4. The Chinese jian was the ultimate in battlefield versatility, used by specialist warriors to cut and thrust – in a ‘gentlemanly’ manner that is
It was known as the “Gentleman of Weapons” in Chinese folklore, and in the legends of the Taoist Immortals, several notable warriors have the jian as their prime weapon. While it may not have been as powerful or as strong as a Viking broadsword or as agile and flexible as a Renaissance-era rapier, this Chinese sword was hugely versatile. Not only could it be used for thrusting and stabbing, it was also ideal for cutting – and, indeed, a whole sport grew out of trying to make the most precise cuts possible using a jian.
The jian, a double-edged straight sword, started to emerge in China around 500BC. Over the centuries, the size and weight of the weapon have varied. However, for more than 2,500 years, the essential design of the jian has remained the same. While it may look simple, it’s actually finely crafted. The single blade is really divided into three parts; the top is designed for offensive moves, while the base is crafted for defense. The middle of the sword, meanwhile, can be used for both defensive and offensive moves, above all, precision cutting.