The Dao

Dao (pronunciation: [táʊ], English approximation: /daʊ/ dow, Chinese: 刀; pinyin: dāo; jyutping: dou1) are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. They can be straight or curved. The most common form is also known as the Chinese sabre, although those with wider blades are sometimes referred to as Chinese broadswords. In China, the dao is considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with the gun (stick or staff), qiang (spear), and the jian (double-edged sword), called in this group "The General of Weapons".

While the dao have varied greatly over the centuries, most single-handed dao of the Ming period and later, and the modern swords based on them share several characteristics. Dao blades are moderately curved and single-edged, though often with a few inches of the back edge sharpened; the moderate curve allows them to be reasonably effective in the thrust. Hilts are sometimes canted, curving in the opposite direction of the blade, which improves handling in some forms of cuts and thrusts.

The Essential Series by Master Armoury

Akado Armory is proud to bring you the Essential Series by Master Armoury. These swords may lack decoration, but their weight, balance, performance, and durability, are all top-notch despite coming with one of the most affordable prices in the industry.

Essential Series Features
Each sword from the Essential Series comes with the following features:

• Basic, tape wrapped hilt,
• Hardened hand guard,
• Flexible tapered blade, and
• Rolled safety tip.

All of the Essential Series swords pass the SCA C&T flex test, exact flex both using the scale method and the SCA weight-drop method can be found in the specific specs for each sword.

Master Armoury Essential Series Dao Specifications