Great River Taoist Center Forums

On the advice of Philip Tom I put polyurethane floor finish on my grip wrap. The brand I used was needed a few coats and hardened to to hard semiglossy finish which then 'fuzzes' with use.

Philip advised Minwax PolyAcrylic...this doesn't 'fuzz' at all and doesn't show up at all on the cord.

What are some typical measurements of miaodao ??? Zhengwu's (used in Laoshi's video) seems a little bigger than the average Katana. There there are some used in China (modern replicas of course) which are down right huge. I notice Raven Studios makes a wooden one with 38" blade and 18" handle. What ...

Some antiques were as heavy or heavier than modern jian...I have one almost 3 lbs. I have noticed that it could be a blade geometry issue. Modern ones tend to have flat diamond profile and to strengthen the edge I've seen some have a 'fatter central ridge' which translates to a wider 'wedge' shape a...

I have an antique saber with traces of silver foil on the fittings (hilt and scabbard). How did they apply the silver to make it 'stick'?

Hi Laoshi, So if we were to aim at a historically accurate blade, would we take the Huanuo or Zhengwu sword and have a lenticular (clamshell) shape polished on with the edge a wee bit more blunt than they are now? I'm assuming the current swords are a bit more sharper than required. Also would a mor...

I checked the Angel Sword site again and one thing really stood out. http://www.angelsword.com/chinese/bk-chinese_jian1.php The Point of Balance is either '0' at the hilt or 2.5" from the hilt. This makes the sword really hilt heavy and really it is not historically balanced. This would effect thing...

Hi, I haven't handled one, but based on the price, pictures and descriptions, I would pass on the Angel Sword Jians. The handle is not of a historical profile....seems too flat and slab like. As well for the price that they want you can get a Sanmai rayskin covered scabbard jian from Huanuo or pay m...

Hi Kenneth,

Hey even if it's not an antique, I sure that people who've seen it may very well be interested in such patterns!!

Laoshi, I've noticed in many CMA schools many moves are practiced against a duifang who presents a full long energy committed attack. This is doubly so in sword applications. In my very limited experience, this type of training doesn't get one prepared to deal with short energy 'jabs'...hand or swor...

I have referred back to this thread many times as I examine my antiques and modern blades. One question I have for experts like Paul, Philip, and Laoshi. What are the edge hardnesses of the modern replicas...let's say Huanuo as a standard, Zhengwu is also another good company...specifically the edge...

I notice many of today's modern replica have flat diamond profiles blade cross sections. Some get strength by making it a fat diamond.

Do any of the modern jian/saber blade follow the clamshell/bullet shape described by Laoshi in the Militia Jian thread???

I notice that variations of this form is often shown as Yang Family Jian form. After reading Laoshi's book, I notice that these forms often have various parries and movements either reduced greatly or missing altogether.

Here is a video of the Tung Fast set

http://www.chipellis.com/videos/Dong%20 ... Fast%20DZC

There used to be a site...Taichiamerica.com that had a video of Sifu Andy Wong...My first teacher...performing the same set but I can't find that site anymore.

Here is a link to video of the Tung (Yang) Jian form. http://www.chipellis.com/videos/Dong%20Zeng%20Chen/DZC%20videos.htm#Jien I was taught this lineage of Jian from my Sifu but with a few modifications to the one depicted in this video. Also check out the General Tai Chi discussion section, I'll po...

Hi, Initially, the best rule of thumb is to find one that is not so heavy or long that it would strain your wrist or injure it. Many modern practitioners have various ways of measuring the 'ideal' blade length. Laoshi Rodell can tell you much more on the reality of sword use and the reality of varia...