Zhanmadao
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| Zhanmadao | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry Anti-Cavalry Saber |
| Place of origin | Song Dynasty, China |
| Production history | |
| Variants | Possible Changdao Miao dao Wodao Zanbato |
| Specifications | |
| Length | Approx 150 cm |
| Blade length | Approx 120 cm |
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| Blade type | Single edged, straight for most of the length, curving in the last third. |
| Hilt type | Two handed |
The zhanmadao (斬馬刀) (zhǎn mǎ dāo) (lit. chopping horse saber) was a single-bladed Chinese sword of the Song Dynasty.
[edit] General characteristics
The zhanmadao is a sabre with a single long broad blade, and a long handle suitable for two-handed use.
Dating to 1072, it was used as an anti-cavalry weapon. This is mentioned in the "Wu Jing Zong Yao Song Military Manual" from 1072 (see external article).
Surviving examples include a sword that might resemble a nagamaki in construction; it had a wrapped handle 37 centimetres long making it easy to grip with two hands. The blade was 114 centimetres long and very straight with a slight curve in the last half.
[edit] Similar weapons
Possible variations of these Chinese swords were the changdao, miao dao, and wodao.
The sword may have been the inspiration for the Zanbatō as both have been said to have been used for killing the horse and rider in one swing.
In the Western world, swords of an equivalent size may have been used to batter into formations of pikemen or to cut out the front legs of a galloping horse - though the historical accuracy of this information is also a matter of debate.
[edit] See also
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