The wodao is a lesser-known but distinctive Chinese longsword, often associated with the Ming and Qing dynasties....
Asian Swords
Asian swords have a rich history that spans millennia, with each culture across Asia developing its own unique styles and techniques. These swords not only served as weapons of war but also as symbols of status, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
The Krabi-Krabong sword is integral to Thailand’s traditional martial arts heritage. Derived from the eponymous weapons-based combat...
The term “dhaal sword” is often misunderstood due to the overlapping use of dhaal (meaning shield in...
Introduction The klewang is a traditional Southeast Asian sword, most closely associated with Indonesia and Malaysia. Often...
The Mandau is the traditional sword of the Dayak peoples of Borneo, particularly associated with the Iban,...
The Gou, more commonly known in the West as the Chinese Hook Sword, is one of the...
The akinakes was a short, double-edged thrusting sword associated closely with the Scythians and other steppe cultures,...
The Saingeom (사인검), meaning “Four Tiger Sword” or “Four Benevolent Men Sword” depending on interpretation, is a...
The Yanmaodao (雁毛刀), or “goose-quill sabre,” emerged during the Ming dynasty and continued into the early Qing...
Japanese swords have captured the imagination of historians, martial artists, and collectors for centuries. More than weapons,...