Chu Sword, Magnificent - Damascus Steel, LK Chen Forge

Magnificent Chu Jian

LK Chen Forge:

This sword was forged by LK Chen, a forge that specializes in the recreation of ancient Chinese weapons featuring authentic dimensions, weight, balance and handling.

LK Chen weapons are all designed for cutting purpose. You can train cutting with rice straw mats or bamboo targets.

History of the Chu sword:

This sword was designed after specimens of Chu Jian swords over 2,000 years old, discovered between 1950 and 1980 in tombs of the ancient Chu Kingdom dating from 315 to 221 BC.
The Chu Kingdom was famous throughout China for its steel swords. The fame of Chu Jian has been mentioned in many historical documents. Chu Jian represents an advancement in iron foundry technology and is an example of the early transition from bronze to steel weapons.  

The Magnificent Chu sword:

This Chu Jian is a single hand sword. Despite its light weight, the blade is very strong.
The blade is made of Damascus steel (laminated steel) in 1060 Carbon steel (Medium / High carbon steel) reinforced with tungsten-cobalt-vanadium T8 (anti-rust property). The medium carbon steel is a good compromise between the rigidity and flexibility of the blade. The blade does not break easily but still has sufficient hardness for cutting.
On the blade is a wide, double groove that represents the transition from bronze weapons to early steel weapons.
The fitting, finishing and final assembly of the sword is meticulously done by the experienced master craftsmen of LK Chen Forge. It takes a professional craftsman a full day to assemble a sword of this type with precision.

Blade Characteristic:

• Damascus steel blade (laminated steel)
• Composition: 1060 Carbon steel (Medium / High carbon steel) reinforced with tungsten-vanadium T8 (anti-rust property)
  Click here to access the complete Composition list

• Blade length: 80 cm (31.4")
• Tang length: 15 cm (5.9")
• Total length of the sword: 95 cm (37.4")
• Weight of the blade : 560 g (1 lb. 3.75 oz)
• Weight of the sword : approximately 760 g (1 lb. 10.8 oz)
• Sharpened blade with taper:
  
  • Width at the guard: 35 mm / Thickness: 7 mm
  • Width at tip: 20 mm / Thickness: 2.5 mm
• Balance point: approximately 17.78 cm (7") from the guard
• Shallow groove with 8 surfaces

Scabbard:

• Old Chu style scabbard with thin, thin edge
• Classic Chu phoenix design in red, accented with yellow on black background

Heat treatment:

• Hardness: 54-55 HRC
• Hand polished to a mirror-like shine and sharp sword edge

Ornaments :

• Industrial grade precision brass fittings
• Hand guard has a classic TaoTie Zoomorphic pattern
• The pommel features beautiful concentric circular grooves:  a signature of high status exclusive for royalty & nobility