Chinese Imperial Two Handed Dao

Kubur · 16th January 2019, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Sharkskin/whatever grip so that it can easily slip and rotate in the hand!?

NOOOO!
Shagreen is excellent as grip for a hilt, to maintain the sword, not to slip!
Many dao have shagreen (mine has)
Shagreen (ray or shark) was used all over the world, including Europe.

David R · 16th January 2019, 05:08 PM

I would ask which online market he bought from? They tend to protect the buyer, even at the expense of the vendor.

kronckew · 16th January 2019, 05:30 PM

Polished rayskin is OK for scabbards, it's fairly slick for a grip, the bumpy unpolished is better. Do older ones have large Chinese characters? None of mine does, but I only have a few. The blade just doesn't seem right somehow.

mariusgmioc · 16th January 2019, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

Polished rayskin is OK for scabbards, it's fairly slick for a grip, the bumpy unpolished is better.

Exactly!

All European and Japanese swords I have with rayskin hilts are unpolished.

I have seen polished rayskin grips on some Chinese swords but I have serious doubts about them.

Genuine antique Chinese fighting swords had generally wrapped textile grips.

Kubur · 16th January 2019, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

I have seen polished rayskin grips on some Chinese swords but I have serious doubts about them.

I agree with you on that one
look at this one I have some serious doubts

mariusgmioc · 16th January 2019, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

I agree with you on that one
look at this one I have some serious doubts

Fake, decorative sword "antiquated." Square grip almost identical with scabbard. No traces of handling.

Kubur · 16th January 2019, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Genuine antique Chinese fighting swords had generally wrapped textile grips.

I disagree or let's say not always.
Look at this one, this is a model well known and prsent in many museums...
around 1900.

mariusgmioc · 16th January 2019, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

I disagree or let's say not always.
Look at this one, this is a model well known and prsent in many museums...
around 1900.

Entirely diferent story! Yet, I suspect the grip is a later replacement but still atique.

kronckew · 16th January 2019, 08:40 PM

My mid 19c Imperial era Dao: Probably from a Warlord's troops.

Kubur · 16th January 2019, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

Polished rayskin is OK for scabbards, it's fairly slick for a grip, the bumpy unpolished is better.

I agree fuly.

16th January 2019, 08:40 PM	#9
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,238	My mid 19c Imperial era Dao: Probably from a Warlord's troops. Attached Images

16th January 2019, 05:08 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,123	I would ask which online market he bought from? They tend to protect the buyer, even at the expense of the vendor.

16th January 2019, 05:30 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,238	Polished rayskin is OK for scabbards, it's fairly slick for a grip, the bumpy unpolished is better. Do older ones have large Chinese characters? None of mine does, but I only have a few. The blade just doesn't seem right somehow.