| Zhanmadao (斬馬刀) | |
| Origin: | Han dynasty, China |
| Type: | Infantry anti-cavalry saber |
| Is Bladed: | yes |
| Variants: | Possible changdao, miaodao, wodao, zanbatō |
| Length: | Approx 200cm (100inches)+ |
| Part Length: | Approx 150cm (60inches)+ |
| Blade Type: | Single edged, straight for most of the length, curving in the last third. |
| Hilt Type: | Two handed |
The zhanmadao was a single-bladed anti-cavalry Chinese sword. It originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and was especially common in Song China (960–1279).
The zhanmadao is a single-edged sabre with a long broad blade, and a long handle suitable for two-handed use. It was used as an anti-cavalry weapon, dating from Emperor Cheng of Han, made to slice through a horse's legs.[1] This is mentioned in the Wujing Zongyao, a Song military manual from 1072.[2] It featured prominently against the Jin armies in campaigns between 1129 and 1141.[3]
The earliest variant of the zhanmadao is called zhanmajian, literally "horse beheading jian". The zhanmajian existed during the Han dynasty, so called because it was supposedly able to cut off a horse's head. The difference between the two is that zhanmajian is double-edged whereas the zhanmadao is single-edged, which persists with the meaning of jian and dao. Another suggestion is that the zhanmajian was an execution tool used on special occasions rather than a military weapon.
Surviving examples include a sword that might resemble a nagamaki in construction; it had a wrapped handle 37cm (15inches) long making it easy to grip with two hands with a blade that was 114cm (45inches) long and straight, with a slight curve in the last half.[4]
Possible variations of these Chinese swords were the changdao of Tang dynasty and Ming dynasty, wodao of Qing dynasty, as well as miaodao of the Republican Era.[5]