Shark Head Dao - Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)

The LK Chen Shark Head Dao is a meticulous recreation of an antique Ming Dynasty saber in LK Chen' s private collection.  This sword captures the engineering and decorative details that only  in-depth study of an original can reveal.

Shark Head Dao, is a collector's term referring to Ming Dynasty straight saber with a sturdy tip which reassembles the head of a shark.  Shark Head Dao was designed to break through the protective ring of a Chain Mail Armor, popular at the time for its light weight and excellent protection to drawing cuts of a curved cavalry saber.  The straight blade channels the thrusting power and the piercing tip was designed to burst open iron rings causing serious wounds.  With its wedge shape cross section, the shark head dao is also an effective chopper.  

Please note the official production edition will have black wrapping code in the handle, offer an even more stunning color combination with the red scabbard.

Specifications  

Sword only weight:  approx. 660 g   (1 lb. 7.28 oz) 

Blade length approx.          71 cm  (27.95") 

Handle length approx.        15.5 cm   (6.10") 

Total length  approx.           88 cm  (34.65") 

POB from hilt approx.:        11.5 cm       (4.5")  

Blade thickness   

at base:                   6.6 mm   

near tip:                   3.5mm   

Blade width  

at base:                   35.0 mm   

near tip:                  30.5 mm    

Triangular wedge  cross section,.

Steel 

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           

Tungsten         <= 0.30

Vanadium       <= 0.02        

Chromium       <=0.25           

Nickel               <=0.20 

Copper            <=0.25

Molybdenum  <= 0.20

Phosphorus     <=0.035         

Sulfur               <=0.030

Superior heat treatment:  Hardness 54-55 HRC. 

Through spring tempering with oil quenching.
Pommel secured by traditional peening. 

Scabbard

High quality Lapacho (Tabebuia serratifolia) scabbard painted in crimson red.

"Fang Shi (Square style)" Iron Fittings

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

instead of brass, a softer metal. **

Hand guard, handle ferrule and pommel - cast steel

Scabbard fittings  - cast steel

Flat brown cord wrapped handle. 

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.