SILVER SWALLOW MIAO DAO (REPUBLIC ERA 1919-1949)

A sweeping slender curve blade with clean elegant scabbard and fitting design, "Silver Swallow" is a tribute to a long tradition of double hand long sabers starting from Ming Dynasty Da Dao, through various military long sabers of Qing Green standard Army to the 20th century martial arts Miao Dao.

The dimension of the Sliver Swallow is closer to the early Ming Dynasty Da Dao and the Qing Dynasty Green Standard armies long sabers.   The thick spine cross section and smooth long handle follows the tradition of 20th century Miao Dao.

Silver Swallow will suit military style drills as documented in Ming Dynasty long saber manuals and at the same time equally fit for 20th century Miao Dao routines. The blade of Silver Swallow has the weight and presence for cutting practice. 

Blade

Blade only weight:  approx. 1150 g (2 lb. 8.56 oz)

Sword only weight:  approx. 1468 g (3 lb. 3.8 oz)

Blade length: 110 cm (43.3")  

Handle length: 42 cm (16.5")  

Total length: 152 cm  (59.8")

Gradual tapering

Width at hand guard: 35 mm,  

Width at tip: 25 mm   

Thickness: 

9.0 mm at the guard

6.25 mm at 55 cm (21") from guard (middle)

3..0 mm at 3.5 cm (1") from the tip

POB: 13.3 cm (5.25")  from hand guard

Profile: pipe back round ridge with shallow hollow ground blade

GB 65Mn Manganese spring steel 

(Similar to AISI/SAE 5160 spring steel)

Element %       GB 65Mn    AISI/SAE 5160   

Carbon            0.62-0.70      0.56-0.61

Silicon              0.17-0.37       0.15-0.35

Manganese     0.90-1.20      0.75-1.00

Phosphorus     <=0.030        <=0.035

Sulfur               <=0.030        <=0.040

Chromium       <=0.25          0.70-0.90

Nickel               <=0.35          <=0.25

Copper             <=0.25         <=0.25

Superior heat treatment:  

Hardness 54-55 HRC. 

Blade rebounds to true after bending,  

Hand polish to smooth soft shine and sword sharp edge. 

Most sharp at the front part of the blade

Less sharp by the hand guard for more effective blocking

Fittings

Industrial grade precision cast stainless steel fittings. 

Scabbard

Furniture grade Jichimu  (Ormosia genus)

Fit and finish

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