Qing Dadao- Swords can generally be classified as being either pattern weapons, those made according to military, or in the case of Chinese swords, imperial regulations, and those that are not, or in other words civilian or as they are sometimes call folk or village weapons.

The dadao is a sword that started as a village militia type of weapon, but in the late Qing became a saber also carried by official troops. After the fall of the dynasty, they were carried by soldiers of both warlord and the nationalist army.

This particular dadao is a fairly nice example. Remember, these Dadao were village made and so quality and decoration varied greatly. The same is true of the dimensions. But in general, they have short sturdy falchion blades, with these clipped tips and a long enough grip to allow for a two-handed grip.

Dadao typically have blades that are short enough to easily wielded with one hand. However the long grip allows the swordsman to quickly change up to a two-handed grip and wield it like the much longer Dandao or Miaodao. This makes the Dadao quite a versatile weapon. It can be wielded with one hand to deliver quick, but powerful cuts. Or, as when facing a spear or rifle with a bayonet, swung with a two-hand grip that provides for the solid deflections and the control one would need to fend off the longer heavier weapon.

This Qing Dadao might have been carried by a rebel seeking to overthrow the dynasty, a village militiaman looking to defend his home, or a Qing trooper patrolling the countryside. Whoever carried it, it is a weapon designed for no nonsense swordplay.

If you are interested in learning more about how to wield Chinese Swords, please check out the link below to Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship-
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There is also a link to a detailed article on the DaDao at-
A Social and Visual History of the Dadao: The Chinese “Military Big-Saber.”
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