The Jian

The jian (Mandarin Chinese: [tɕjɛ̂n], Chinese: 劍, English approximation: /dʒjɛn/ jyehn, Cantonese: [kim˧]) is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BCE, during the Spring and Autumn period, one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. The weight of an average sword of 70-centimetre (28-inch) blade-length would be approximately 700 to 900 grams (1.5 to 2 pounds). There are also larger two-handed versions used for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts.

Jian practitioners are referred to as jianke (Chinese: 劍客; pinyin: jiànkè; lit. 'sword guests' or "swordsmen"; a term dating from the Han dynasty).

In Chinese folklore, the jian is known as "The Gentleman of Weapons" and is considered one of the four major weapons, along with the gun (staff), qiang (spear), and the dao (sabre). These swords are also sometimes referred to as taijijian or "tai chi swords", reflecting their current use as training weapons for tai chi practitioners, though there were no historical jian types created specifically for tai chi.

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 Jian Specifications