Ancient Chinese Sword Reproductions Done Right! (LK Chen Review)

Рет қаралды 289,930

4 жыл бұрын

The Magnificent Chu Jian (late Warring States period, 315 - 221 BC)
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
lkchensword.com/magnificent-c...
Overall length: 96.5 cm (38'')
Blade length: 79 cm (31'')
Blade thickness: 7mm (9/32'') near guard, tapering to 1.6 mm (1/16'') near tip
Point of balance: 11 cm (4-1/5'') from guard
Blade material: 1065 carbon steel pattern welded with T8 tool steel
The Flying Phoenix (Han Dynasty jian, ca. 206 - 100 BC)
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
lkchensword.com/flying-phoenix
Overall length: 107.5 cm (42-1/3'')
Blade length: 85.4 cm (33-1/2'')
Blade thickness: 7mm (9/32'') near guard, tapering to 2 mm (5/64'') near tip
Point of balance: 14 cm (5-1/2'') from guard
Blade material: 1065 carbon steel pattern welded with T8 tool steel
The full video of the cutting tests:
• Testing the Flying Pho...
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Пікірлер: 861

@theflyingwelshman5338 4 жыл бұрын

“Which means I’m defiling it with my non-aristocratic, grubby hands right now.” Never change, Skall.

@LDSG_A_Team 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, besides, we all know it's not true. Pretty sure that as the King of Skalligrimistan, his hands are just fine. ;)

@keithharper32 4 жыл бұрын

@@LDSG_A_Team I thought his kingdom was Skallagrimheim :p

@ArthusofAzeroth 3 жыл бұрын

Hehe yup, best part of the video 😎

@xluca1701 4 жыл бұрын

I really love the looks of double edged chinese swords. They're so elegant and sleek.

@12SickOne34 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed. Highly underrated swords design in modern pop culture.

@Altarahhn 4 жыл бұрын

@@12SickOne34 Or rather, underrepresented, in the sense that they only portray the Ming and Qing dynasty stuff, but rarely earlier than that; a good, notable example of a more early-dynasty design is Avatar: The Last Airbender, as Sokka's "Space Sword" more closely resembles the swords Skall is showing here, even if said sword IS being used more like its later period descendants, but still, a nice divergence from the "norm", IMO!

@EloNaj 4 жыл бұрын

@@12SickOne34 Well they are shown in the Kingdom Anime/Manga, but well yes there are not much works in that place and time period.

@12SickOne34 4 жыл бұрын

@@EloNaj I think Hector Hernandez put what I tried to say in much better words down

@Altarahhn 4 жыл бұрын

@@12SickOne34 Gee, thanks man! Much appreciated! 😊

@YHT_4891 3 жыл бұрын

As a Chinese, i understand that Chu Jian is design for their scholar “士”, also known as gentlemen “君子”。 and the Phoenix is the from later time - Han Dynasty, as a Han's sword, it was longer , because the sword forging tech is improve from bronze to iron, so they can made longer and thicker sword. Early BC, Chinese sword is basically design for Chinese gentleman, to disarm their opponent by slide/stab the weapon hand. The gentlemen carry it as a identity certificate and defensive weapon. The sword straight, represent honest and upright, double edge and well balance represents the ability of all-round contribution to society , bendable body shows the sustainable to stress, patience and will stretch/strike at the right moment. They also believe gentlemen should be low profile and humble at most of the time, only show the blade/ aggressive side when necessary. That's why the Chinese sword scabbard is perfectly fit and tight. Hope this helps.

@wolfgangrecordings 3 жыл бұрын

that's awesome

@dark3031 3 жыл бұрын

Yea, from my understanding, Chinese double edge sword "jian" （劍） was not a widely used weapon in the battlefield. Jians are primarily used as symbols of social status, perhaps also used by commander as a token of command (令劍）. In most historical records about Chinese ancient battles, we can see various weapons mentioned, like all kinds of spears (槍，槊，矛，戟，戈）, single edge swords plus shield combo（刀盾）, at most we may have Jian as secondary weapon in case their primary weapons broke, but that's for higher ranked officials or generals. I don't think they equip their foot soldiers with more than one weapon.

@rimroth5224 3 жыл бұрын

@@dark3031 do you know much about Chinese martial arts or weapons? Can i get into dialoque with u ? I have a lot of questions.

@rimroth5224 3 жыл бұрын

do you know much about Chinese martial arts or weapons? Can i get into dialoque with u ? I have a lot of questions.

@dark3031 3 жыл бұрын

@@rimroth5224 I know a little bit of stuff here and there, but not in great details. I don't think I can help you.

@Swordsage 4 жыл бұрын

It's really nice hearing your impressions of these types of swords, especially since these are the types I train with. I still remember the look on your face when you first handled them. :) PS: I also find myself preferring the Flying Phoenix. It's still my favorite of their one handed swords.

@icaliu1 4 жыл бұрын

Please do a video of sword+gouxiang vs halberd/ge戈

@Swordsage 4 жыл бұрын

@@icaliu1 I'm actually trying to get that going. :)

@SeemsLogical 4 жыл бұрын

I knew I would find you lurking in the comments on this video. You're the youtuber I direct people to when they want to learn about chinese swordsmanship.

@icaliu1 4 жыл бұрын

@@Swordsage looking forward to it!

@SvendleBerries 4 жыл бұрын

4:13 *"Its possessed, it wants to do things!"* Its feeling rebellious being in your non aristocratic grubby hands lol

@rorschachgotnicemask9449 3 жыл бұрын

made my day lol

@junemoeggenborg1873 4 жыл бұрын

It's always so fun to see european swordsmen reviewing non European swords and loving them! I know they're hard to find but could you please potentially try to do a video on korean swords? I hardly see anyone besides koreans talking about them and I'd love an outsider's perspective! Especially with the super unique edge geometry

@AL4RC0NR4MO5 4 жыл бұрын

Second that. I hardly hear anything about Korean arms and armour which is a shame

@Altarahhn 4 жыл бұрын

@@AL4RC0NR4MO5 Ditto!

@TheMuffs2004 4 жыл бұрын

Older Korean swords were basically Jian’s but with “Korean style” mountings. Their swords did vary more over different time periods in comparison to China and Japan as Korea was so heavily influenced by both. To an untrained eye in the later time periods their swords were not much different than, and in some cases have virtually no differences to, the Japanese Katana . However in many cases they had a chisel grind and a very different overall cross section to the blade. They also tend to be wider from edge to back but thinner from side to side than Katanas as well. They used what was basically Korean tamahagane, folded, and tempered these swords the exact same as their Japanese counterparts as well. Look up Haidong Gumdo the style of sword they use is the Jingum. I got to study this art some while stationed in South Korea.

@TheMuffs2004 4 жыл бұрын

@conner1466 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely a great video idea, I'd click it as soon as I saw the notification

@Descanlin 4 жыл бұрын

I've always appreciated the swords I've seen from China. The minimalism inherent in the design along with the ornate decorations just do something to my brain.

@neurofiedyamato8763 3 жыл бұрын

Simple but beautiful.

@casbot71 4 жыл бұрын

There needs to be a way to consistently demonstrate the thrusting ability of various swords (without damaging them) similar to tatami mats, so their ability (or lack thereof) can be showcased.

@chancedean5341 4 жыл бұрын

I would suggest the pre ballistics gel tests used by the u.s. military, namely block of clay as they are reusable and consistent, or pine boards with sand or soil in between each board and you want to see how many board it will penetrate. There are quite old videos of u.s. military tests showing how a bow may still be useful and how an arrow pierces more layers than a large rifle round (this is largely because the bullet deposits all it's force more immediately into damage and bullet deformation and an arrow simply pierces without deformation, but still.

@gre8 4 жыл бұрын

@@chancedean5341 Blocks of clay (and sand) are terribly abrasive and wear off the edge fast. I don't think it is quite a good medium for thrusts because it will keep on giving if you keep pushing. I think the tests with hard ballistics gel is already great for this purpose.

@chancedean5341 4 жыл бұрын

@@gre8 I do agree ballistics gel is a great medium, just loath the "involved" specialty of making ballistic gel in exactly the right way. I do agree on the sand and soil front, I was mostly thinking of a one time test in that regard. I will say that refined clay is not particularly damaging and was a preferred historical testing medium, it is unfortunately a massive inconvenience to store and move enough clay to be of any use in a test, so I guess it doesnt really have anything on ballistics gel except for its reusable nature.

@SirWetBiscuit 4 жыл бұрын

Watermelons, bro.

@bobbyrayvictory6905 4 жыл бұрын

Super dense ballistic gel? That is something you can control

@MasterJawata 4 жыл бұрын

"Chu Jian" means "Sword of Chu", which was then one of the warring states.

@vedeledev 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder what the kanji looks like. I know that that different characters can be pronounced almost the same way but written completely differently.

@MasterJawata 4 жыл бұрын

@@vedeledev It's not exactly call "kanji" in this case. "Kanji" means the Chinese characters that are use in Japanese language. But I get what you mean, so here it is "楚劍" ( Chu- Jian)

@Intranetusa 4 жыл бұрын

The people/region of Chu also played a dominant role in destroying the Qin Dynasty through numerous revolts after the Qin conquered the Chu kingdom at the end of the Warring States era. The Chu kingdom then revived itself as the kingdom of Western Chu under Xiang Yu, which later led to the War of 18 Kingdoms/Chu-Han contention against the Kingdom of Han that later established the Han Dynasty.

@Cruxador 4 жыл бұрын

@@MasterJawata It's the same thing, only it's the romanization of the Japanese pronunciation. It you latinize it using the Mandarin pronunciation, it's hanzi.

@gundamnduke0 4 жыл бұрын

@@Cruxador But you don't say kanji when referring to the Chinese language, you just don't.

@Temple00 4 жыл бұрын

My dad passed away at 10:30 last night in a vehicle accident. I've watched your channel for years and it still manages to entertain me. Thank you.

@EvanLovesWhiskey 4 жыл бұрын

Condolences. I hope you find respite in these troubled times.

@SuperMysteryboi 4 жыл бұрын

Wow man, seriously I wish you the best.

@jackl2257 4 жыл бұрын

RIP, sorry man

@Lanval_de_Lai 4 жыл бұрын

First, I'm very very sorry, my condolences. I wish you strength and that you will be well soon :) Second, DAMN, WHO WAS? THE IMPERIALS OR THAT THALMOR DEMONS? THEY WILL PAY FOR THE BLOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF SKYRIM! I hope that it was not inappropriate :)

@Temple00 4 жыл бұрын

@@Lanval_de_Lai It's fine. Your joke made me smile for the first time lol

@Mars-ev7qg 4 жыл бұрын

It's about time someone with a major platform gave Chinese swords some attention. Chinese swords are great. Some Chinese soldiers used swords as sidearms as recently as 1945. The Chinese swords were one of only a handful of swords to be used in combat during the nuclear age.

@claymoresteel Жыл бұрын

They're exactly the type of sword you would want for home defence

@My-nl6sg Жыл бұрын

during the wars in the 40s the single blade 刀 was pretty popular, but I don't think I've heard much of the double edged 剑 seeing as much action

@pappyman179 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not into swords, but even I could appreciate that purpose built design and that craftsmanship was amazing. I'd love to swing it and experience the balance for myself, and like I said, I'm not into swords. Just like I can appreciate any well made tool built for a specific job that is does perfectly. I've never felt like this about European swords, gorgeous pattern welded modern steel and utilitarian, sleek design. I liked the long one better. Thanks for introducing me to this style of sword and what a wonderful presentation and review. Great job Skall.

@xluca1701 4 жыл бұрын

There are also sleek european swords 👀

@45calibermedic 4 жыл бұрын

You might like Arms and Armor's Serenissima Rapier, Saxon Military Sword, German Rapier, and Gustav Vasa Rapier (all of them are light sideswords with medium-length blades along the lines of these Chinese pieces).

@pappyman179 4 жыл бұрын

@@xluca1701 No doubt, but not being my 'thing', I just haven't been impressed by what my limited experience has shown me so far. Clearly these 2 are well made purpose-built tools for each niche it serves. Rapiers are sleek too, but I don't like them, for example. I would however appreciate a very well made Rapier.

@pappyman179 4 жыл бұрын

@@45calibermedic Thanks.

@xluca1701 4 жыл бұрын

@@pappyman179 Hmn maybe you would like the Albion Gallowglas, Skall has a video about it. In Swordsages opinion (he's a practitioner of chinese swordmanship) does it handle similar to some chinese swords

@BlackWolf18C 4 жыл бұрын

Must... not... spend... money... "Your order has been confirmed" Damn you, me!

@tsmspace 4 жыл бұрын

I'm willing to bet your investment gains value. Those swords I think are underpriced.

@ScottKenny1978 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure the flying phoenix is going to be my Christmas present to myself this year...

@FoardenotFord 3 жыл бұрын

@@ScottKenny1978 I too made sure that “Santa” would bring me an LK Chen sword for Christmas - can’t wait to unwrap my Magnificent Chu Jian on the 25th :D

@wric01 3 жыл бұрын

Katana was built based on the design of 唐刀 ( Tang Dao) since Sui Dynasty when Japan sent diplomatic teams to China, the “遣隋使” ..A simple carbon dating would reveal it but they'll never do it. Furthermore almost everything japanese has a tang dynasty origin. Just look at the foundation of all japanese castles they still have the tang dynasty engineer signature.

@SeriousGamer753 3 жыл бұрын

@only Kine You really shouldn't form your opinion based on a youtube comment. Go research it yourself from credible sources

@SeriousGamer753 3 жыл бұрын

@only Kine Whats with the animosity? Calm down, the way you put the comment together sounded like you took his comment as something that changed your opinion which is why i commented. I didn't say that they are or that they aren't because i am completely uninformed about the topic, which is why i didn't mention it in the first place. It was just a general advice

@foodparadise5792 3 жыл бұрын

@@SeriousGamer753 Who is copying who is really infantile. Civilizations all copy each others and improve.

@yogadgsix 3 жыл бұрын

But still japan modified china culture, look at temple n shrine not exactly very similiar to china. So japan at the end has their own identity. Korea in other hand very similar to china than japan i think because of geography factor.

@typemy9381 3 жыл бұрын

@@yogadgsix Most Chinese people admit that Japan or South Korea do have their own culture. The comments on the first floor only state a history, and do not say that Japanese culture is copied. There is no disrespect for Japanese culture.If offended some Japanese friends because of some misunderstanding, I apologize here...

@escac5868 4 жыл бұрын

The joy in his face when he "defiles" the sword...

@KBWrecker 4 жыл бұрын

Despicable!

@StryderK 4 жыл бұрын

@driffbro3380 3 жыл бұрын

This time, with non-aristocratic grubby hands.

@scottmacgregor3444 4 жыл бұрын

Swordsage, Scholagladiatora, and Skallagrim are all currently reviewing LK Chen swords. Ole Chen is putting in work it seems. Also worth noting that none of the 3 have had anything majorly negative to say about the weapons.

@richardyang9279 3 жыл бұрын

This sword is Han dynasty sword, then seven husband years later, Tang dynasty blade and sword is popular, Japanese learn the blade making technology during Tang dynasty and bring it back to Japan. So Tang dynasty is the period that Japan learn very intensively from China. A lot of international students sent to China to learn many aspects of Tang dynasty, and this learning lasts more than two hundred years. For example, kanata's ancestor is Tang Heng Dao.

@sethguest781 3 жыл бұрын

Ah, I asked once if you had any Ancient Chinese swords in your collection, I'm just now watching this and I'm glad to see you have these fine examples here so thanks, Skall! I love Ancient Chinese weapons and these are gorgeous and amazing!

@lkchen4706 3 жыл бұрын

SKallagrim,I'm LK,thanks for your appreciation

@essenkillerthezombiektz5026 3 жыл бұрын

I got a flying Phoinex this October love it

@lukelinville917 4 жыл бұрын

I really liked how you talked a bit more about how the different steels contribute to the function of the blade. I would love it if you did more on that. Perhaps a full video on steel attributes even. Great video!

@kirill1052 4 жыл бұрын

"Am I holding a sword? It's half-etherial or something?" Well, have you heard of Jedi?

@4life4win 4 жыл бұрын

The first thing I was thinking while watching "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", that the blade work and the way they fought were like Jedi. Fast, adaptive, and smooth. No brutal blows or rough swinging.

@biohazard724 4 жыл бұрын

Hello there!

@jxmai7687 4 жыл бұрын

@098765 Craper yes, in the battle field they just those sword as the last option, they would use longer and more powerful weapon first.

@kylerjocelyn9321 4 жыл бұрын

Love to see the return to this format! thanks for the specs and detailed explanation of the handling.

@casbot71 4 жыл бұрын

11:55 Now I want to see a breakdown of that Chinese Shield. The techniques and tricks to using it - it seems optimised for sword trapping and close attack, but just blocking blows. A comparison of it to a standard Shield of similar dimensions, to show the differences.…

@davidweng4712 4 жыл бұрын

He's done a cideo on that

@Cruxador 4 жыл бұрын

Besides what you say, it's actually originally designed to allow a swordsman to do well against a spear, using the gou rang to hook it and get it out of the way so you can get inside the reach of the spear while still having your sword ready to thrust.

@6principlesforcartography61 4 жыл бұрын

@098765 Craper There are many types of Chinese shields, from quite small ones to large tower shields.

@6principlesforcartography61 4 жыл бұрын

@098765 Craper No, it depends on regions, since China was not united. During Warring States, different regions had different equipment due to culture differences. For instance, swordsmen in Southeast China (Wu and Yue Region) were famous for their long and thin shield called Wukui. In Central Plain, where pole-arm infantry was popular, large tower shields were more popular. Southwestern barbarians and Chu people tended to use large shields covered with rhinoceros skin. Meanwhile, northwestern tribes like Qiang and Di were in favor of round shields covered with leather of goats.

@6principlesforcartography61 4 жыл бұрын

@098765 Craper Well, there was some kind of tower shield called Lu （橹）used in central plain, especially in Former Jin States. For instance, Zhao Yang, the ancestor of Zhao State, once used them in a siege battle against Wey State. That was about the end of Spring and Autumn Period.

@mhorram 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Skall. Can't ask better than a video that provides a review and and a lesson on swords & swordsmanship to boot. I definitely was enthralled from beginning to end even though I don't dabble in swords. Definitely a cut above most KZfaq videos.

@Skallagrim 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, and glad you enjoyed it. :)

@Initialgs 4 жыл бұрын

Timing! I was literally looking at these last night on Chen’s site. You love to see it.

@Finnv893 4 жыл бұрын

Smith and Wesson designed an 8-shot revolver for shield-bearers of swat entry teams, why? Because you can lean the barrel against the shield instead of extending the hand out with a pistol to prevent stovepiping, the reasoning was pretty similar to why the Jian had small guards; a larger guard just adds to the chances of it coming into contact with the shield when you are hacking and slashing under stress.

@notforsaletoday1895 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, and there isn’t much need for a large guard when used alongside a shield.

@sethguest781 Жыл бұрын

I'd say the Han Dynasty jian was a vast improvement over the sword from the Qin Dynasty as it seemed the Han were working towards making swords that were less ornate and more rugged and practical to be meant more for combat and less for show.

@firestorm165 4 жыл бұрын

I've got a d&D character at the moment who got a Jian from her fey patron and when you said the blade was possessed and wanted to move I laughed so hard at that as it was so appropriate for the situation she's in

@muffincutting6020 4 жыл бұрын

Good reviews as always. The assembly has the pomel actually cover the tang and then pinned through the grip, pommel and tang all at once. Only know that cause the wrap on my Phoenix came undone on me. Took a lot of handling for that to happen, and ended up having it done in rayskin. Excellent swords from these guys. I have a Roaring dragon as well, the cord wrap on it is a lot tighter.

@Yves998 4 жыл бұрын

It makes me feel like these Jians with longer handles are meant to thrust and slice with one hand and cut with two hands. They’re not meant to be strictly single or double hand swords.🤔

@LazyLifeIFreak 4 жыл бұрын

If an opportunity presents itself on the battlefield to better utilize one or both hands, having the option of choosing between either is certainly a welcome one.

@user-dx5sm4dj2t 4 жыл бұрын

Historically the longer handled was meant to balance the sword. It was mostly used with a shield.

@fryingpancakes8445 4 жыл бұрын

@@user-dx5sm4dj2t Maybe on the battlefield. Most swords were used for self defense and as far as I know most people didn't travel with a shield back then. As for battlefield usage, didn't most people have spears and halberds anyways?

@lireth3851 4 жыл бұрын

@@fryingpancakes8445 even tho polearm is powerful, you still need army using shield

@user-dx5sm4dj2t 4 жыл бұрын

@@fryingpancakes8445 the jian was most an one handed weapon. It was mostly a side arm . Later jians have a shorter handle It wasn't common for people to wear them for self defense those were more of a status symbol. The only sword that was commonly 2 handed was the dadao . The jian was more like a rapier than a long sword plus we are talking about a different style of fighting for the Chinese.

@erichusayn 4 жыл бұрын

That's it. I'm getting their royal arsenal Dao. Thanks dude.

@LibeliumDragonfly 4 жыл бұрын

you might want to get a small shield or a hook shield to go along with it

@tsmspace 4 жыл бұрын

the price just went up.

@erichusayn 4 жыл бұрын

@@LibeliumDragonfly or just another Dao. Lol.

@erichusayn 4 жыл бұрын

@@tsmspace hahaha.

@LibeliumDragonfly 4 жыл бұрын

@@erichusayn dual wielding Deadpool style?

@sethguest781 Жыл бұрын

They were for many years (at least during the early dynasties) a main weapon for soldiers and officers but as time went on (long after the fall of the Qin Dynasty) and later rulers sought a better, more efficient sword for their armies, straight blades generally fell into disfavor as new tactics were introduced, and curved blades became the mainstay, i.e., the distinctive dao and other similar blades.

@shogun2heroicvictories15 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video. Its nice to see Chinese swords getting some coverage. Its also nice to see that the country is now focusing on recreating their culture after the cultural revolution. Being able to see the ancient designs remade is amazing.

@thatnoobnextdoor 4 жыл бұрын

"You've gotta give it a firm tug, which is what you want." - Skallagrim

@thecaveofthedead 4 жыл бұрын

Having only really seen more recent jians in videos and stuff, I had no idea that the ancient ones were _so_ elegant. Such beautiful swords.

@foxymoronvideos3270 4 жыл бұрын

Might have to look into getting one, or both, of these some day. I do own a Jian but it's a practice sword so the edges are completely blunt, Could still achieve penetration with a thrust but it would struggle to cut through cheese. It's still one of my favourite swords though. I still remember being amazaed by how light it was since I was used to handling heavier weapons.

@AndRew-vo9bz 4 жыл бұрын

That is a gorgeous sword, Chinese swords need more love !!

@jasondoe2596 4 жыл бұрын

Wow... *Gorgeous* blades, especially the Jian. Looks truly well-designed.

@springgal265 2 жыл бұрын

Flying phoenix is gorgeous.

@lennart637 4 жыл бұрын

Haha I love how the steel quality of the reproduction is like 100 times better than the historic sword

@TheHorseman0fApocalypse 4 жыл бұрын

Are you saying it in a bad way or.. Good?

@lennart637 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheHorseman0fApocalypse In a goog way! You probably don't want accurate steel quality for non-museum reproductions.

@TheHorseman0fApocalypse 4 жыл бұрын

@@lennart637 k

@user-fg9dc9nn4o 4 жыл бұрын

But that applies to just about every historic swords, shields, etc, when compared to modern reproductions, doesn't it?

@dominic6634 4 жыл бұрын

Most modern steels are way better than historic metals

@axewoodsman642 3 жыл бұрын

Wow the Magnificent Chu Jian sword looks beautiful.

@janwitts2688 4 жыл бұрын

The second one definitely has the feel of a light arming sword... would be very useful.. The lighter one... more something to use indoors for close defence... Good to see proper use of modern materials..

@jameshanor4345 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Skal. If you can make time there’s a new “Turkish Mace” on Kult of Athena that’s pretty budget friendly. It doesn’t have much exposure so there’s no review I can find. I think some of us would enjoy the cheap splurge option for a video.

@True_Bits 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe it's just me, but i don't recall you talking about wiping swords after cutting sessions in your previous sword reviews. I never even thought it was something that needs to be done. Maybe you should talk about it in the future, especially if you struggle with talking about negatives.

@MarcAndreLevesque 4 жыл бұрын

You have to review this kind of blade thinking about the concentric motion you spoke about at the beginning of the video, the bent blade circling in a concentric motion will very easily puncture armor because of the additional thrusting power you get from the blade returning to neutral during the thrust. Most the techniques of using jian are from thrusting, very few slashing except to deflect blows or dodging. And you were right, the flat pommel bunt is used when thrusting when thrusting with a circular upward motion to get under armor.

@Cysubtor_8vb 4 жыл бұрын

Nice! I'm kind of a military sabre guy, but, having done foil fencing before, I have been contemplating adding a light, straight edge sword. The fancy swept hilts of the rapier are nice (which I have a BF synthetic of to know it balance radically different) and then there are sabre-hilted broadswords, but really, since I'm not literally sword fighting with it, a jian style, minimalist hilt would be fine and construction of these reproductions seem pretty good vs many of the European style swords in that low/affordable price range. Then again, if I like it, I could see myself adding a two-hand variant as well since I've been dabbling in longsword a bit.

@jonreno4389 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful, elegant swords with simple and well executed designs.

@fransthefox9682 4 жыл бұрын

Great work from LK Chen as always! But the handle and scabbard are made of ebony, which could potentially scratch, dull, and corrode the blade over a longer period of time. Hopefully they'll upgrade to something like stabilized poplar or birch! Edit: After contacting them, they have informed me that the LK Five's handles and scabbards are made of pheasantwood or "jichimu" (chicken-wing-wood). That species was historically used for handles and scabbards in China.

@crawlFace 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah but LK Chen is not making every sword that is ordered. I know some smiths do but that's a whole different scale and pace. Do you have any info because I'd be surprised if he's making every sword. The price does not match such a custom process.

@twobeansonecream 4 жыл бұрын

And yet I somehow missed this video. KZfaq sub box is messing up a bit. Great review.

@bluelagooon Жыл бұрын

Traditonal chinese swords were always my favorite, so elegant, so beautiful.

@user-gs5np7tv3c 3 жыл бұрын

This kind of sword is also called "长铗". The meaning is pretty similar to long sword, I think. It is also an icon of "士"，which I believe is the Chinese character prototype for the word Samurai（侍） because they have same pronouciation and this linguistic phenomenon is quite popular in Chinese language. "士" not only refers to aristocrats but also includes scholars, Military strategist，even robinhood-like figures. Basically, any capable hands may end up in a state's court in warring states period if someone there introduce you or you are famous. So, I don't think Skall's non-aristocratical hands have any problem handling them...he may become a general in warring states period. The Chujian, which means Chu's sword, is really a straight forward name. I recall a poem I learned in middle school. It was from a famous patriotic figure from Chu state. He wrote “带长铗之陆离兮，冠切云之崔嵬 -- Long sword on my side, tall hat to the cloud”. Here, the sword was called "长铗". In the point of view of Chinese literacy, Chu jia (楚铗) might be a better name for such a sword.

@michaelking8483 4 жыл бұрын

I would very much like to see a video about Tatami mats and where they came from and how they are made(maybe even a tour of a maker's shop).

@u06jo3vmp 4 жыл бұрын

Basically for a jian, European sword and katana of the same length: Total mass: katana > European sword >> jian Blade mass: katana >> European sword ~ jian Distal taper: European sword > jian >> katana Hilt mass: European sword >> katana ~ jian Center of mass: (near) European sword

@blizarrd 4 жыл бұрын

The plate pommel should be a chakram pommel, so you can flick it at the enemy to end him rightly.

@RMLLcrazy 4 жыл бұрын

Good way to slit your wrists while thrusting.

@leisurecide9478 4 жыл бұрын

You should check out the new tv show Longest Day in Chang’an. Available for streaming on Amazon and KZfaq. Some fairly accurate arms and armor from the Tang Dynasty. Would love to get your take on it.

@vedeledev 4 жыл бұрын

This is what I love about this channel, I get to see beautiful swords. Wish I could afford them though.

@springgal265 2 жыл бұрын

These 2 r perfect!

@alexalexzhemail7166 4 жыл бұрын

The face that Skallagrim made at 0:50... Made my day. 🤣🤣🤣

@EdwardWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Great commentary very interested in ur input, keep up the good work

@berkinguvenc318 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, the craftsmanship on those swords look amazing.

@ryejack 4 жыл бұрын

I've been eyeing their swords for a bit now. The Flying Pheonix is on my list. I looks like a fun sword to handle and very nimble.

@adamkilroe9840 4 жыл бұрын

I do wonder how they would feel if these blades were mounted in medieval European Cross-hilted grips and guards.

@allengordon6929 4 жыл бұрын

The blade profiles look kind of rennaisance....

@scottmacgregor3444 4 жыл бұрын

It would definitely change the balance and handling. Interesting idea.

@The_PotionSeller 4 жыл бұрын

With how light they are, I feel like that's how you end up with a spadroon.

@sethguest781 9 ай бұрын

I'd say your form was quite good here and you managed well in staying on balance not allowing the sword to work against you, your guard was quite exceptional, too.

@veritasreigns 4 жыл бұрын

"I'm defiling it with my non-aristocratic grubby hands right now" - you really need a creepy moustache to up your dastardly factor; this was just adorable. (Maybe oil your existing one?)

@jeanblack1295 4 жыл бұрын

Really beautiful blades, definitely a collector must have.

@taylorp.2872 4 жыл бұрын

Imagine that with a really steep tip, amazing fast blades

@antonsimmons8519 Жыл бұрын

I really like that despite preferring euro designs overall(at least, so it seems!) you always give asian designs a fair shake.

@pigboykool 2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful sword, love review!

@kevinli9395 3 жыл бұрын

Finally someone appreciates Chinese swords. I have several jians (sharpened and unsharpened) from when I used to do performing martial arts. I was given a katana from my brother, but honestly I like my jians a lot more. Sorry weebs...

@darkdevil905 4 жыл бұрын

you've gained some respectable amount of weight well done i know how easily the weight varies from bulky to skinny with you, you look good

@drewlytle2281 4 жыл бұрын

Wasn't there a third sword you got with these? I remember seeing them late summer/early fall last year.

@peterxyz3541 3 жыл бұрын

The TIP third is for causing damage (thrust, slice. Not chopping like a dao or katana or meat cleaver). The MID third is for parrying. The BACK third is for direct block.

@AngDavies 4 жыл бұрын

Would it still feel light with a more full guard like crossguard I wonder?, I'd think at least a hundred grams, maybe more like ba few hundred. I dunno, found sources for the weight of blade Vs everything else. But no specific breakdown on that Is the distal taper maybe less to reduce weight and more to shift the balance back towards the handle? Its interesting how the two handed version seems to have even less guard Comparing just the blades, what is the actual weight difference between those and a similarly sized European sword? The idea is really interesting, its like a completely different way of making a sword Vs most other types of sword ive seen.

@tipinwings 3 жыл бұрын

just like in any other culture, jian swords were symbols of class. They were expensive, and from time to time limited for certain classes only. That makes them special. The practical side of swords are more a weapon for town fight or even fights in buildings, rather than a battle field weapon. I believe it’s the same for knight swords or samurai swords.

@mikeclaiborne2482 4 жыл бұрын

As a materials engineer I love how skal reviews the metallurgy

@alexmedina2429 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos. I just joined and I am already suggesting a video ! I have a pretty good notion of what constitutes a "Viking" , however there is a good similarity with germanic peoples such as Saxons and Franks. Would you be able to tell of things (if there are any) that were NOT SHARED between these 3 groups? What would make you distinguish between a Dane, a Frank and a Saxon during the same period (700s-1066)? How about Visigoths? Thanks and keep the good work!

@larfanformersalat0220 4 жыл бұрын

The scabbard is astonishingly beautiful!

@PooMonkeyMan 3 жыл бұрын

When you mentioned HRC at 55-58, I thought that’s pretty soft, but then I realise it’s a sword not a pocket knife. Any swords above 58-60 HRC would probably chip.

@user-ee4fy4xt7h 4 жыл бұрын

In fact,the Japanese Katana steel process origined from Han sword in Han Dynasty somehow. Both formed by high-carbon steel surrounding low-carbon steel，make them sharp and hard in the edge，but highly paddy in the body，which make them not easy break.

@latemanparodius5133 4 жыл бұрын

Just when I thought I had gotten over my lust for getting a jian.

@Sanya6496 4 жыл бұрын

Wonder if you can do a video on Ming-era Liuyedao. I have suspicions the handling is quite different since i'm not really familiar with them. And they are one of my favorite sword designs.

@ToxicallyMasculinelol 3 жыл бұрын

i think the pommels are glued on. i have the roaring dragon and they told me it's glued on. the handle is actually riveted onto the guard like a messer, so the pommel isn't really structural, if anything it's just keeping the cord wrap from unraveling. which is believed to be the historical method. in a lot of historical jians from this period, the tang is actually the same width as the blade. although the handles don't survive, it implies that there was either no pommel or a purely decorative pommel... and that they used handle scales or at least secured the handle depthwise, assuming they fully enclosed the tang in a handle

@selenasilverstep7981 4 жыл бұрын

I would enjoy seeing Arya Stark wield the Chu Jian

@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive 4 жыл бұрын

Quy Khoi Le Maybe she sailed to Yi Ti after the story.

@madao7865 4 жыл бұрын

@@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive Like "Fuck this shit. They're only going to ruin my character, here."

@chrisw7188 4 жыл бұрын

is there a tier list for chinese blades/forges/brands? i cant seem to find anything online, theres much less information compared to katanas. i never knew about LK Chen before this video, their stuff looks good and their site is well done

@lamxung5000 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have any plans to do more polearm reviews if you could ever get your hands on them? The Chinese have some really cool polearms designs, I wonder what your take would be on those.

@brianburitabri6841 4 жыл бұрын

What about the Lightsaber how does it's balance work out? Where is it's point of balance and how would you even test for that? Does the Lazer have any weight other than when it contacts with certain objects? It would feel so weird and make flourishing way harder than they make it look trying to flourish or many other moves with something with zero weight to the blade and a handle as thick as a beer bottle. Thanks bro your channel is as cool as a corpse of a drunken failure sailor in the middle of a frozen lake. Thanks for the entertainment never stop.

@EvanLovesWhiskey 4 жыл бұрын

Mongolian weapons sometime? They did conqueror most of the world. :]

@arwinh7017 4 жыл бұрын

Their secret is cavalry. Speedy horses and warriors with master archery.

@Skallagrim 4 жыл бұрын

I haven't found any good reproductions of Mongolian weapons yet.

@MrSamulai 4 жыл бұрын

@@arwinh7017 And unparalleled spy network. And couriers. And lancers. And silk road. And the way they adopted new tech and strategies from their enemies. And promoted people based on loyalty and skill, rather than birth. And gave great deal of autonomy to conquered lands, so would-be rebels never got much local support. But none of those are as media sexy as a horse archer, so yeah let's go with that.

@cmbaz1140 4 жыл бұрын

Skallagrim www.kilicevi.com/ I found this recently... there is a historical tv show where turks and mongols appear i was told these guys made the swords for them at least some of them... Maybe that helps you in some way...

@shawnchinnery663 4 жыл бұрын

MrSamulai , I was going to mention military meritocracy but ya beat me to it. Your points are bang on.

@skuo118 4 жыл бұрын

Skall, you mention often about crevice between the guard and blade. There is no some sort of caulking that can be applied that's safe on metal and easy to remove and replace?

@StevenHouse1980 4 жыл бұрын

Skallagim it almost sounds like you would like a sword that was in some ways a Hybrid of the two.

@Initialgs 4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same. The Chu Jian Blade and the Phoenix more two handed grip. Would be ideal...

@Cruxador 4 жыл бұрын

The pivot of the jian works at the same logic as the rapier: It pivots on the center of balance. However, where the rapier puts that center at the front of the hand or at the crossguard, the jian puts it as much as 8 inches forward. This means that the body mechanics are very different, and in particular while the rapier is focused in the hand and arm, the jian has a much greater need for holistic body movement. If you aren't able to move your body well then you can only effectively use it for slashing and might be better off with a dao, as you demonstrate when you use European type movements from 4:05-4:25. However, since this is Chu kingdom, the dao was not yet common and it's entirely possible that such usage wouldn't be ahistorical.

@barrandilltanathlas1177 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice, I would have gone with "the Flying Phoenix" just on the name alone.

@OppaGundamStyle 3 жыл бұрын

can you do a review on the SHIELD GUARD HAN JIAN? Interested in seeing if it is worth purchasing sense no one else seems to have reviewed it

@chiogojin 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful pieces of art!

@Gunfreak19 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Skall, take a look at Tales of Glory, it's a VR mount and blade clone, a very well done one too. It would be fun to see what you think about. I didn't even know about the game until now.

@NCDTactical 3 жыл бұрын

In the Han period, there is no large guard appears in the whole world......today we assume that the Han swords' techniques are similar to rapier. Moreover, some Han swords which have long and D guards were found in some people's collections. Therefore we may say that the first D guard may found in China.

@SuperImkin 4 жыл бұрын

It looks really elegant !!

@JordanClymer-fh3pf 3 ай бұрын

Granted, I'm a sword novice, but I handled the Flying Phoenix and I am incredibly impressed with LK Chen. It was damned near immaculate. The ONLY complaint I had was that the painting on the scabbard had some blemishes where the paint ended (and the tape was removed) but its competitors had that worse. It also now has a decorated disc pommel. The connection of the pommel to the tang is two flanges (perpendicular to the disc) that sandwich the end of the blade's tang and a pin of some kind running through it and is plenty secure. One-handable by an inexperienced weakling and two handed is comfortable and lightning fast. HIGH praises for this swordsmith. I was after a European Longsword and ended up with an LK Chen Jian instead. They're simply freaking amazing.

@pointynoodle 4 жыл бұрын

DAMN that shield thing is cool.

@ephaytang 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful !

@BiffaTW 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Skall, would you able able to tell me which one you think would be best to take a strong blow? The Chen looks stouter but it doesn't cut as well as the Phoenix, so I was wondering which you think would be best to take repeated blows.

@hvuu1628 4 жыл бұрын

i would want to get that chu jian, the only thing stopping me is that 6inch handle. i was inquiring them about getting a slightly longer +2inch handle to no availability.