Tang Heng Dao Test Cutting & Review: Chinese Saber Reproduction by LK Chen

I did some test cutting (and thrusting) and reviewed this new offering of Chinese sword reproduction by LK Chen. Hailing from the Tang Dynasty (7-10 century) China, this Heng Dao (Cross Saber) is often regarded as the progenitor of the famous Japanese katana. In this review, I examined the history single-edged swords called Dao, their evolution, the contexts of their usage in different eras, and the spread of popularity all around Asia. I find some of the elements of this style of straight dao came from Persian swords of the Sassanid Empire, and many Asian swords including the stereotypical Japanese swords were at least partially inspired by this particular Dao, aside from taking elements from the indigenous people of Japan called the Emishi people as well. I find this style of Dao quite different from both the earlier ring-pommel Dao and later periods Chinese curved Dao. It&light weight (1 lb 15 oz with 28" blade) and balanced very well (point of balance at 4" from the guard). Handles like a dream--a extremely efficient cut-and-thrust regulation sidearm for standardized Chinese troops at the time. The handling characteristics completely sets it apart from Japanese katanas, and comtemporary European swords of the Migration-Era and early Viking-Era. The blade has a long and flat-ground bevel with a symmetrical tip due to the sharpened false edge, along with the rigidity of the properly tempered blade, make it an amazing choice for practitioners and cutting enthusiasts...