Han Dao, appeared around 100 BC, was the grandfather of all Chinese Dao and its classic design became a standard for the next 800 years.
Han Dao was created to address the existential threat from Northern tribesman who were expert horseman. Leveraging the industrial might and advanced metallurgy technology at the time, Han Dao with its thick spine and razor sharp blade was a superior weapon on the battle field.
Han Dao was used by both the infantry and the calvary in the tens of thousands. One Han Dynasty arsenal recorded 156,135 Dao in storage.
Royal Arsenal is a 1:1 high fidelity recreation of an 2000 year old Infantry Han Dao. The weight, dimension, POB, handling is precisely the same as the original. You will experience the exact agile handling of a Han Dao newly forged 2000 years ago. Many people commented that once they have the Dao in their hands it is difficult to put it down.
Royal Arsenal has a compaq, gem like quality and as the origin of all Chinese Dao, this is a historically significant and formidable piece to add to your sword collection.
Royal Arsenal features the classical round pommel ring and subtle inward curve in the blade, with an small outward lift at the tip. An unique signature shape of Infantry Han Dao.
There is a shallow groove that runs along the whole length of the blade. In addition to making the Dao even lighter and swifter. The shallow groove creates beautiful reflection of light at different viewing angle.
Royal Arsenal has thick full tang with solid wood handle, beautifully wrapped in silk cord.
Blade
Sword only weight: approx. 530 g (1 lb. 2.7 oz)
Blade Length: 61 cm (24")
Handle Length: 11.5 cm (4.5")
Ring Length: 3.8 cm (1.5")
Total Length: 76 cm (30")
Gradual tapering
Width at hand guard: 25 mm, Width at tip: 20 mm
Thickness: 7.2 mm - 4 mm at the tip
Point of balance: 14 cm (5.5") beyond hand guard
Blade cross section profile: triangular with slight ground
Blade length wide profile: subtle inner curve at the middle of the blade and subtle upward tip.
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 075-084.
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
Solid high quality brass fittings. Scabbard tip fittings is 1:1 replica of ancient design.
Scabbard
High quality painted Chinese Huali (Dalbergia odorifera) scabbard.
The scabbard is precision cut with chisel edges. The cross section profile is trapezoid to tightly fit the triangular cross section of the blade.
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.
Sword Dynamics is first conceived by Peter Johnsson to objectively record the dynamics properties of medieval swords he encountered.
To learn how to interpret the Sword Dynamics Graph, click here!
Sword Dynamics was implemented by applied mathematician Dr. Vincent Le Chevalier as a free Weapons Dynamics Computer.
To learn how to measure basic data for the Weapons Dynamics Computer click here!
Grandfather of Chinese Dao
Eric Husayn performs incredible Floating paper Cut and Thrust with his
Royal Arsenal Han Dao
Research reports on the Royal Arsenal (black) comparing with other contemporary Han Dao (white) help date Royal Arsenal to 100 BC to 100 AD
Cross Section measurements of the Royal Arsenal from different part of the blade. On the left, closer to the hilt. On the right, near the tip of the blade.
481g the weight of the original Han Dao
480g - Royal Arsenal Han Dao recreate the same weight, shape and balance of the original Han Dao.
3.5 cm - precision measurement of the height of the original Ring
Soldering the Ring to the Tang
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