Dao sword, Tang Heng - Grade Elite, Forge LK Chen

Dao sword, Tang Heng - Grade Elite, Forge LK Chen 

LK Chen Forge:

This sword was forged by LK Chen, a forge specializing in the reproduction of ancient Chinese weapons with respect for dimensions, weight, balance and authentic handling.

All LK Chen weapons are designed for cutting work.

The Tang Heng Dao 唐橫刀 sword:

The Tang Heng Dao is a straight, one-handed dao with a scabbard featuring a two-point suspension system influenced by Sassanid swords.
The two-point suspension system allows the dao to be carried in a more or less horizontal position (Heng 橫).

The Tang Heng Dao was used for both mounted and dismounted combat.
As this sword was compact and light, it was the standard regulation sidearm for conscripts, elite troops, commanders and imperial guards.

Heng dao was expensive to manufacture, and each piece was worth around a month's salary for a junior official.
As a costly military resource, it was forbidden to use Heng dao as a funerary item.
This is why very few specimens have been found today. Fortunately, Heng Dao was sought out by Japanese delegates and sent back to Japan as treasures for the royal court. These rare samples of Heng Dao are now preserved in Nara.

Blade characteristics :

• MARU T10 steel blade
• Blade composition: Maru steel (very high carbon content) reinforced with tungsten-vanadium T10 (anti-rust property).

  T10 steel blades contain 1.05% carbon. Thanks to the very hard steel that makes up the blade, superior in cut and flexibility to 1065 steel, it can be used for intensive use during your training and does not dull compared to medium carbon 1045 steel. However, it is not recommended for blade on blade training. Do not forget to take care of your katana by oiling the blade to avoid rust.

• Blade length: 70.5 cm (27.75")
• Total sword length: 93 cm (36.6")
• Handle length: 21.5 cm (8.46")
• Weight of blade alone: approx. 860 g (1 lb. 15 oz)
• Weight of sword alone :
• Blade profile: wedge-shaped triangular, straight blade, point at top edge
• Sharpened blade with taper:
• • Width at hilt: 3 cm (1.1") / Thickness: 7.41 mm
  • Width at tip: 2.14 cm (0.84") / Thickness: 4 mm
• Balance point: approx. 11 cm (4.33") from hilt

Composition :

• Carbon : 0.95-1.04
• 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 : <= 0.20

Scabbard :

• Wood and blackened iron scabbard (Handroanthus serratifolius)

Heat treatment:

• Traditional differential heat treatment in clay produces a beautiful straight Hamon and a hard edge around HRC 56 with a resilient backbone with HRC around 40-45
• Differential heat treatment in a clay furnace.
• Hand-polished for a hard, sharp cutting edge.
• Cut bamboo with ease. Drill through wooden planks.

Ornaments:

• Blackened iron fittings with beautiful decorations such as a small flower on the tip of the handle and a "Sageo" with finely worked rings.
• 1:1 replica of a Tang dynasty "garniture".
• Perfect fit, finish and assembling meticulously carried out by their experienced master craftsmen.

It takes a craftsman a day's work to assemble these swords.
Give this handcrafted marvel the attention it deserves, and enjoy your new jewel!