Classic CHINESE CHAI DAO 柴刀 - a multi-purpose chopper

LK Chen recreates the classic Chinese Chai Dao 柴刀.  The *chaidao* (brush knife) is an ancient Chinese agricultural and rural multipurpose tool primarily used for cutting firewood, clearing branches, and hacking paths through overgrown terrain. The classic Chai Dao has a thick, straight blade designed for felling straight, slender trees;   *Chaidao*  are generally composed of a handle, a blade head, a securing component, and a grip; they are forged to be dense and durable, with a sharp cutting edge. Designed for use by forestry workers and those operating in wooded areas, the*chaidao* varies in shape by region. It is intended for one-handed use and is characterized by a thick, robust, and highly durable blade.  In the days before electricity and modern fuels, the Chai Dao was an indispensable utility knife to prepare wood for cooking and was therefore found in every household.  In modern days, the Chai Dao is an excellent gardening tool and an excellent overall outdoor utility/survival knife.

Total Length: 49 cm (19.29")

Blade Length: 31 cm (12.2")

Blade Width: 35 mm

Weight: 540 grams (1 lb 3 oz)

Blade Material: 65Mn Spring Steel

Ergonomic rosewood handle, brass secure cross pins 

Each comes with a holster.

A Chinese spring steel with properties comparable to 5160 – flexible, tough, and well-suited for functional cutting swords

• Carbon (C): 0.62% – 0.70% (nominal ~0.65%) 
• Manganese (Mn): 0.90% – 1.20% 
• Silicon (Si): 0.17% – 0.37% 
• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.030% (or up to ≤ 0.035% depending on standard specs) 
• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030% (or up to ≤ 0.035%)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤ 0.25% 
• Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.25% – 0.35% (trace/residual) 
• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.25% (trace/residual) 
• 0.62 – 0.70% carbon and a substantial manganese content of 0.90 – 1.20%. 

65 Mn is a Chinese standard (GB/T 1222) high-carbon spring steel with approximately 

0.62 – 0.70% carbon and a substantial manganese content of 0.90 – 1.30%. 

This elevated manganese gives 65 Mn its deep hardenability and creates a steel with impressive flexibility and resilience when properly tempered – characteristics which make it well-suited for sword blades that need to endure the stresses of regular cutting use.

In practice, 65 Mn performs comparably to the well-regarded 5160 spring steel. It offers a solid balance of toughness, edge retention, and flexibility that makes it a dependable choice for functional swords.