THE HAN SWORD

The Dynasty Series swords recreated by the craftsmen of Hanwei from the lords of the great dynasties represent the pinnacle of the sword maker's art, vividly illustrating the skills and creativity of the smiths of Imperial China. The Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), which reunited China and established boundaries very similar to those existing today, has long been an era of research regarding the weaponry of the time. The Han Dynasty fits in Sword History between the Bronze and Steel Age. During this period forging supplanted the casting process for making swords. Since there are no existing completely constructed swords from the Han Dynasty in museums or private collections, the research for the Han Dynasty Sword (2005-GT) began in ancient Chinese art and tapestries, and from an excavated blade with similar shape, weight and balance found in the research. Details on weapons of the era are sketchy at best but with the support of textual research as well as many hours examining art of the period, the craftsmen of Hanwei under the direction of Paul Chen were able to compose what they determined to be the representative Han Dynasty Sword.

The Han Sword is a cavalry pattern long sword 37 - 5/8" in overall length. Swords of the era were made for two-handed or hand-and-a-half style combat. The rosewood grip and scabbard are inlaid with silver in an intricate scroll pattern, while the gilded steel guard, pommel and scabbard decorations feature the 'crouching dragon' motif known as 'Chi' (a legendary dragon). The silver inlay is very "Han style" with it's smoky-wisp and claw patterning. Inlays were very popular during the Han Dynasty and were very much the signature of the Han Dynasty.
Though Damascus steel was not likely used in the original Han swords, for purposes of collecting and the creative style of the Hanwei craftsmen, it was agreed that only a sword worthy of such effort should have the best blade available by modern standards. The Chinese didn’t have Damascus steel per say the way the Vikings had, but they did have “Pattern Wielded Steel” which we refer to today as Damascus. They did fold steel to get the Damascus look but not in the way the Vikings achieved it. So the folded steel blade is traditional in the sense that it was folded with the Damascus look to it. The blade shapes of the Han Dynasty were consistently diamond shaped on the tip. The random pattern Damascus blade of 28-1/4", with its ridged central fuller and reinforced point is admirably suited for slashing cuts and powerful thrusts from horseback. Following the Han Dynasty period in sword history, the symmetrical long sword was replaced by a sword with more curvature.

Overall, the Han Dynasty sword is well balanced with a balance point of four inches. Its as pleasant to look at as it is to hold and produces a nice 'swoosh' sound when swung. One might fear with all the ornate fittings and inlays that the decoration may influence the function but that's hardly the case. The grip is very comfortable and feels firm in the hand with out any distraction from the construction or decoration. Truly the Han Sword was meant to be wielded by a Master.

The Han Dynasty sword premiered at the 2001 Sword Show in New Orleans and hit the sword market that August. Paul Chen commented; "We made the Han Dynasty sword to fulfill the sword collector's dream, since there are none (Han Dynasty swords) on the market for them to collect." Each Han Dynasty Series sword comes in a wooden presentation box fit for an emperor. Retailing at $1299.00, the avid sword collectors have welcomed the opportunity to collect such a rare and high quality sword that wasn't previously available until Hanwei's Dynasty Series Collection.

"I am never satisfied because I know in my mind that we (Hanwei) can be
so much better," said Paul Chen at the 2002 Sword Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Its my hope that my legacy and that of Hanwei is a positive one, and that we are known for our innovation and quality." As a young man Paul started collecting swords and from his desire to have quality swords sparked the fires of the Hanwei forge in Dalian, China. "When I first started collecting, I noticed that there weren't many high quality swords on the market, so I became frustrated," Paul said. "Hanwei's purpose is to give to the sword collector and practitioner what they deserve and what they paid for; a quality sword of which that they can be proud."
Its Paul's desire for constant improvement that has earned Hanwei renowned world wide respect for its sword reproductions as well as its growing knife reproduction capabilities.

The Hanwei brand and Paul Chen are known throughout the world for devotion to quality and innovation in both Medieval European and traditional Japanese reproductions"Our next goal is to start producing high quality Chinese weaponry," said Paul. "The Dynasty series was only the beginning because we have in production a Pudao, Butterfly Knife Set, as well as many other Chinese weapons." Paralleling the premier of the Han Dynasty Sword was the Practical Tai Chi Series swords by Hanwei, which have taken the market by storm. "Before the Hanwei Practical Tai Chi swords, the market was mostly filled with decorative swords, that were inadequate for the practitioner as well as the collector. It makes me proud that Hanwei can have a positive impact on the sword market because we feel what we do is good but I know we can always do better."