Liuyedao

The Liuyedao (which literally translates to willow leaf saber) are specific types of dao or single-edged Chinese swords that were commonly utilized as a sidearm for both the infantry and cavalrymen of the Qing and Ming dynasties. Numerous Chinese martial arts schools originally trained using this type of weapon.

Appearance of the Liuyedao Sword

The primary aspect of distinguishing the Liuyedao from other types of Chinese swords is the shape of its blade and the weapon features an average curve that is located along the blade’s length.

This helps reduce the weapon’s thrusting ability while simultaneously boosting the sword’s power when cutting or slashing. The Liuyedao weighs about two to three pounds and is around thirty-six to thirty-nine inches in length.

When creating the willow leaf saber, it makes use of the goose quill concept when it comes to the weapon’s arch the blade’s curve is seen more prominently along its length. If the blade’s curve is deeper, it will be more effective for cutting; however, its accuracy for thrusting lessens since the point is further off the blade/hilt.

The curve of the Liuyedao is considered to be moderate, providing the user with an excellent cutting efficiency but is still excellent for thrusting. Generally, Liuyedao is not a native weapon to China and it appears to have been introduced during the Mongol conquests and has been based on the prototypes of weapons from Central Asia.

The weapon is considered as one of the most popular types of sabers in China that it even replaced the Chinese swords like the zhibeidao and the jian during the Ming dynasty; it also became more popular than the Yanmaodao in the middle of the Qing dynasty.

Profile of the Liuyedao Sword

For the weapon’s blade profile, its curve extends throughout most of its length and it also varies depending on the user’s requirements.

For some other blades, its curve begins slightly than its depth increases once it reaches the point; others have a maximum curve once it reaches closer to the hilt and its arc diminishes towards its tip.

There is a certain type of the Liuyedao sword that has a blade with a prominent qi (ridges) on both sides, and it is also similar to the shinogizukuri cross-section which is common in katanas.

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Wielder of the Liuyedao in History

Qi Jiguang is known as China’s national hero and was a general who wielded the Liuyedao as a personal weapon; he was also popular for preventing the invasion of the Japanese pirates.

During the Sengoku Jidai battles, the situation gave numerous pirates the drive to terrorize and pillage the Chinese coast; they were also bold enough to actually establish bases on Chinese lands.

Their activities greatly thrived when a certain emperor focused on finding great immortality which left important matters of the state to their corrupt prime minister named Yan Song.

He embezzled more than half of their military budget which left their work in coast defenses in ruins; these were garrisoned by second rate and low-quality troops that were one-third of their originally listed numbers.

Yet despite their handicapped situation, Qi Jiguang was able to fortify the coast, drilling all his troops to eradicate the pirates from the area. The sword that he utilized for the battle is now kept as a collection in a Chinese museum.

Liuyedao Sword for Sale

The Liuyedao is a very stunning weapon; so for those who are interested in having their own Liuyedao, this sword can readily be found in various online weapon shops that offer Chinese swords for sale including ours. Commonly, the fully functional Liuyedao are made of a high carbon steel blade, you can contact us if you require further customization.