The original Double Dragons Sui Dao in the New York Metropol

Clarence Mackay Double Dragons Sui Dao was inspired by a rare Sui Dynasty (581 - 618) Dao in the Arms and Armor collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Discovered in 1930 in a royal burial ground outside the Sui Dynasty eastern capital city of Luoyang. Clarence Mackay Double Dragons Sui Dao is a rare example of Sui Dynasty weapon and considered by many a National Treasure.   This Sui Dao was brought to New York by Japanese antique dealer Yamanaka Sadajirō and purchased by Irish American Telecommunication Pioneer Clarence H. Mackay (1874-1938) as a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.  It has been in the Arms and Armor collection for the last 90 years.

Clarence Mackay Double Dragons Sui Dao preserved the classic tradition of the Han Dao with a Ring Pommel.   The exquisite ring pommel feature a "Double Dragons Chasing a flaming Pearl" motif, that was reserved for the Royal court and officials of senior standing.  The blade is straight, sturdy and designed for piercing heavy armor popular at the time rather than cutting soft targets.

The double hung scabbard fitting is based on the design of Iranian Sabers, showing the foreign design influence  coming through the Silk Road.  The double hang rings enable to Dao to hang horizontally from the body, making this Dao suited for horse riding, demonstrating the ascendance of heavy calvary at the time.

The original Double Dragon have a 14.5 cm handle, our recreation slightly increase the handle length by 1.5 cm (0.59"),  with the Ring pin 11 cm (4.3") from hand guard. This subtle adjustment provides a more comfortable grip while preserving the handling characteristics of the original sword.

Blade

Blade only weight:  700 g (1 lb 8.69 oz)

Sword only weight:  approx. 958 g (2 lb 1.8 oz)

Blade Length: 80 cm (31.5")

Handle Length: 16 cm (6.3")  

Location of ring pin from guard: 11 cm (4.33")

Ring Length: 5.8 cm (2.28")

Total Length: 101.8 cm (40.07") 

POB off hand guard: 12 cm (4.7")

Gradual tapering

Width at hand guard: 25 mm,  Width at tip: 19 mm   

Thickness: 7.0 mm - 3 mm at the tip

Blade cross section profile: straight with chisel edge

Blade length wide profile:  straight blade with round tip.  

Folded pattern steel: 

1065 carbon steel + T9 tungsten-vanadium high-speed tool steel

1065 carbon steel

Element % 

Carbon            0.55-0.660    

Manganese     0.60-0.90           

Phosphorus     <=0.040         

Sulfur               <=0.050 

T9 tungsten-vanadium high-speed tool steel.

Element %                      

Carbon            0.85-0.94

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

Superior heat treatment:  

Hardness 54-55 HRC. 

Blade rebounds to true after bending,  

Cut bamboo with ease.

Hand polish to smooth soft shine and sword sharp edge.

Fittings

Industrial precision casting brass double dragon pommel, cloud head shape hand guard. 

Solid brass for the rest of the fitting to give a subtle two tone effect.  

Scabbard

High quality African Blackwood handle (Dalbergia melanoxylon).  Furniture grade Rosewood scabbard. Create an understated but stunning contrasting effect.   We also offer an upgrade version with African Blackwood scabbard as well.

Fit and finish

We perfected the fit and finish of our swords and the assembly is meticulously performed by our senior craft masters.  Sui Dao has 18 pieces of fittings and the assembly is complex. It takes two working days for a craftsman to assemble this Dao.