Was ist der unterschied zwischen einem pudao und einem dadao

This variety of bladed weapon evolved from the saber and dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Saber was one of the first bladed weapons used in China. The primary techniques of the saber are stabbing and slashing movements. The long, heavy pole was added to the saber to give the practitioner more control and leverage, and to allow it to block other heavy and/or long weapons. The proper practice of this weapon requires a foundation of speed and power. Many variations exist, including differences in size, weight, blade length and size. Included in this extended “family” of weapons are any long-handled weapon with a single-edged blade.

Guanyu with his guandao

The most well known example is the Guāndāo (關刀; “blade of Guanyu”), which legend states first appeared in the Three Kingdom period (221-280 CE) and was used by General Guānyǔ (關羽, died 220 CE) (Guan, Yu-Chang). This style of weapon is commonly called Yǎnyuèdāo (偃月刀; “reclining moon blade”). Guan’s personal weapon was called “Green Dragon Reclining Moon Saber” (青龍偃月刀, Qīng lóng yǎnyuèdāo) or simply “Green Dragon Saber” (青龍刀, Qīng lóng dāo). The Guandao was very heavy, and it requires great strength to handle in battle. It is thought Guanyu’s personal weapon was about eight chi long (the ancient chi measurement was not standardized and one chi was approximately 12 to 14 inches), and weighed nearly 90 pounds. Therefore it was not practical for most people who did not possess the great legendary strength of General Guan.

Author practicing Shaolin guandao

The Guandao has most commonly been used for training purposes in many different Chinese martial arts, to build strength and endurance, to aid in enhancing the practitioner’s skills with lighter blades. Generally, the saber of the Guandao had a notch or hook in the back of the blade for catching and parrying an enemy’s weapon. The handle was made of either metal or hard wood that had been soaked in oil, primarily based upon the combatant’s preference. A wooden shaft would be lighter and quicker overall, but the weapon’s weight distribution would be more front heavy, due to the blade, and the shaft would not be as strong for blocking and intercepting. The metal shaft would better balance the blade along the length and provide more blocking and striking power, but would obviously be a heavier weapon overall.

Another long handled Saber was called a “Dashing Saber” (撲刀, Pū dāo) by Northern martial artists. This kind of saber did not have a notch or hook on the spine of the blade. Sometimes it had heavy rings on the back of the blade which would add weight. The primary use of this model was for ground soldiers to attack the enemy’s horses.

Pudao; lighter and smaller than guandao

Long-handled Sabers were generally used for horse-to-horse fighting, however, some of the lighter varieties were also used for ground-versus-horseback (mostly to chop the horse’s legs) and ground-to-ground fighting. This weapon was intended as a battlefield weapon, and was not generally a personal defense weapon. On the battlefield this weapon was a behemoth. It uses clearing techniques often to injure surrounding soldiers and utilizes momentum to make it extremely difficult (if not impossible) for those with lighter weapons to block or deflect it directly.

This sharpened combat sword is crafted with 65Mn spring steel, which is usually used for creating large and strong mechanical springs. The steel has a level of flexibility that would make a gymnast jealous, since it won't lose shape if it comes into a bendy situation. This means that all 27.25-inches of the razor-sharp blade can withstand the fight. The pointed chisel-style tip is fashioned after many classical Asian weapons that preferred wide blades to the thin European designs of the same time period. With decorative double fullers running down the spine, this battel ready weapon has the attire and the cutting power for your demonstrations.

To control this massive full tang blade, the handle is roughly 22 inches long and wrapped with a black cotton cord. This prevents any slippage when swinging this sword in a fight, keeping both you and the others safe while filming or during a choreographed reenactment. The cushioned grip is comfortable, but you'll feel all 3 pounds 13 ounces of the pudao as it whips around in the air. The end of the handle has a large pommel ring, measuring 1 3/8-inches in diameter, which was traditionally used for lacing decorative tassels to the end. You can add your own tassels, and you can easily hang this almost 50-inch long and impressive Chinese-style sword on the wall of your armory.

Some dadao swords come heavily decorated with fabric and detailed brackets, making them excellent honorary gifts and display weapons. While this spring steel sword will still look epic on your wall, it is only finely decorated on the handguard, or tsuba. The oval shaped zinc aluminum guard has swirled engraved all over, giving your fingers protection while looking great. With a shining golden color finish, this rounded handguard speaks of a weapon for a warrior who prefers life simple and sharp without too many extra frills. Just a well-crafted pudao sword and a desire for honor.

The sharpened blade of this hand sword can be concealed and transported with ease using the included black faux leather sheath. This cover is custom fitted for the blade shape allowing for safe carrying and it has snapping fasteners to secure it shut. From the tapered spring steel blade to the durable handle to wield it, this replicated ancient sword will put polearms in their place, and fight with the best of them. Make room in your arsenal for your new pudao today!