David U.

Mearto specialist

Hello Ryan, This is a Chuanmeidao or Dadao, like the butterfly sword, is a fairly contemporary weapon, used most notably during early 20th-century conflicts in the post-imperial Republic of China. Its name literally translates to “big knife” and is thought to have originated as an agricultural tool which was adapted into a weapon out of dire necessity. With a thin wide blade reaching two or three feet and a substantial handle for a solid grip, the dadao was a quick and inexpensive way to arm civilian militias. During the Sino-Japanese War, and extending even into World War II, the dadao was used frequently against Japanese soldiers armed with katanas which were longer and often assumed to be the superior weapon. However, during the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937, a band of only one hundred Chinese troops was able to force over five thousand katana-wielding Japanese troops into a retreat, demonstrating the potential of the dadao in the hands of highly skilled and determined individuals. Good condition.