Chinese Dai Dao ''Great Sabre''

By Crusader1307

The Chinese Dai Dao or ''Great Sabre'' was a 18^th Century AD Blade seen during The Taiping Rebellion of 1850 to 1864, between The Qing and Taiping (a Pretender faction) for control of China. The Taiping. Originating in Southern China, The Taiping were against any modernization or Foreign (European) involvement in Chinese affairs. They were also against Foreign Religion and wanted to take China back to a ''simpler Era''. They also believed that The Emperor was devout (from God) and had complete control over His People (providing He was also a follower of anti-modernization). The Taiping also disdained Foreign expansion from within China. The most common hand held Sword used by The Rebels, was The Dai Dao or ''Great Sabre''. The Blade resembled The Middle Eastern Scimitar, and was around 2.5 to 3-feet in length. The Blade width was roughly 6 to 7.5-inches. The Dai Dao was a single -edged blade (slightly curved). In a unique design, the backbone of the blade (top), was serrated or notched, with sharpened flanges. The upper most portion of the blade slightly extended upwards and was barbed as well. Featuring a rounded Guard, The Handle was 6-inches long. This was a slashing and cutting weapon, which was very effective at close combat range. Despite it's uselessness against firearms (then very well known and moderately accurate by the 19^th Century), many feared The ''Great Sabre''. Also despite the length, The Blade (which was actually designed to be wielded with One Hand) - Smaller versions were also known to exist.