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The zhanmadao () was a single-bladed anti-cavalry Chinese sword. It originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and was especially common in Song China (960–1279).

Key facts

Weapon.name
Zhanmadao (斬馬刀)
Weapon.image
File:Luyingzhanmadao.jpg
Weapon.caption
A zhanmadao "horse butchering dao" from a Qing dynasty illustration, 1766
Weapon.origin
Han dynasty, China
Weapon.type
Infantry anti-cavalry saber
Weapon.is_bladed
yes
Weapon.variants
Possible changdao, miaodao, wodao, zanbatō
Weapon.length
Approx +
Weapon.part_length
Approx +
Weapon.blade_type
Single edged, straight for most of the length, curving in the last third.
Weapon.hilt_type
Two handed

via Wikipedia infobox

~2 min read

Encyclopedic overview

6 sections
Contents
  • General characteristics
  • Similar weapons
  • See also
  • References
  • Citations
  • General and cited references

The zhanmadao () was a single-bladed anti-cavalry Chinese sword. It originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and was especially common in Song China (960–1279).

== General characteristics == The zhanmadao is a single-edged sabre with a long broad blade, and a long handle suitable for two-handed use. It was used as an anti-cavalry weapon, dating from Emperor Cheng of Han, made to slice through a horse's legs. This is mentioned in the Wujing Zongyao, a Song military manual from 1072. It featured prominently against the Jin armies in campaigns between 1129 and 1141.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “zhanmadao” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.