Dao
A collection page of Masamune Swords
About
Dao Sword - A Collection Piece with Long and Lethal History Dao sword, or Mio Dao, as it is called, is a marvelous weapon designed for close, one-on-one combat. It is respected in martial arts circles because of its remarkable ability to cut through bone and flesh. Dao is robust, heavy, and has a massive impact on the enemy. That is why warriors use Dao swords with two hands. Compared to Katana, its biggest competitor among ancient swords, the Dao has a lengthier reach because of its longer blade. Moreover, because of the particular grip design, a warrior can create a gap in the hands, which gives them more defense positions. Dao Sword at a Glance The Dao sword comes from China, and it was invented in the 2nd century BCE. There are plenty of Dao sword variations in different cultures. Its remarkable characteristics inspired weapon makers to create similar swords, and nowadays, martial arts enthusiasts use the term Dao for all single-edge blades. Swordsmiths operate with high-carbon steel to create the recognizable Dao blade, which ensures longevity and sharpness. Before that, Dao smiths used bronze to build swords, which was expensive and made the blades more susceptible to damage. Dao became popular in China during the Han Dynasty because it was easier to make than the sword previously used. Over time, Japan and China both changed the original Dao design and added a slight curve to what was previously a straight blade. It is popular in different combat styles, such as tai chi, wushu, kung fu, and Japanese target test cutting tameshigiri. The most important symbolism behind Dao swords is one of the few core values of Chinese philosophy - balance and harmony. Therefore, it takes a skilled artist to hand-forge this large sword and give it perfect balance. It's All in The Details Considering how famous Dao swords are nowadays among collectors and martial artists, you can find many replicas of real ancient swords. Here is a list of things you should look for if you want