Song Zhan Ma Dao in museum and private collection

Zhan Ma Dao (Horse Cutting Sword) is a powerful double hand cutting weapon designed for elite infantry units against enemies cavalry. Zhan Ma Dao had a long history since the Han Dynasty and seen major action during the Song Dynasty when the Song military compose of mainly infantry unites due to lack of horses, need an advanced weapon against enemies cavalry.  

Zhan Ma Dao was sponsor by the Emperor Zhenzong trying to renovate his military and was forged in the hundreds of thousands by special imperial workshop set up just for forging Zhan Ma Dao.

During the Southern Song Dynasty, the famous Marshal Yue Fei trained his force to use Zhan Ma Dao and devastated the Jurchen heavy cavalry.

LK Chen Zhan Ma Dao is designed based on Song Dynasty relics and wrap the handle with hemp cords as described in recording historical text about Marshal Yue Fei special Zhan Ma Dao unit.

Specifications

Sword only weight:  approx. 2490 g (5 lb. 7.8 oz)

Blade Length:   84 cm (33")

Handle Length: 50 cm (19.69")

Ring : 5.1 cm x 6.4 cm  (2.0" x  2.51")

Total Length: 139.1 cm (54.76")

Gradual subtle widening

Width at hand guard: 4.93 cm  (1.94") 

Width at mid-point:    5.22 cm  (2.05")

Width at tip:                5.34 cm  (2.10") 

Gradual Tapering

Thickness at hand guard approx.: 9.8 mm 

Thickness at mid-point approx.:    7.4 mm

Thickness near the tip approx. :    4.5 mm   

POB from hand guard: 10 cm (4")

Blade cross section profile: triangular wedge shape

Blade length wide profile:  wide straight blade,

Steel

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 56-58 HRC. 

Cut bamboo with ease.

Hand polish to smooth soft shine and sword sharp edge.

Full Tang handle wrapped with Hemp ribbon according to  historical Song Hemp Wrap Zhan Ma Dao

Vegan Leather Scabbard