Broadswords (Dao)

Chinese Weapons Broadswords: Dao means knife or sword. In kungfu, it usually is an abbreviation of dan dao (single sword) commonly translated as "broadsword." Generally, it has a single-edged curved blade. The hand guard is usually an oval-shaped cup, with the concave side facing towards the blade. The handle has a slight downward cant and the pommel is oblong with a sash tassel. Broadswords come in varying lengths, but generally they should reach the user's eyebrow when held upright along the arm.