Steel 30 Inchhttp://www.onlyknives.com/martial-arts-twin-broadsword-set-chinese-replica-weapon-spring-steel-30-inch/ http://www.onlyknives.com/martial-arts-twin-broadsword-set-chinese-replica-weapon-spring-steel-30-inch/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:29:44 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7109 Martial Arts Twin Broadsword Set Sword makers in Lung Chuan village of China produced these spring steel twin broadswords. Over the last century, that district's premier weaponsmiths, the Shen family, produced several swords considered to be of national treasure quality . Though these swords are a lesser build, the signs of real knowledge are still apparent. Thick brass handguards and flared pommels balance the carbon steel single edged blades. These swords are large, forty inches in length, and the pair with hardwood sheath may weigh more than five pounds.

Not quite combat quality, the spring steel sword blades are flexible and tempered to bend from 45 to 90 degrees without breaking. Since the swords are handcrafted, some small variations from pair to pair are expected. Scabbard fittings aren't rugged -- formed from hammered brass plate -- but give the vulnerable parts of the scabbard adequate protection. Place the entire set in the nylon carrying bag for travel. Scabbard decorations are the most vulnerable point of this set, and the bag offers some protection for the lacquered wood.

The swords themselves look more real than the usual stainless steel wushu weapons but handle better than the heavier and stiffer combat steel versions. High carbon spring steel has a different color than stainless, and will darken with use. The blades also resist damage better than the lower grades of stainless steel or chromed steel often used in wushu. A little easier to adapt to fast routines than the combat blades, these weapons still handle like genuine swords.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/martial-arts-twin-broadsword-set-chinese-replica-weapon-spring-steel-30-inch/feed/ 0 Twin Broadsword Display Sword Set | Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Lung Chuanhttp://www.onlyknives.com/twin-broadsword-display-sword-set-traditional-chinese-martial-arts-lung-chuan/ http://www.onlyknives.com/twin-broadsword-display-sword-set-traditional-chinese-martial-arts-lung-chuan/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:05:51 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7106 Twin Broadsword Display Sword Set Although these 40-inch Twin Broadswords forged from combat-quality high carbon steel come from the Lung Chuan district of China, tracing them to a specific local foundry could be difficult. Many family foundries in Lung Chuan village still produce high quality weaponry, and one of them put the family mark on these blades -- but unless you read Chinese, it's a mystery. The most famous local weaponsmiths -- the Shen family -- gained a reputation for making exceptionally good swords when one of their 1911 blades pierced three brass target blanks and split another sword in half.

These modern examples of the Lung Chuan art do show some of that rugged quality, but if you expect the high polish of collector-edition swords, you may be disappointed. Set different standards for these. This pair of traditionally shaped broadswords, forged with wide forward sections, use heavy brass hand guards and pommels to balance the combat steel blades. Weight of the set is a hefty five pounds, and this isn't wushu steel -- the blades are meant to pierce and chop, not bend.

You'll find traditional hand craftsmanship in these two 30-inch single cutting edged blades, but decoration is kept to a minimum. Fittings on the double scabbard are a bit plain, fashioned from brass plate and not meant to take much of a beating. But if you like a good functional sword for training and aren't so interested in polish, these Lung Chuan blades would be a good choice. The high carbon steel will take some ordinary care and doesn't have the shine of modern stainless steel. In time, these blades will darken and take on the gunmetal patina that some of us still prefer.

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