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Chinese Officer Sword

Shop our collection of Chinese officer swords - hand-forged Chinese blade collectibles built in the tradition of historical Chinese military officer presentation swords, featuring refined fittings, ornate guard designs, and premium construction in Manganese Steel, 1095 carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Chinese officer sword collectibles represent the prestigious blade tradition of the Chinese military officer class with full-tang construction throughout. Free US shipping and hassle-free returns included.

Showing 48 Products
Han Dynasty Jian - Handmade 1095 High Carbon Steel Double Edged Chinese Straight Sword
Han Dynasty Jian - Handmade 1095 High Carbon Steel Double Edged Chinese Straight Sword
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199.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 229.00 USD
Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
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139.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 169.00 USD
Chinese Kung Fu Weapons Whip Mace Sword Breaker
Chinese Kung Fu Weapons Whip Mace Sword Breaker
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589.00 USD
Handmade Chinese Tang Dao Sword T10 Carbon Steel
Handmade Chinese Tang Dao Sword T10 Carbon Steel
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479.00 USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a Chinese officer sword from a standard military dao?
A Chinese officer sword is distinguished from a standard military dao by several qualities that reflect its role as both a functional blade and a status object communicating the rank and sophistication of its bearer. Fitting quality is the primary differentiator: an officer sword typically features a guard with more elaborate openwork or decorative detail than a plain infantry guard, a handle with higher-quality wrapping or carving, and scabbard fittings including metal mouthpiece and drag with decorative rather than purely functional treatment. Blade quality is also typically higher in an officer sword - finer steel, better surface finish, and more precise blade geometry distinguish the officer's blade from the more utilitarian standard infantry weapon. Proportions may differ as well: officer sabers often feature more slender, refined proportions that read as elegant rather than purely functional, reflecting the officer class's dual identity as both military commanders and members of the educated gentry. The combination of superior material quality, refined proportions, and ornate fitting decoration is what defines the officer sword as a distinct category within the broader Chinese military blade tradition.
What Chinese sword forms are associated with the officer class?
Both the jian straight sword and certain dao configurations were associated with the Chinese officer class in different historical periods and contexts. The jian held particular prestige among scholar-officers throughout Chinese history - its association with Confucian martial philosophy, its technical demands in forms practice, and its elegant aesthetic all made it the blade most closely associated with the educated officer class. Carrying a fine jian was a marker of cultivation and learning that went beyond simple military function. Certain dao saber configurations were also associated with officer rank, particularly the more slender officer saber forms with decorated fittings that distinguished them from the broader infantry broadswords. In some historical periods, specific sword forms were designated for specific ranks within the Chinese military hierarchy, with the most refined forms reserved for the highest ranks. Collecting a Chinese officer sword in either jian or refined dao configuration is a way of engaging with this prestige blade tradition through a physically constructed object that references the historical standards of Chinese military sword quality.
What makes the decorative fittings on a Chinese officer sword significant?
The decorative fittings on a Chinese officer sword are significant as both aesthetic objects and historical documents. The decorative motifs on Chinese sword guards, scabbard fittings, and handle ornaments are drawn from a deep tradition of Chinese visual symbolism that encodes meanings understood by historically literate viewers. Dragons on tsuba guards reference imperial power and protective virtue. Cloud and wave patterns reference natural forces and cosmological order. Bamboo motifs reference resilience and scholarly character. Flower and bird combinations reference seasonal cycles and poetic traditions. These decorative motifs on an officer's sword communicated the bearer's cultural literacy and refined taste to anyone who saw and understood the decoration. In a modern display collection, the decorative fittings of a Chinese officer sword are among the most visually detailed and historically interesting elements of the piece, offering a connection to Chinese visual culture that extends beyond the functional qualities of the blade itself.
How do I display a Chinese officer sword to best show its fitting details?
Displaying a Chinese officer sword to best show its fitting details requires positioning the sword so the guard, handle, and scabbard fittings are all visible from the room's main viewing angle. A horizontal two-peg wall bracket at eye level with the sword mounted at a slight angle - handle end tilted slightly toward the viewer - makes the handle assembly and guard more visible than a perfectly horizontal presentation where the fittings read edge-on from the front. Directed lighting is particularly important for decorative fitting details: a spotlight or track light positioned to illuminate the guard and handle area from slightly above and to the side will reveal the openwork guard detail, the handle wrapping texture, and the scabbard fitting decoration in much more visual depth than diffuse overhead lighting. Many collectors find that displaying a Chinese officer sword on a tabletop stand rather than a wall bracket makes the fitting details more immediately accessible for the regular close inspection they deserve. For wall display, position the sword where visitors can approach closely enough to see the decorative details at the guard and handle end without moving other pieces.

Customer Reviews

David Edward Self Tennessee, United States
Feb 13, 2026 13:04

Very satisfied with product.Sword is lightweight and easy to handle and blade and point both are sharp.

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Brian D Schreffler Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 10, 2026 12:34

Smaller then I expected, but it still is a beautiful sword. Very sharp.

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Josh Segars Georgia, United States
Jan 25, 2026 15:56

Excellent craftsmanship. Prompt service. Top notch.

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
David L Harrington Florida, United States
Dec 13, 2025 17:25

Very nice historic style Chinese sword. Excellent fittings and scabbard. Not very sharp, would need work to be a "cutting" sword, but for the price, I think it is a fine value. Size is smallish, but accurate to the period it represents.

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Christian V Gomez Texas, United States
Oct 25, 2025 13:34

Shipping was lightning quick! However, the fit and finish aren't perfect, the center ornament on the scabbard is loose, the sword doesn't sheath well, and the ornaments on the hilt look rushed. At a distance, it looks fantastic which is not a bad thing but overall, It was good, not great but good

Han Dynasty Jian - Handmade 1095 High Carbon Steel Double Edged Chinese Straight Sword Han Dynasty Jian - Handmade 1095 High Carbon Steel Double Edged Chinese Straight Sword
John Thomas Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 27, 2025 16:43

sword to scabbard loose but still nice. I keep buying from you.

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Malcolm Nicholson North Carolina, United States
Jul 25, 2025 13:08

Every sword is better than the next. I am consistently impressed with the quality of Truekatana. Their colored blades are absolutely gorgeous, and the steel-grade appears to be exactly what they claim it is.r
Shipping was also very fast and well-packed.r
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Handmade Chinese Straight Double Edged Sword High Manganese Steel Han Dynasty With Brown Scabbard: r
The "fishscale" engraved Jian is a work of art. Perfectly balanced and handsome redwood, I can see why they tout this model as something of a flagship.r
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Handmade Chokuto Ninjato And Tanto Sword Set With Blue Blade:r
The blades are the selling point here. They are a lovely deep-blue with a slight reddish purple gradient in the light, with a striking pattern down the spine. The pattern is adhered very well to the surface. The grips and fittings are a bit on the cheap-side but they are designed for "minimalist, tactical use" so they may just what some people are looking for. The blades are still full tang, as evidenced by the great balance point.r
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Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Golden Blade And Brown Scabbard:r
This is a hidden gem. I feel like it resembles a "Dao" in many ways, but the blade does appear to have a traditional katana-style taper. The use of leather and the bronze-like highlights on the scabbard are stunning. The golden blade is a subtle hue, not overpowering, giving it a very classy appearance.r
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All of these swords feel rock-solid in your hand. Highly recommended all around

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard
Armando Robledo Texas, United States
Apr 28, 2025 13:29

Love the sword. Looks exactly like the pictures. The shipping was fairly quick also

Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard Handmade Han Dynasty Jian Sword - Manganese Steel Chinese Sword With Hardwood Scabbard