Han Dynasty Jian - Damascus Steel Double Edged Chinese Short Sword With Blackwood Scabbard & Copper Fittings

This is the blackwood counterpart to the rosewood-and-Taotie Damascus short sword in the Han Dynasty lineup. Same 34-inch compact format, same folded steel construction, same 4.4 lb density - but an entirely different visual direction. Where that version runs warm with rosewood and beast-face motifs, this one runs cool with dark blackwood and geometric cloud-and-thunder scroll patterns in aged bronze. Two ways to own a premium short Han Jian, two completely different aesthetic registers.


The blade is forged from Damascus steel - layers of metal folded and hammered to create the distinctive wavy grain patterns visible along the surface. At 23 inches of cutting edge in a 34-inch frame, this is a compact sword that packs serious blade density into a shorter package. The double-edged profile is traditional Han Dynasty geometry, and the blade is hand-sharpened to a functional edge.


The copper fittings feature the same geometric vocabulary found on Han Dynasty bronze artifacts - interlocking square spirals, angular scrollwork, and repeating geometric borders that archaeologists call Yun Lei Wen (cloud-and-thunder patterns). The guard, collar, and scabbard mounts all share this design language, creating a cohesive period aesthetic from pommel to scabbard tip. The casting quality shows in the crispness of the angular lines - geometric patterns reveal sloppy craftsmanship faster than organic ones, and these hold up to close inspection.


One buyer gave four stars, calling the sword "beautiful and pretty much exactly what I wanted." He noted the weight was heavier than expected but acknowledged the specs were accurate. His one criticism was that the blade wasn't as sharp as advertised - "not razor sharp" but "not dull" either. He closed the review by saying he'd probably buy from the site again and humorously noted he wasn't "going to fight the Mongols with it." The kind of review that tells you the buyer is satisfied overall but values honest assessment over blind praise.


The blackwood scabbard takes a minimalist approach - smooth, uncarved, letting the dark wood grain serve as a neutral backdrop for the detailed bronze fittings. This design strategy works the same way it does across the Han Jian lineup: concentrate the visual detail in the metalwork, keep the wood quiet. At 34 inches, the compact size fits desk display, bookshelf mounting, or wall-hang positions that standard 40-inch swords can't reach.


Includes blackwood scabbard with braided tassel. Stand not included. Free US shipping with 30-day money-back guarantee.