NIU WEI SHUAng DAO 牛尾雙刀 1800 - 1920 AD

Niu Wei Shuang Dao (Double Oxtail Saber) 牛尾雙刀

Niu Wei Dao 牛尾刀 or "oxtail saber"  originated in civilian circles sometime in the 19th century. 

One variation is the double oxtail saber Niu Wei Shuang Dao 牛尾雙刀, where the handle and hand guard is split in half so both swords can be stacked and inserted into a single scabbard for the convenience of carrying.

Niu Wei Dao 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 Shaun Dao is versatile, impressive looking and gain popularity among  martial artists. 

This Niu Wei Shuang Dao set is an exacting replica of a well preserved late Qing Dynasty specimen.

Specifications 

Single Sword only weight:  Approx 1045g (2lb 4.86 oz)

Blade length approx.         81 cm  (31.8")

Handle including fitting     17.8.0  cm  (7.0")

Total Length                       100.5 cm (39")

Point of Balance                 11 cm (4.33")

from hand guard

Blade Width  approx.

at hand guard:                     35.8 mm

40.0 cm from handle:           46.0 mm  

16.5 cm from tip:                   57.0 mm  

Blade thickness  approx.

at hand guard:                      6.0 mm  

10 cm  from hand guard:     4.0 mm

40 cm from hand guard:      2.3 mm  

Flare region around tip:        2.0 mm  

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 peens.

Fittings

Hand guard, - cast stainless steel 

Handle ferrule and pommel - brass

Scabbard fittings  - brass

Scabbard

Microfiber faux black leather wrap 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.