Jian (Chinese straight sword) and Dao (broad sword)

Discover all about Jian (Chinese straight sword) and Dao ( broadsword )

Because I usually delve into samurai swords, I eventually end up with Chinese swords . It's a fact that the katana originated in China, and that Japan later developed these swords in its own unique way. I'm surprised by how little information there is on Chinese swords, while the focus is usually on Japanese swords. In fact, Japanese weapon smiths adopted techniques and steels from China and further perfected them. In my opinion, this is why Chinese swords receive too little attention and recognition.

The Dao and Jian in Chinese Martial Arts

In martial arts, you primarily see the Dao ( broadsword or saber) and the Jian (straight sword). In China, these weapons, along with the gùn (stick) and qiāng (spear), form the traditional weapons. The Dao is also called the general of all weapons and has taken many forms over the centuries. The development of swords has always coincided with changes in warfare. For example, one-handed Dao already existed in the Ming Dynasty. The blade is sharpened on one side and has a curved geometry, which ensures a very effective cutting action. The often disc-shaped guards prevent blood from running down the handle and also limit the effect of rainwater in the sheath, thus better protecting the blade.

Oxtail Dao 

The Jian, history and forging

The Jian (pronounced Djen ) is a double-edged Chinese straight sword suitable for both cutting and thrusting. The history of the Jian goes back over three thousand years, with the oldest archaeological finds in northwest China. During this period, swords were forged from bronze and were relatively short, averaging around 40 cm. Notably, different parts of these swords contained varying amounts of copper and tin, making the cutting edges harder than the more flexible core. This dates back to the Xia Dynasty (2000–1500 BC) and the Zhou Dynasty (1100–256 BC). From there, the Jian spread to central and southern China. In Chinese folklore, the Jian is also called the gentleman of all weapons.

Jian Straightsword by Haunuo 

Several kings were buried with their swords, underscoring their great importance. A well-known example is the 2,500-year-old Jian of King Gou Jian , discovered in 1965. The first steel precursors to the Jian appeared during the Qin Dynasty, where armies gained a major advantage thanks to these stronger swords. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD ), all-steel Jian became common and the blades became longer due to improved forging techniques.

When forging steel jian , the steel was folded to increase its density and remove impurities. The sanmei construction proved most effective in this process. This consists of three layers of steel, with a high-carbon core and softer, folded outer layers. After water-hardening, a sword with excellent balance, extremely sharp edges, and high shock resistance was created through the combination of hard and soft steel.

A major region for Chinese sword forging is Longquan , a prefecture-level city in Lishui , Zhejiang Province. This city is known worldwide for its sword tradition and is highly prized by martial artists. The Jian as we know it today developed primarily during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with swords becoming longer and slimmer, and many new martial art styles emerging. Within Tai Chi ( Taiji Quan ) plays an important role in Chinese straight sword play, with strong emphasis on balance, body and mind.

In modern Jian , the tang is often riveted, a feature also found in ancient swords. A Jian consists of four main parts: the blade ( Jianti ), the shield ( hushou ), the hilt ( jianba ), and the back ( Jiantan ), with each part having its own name.

Many modern Jian feature a sword plume. Originally, cords were used to secure the sword to the wrist to prevent loss. Today, plumes are primarily known from Chinese opera, theater, and military parades, and they add an aesthetic element.