MAGNIFICENT CHU JIAN (315-221 BC)

Magnificent Chu Jian is a single hand Chu Jian modeled after the design of 2,000+ year old Chu Jian specimens excavated during the 1950-1980 from tombs dating back to 315 - 221 BC, in regions within the ancient Kingdom of Chu.   Kingdom of Chu was famous throughout the land for their steel swords and Chu Jian's fame was mentioned in multiple  historical records.  Contemporary with the mature bronze swords, Chu Jian represents an advancement in iron foundry technology and is an example of early transition from bronze to steel weapons.  

In the hand guard are two inscriptions in ancient bird-worm seal script of the word for gentleman warrior 士 "Shi".

The blade have double wide groove fashioned after bronze swords showing the transitional design from bronze weapon to the first steel weapon. 

Sturdy and substantial hand feel in-spite of its light weight.  

The hilt has an oval cross section profile for accurate edge alignment.

Blade

Sword only weight:  approx. 714 g (1 lb. 10 oz)

Blade length: 80 cm (31.4"),  

Handle length: 15 cm (5.9"),  

Total length: 95 cm (37.4"),  

Gradual tapering

Width at hand guard: 35 mm,  Width at tip: 20 mm   

Thickness: 7 mm - 2.5 mm at the tip

POB:  approx.  17 cm (6.69") from hand guard

Blade Profile: 8 surfaces shallow groove

Folded pattern steel: 

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

1060 carbon steel

Element % 

Carbon            0.55-0.660    

Manganese     0.60-0.90           

Phosphorus     <=0.040         

Sulfur               <=0.050

T8 tungsten-vanadium high-speed tool steel.

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

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 grade precision case brass fittings. 

The hand guard have classic Taotie Zoomorphic pattern. 

The pommel have beautiful concentric circular grooves, a signature of high status exclusive for king and nobility.

Scabbard

Ancient Chu Style thin edge and slim scabbard.   

The beautiful scabbard pattern is classic Chu phoenix motif in red, accented with yellow on black background.

Fit and finish

We perfected the fit and finish of our swords and the final assembly is meticulously performed by our senior craft masters.  It takes a skill craftsman one whole working day to assemble our sword to a precision fit.

駟玉虬以乘鷖兮，溘埃風余上征。

Swift jade-green dragons, birds with plumage gold,
I harnessed to the whirlwind, and behold,

朝發軔於蒼梧兮，夕余至乎縣圃；
At daybreak from the land of plane-trees grey,
I came to paradise ere close of day.

欲少留此靈瑣兮，日忽忽其將暮。
I wished within the sacred brove to rest,
But now the sun was sinking in the west;

吾令羲和弭節兮，望崦嵫而勿迫。
The driver of the sun I bade to stay,
Ere with the setting rays we haste away.

路曼曼其脩遠兮，吾將上下而求索。
The way was long, and wrapped in gloom did seem,
As I urged on to seek my vanished dream.

飲余馬於咸池兮，總余轡乎扶桑。

The dragons quenched their thirst beside the lake
Where bathed the sun, whilst I upon the brake

折若木以拂日兮，聊逍遙以相羊。
Fastened my reins; a golden bough I sought
To brush the sun, and tarred there in sport.

前望舒使先驅兮，後飛廉使奔屬。
The pale moon's charioteer I then bade lead,
The master of the winds swiftly succeed;

鸞皇為余先戒兮，雷師告余以未具。
Before, the royal blue bird cleared the way;
The lord of thunder urged me to delay.

吾令鳳鳥飛騰兮，繼之以日夜。
I bade the phoenix scan the heaven wide;
But vainly day and night its course it tried;

飄風屯其相離兮，帥雲霓而來御。
The gathering whirlwinds drove it from my sight,
Rushing with lowering clouds to check my flight;

紛緫緫其離合兮，斑陸離其上下。
Sifting and merging in the firmament,
Above, below, in various hues they went.