Saber Song Zhan Ma Dao, Forge LK Chen

Saber Song Zhan Ma Dao, Forge LK Chen

The Zhan Ma Dao, also known as the "horseback hawk", represents a particularly powerful double-handed edged weapon, originally designed for elite infantry units in clashes against enemy cavalry.

Its history dates back to the Han Dynasty and reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. At that time, the Song army, mainly composed of infantry due to lack of horses, needed a sophisticated weapon to effectively deal with enemy cavalry attacks. Emperor Song Zhenzong created this solution to meet this need, becoming an iconic weapon associated with the Chinese infantry fight against opposing mounted forces throughout history.

This saber is made based on the artifacts of the Song Dynasty, and it has the particularity of surrounding the hilt with hemp ropes, in accordance with the description found in historical records describing the special unit of Marshal Zhan Ma Dao Yue Fei.

LK Chen, an exceptional forge

LK Chen products are handcrafted by the artisans of the forge workshop, located in Longquan, China.

The workshop strives to recreate the geometry of the period blade: inspired by ancient weapons. This therefore offers each sword a completely unique profile echoing the technology and combat requirements of their historical period.

The uniqueness of each weapon is not considered a defect, but as a rich symbol of a product made by the hands of dedicated craftsmen.

The general characteristics of the weapon:

• Blade length: 84 cm (33")
• Handle length: 50 cm (19.69")
• Total length: 139 cm (or 54.76")

• Ring: 5.1 cm x 6.4 cm (2.0" x 2.51")

• Sword weight: approx. 2490 g (or 5 lb. 7.8 oz)
• Balance point of the guard: 10 cm (or 4")
• Delivered with a Vegan Leather sheath

Technical characteristics:

• Subtle gradual widening
  • Width at hand guard: 4.93 cm (1.94")
  • Width at midpoint: 5.22 cm (2.05")
  • Width at tip: 5.34 cm (2.10")

• Gradual Taper (Blade cross section profile: triangular shape)
  • Hand Guard Thickness Approx: 9.8mm
  • Thickness at midpoint approx.: 7.4 mm
  • Thickness near tip approx: 4.5mm

• Wide profile blade length: wide straight blade
• Hardness 56-58 HRC (Superior heat treatment)
• Hand polishing to smooth soft shine and sword sharpness
• Full Tang handle wrapped with hemp ribbon according to the historical Song Hemp Wrap Zhan Ma Dao

Steel: Comparison table GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel & AISI/SAE 5160 Spring Steel

Maintain your blade

Maintaining a sword blade, like that of LK Chen's Tang Zhan Ma Dao, is essential to ensure its durability and performance. Here are some tips to best maintain this blade:

- Regular cleaning: After each use, we recommend gently cleaning the blade with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, oil residue and any other dirt.
- Protect the blade with a thin layer of specialized oil: prevents corrosion.
- Avoid touching the blade directly with your fingers, this may cause corrosion.
- Store and keep your weapon in a dry and temperate place. Avoid humid environments to prevent rust formation.
- Avoid shocks, handle the blade correctly.
- Sharpen the blade regularly if you cut.