Ming Jian sword, Ming Dynasty - White Serpent, LK Chen Forge

Ming Jian sword, Ming Dynasty - White Serpent, LK Chen Forge

LK Chen Forge:

LK Chen Forge is specialized in reproducing ancient Chinese weapons with the respect of size, weight, balance and authentic handling.
All LK Chen weapons are designed for cutting work.
The adjustment, 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 accurately assemble a sword of this type.
Each of their products is handcrafted with mastery, experience and passion.

Ming Jian Sword:

This sword is a 1:1 scale replica of one of the most exquisite Ming Jian in the private collection.

During the Ming Dynasty, nobles and high-ranking ministers preferred Jians as handguns, self-defense weapons and status symbols.

It features a beautiful double-edged blade characteristic of the Jian, designed to cut and push. The two edges are almost parallel to each other, with a subtle taper, and end in an almond-shaped point.
The thin and light blade gives it great flexibility.

The handle has the classic "LingZhi" mushroom shape symbolizing longevity, executed in a delicate open metal work that gives an impression of lightness and transparency.
Richly adorned with brass ornaments and a scabbard covered with an ivory Damask (silk fabric) imitation, the White Serpent has a characteristic Ming era design.

The scabbard is framed from top to bottom and side to side with brass snake decorations.
These classical motifs are precisely cast to recreate the intricacies of Lòukōng, composed of the words lòu (to carve) and kōng (hollow).
It is used to describe a pierced, openwork design.

The White Serpent represents a high point in Ming Jian design, and the original is one of the finest Ming Jians preserved so far.
This sword comes to you with its storage case and a Damask cover with cord closure, so you can preserve it for years.

Features :

Blade:

    Blade length: 75 cm
    Blade thickness: 0.5 cm and 0.2 cm at the tip
    Blade width: 3.3 cm and 2.5 cm at the tip
    Diamond blade 4 surfaces

Composition of the blade :

1060 carbon steel + T9 tungsten-vanadium high speed tool steel

• Carbon: 0.55-0.660   
• Manganese: 0.60-0.90          
• Phosphorus: <=0.040        
• Sulfur: <=0.050

T9 tungsten-vanadium high speed tool steel.          

• Carbon: 0.75-0.84
• Silicon: <=0.35          
• Manganese: <=0.40          
• Phosphorus: <=0.035        
• Sulfur: <=0.030
• Tungsten: <= 0.30
• Vanadium: <= 0.02       
• Chromium: <=0.25          
• Nickel: <=0.20
• Copper: <=0.25
• Molybdenum: <= 0.2

Sheath:

• Scabbard covered with an imitation Damascus fabric, ivory color
• Length of the scabbard : 76 cm
• Weight with scabbard : 1.790 kg
• Weight without scabbard : 0.830 kg

Handle and guard :

• Gilded brass guard in the shape of a "LingZhi" mushroom, executed in delicate open metal work
• Guard size: 4.5 cm (height), 8 cm (length) and 3 cm (width)
• Balance point, from the guard (+/- ½ cm): about 10 cm
• Dark wood and brass handle
• Size of the handle: 14 cm
• Handle diameter: 3.5 cm
• The pommel has the classic Ming shape of a cumulus cloud, symbolizing fortune and wealth

Total length:

• Total length without scabbard: 97.5 cm
• Total length with scabbard: 98.5 cm

Heat treatment :

• Hardness: 54-55 HRC
• Hand polished for a soft shine and a sharp edge

To know how to choose your sword and to understand the differences of blade, click HERE and go to the bottom of the page.

This product is handmade by professional craftsmen from LK Chen Forge.
The characteristics mentioned above are given as an indication and are not contractual.
Technical information is subject to change and may vary depending on availability.