Here is a Quote from a blog i found which is interesting.
This seems to make sense. Most weapons ususually need a size and basis revolving around the height and size of the user, otherwise they can be too big and unweildy.specifications of miao Dao:
Just like any Chinese weapons, the best size/specification should be according individual difference/preference. Nevertheless, the common size of miao dao should be around 5 "Chinese feets" where the blade counts 3.8 Chinese feets and the the handle around 1.2 Chinese feets.
In recent years, as Chinese swords have become popular, I have seen many shortened miao dao made by people who actually have no idea about miao dao, and I have also seen people ordered "specific custom made miao dao" according to "original sizes" which ended up to a disaster.... a super huge + heavy sword that can never be used!
Well, the simply fact is that the Chinese feet is different from feet we are using today. The Chinese Feet (especial in this case) is only around 24 CM to 27 CM depending on the type of measures used, which normall feet is is around 30.48 CM.. so the difference will be 24*5=120 ~ 27*5= 135CM against 30.48*5= 152.4 CM!
So.. is there an educated opinion about them?
I very much like the style of blade. In-fact, I find the forms and blade more appealing than the Jian. but both are quite beautiful. I personally have more affinity with single edged blades that can entwine with the body and lash out deceptively far.