Tornado cutting JIAN - early to mid 20th century

Tornado is a lighting fast compact cutting jian with a smooth and wide cross section, designed for effortless cutting against light targets.  The weight and balance of the Tornado enable swift returns and change of direction after cuts to the target.

The unique U-shaped hand guard dated back several hundred years and there are samples of swords and sabers of similar U-shape hand guard in late Ming.

The Tornado feature a smooth boxwood handle and light beech scabbard, a nice counterpoint to the elaborate U-shaped dragon hand guard.

Dimensions

Blade length: 71.5 cm (28")

Hilt without hand guard length: 16.3 cm (6.42")

Total length: 90 cm (35.4")

Width at hand guard: 33 mm,  

Width at tip: 21 mm   

Thickness at hand guard:: 3.6 mm 

Thickness at the tip: 2.0 mm  

Blade Profile: smooth diamond 4 surfaces

Gentle tapering

Sword only weight:  657 g (1 lb. 7 oz)

POB:  approx. 5 cm (2.0") 

from the base of the hand guard

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 54-55 HRC. 

Blade rebounds to true after bending,  

Hand polish to smooth soft shine and sword sharp edge.

Fittings

Industrial grade precision cast brass fittings. 

Scabbard and hilt

Beach wood scabbard decked with bright brass scabbard mounts.  Boxwood handle

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.