Recreation of an impressive Qing Dynasty Niu Wei Dao

Niu Wei Dao 牛尾刀 or "oxtail saber"  originated in civilian circles sometime in the 19th century.   They are characterized by having relatively thin blades that flare out near the tip, where they have a rounder cutting section than other Chinese saber types. The blade has a beautiful sweeping upward curve with a handle that curve downwards. This design is optimized for cutting soft targets, reflected the disappearance of armor on Chinese battlefield when firearms became more widespread.  Niu Wei Dao is versatile, impressive looking and gain widespread use among local militia, security police, body guards and martial artists.  This late Qing Dynasty design have made it known as the archetypical Chinese saber. 

This Niu Wei Dao is an exacting replica of a well preserved Qing Dynasty Niu Wei Dao.

Specifications 

Sword only weight:  approx. 975 g (2 lb. 2.39 oz)

Blade length approx.         76.4 cm  (30")

Handle including fitting     18.0  cm  (7.0")

Handle wood grip part      12    cm  (4.7)

Point of Balance approx.   11.5 cm (4.5") from hand guard

Blade Width  approx.

at hand guard:                     36.0 mm

19.1 cm  from hand guard:   37.8 mm

34.5 from handle:                 42.0 mm  

18.5 cm from tip:                   53.0 mm  

Blade thickness  approx.

at hand guard:                     5.00 mm  

19.1 cm  from hand guard:   4.00 mm

34.5 cm from hand guard:   1.80 mm  

18.5 cm from tip:                   1.40 mm  

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    

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

Steel option 2
GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel 

(Compare 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. 

Through spring tempering with oil quenching. 

Blade rebounds to true after bending,  

Pommel secured by peening.

Fittings

** In Ming and Qing  Dynasty, combat Dao use Iron as the hand guard material

instead of brass, a softer metal. **

Hand guard, handle ferrule and pommel - Thick cast iron, fire blackened and coated with clear lacquer to maximized protection against oxidation.

Scabbard fittings  - Blackened brass

Flat black cord wrapped handle. 

Scabbard

High quality white wood  scabbard.   

Fit and finish

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