The Wu Sword Project

Author: Ning Wu
Date of visit: November 23, 2005
Artisan: Kuo Chang Hsi (郭常喜)
Kuo Chang Hsi Museum of Weaponry Art (郭常喜兵器藝術文物館)
Kaohsiung City (高雄縣茄定鄉)

This the 4th and last sword maker on this trip.

In Taichung we stayed at the run down Chance Hotel. The medium price range fooled us, and the proximity to the train station lured us. We appear to be the only guests staying at this small hotel... you get that eery feeling you get from a Japanese horror movie. Needless to say, my sister and I did not rest well over night and could not wait to check out the next morning and visit the Kuo Chang Hsi Weaponry Museum.

We took the train to Kaohsiung, then an electric train to Qieding Village. The hot temperature was a pleasant feeling. Coming out of the station, we were not able to find a taxi until we called Master Kuo's assistant Ms. Huang. She arranged to have a taxi pick us up at the corner convenience store near the train station.

Once we got to the museum, we knew immediately this is a wonderful place to complete our quest! Little did we know more fascinating things are still to come! It was literally information overload. Thank goodness for digital recorders and cameras.

Please read about his achievements by searching "Kuo Chang Hsi" or 郭常喜 on the web. There is also an article about him in the September 2005 "Inside Kung Fu". His craftsmanship was featured in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, . YES!!! This is the master that created the coveted "Green Destiny" Qing Ming Sword (青冥劍) and other weapons for the movie.

Master Kuo started metal work at the age of 13 when he decided to share the sweating workload of his parents. Starting from apprenticeship in his father's shop, to continuing his apprenticeship in Japan working with Japanese swords. After returning to Taiwan, he continued development of his layered steel technique. Today, he is one of the few remaining master that can create the full range of 108 Song Jian system (宋江系例 - Note 1). He also received in 2002 registered patent for layer method. His repertoire includes the "18 types weaponry" (note 2) the tools and knives of Taiwan minorities and classic jian and dao.

Where we were in thoroughly impressed with the elegance of Master Chen Tien Yang, we were in awe with this museum. Master Kuo has a large collection of antique weaponry, from various Chinese Dynasties and Japanese origin...hundreds of catelogued items displayed in a well organized museum environment spanning 2 floors. The artifacts on display are rotated and many are loaned out to other museums and universities. We were fortunate to also visit the 3 third level storage area of artifacts not on display. This is because Master Kuo says we came all the way from Canada. We are so lucky!

We also had the chance to meet Mrs. Kuo. She is very hospitable, not only did she join us for tea and touring the museum, she later met us at the workshop. Mrs. Kuo takes an active role in managing the museum. She is knowledgeable about the artifacts and their history and often assist in guiding tours of the museum.

The workshop is called Xing Da Daoju (興達刀具). Master Kuo drove us there and really gave us an eye opener. This is a active workshop where he crafts and forges the swords and other daily usable tools. While we were there, a local fisherman came to have his scaling knife sharpened and then scootered back to work. Another customer brought back a new cleaver to get Master Kuo's seal, as it's not worth any value without his seal. Master Kuo simply raised his blacksmith tools and got the job done. There is no pretension.

As he writes in the description of his career (published): 1958 to present - blacksmith. He has our utmost respect.

As the interview concluded, Master Kuo and Mrs Kuo dorve us to the Tainan Aiport to catch our flight back to Taipei. They sent us off warmly with best wish for our quest and assurance of the opportunity to work together on our sword project.

Author's notes:
1) The Song Jian battle array is based on the Chinese classic "The Water Margin". I will write more about it in future reports. See the following Chinese language website for some additional information and images. http://www.nmm.ks.edu.tw/F1/SONG/source_1.htm

2) Although call the "18 types of weaponry", this is really referring to a category of weapons that is out side of the mainstream.

Author: Ning Wu
Date of visit: November 22, 2005
Artisan: Chen Tien-yang (陳天陽) National Cultural Craftsman (民族工藝師)
Chin-Yun Sword Folk Cultural Gallery (清雲鑄劍藝術文物館)
Taichung, Shalu Township (臺中,縣沙鹿鎮埔子里)

This is one of the highlights of our Sword Quest. Having the honour to meet with Master Chen (陳天陽) is exhilarating. From Taipei, we took the train to Shalu Township near Taichung. Arriving shortly after 1PM, I called Master Chen to get directions. Master Chen showed us great hospitality by having his grandson to pick us. He drove a beautiful Benz, so we felt very special indeed.

Master Chen is designated as Cultural Craftsman by the Taiwan, ROC government. He lectures frequently in both Taiwan and Beijing. From what we have already researched prior to meeting with him, we knew he has devoted his life to the making of historical swords, and creation of swords for today's people. It is of great importance to him to ensure the appreciation of this elegant weaponry is passed on to future generations.

In 1984 he opened the well known Chin-Yun Sword Folk Cultural Gallery in Shalu Township. This is our destination. Master Chen greeted us warmly. Pouring fine tea for us while answering our long list of questions and patiently explaining the principles behind the time honoured skill and appreciation of Jian and Dao. You can really feel his enthusiasm.

He told us stories about some of his creations, including a recently completed Tai Chi Sword for a Taoist Temple in the U.S. This sword is beautifully made, with purple silk tassels from Japan and black sandal wood scabbard (to ward off evil spirit). Needless to say, we were clicking away with our digital cameras.

From touring his gallery we realize how learned he is in Chinese Traditional literature and art. Aside from the displays of his creations, he has a collection of fine antique weaponry. In his studio he also enjoys Chinese painting and calligraphy. In Taiwan, he is sometimes referred to as the Poet Swordmaker.

When we asked about the Wu Style Tai Chi Dao, Master Chen said he does not make this type of Dao, as it is a Northern Dao, while he is skilled in Southern style. However he can help us find a Northern Dao specialist. We appreciate his honesty and nature of a true gentleman swordmaker, not a commercial sword producer.

After the interview, he called his friend who owns a taxi company and arranged a taxi to take us to our hotel in Taichung. Truely a considerate gesture.

Note: There is much more material to be shared. We will publish more in a special "edition". With his consent, we video taped this interview. He even demonstrated his Tai Chi Sword play (Chen Style). I will make provision for clips to be made available at this site just as soon as I can do the translation and generate decent subtitles (not the old style kung fu movie type).

Author: Ning Wu
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005.
Traditional Chinese Weaponery House
中華傳統兵器文物藝術坊，
Jao-Ho (饒河) Street
Taipei, Taiwan

We were not able to confirm a meeting with this manufacturer before we arrived in Taipei. However, with the help of Margaret and Sandy, we were able to arrange a meeting with the operator of the Traditional Chinese Weaponry House for late evening on Nov. 22. The office of this manufacturer of weaponry is located in the Raohe night market 松山饒河夜市, the largest night market of Taipei City. This area is full of eateries, vendors, clothing stores. As we had to wait for our appointment we wandered around the night market, trying out the delicious Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐 strong-smelling fermented bean curd) and famous Taiwan shaved ice.

Ms. Doris Huang met us at around 9PM at their office. It is a brightly lit upper floor showroom. On displayed were the samples of the wide variety of both Traditional Chinese Weaponery and Medieval-type collectables (hammer, sword, shields). Their products extends to non-marial items such as handcrafts and scented oil burners. Ms. Huang also discussed with us their manufacturing and fulfillment processes.

The quality of their production is good. Swords and Dao were of a decent proportion and had a good balance. The attention to details is also good. They are currently filling orders from Asia as well as mainland China. These weapons are mass-produced martial arts weapons rather than handcrafted collectibles, but the quality is of a higher grade than found in most martial arts shops.

We arrived in Taipei very late in the evening of Saturday, Nov. 19th. With a good night's rest at the Grand Hotel and after a sumptuous Chinese breakfast at the hotel the next morning, we were ready for the most tense pace part of our trip. In four days we visited three swordmakers, spanning the entire country. From Taipei (臺北) in the North we traveled to Taichung (臺中) in the middle and onward to Tainan (臺南) in the South part of the island. All this might seem impossible, except with the help of our good friend Margaret who flew from Hong Kong to meet us in Taipei and the assistant of Margaret's good friend, the most capable Sandy. Sandy helped arrange all the transportation: trains, buses and aircraft to happen like clockwork. A sincere thanks to them both.

Author: Ning Wu
Date of visit: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005
Bao Dao Heng (寶刀衡)
Dong An Market, old Beijing Street
Artisan: Heng Qitong

This is the first stop of our Sword quest. After a 15 hour long flight, we made it to Beijing in good spirit. Fortunately for us, our hotel was booked by my relatives who are "Old Beijing" (老北京) and we
stayed at a hotel located in Wangfujing (王府井) (note 1) at the heart of Beijing shopping district, 20 min. walk from the Imperial Place. and 3 min. walk from the high-end, western-style shopping mall, New Dong An Market 新东安市场 (Note 2)

Bao Dao Heng is the trade name used by the Heng Family through the generations. Although Mr. Heng translates it to "Knife Heng" in his promotional material, the more literal translation is probably Heng the Precious or Treasured Dao (Maker).

Prior this trip we arranged through email to meet with Mr. Heng, the 8th generation descendant of a sword maker in the Qing court. His store is located at "Old Beijing Street of (老北京一条街), in the lower level of New Dong An Market. The shops all represent the well known Beijing shops selling goods and snacks of the last period of the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and early Republic era (1912-1949).

We arrived at the arranged time but was told that Mr. Heng was at another meeting and would not be available until later that day. We left our local cell phone number and took the time to walk around the Imperial Palace and tried out the famous snack tanghulu (糖葫蘆) (note 3). By 4PM we met up with Mr. Heng. He welcomed us warmly and consented to an interview. Here are some highlights:

There are numerous references on the web that are news reporting of Bao Dao Heng. Search "寶刀衡" or click here. You will find Chinese-language articles that report on Mr. Heng's achievements.

Mr. Heng says that his sword making method is a secret traditional formula that gives the Heng swords a no-rust property. The samples we saw appeared to be chrome plated. Heng says that the distinct feature of Heng dao is the differentiation of 2 fullers (grooves on the blade) vs 3 fullers.

2 fullers - made for the Palace (kungli),
3 fullers - made for civilians, (out side palace, kungwai).

[Editor's Note: According to Mr. Heng, the difference in the number of fullers only applies to his family's dao. There is no corroborating evidence to support difference in general, in fact there is abundant existing physical evidence that contradicts this idea.]

Zhubei(竹背) or bamboo-back pattern on the dao is for the purpose of catching then fending off the opponent's blade.

During his great grandfather's time, demand for sword by palace is greatly reduced (different weaponery, different methods of battle, decline in Qing finances, or altogether less warfare). Therefore they have to take on jobs to make swords for outside of the palace.

He showed us a sample of an antique dao that was made by Knife Heng. The sample they have was buried in the ground by his grand mother, to avoid it being taken during the time of the cultural revolution when metal was taken to make farm machinery--known as xiafang (下放), or transfering resources to the countryside for manual labour.

As told to him by his father and grandparents, Bao Dao Heng was the swordmaker for Da Dao Wang Wu (大刀王五) and his yuan shun biao yu (源顺镖局), or security courier--like the current-day Brinks armoured service.

Our request to visit his factory was politely declined as the method of his sword making is a trade secret.

Mr. Heng said the famous saying "nan jian bei dao" (南劍北刀), or "South (of China) is famous for its jian, and North for its dao" means that the good jian are made in Longquan (龍泉) and the good dao are made by Heng family.

Author's note: The term "南劍北刀" in the context of martial arts traditionally is a "title" given to the best swordsman from the South and dao practitioner from the North.

Historical Notes:

1) . Wangfujing (王府井) area is the best known shopping district in Beijing. During the Jin dynasty, Wangfujing was an unknown village. The population started to grow after the Yuan dynasty and developed into a T intersection. During the Ming dynasty, 10 royal residences (wangfu - 王府) were built in the area, the area was then called "10 wangfu" street. With the invasion of the Qing dynasty, the Qing elimiated the 10 leiges, hence the name was changed to Wangfu Da Jie which literally means "royal residences street".

Since the Ming dynasty, Wangfujing has a been an area of street vendors and eateries. The most popular merchandise were formal hats. From the Qing dyansty onward, proper shops formed a market street. With the building of Dong An Market in 1903, Wangfujing became increasingly propsperous.

2)New Dong An Market (新东安市场) - The original Dong An Market was built in 1903年3月, name so because it is close to the Dong An gate of the Imperial Palace. It was rebuilt starting in 1993 on the original site, and fully operational in January of 1998.

3)Tanghulu (糖葫蘆) - candy-coated haw apple on a stick.

We had some Google ads at the top of the page for a little while. Somehow, ads for "Tolkien Swords" are not quite appropriate for the purpose of this site. Maybe if there are public service announcements, that would be OK. Until then, no ads.

Adapted from my post at swordforum.com:

I've seen some threads at swordforum.com where posters (Scott M. Rodell for one) state that point of balance or COG is not a very meaningful measurement in sword performance. "Feel" is a more important measure. So there is the problem... if you don't get to handle a lot of swords, how do you know if that $99 Chinatown special has a good "feel"? (Sort of like describing a good kiss to someone who's never had the pleasure.) Aside from going on a lot of dates, what is a new sword enthusiast to do?

I think they are on to something in the performance forum where the poster talks of "polar momentum" and "moment arm". In doing a bit of research, I think the physics terminology should be "moment of inertia". In rotating an object about it's axis (ie. turning sword around the COG), the moment of intertia affects the angular acceleration.

So, as I see it, the lower the moment of inertia, the greater the angular acceleration. In sword-handling terms, I am trying to rotate the sword around it's COG--lower moment of inertia means I can move the tip faster with the same input of force.

As a thought experiment, I imagine the most basic sword: one metre of straight steel bar, 1kg in mass. The COG is at 0.5 metre.

Now, I create two other swords, both with the same COG. Sword 1 has a 500g weight added to both ends--it is now 2kg, but the COG is the same. Sword 2 has a 1kg weight added to the middle--it is also 2kg total mass and has the same COG as sword 1.

Sword 1 has higher moment of inertia--the weight is at the tip and grip. Sword 2 has lower MOI. In handling the two swords, it will be easier for me to move the tip of sword 2 with the same input of force.

If I think of how easily I can move the tip of a simple steel-bar sword, there are three factors: weight distribution, total mass, and length. if any of these increase, the MOI will increase.

The physics of a real functional sword will be a little bit more complex, there is profile, distal taper, the weight of the grip and guard, and so on. Also while MOI is an important factor, more is not necessarily better. (If I go kiss everone in town, I might get a "reputation". ) My new advanced-physics, ultra-low MOI sword probably won't cut very well--not enough weight at the tip.

This November, the team will be visiting well known sword makers in Northern China and Taiwan. Arrangements have been made with several Masters to meet with them in person.

The goal is not only to proceed with importing of quality weaponary but also to learn from these masters the knowledge beyond just the technical and physical format of the dao and jian. We hope they will share with us their philosopy in sword making.

Stay tune for the full report in December 2005.