Chinese Dao for opinion

ariel · 16th March 2006, 06:46 AM

I was ready to sell this one, but my son intervened. His arguments: the blade is hand made, very heavy and meaty, it was obviously sand-blasted but has what he thinks is a genuine "damascus" pattern that is very different from what is seen in modern Chinese fakes. Also, it has nice hand-made fullers and a diamond-type section at the tip. The laquer looks old. Overall, he thinks it is a good and real liuyedao. Neither he nor I know much about Chinese swords, but he claims that, as he grew up surrounded by sharp and pointy things, he has a special feeling for what is real and what is a fake.
If he is right, I shall be doubly pleased: first, because I got a real one and second (much, much more important!) that he is a better sword connoisseur than his father.

BluErf · 16th March 2006, 03:10 PM

Here's a website with examples of imperial Chinese sabres.

http://thomaschen.freewebspace.com/index.html

At least the fittings on your piece looks authentic and non-flashy, and the blade has a 'muted' charm to it. Given the fullers and hand-forged damascus steel, I think it is unlikely to be 'fake'. Even if it is a modern piece, the effort put into it is well worth your cost. Most Chinese fakes (at the lower end of the market, that is) have blades that are simply steel billets grinded into shape.

Ian · 16th March 2006, 04:26 PM

I agree with your son, Ariel. This one seems to have some genuine age to it. The scabbard is showing signs of age too, with the oxidized iron fittings and the fine cracks to the lacquered finish.

You might like to ask Philip or Scott for their opinion. This one may be worth getting Philip to polish the blade.

Definitely a keeper IMHO.

Ian.

ariel · 16th March 2006, 10:50 PM

Thank you very much!
My son will be thrilled to know he was right, and I am very, very proud of him!

How can I contact Phillip or Scott? Can you give their e-mail addresses as a private message?

RhysMichael · 17th March 2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

How can I contact Phillip or Scott? Can you give their e-mail addresses as a private message?

Here is Scott's site and Philips contact information is on that
http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/index.php

16th March 2006, 06:46 AM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Chinese Dao for opinion I was ready to sell this one, but my son intervened. His arguments: the blade is hand made, very heavy and meaty, it was obviously sand-blasted but has what he thinks is a genuine "damascus" pattern that is very different from what is seen in modern Chinese fakes. Also, it has nice hand-made fullers and a diamond-type section at the tip. The laquer looks old. Overall, he thinks it is a good and real liuyedao. Neither he nor I know much about Chinese swords, but he claims that, as he grew up surrounded by sharp and pointy things, he has a special feeling for what is real and what is a fake. If he is right, I shall be doubly pleased: first, because I got a real one and second (much, much more important!) that he is a better sword connoisseur than his father. Attached Images

16th March 2006, 04:26 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Good find I agree with your son, Ariel. This one seems to have some genuine age to it. The scabbard is showing signs of age too, with the oxidized iron fittings and the fine cracks to the lacquered finish. You might like to ask Philip or Scott for their opinion. This one may be worth getting Philip to polish the blade. Definitely a keeper IMHO. Ian.

16th March 2006, 03:10 PM	#2
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Here's a website with examples of imperial Chinese sabres. http://thomaschen.freewebspace.com/index.html At least the fittings on your piece looks authentic and non-flashy, and the blade has a 'muted' charm to it. Given the fullers and hand-forged damascus steel, I think it is unlikely to be 'fake'. Even if it is a modern piece, the effort put into it is well worth your cost. Most Chinese fakes (at the lower end of the market, that is) have blades that are simply steel billets grinded into shape.

16th March 2006, 10:50 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Thank you very much! My son will be thrilled to know he was right, and I am very, very proud of him! How can I contact Phillip or Scott? Can you give their e-mail addresses as a private message?