Crafted to a completely different standard of quality than most pieces currently available, this 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 grip and scabbard are crafted in Rosewood with bronzed steel fittings.

Long the traditional weapon of China's peasant armies, the Dadao (SH-1012), 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. This sword is made using traditional methods and is not banned.

Deriving its name from the 'goose feather' shaped blade the Song Sword (SH-2074) 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 beaty of this sword belies the fact that it is fully functional, with great inherent strength, balance and cutting ability. This sword is made using traditional methods and is not banned.

Butterfly swords are believed to have been developed by Shaolin monks as a concealable defencive weapon, used to disable rather than kill, which was prohibited by their code of conduct. The use of butterfly swords has since been honed to a fine art by martial artists, particularly in Southern China, where precision and two-sword coordination are emphasised. Our Butterfly Sword Set (SH-2067) by Hanwei is a high quality set featuring high-carbon tempered steel blades with traditional scroll patterning, leather wrapped grips and steel guards decorated in a dragon motif. This same motif is repeated on the fittings of the double scabbard. A wall plaque is included for display of the swords

The Chinese Pudao, originally an infantry weapon, has been adopted into the martial arts and its use in the hands of a skilled practitioner is spectacular. Our Padao (SH-2072) is a weapon to be coveted by infantry of old and modern martial artists alike. The high-carbon tempered steel blade has an aggressive distal taper to promote quickness and balance and a long tang for strength, while the oak staff is tightly tape wrapped in a traditional pattern to optimise handling and adds to the distinctive appearance, as do the dragon-head bronzed steel blood cup and bell tassel.

The Practical Taiji (Tai Chi) series from Hanwei has been developed in response to many requests for a quality Taiji sword for everyday practice. This sword features three blade lengths to suit the individual requirements of the Taiji practitioner. Featuring a steel guard and pommel the swords are correctly balanced and the the un-edged blades are crafted in fully tempered high-carbon steel. The flattened-diamond blade section produces a blade that is moderately stiff, while still allowing for some flexibility.

The Practical Kung Fu (SH-2063) sword is a further extension of our '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 easy sheathing and for graceful lines. In line with other swords in the 'Practical' series, the Practical Kung FU is very affordable.

In response to requests from Wushu practitioners for swords with ultra-flexible blades, we have developed the Flexible Long Sword (SH-2062) and the Water Song Broadsword (SH-2064). With spring steel blades tapering to almost paper thin at the tip, both are very light (barely one pound), extremely fast and surprisingly loud in skilled hands.