Practical Tai-Chi Series - Hanwei
The Practical Tai-Chi Series from Hanwei has been developed in response to many requests for a quality Tai-Chi sword for everyday practice. Three models are featured, each having its own characteristics, to suit the individual requirements of the T'ai-Chi practitioner. All three models feature solid brass guards and pommels, in each case plated to harmonize with the color scheme of the swords. The blades are fully tempered high-carbon steel, the degree of stiffness being determined by the different sections. A tough padded nylon carrying case is available for ease of transportation.
Dynasty Series - Ming
The pattern of the Ming Sword dates from the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644), which ruled China for almost three centuries after the fall of the Mongol Dynasty. The beauty of this delightfully compact sword centers on its superb pattern-welded blade, forged with a ridged central fuller providing the stiffness required for thrusting and the lightness required for speed. The grip is sculpted from brown buffalo horn, which is also used in thin, translucent wafers as a shell for the intricately decorated scabbard. The brass fittings are selectively decorated with oriental designs plated in silver.
Blade length: 26 1/2", Overall length: 33 3/8". Comes in a wooden presentation box.
Dynasty Series - Han
The Han Sword is a cavalry pattern from the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220), which reunited China and established boundaries very similar to those existing today. The rosewood grip and scabbard are inlaid with silver in an intricate scroll pattern, while the gilded steel guard, pommel and scabbard decorations feature the "crouching tiger" motif. The random pattern Damascus blade, with its ridged central fuller and reinforced point is admirably suited for slashing cuts and powerful thrusts from horseback.
Blade length: 28 1/4", Overall length: 37 5/8". Comes in a wooden presentation box.
Dynasty Series - Ch'ing
The traditional perception of the form of the Kung Fu sword becomes very apparent in the Ch'ing Sword. The last of the Chinese dynasties, the Ch'ing (or Qing) Dynasty was overthrown by rebellion as late as 1911, by which time the Kung Fu sword had completed its evolution into the "modern" form. The sword is crafted around a beautifully pattern-welded blade of flattened diamon section with the guard and pommel in gilded steel, both featuring a flying bat design. The scabbard decorations are in gilded brass and the intricate knotwork of the tassel is art in its own right.
Blade length: 29", Overall length: 38". Comes in a wooden presentation box.
Dynasty Series - Yanling
Deriving its name from the "goose-feather" shaped blade, the Yanling Sword was originally developed in the Song Dynasty. This exquisite version by the craftsmen of Hanwei features a beautifully patterned folded Swedish powder steel fullered blade and top quality fittings. The solid bronze "full moon" guard has a flying goose motif in relief on the grip side and traditional "good fortune" patterning on the blade side, repeated on the pommel and scabbard fittings. The grip is leather wrapped over sharkskin, which also covers the scabbard. The beauty of this sword belies the fact that it is fully functional, with great inherent strength, balance and cutting ability.
Blade length: 24 1/4", Overall length: 32". Comes in a wooden presentation box.
Practical Kung Fu
The Practical Kung Fu sword is a further extension of the Hanwei "Practical" series. Featuring a distal-tapered high carbon steel blade, wrapped grip and steel fittings, the sword weighs only 1 1/2 lbs. and can be handled by the younger student as well as the experienced practitioner. The textured wooden scabbard is designed with a slotted opening, which makes both for each sheathing and for graceful lines. In line with other swords in the "Practical" series, the Practical Kung Fu is very affordable. Comes in a wooden presentation box. Overall length: 33 3/4". Blade length: 27 3/4"
Chinese Dadao Sword
Long the traditional weapon of China's peasant armies, the Dadao, or fighting sword, was used with deadly effect as late as the 1930's in the Sino-Japanese war. Its single- or two-handed versatility, combined with the tremendous slashing power of its weight-forward blade made it the ideal close-quarters weapon. Although the originals had no scabbard, a simple carrying case is provided for protection and ease of transportation. Overall Length: 37", Blade Length: 21 3/4"
Kungfu or Dao Sword
The Kungfu Sword or Dao is undoubtedly the best weapon-grade sword of its type commercially available. Unlike the many decorative and theatrical versions of this sword, the Hanwei product is a true replica of the original. the distal-tapered blade and traditional hand-tied grip make for superb handling. A brass-mounted scabbard is included. Overall Length: 31", Blade Length: 25", 2 lbs.
Tai Chi Sword
Crafted by Hanwei to a completely different standard of quality than most pieces available, the T'ai Chi sword is built around a hand-forged Damascus steel blade, profiled to produce a fast, well balanced sword for the martial artist and an authentic piece for the collector of oriental weaponry. The matching rosewood grip and scabbard with solid bronze fittings, decorated in the traditional Chinese motif, are meticulously finished in this heirloom quality sword. Overall length: 37" , Blade Length: 28", 1 lb.10 oz.
Flexible Long Sword
For Wushu practitioners who desire a sword with an ultra-flexible blade. With a spring steel blade tapering to almost paper thin at the tip, this sword is very light (barely one pound), extremely fast and surprisingly loud in skilled hands.
Overall Length: 36 1/2", Blade Length: 29 1/2"
Water Song Sword
For Wushu practitioners who desire a sword with an ultra-flexible blade. With a spring steel blade tapering to almost paper thin at the tip, this sword is very light (barely one pound), extremely fast and surprisingly loud in skilled hands.
Overall Length: 34 1/2", Blade Length: 28 3/4"
