Chang Dao sword, Imperial Guard Ming Dynasty- Forge LK Chen

Chang Dao sword, Imperial Guard Ming Dynasty- Forge LK Chen

This sword is inspired by that of the Chang Dao Imperial Guard. It's a fearsome two-handed sword, formerly used by imperial guards with imposing workmanship. LK Chen's version is based on a rare ancient Chang Dao, characterized by a blade-to-handle ratio offering powerful leverage for robust techniques.

With its optimal blade-to-handle ratio, the Imperial Guard Chang Dao is well-balanced and lively in the hand.

The Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644, was the last Chinese dynasty ruled by the Han. It succeeded the Mongol Yuan dynasty and ended with the capture of Beijing in 1644 during the rebellion led by Li Zicheng. Although regimes loyal to the Ming (known as the Southern Ming) persisted until 1662, they were eventually subdued by the Qing.

During this dynasty, a flourishing trade between China and Japan involved the indentured import of swords. Alongside conflicts along the coastal provinces against the Wokou (Japanese invasions), Japanese swords exerted a marked influence on Chinese military weaponry. The Chang Dao, also known as the Dan Dao, represented the Chinese adaptation of Japanese long swords.

A prestigious sword (明御林軍長刀)

During the Ming dynasty, there was extensive trade between China and Japan with the contracted import of swords. Alongside warfare along the coastal provinces against the Wokou (Japanese invaders), Japanese swords had a major influence on Chinese military weaponry at the time. The Chang Dao (Long Saber) also known as the Dan Dao (Simple/Sole Saber) was the Chinese adaptation of the Japanese Long Sabers.

LK Chen, an exceptional forge

LK Chen products are handcrafted by artisans at the forge's 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 totally unique profile echoing the technology and combat requirements of their historical period.

The uniqueness of each weapon is not considered a flaw, but a richness symbolizing a product made by the hand of dedicated craftsmen.

Product technical specifications:

• Blade length: approx. 107.5 cm (or 42.32")
• Handle length: approx. 55 cm (or 21.65")
• Total length: approx. 162.5 cm (64.02")
• Blade thickness: 8.3 mm (at base) // 3.5 mm (near tip)
• Blade width: 40 mm (at base) // 26 mm (near tip)
• Balance point (from handle): approx. 11 cm (or 4.3")
• Sword weight: approx. 2 kg (or 4 lb 6.55 oz)

Other features:

• Metal open handguard, "Iron Dragon" motif
• Sheath made from furniture-grade Jichimu (Ormosia type) and blackened brass fittings.
• Handle covered with red cotton cord
• Pommel secured by hammering
• Iron grip rim and pommel
• Sheath fittings - Blackened brass
• Recreation 1:1 of a Ming dynasty specimen.
• Good to know: During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Dao military used iron as a hand protection material, instead of brass, a softer metal.

Composition:

Steel option 1

Folded pattern steel:

1060 carbon steel + T8 tungsten-vanadium high-speed tool steel

1060 carbon steel

Element %

Carbon 0.55-0.660

Manganèse 0,60-0,90

Phosphore <=0,040

Soufre <=0,050

Acier à outils rapide au tungstène-vanadium T8

Element %

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 <=0.20

Steel option 2

High-carbon manganese spring steel GB 60Si2MnA

(Comparable to AISI/SAE 5160 spring steel)

Element % 60Si2MnA AISI/SAE 5160

Carbon 0.56-0.64 0.56-0.61

Silicon 1.60-2.00 0.15-0.35

Manganese 0.60-0.90 0.75-1.00

Phosphorus <=0.030 <=0.035

Sulfur <=0.030 <=0.040

Chromium <=0.35 0.70-0.90

Nickel <=0.35 <=0.25

Superior heat treatment: Hardness 54-55 HRC.