two jian shaped dao

[josh stout]

These are examples of one of my favorite styles of Chinese swords.

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1077.jpg

The slightly larger one of the two is about 30 inches with a 24 inch blade. It has a triangular pierced pommel that I associate with 18th c. village pieces, and what I think is a stylized bat for the guard. The blade has a high carbon back as well as the usual high carbon edge. I am beginning to think that this is common among village pieces.

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1078.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1080.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1081.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1087.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1088.jpg

The slightly smaller one has a pommel form that I assonate with 17th c. things. The thick oxidation on the tang seems to support this. The pattern welding is very fine in this piece, giving it a very three dimensional look. I am particularly puzzled by the small nodules of steel seemingly stuck to the blade like crumbs, and I would love to know more about how this was achieved. This one also clearly shows signs of a hard steel back having been welded on using a piled construction.

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1079.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1082.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1083.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1084.jpg

These last two pictures show the blade with the back oriented down showing a forge flaw in the separately applied back.

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1085.jpg

http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...t=DSC_1086.jpg

Both blades arrived in polished condition but showed no activity in the steel. I soaked them both overnight in warm vinegar next to the furnace, and then polished then some more with 4000 grit.
I am interested in the bulge near the tip and the slightly hooked tip. It is a characteristic many of these jian shaped dao seem to have. It reminds me of a dragon head.
Josh