Chinese Two Handed Sword

Chinese two handed sword

As a broad category, the Chinese two handed sword does not have a single, unified official name in history, unlike the ‘Katana.’ Instead, it has different names and forms depending on the historical period and region.

1. **Miao Dao (苗刀)**

Characteristics: This is one of the most famous Chinese two handed swords. Its name, which means ‘Miao ethnic group’s sword,’ is somewhat misleading, as it was actually developed by the Han people in modern times.

Form: The blade is slender and long, resembling an elongated Katana, but it is wider and thicker. It combines the slashing power of a long weapon with the agility of a shorter one, making it very suitable for two-handed use. Its movements are expansive and its power is astonishing. As discussed previously, it comes in different sizes, such as the ‘five chi’ (approx. 160 cm) and ‘three chi seven cun’ (approx. 118 cm) variants.

2. **Zhanmadao (斩马刀)**

Name Meaning: Literally translated as ‘horse-slaying saber,’ its name clearly indicates its primary purpose on the battlefield: to cut down cavalry soldiers and their horses.

History: It first appeared during the Song Dynasty and was specifically designed as a heavy weapon to counter the cavalry of the nomadic peoples to the north.

Form: The blade is exceptionally wide, thick, and heavy, with an edge as broad as a door. It was designed specifically for devastating chops.