65MN Spring Steel Giant Miao Dao
IN STOCK & ON SPECIAL
Amazing Value - Fully Functional Hand Forged 65MN Spring Steel Blade - Massive Sword nearly 5' long yet far from flimsy and extremely popular with our customers.
the Miao Dao is a specialized, massive two handed Chinese Saber with a total length of close to 5' and the blade alone longer than most swords from tip to pommel..
The name Miao Dao was named such in the early 20th century after it was again used in the boxer rebellion alongside the Dadao but was first believed to have been used extensively in the 16th century by General Qi Jiguang who resurrected the sword to combat pirates raiding coastal cities. After the victory over the pirates the Miao Dao remained useful battling enemies of the Ming Empire which led to this famous general's men to be known as the "invincible Qi army".
Designed to break enemy lines, cut rigging, pirates, horses, you name it - it was and still is truly intimidating and fearsome weapon - combining length and momentum as it wooshes through the air with considerable speed - for despite its massive size it weights only a few ounces more than a regular sword..
Truly amazing value for so much well made 65MN Spring Steel steel tempered to a spring finish - though due to its length it can only be shipped within the USA and to Canada.
How to Use
Materials and Construction
Warranty Info
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Featured positive reviews:
Anyone who's read my reviews in the past knows that I rate weapons based on their intended purpose (artistic display, cutting, zombies, etc) AND the cost as this is one product where the materials themselves are costly. With that in mind, my first impression was shock that the sheer amount of high quality steel needed to make this weapon didn't drive the price higher. The blade is massive, the fittings are massive, even the box is massive. Here goes:
Appearance (4.8 out of 5)
Pros: High quality hard wood is subtle and has an authentic Old World feel. The brass fittings and guard are similarly classic and patina'd. The blade spine is not as thick as that of a katana, which lends the blade a lightness that is downright shocking given the sheer size of it.
Cons: The cord is a little bright. That is honestly the only negative I can come up with. It is beautiful.
Functionality (4.9 out of 5.0)
Pros: It might sound ridiculous, but this blade is quick and deft once you realize the movements are different than those of a katana or European great-sword. It makes a very satisfying, even exhilarating sound as it slices through the air.
As far as cutting power..... I've considered slicing a motorcycle in half (modern day cavalry), but for now fiberboard-reinforced cardboard boxes will have to do. You can really see how this weapon could take out an entire swath of targets in a wide swing. And as far as thrusting ability (it also functions more or less as a polearm), the blade slid effortlessly through a 12" thick target and stuck into a wooden table almost 36" inches away, which had not previously been a problem with other demos. I had to put my foot against the table to get enough leverage to pull it out as it had sunk over an inch into the table itself.....
Cons: You could very possibly cause damage to trees, backyard furniture (see above) or even yourself if you are not very mindful of your surroundings. Essentially the "cons" are that it is a wicked, wicked weapon and we humans are sometimes idiots.
Conclusion (5 out of 5)
This is a monster of a blade. Any forge could make a "laundry pole" blade without any artistry or soul to it. This is not that at all. You can tell that this was a useful and incredibly sophisticated weapon in real life combat. This is evidenced also by its use over the course of literally centuries in China until almost modern day on battle fields.
There is a feeling of calmness to this sword, in the sense that I'm not worried that I'm going to damage it. It seems almost otherworldly, indestructible, like it's seen more than I ever will and if anything I'M the one who could be damaged in the process.... It feels alive, and if you purchase one I can almost guarantee you'll feel that as well. And for the price, I can't imagine why you wouldn't.
