Thumbs up for a well made review! Being mostly a Japanese sword practitioner and collector myself, I bought this sword because I wanted something different in my collection as well. I generally agree with your statements in the video. The grip feels a bit awkward indeed but it helps to avoid bad alignment of the handle in your hand, so it’s not necessary a bad thing. The weight and balance is very good indeed. I noticed from the video that the leather wrap on your scabbard is not so good, especially near the mouth. It’s better on my sword. LK Chen make nice swords but the finish can be a bit sloppy…
More of a jian guy myself but this particular dao is a great mix of all the qualities I would want in a one-handed single edged sword. Will definitely grab this up sometime!
One of my favourite Chinese sword designs, but I definitely prefer the slightly curvier liuyedao (willow leaf), especially the later s-shaped designs from the 18th and 19th centuries.
@@lawkaion Thanks for the recommendation! I looked it up, and wow! It's really beautiful. I particularly like the shape of the pommel and how it flares out very subtly from the hilt.
This particular design is mainly used in the Ming dynasty during the 1400 - 1600. Our forefather used this type of sword to banish the mongols back to the northern steppe.
Thank you so much, I’m starting to develop the collector’s eye and I often feel out of my league when it comes to the specs, but I at least have some experience to share and contribute to the conversation. Thanks again!!!
False edges are called false because the are not sharp. They are beveled to penetrate better on the thrust. Standard on many of my European and western swords, as well. Same with several bayonet types. False edge not sharpened. I do have a couple that are single-edged until the last few inches, where the blade goes to a spear point with both edges sharpened. Just about every way it can be done as far as edge geometry has been done. I know you've seen Matt Easton's videos. He's gone into this point (pun intended) multiple times.
interesting idea but not always true. my antique 1827 light infantry saber has service sharpened false edge, my Enfield no7 and no9 bayonet have factory sharpened false edge as well. In the first case sabers out of factory are completely blunt, and it's sharpened base on the users demand, thus there are sabers with only sharpened front 1/3 and sabers sharpened all the way both way.
@@alexxu3004 It isn't an "interesting idea." It is a matter of design. As with many terms, it has wide applications and generally means the last bit of the point that is not the full cutting edge side, or depending on the grip, it may mean simply the side that is not the primary cutting edge on a double-edged blade. I also have an 1827 marked for the Rifle Volunteers and it is not service sharpened at all. Same with a few others from the 19th century. Some have no sharpening on the false edge. Some have a few inches of sharpening. I also have a couple each of No 5, No 7, and No 9 bayonets that are sharpened just as you say. So what. It's a design issue and an example of the broad use of the term. Not sure why you thought you just had to nitpick what I said and claim it was not always true, given that I did say that I have swords where the false edge is sharpened. I never said it was exclusively one way, but with actually reading what I wrote, one should be able to easily understand that there are exceptions to "false because they are not sharp." By your own words, you state that "sabers out of factory are completely blunt." Interesting claim, since the saber in this video came out of the factory completely sharp. Not sure what bayonets have to do with the matter, either. Prior to about 1820, most swords and sabers were sharpened. In the Napoleonic era a majority were sharpened and the French complained about the British 1796 light cavalry sword because of the wicked wounds it created. Again, it wasn't universal, but it was very common. Go back further in history to times when there was little or no armor and blades were universally sharpened. I recommend Matt Easton's channel Scholagladiatoria for some outstanding info on antique arms and armour. That is his speciality and his profession.
@@GradyGillis I apologize for not recognizing the second half of your statement as there are exceptions in your collection. what im picking on is the generalized statement of "False edges are called false because the are not sharp", No, they can be sharp, and have been sharp in many application. My statement on saber are blunt out of factory are referring to british military saber like yours and mine 1827p, which also apply to majority of european military sabers. Point is, have the edge sharpen or not is up to you, and at least in Wilkinson's mind bayonet's false edge should be sharpened from factory(no7 and no9 blade are wilkinson designs), and if you communicate with LK you can have the false edge sharpened as well
@@NandoWasabi my top recommendations would be: White Serpent Jian, Grand Marshal Jian, and Scarlet Sunrise Jian. There is a new jian that looks promising called the Long Quan but I haven’t worked with it yet. The rest are very good too, so you really can’t go wrong 👍👍👍
Thanks for the review. Since you have both the Yan Ling and Niu Wei daos from LK Chen, how would you compare them if the main goal of owning one was kung-fu forms (as opposed to cutting practice)? I'm considering buying one of these two and it's hard to decide...
That's a tough question, they are both exceptional swords. The Yan Ling Dao is not too long, but the square hilt takes some effort to get used to. The Niu Wei Dao has a much more comfortable hilt, but it is long compared to most common training swords. The added pull from the length will take some getting used to as well. So, now you just need to pick which obstacle you are willing to work through.
@@SifuKuttel I see, thanks for your insight. One more question, does the Yan Ling's point of balance being closer to the hilt make it somewhat harder to spin/slash with than the Niu Wei? Or do they both spin equally well, if differently?
I had a quick look at the website. The fittings look kind of basic compared to some of the stuff coming out of China now that are on WLE and seven star trading websites. Not sure of the quality of the blades though. Seems the big thing now with collectors is damascus this and damascus that. Not even sure if damascus steel was used in ancient China. Seems the new swords coming out and the high quality replicas especially of Ching and Qianlong swords blow the actual antiques out of the water in terms of detail and quality.
...but this sword was from the Qing dynasty, wouldn't that make it historically accurate?? Or are you suggesting that the Qing dynasty is not part of chinese history
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thumbs up for a well made review! Being mostly a Japanese sword practitioner and collector myself, I bought this sword because I wanted something different in my collection as well. I generally agree with your statements in the video. The grip feels a bit awkward indeed but it helps to avoid bad alignment of the handle in your hand, so it’s not necessary a bad thing. The weight and balance is very good indeed. I noticed from the video that the leather wrap on your scabbard is not so good, especially near the mouth. It’s better on my sword. LK Chen make nice swords but the finish can be a bit sloppy…
It's awesome to see other people in the west really taking note of Chinese swords. So many amazing fantastical yet really functional designs.
More of a jian guy myself but this particular dao is a great mix of all the qualities I would want in a one-handed single edged sword.
Will definitely grab this up sometime!
One of my favourite Chinese sword designs, but I definitely prefer the slightly curvier liuyedao (willow leaf), especially the later s-shaped designs from the 18th and 19th centuries.
if you like liuyedao take a look at wo yio dao by lkchan
@@lawkaion Thanks for the recommendation! I looked it up, and wow! It's really beautiful. I particularly like the shape of the pommel and how it flares out very subtly from the hilt.
This particular design is mainly used in the Ming dynasty during the 1400 - 1600. Our forefather used this type of sword to banish the mongols back to the northern steppe.
I love these sword reviews, as a collector myself. Keep them coming👍
Thank you so much, I’m starting to develop the collector’s eye and I often feel out of my league when it comes to the specs, but I at least have some experience to share and contribute to the conversation. Thanks again!!!
I love that square style , very elegant.
Bonjour Sifu 🙏🏼
Merci pour cette vidéo 🙏🏼
False edges are called false because the are not sharp. They are beveled to penetrate better on the thrust. Standard on many of my European and western swords, as well. Same with several bayonet types. False edge not sharpened. I do have a couple that are single-edged until the last few inches, where the blade goes to a spear point with both edges sharpened. Just about every way it can be done as far as edge geometry has been done. I know you've seen Matt Easton's videos. He's gone into this point (pun intended) multiple times.
interesting idea but not always true. my antique 1827 light infantry saber has service sharpened false edge, my Enfield no7 and no9 bayonet have factory sharpened false edge as well.
In the first case sabers out of factory are completely blunt, and it's sharpened base on the users demand, thus there are sabers with only sharpened front 1/3 and sabers sharpened all the way both way.
@@alexxu3004 It isn't an "interesting idea." It is a matter of design. As with many terms, it has wide applications and generally means the last bit of the point that is not the full cutting edge side, or depending on the grip, it may mean simply the side that is not the primary cutting edge on a double-edged blade. I also have an 1827 marked for the Rifle Volunteers and it is not service sharpened at all. Same with a few others from the 19th century. Some have no sharpening on the false edge. Some have a few inches of sharpening. I also have a couple each of No 5, No 7, and No 9 bayonets that are sharpened just as you say. So what. It's a design issue and an example of the broad use of the term. Not sure why you thought you just had to nitpick what I said and claim it was not always true, given that I did say that I have swords where the false edge is sharpened. I never said it was exclusively one way, but with actually reading what I wrote, one should be able to easily understand that there are exceptions to "false because they are not sharp." By your own words, you state that "sabers out of factory are completely blunt." Interesting claim, since the saber in this video came out of the factory completely sharp. Not sure what bayonets have to do with the matter, either. Prior to about 1820, most swords and sabers were sharpened. In the Napoleonic era a majority were sharpened and the French complained about the British 1796 light cavalry sword because of the wicked wounds it created. Again, it wasn't universal, but it was very common. Go back further in history to times when there was little or no armor and blades were universally sharpened. I recommend Matt Easton's channel Scholagladiatoria for some outstanding info on antique arms and armour. That is his speciality and his profession.
@@GradyGillis I apologize for not recognizing the second half of your statement as there are exceptions in your collection.
what im picking on is the generalized statement of "False edges are called false because the are not sharp", No, they can be sharp, and have been sharp in many application.
My statement on saber are blunt out of factory are referring to british military saber like yours and mine 1827p, which also apply to majority of european military sabers.
Point is, have the edge sharpen or not is up to you, and at least in Wilkinson's mind bayonet's false edge should be sharpened from factory(no7 and no9 blade are wilkinson designs), and if you communicate with LK you can have the false edge sharpened as well
@@alexxu3004 Whatever makes you happy, son. Can't argue with a closed mind that just HAS to be right.
@@GradyGillis My bad habit
Lovely review! Thanks!
Is the leather a bit loose on the side of where the dao goes in the scabbard?
It is a little bunched up, but nothing substantial.
I have a question, going to start training in Tia Chi sword form. What would be good sword from LK Chen swords to purchase?
Are you starting with saber training, or straight sword?
@@SifuKuttel straight sword and thanks for replaying back.
@@NandoWasabi my top recommendations would be: White Serpent Jian, Grand Marshal Jian, and Scarlet Sunrise Jian. There is a new jian that looks promising called the Long Quan but I haven’t worked with it yet. The rest are very good too, so you really can’t go wrong 👍👍👍
@@SifuKuttel thank you for responding back to me. I’m going to order one of them soon and I let know which one I got.
Thanks for the review.
Since you have both the Yan Ling and Niu Wei daos from LK Chen, how would you compare them if the main goal of owning one was kung-fu forms (as opposed to cutting practice)? I'm considering buying one of these two and it's hard to decide...
That's a tough question, they are both exceptional swords. The Yan Ling Dao is not too long, but the square hilt takes some effort to get used to. The Niu Wei Dao has a much more comfortable hilt, but it is long compared to most common training swords. The added pull from the length will take some getting used to as well. So, now you just need to pick which obstacle you are willing to work through.
@@SifuKuttel I see, thanks for your insight. One more question, does the Yan Ling's point of balance being closer to the hilt make it somewhat harder to spin/slash with than the Niu Wei? Or do they both spin equally well, if differently?
They both spin equally as well, and feel surprisingly more similar in motion.
Very nice!
It's a pretty saber.
i wonder how ergonomically is the square grip... i feel it will hurt after a while if youre not used to
It is different at first, but just like learning the weight of the sword, it takes a little time and practice till it feels just right.
Is it sharp?
It is! But if you prefer, you can also order a dulled version.
I had a quick look at the website. The fittings look kind of basic compared to some of the stuff coming out of China now that are on WLE and seven star trading websites. Not sure of the quality of the blades though. Seems the big thing now with collectors is damascus this and damascus that. Not even sure if damascus steel was used in ancient China. Seems the new swords coming out and the high quality replicas especially of Ching and Qianlong swords blow the actual antiques out of the water in terms of detail and quality.
historical correct chinese saber is with straight handle.. Curved handle only appear during the Qing Dynasty.
...but this sword was from the Qing dynasty, wouldn't that make it historically accurate?? Or are you suggesting that the Qing dynasty is not part of chinese history
@@charless3108 Its part of china history not ethnically chinese history.
There is an ancient proverb: he who dies with the most toys wins. I accept the challenge.
😂😂😂