Chinese sword breaker I hope it's real

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by katana

Thanks Gav and 'Nando ,
I was thinking of the less sophisticated version posted by Fernando. Gav the example you posted suggests that some sword breakers were a 'dedicated' weapon. I had assumed that the Sai 'type' were used like a 'main gauche' with a sword (or similar) held by the other hand. I know in Martial art 'forms' ....the Sai is used on its own or in pairs......but I cannot imagine an individual, on a battlefield using two, as his main weapon of choice.

Kind Regards David

David, they certainly were a 'dedicated' weapon of old and could disable with or without killing. This example probably had the same origins as the 'Sai' that were a farming impliment originally.
The Sai, I could see them used in rural setting or as a secondry defense in pairs by perhaps an enforcment official or similar but I think in the battle field the sword and shield or long pole weapons where the first choice.
I like the one Fernando presented, the centre shaft could create more damage to a swords edge, something sword owners hate

Gav