royal arsenal INFANTRY HAN DAO (141 BC–220 AD)

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: 

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

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.