Where to Find the Best Jian Sword for Sale

The allure of ancient weapons has always captivated collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Among these, the Jian sword stands out as a symbol of elegance, precision, and centuries-old craftsmanship. 

If you’re passionate about martial arts, Chinese history, or simply admire the beauty of a well-crafted blade, you may be in search of the perfect Jian sword to add to your collection. In this guide, we will delve into the world of these blades, exploring their rich history and revealing the best places to find a jian sword for sale.

What is a Jian Sword?

The Jian, also known as “The Gentleman of Weapons,” is a double-edged straight sword with a history spanning over 2,500 years in China. Mentioned in Chinese sources dating back to the 7th century BCE, the Jian has evolved over time, with historical one-handed versions featuring blades ranging from 45 to 80 centimeters in length. There are also larger two-handed versions used for training in various Chinese martial arts styles.

Jian practitioners, known as “jianke” or “swordsmen,” have regarded this weapon as one of the four major traditional Chinese weapons, alongside the staff (gun), spear (qiang), and sabre (dao). In contemporary times, it is sometimes referred to as “taijijian” due to its use as a training weapon in taijiquan practice.

The Jian consists of several components, including a guard or hilt to protect the hand, a hilt that accommodates both hands or one hand plus two or three fingers, and a pommel for balance and striking. Some Jian swords may also feature a tassel attached to the hilt, primarily for decorative purposes.

The blade of the Jian is divided into three sections: the jiànfeng for stabbing and slashing, the zhongren for various offensive and defensive actions, and the jiàngen for defensive maneuvers. These sections may vary in length, with the jiànfeng typically being shorter.

Historically, Jian swords were made from various materials, including bronze, steel, and even jade for ceremonial purposes. Traditional Jian blades were often constructed using sanmei (three plate) or wumei (five plate) techniques, resulting in a sharp edge and a protected core. Some Jian had lenticular or flattened diamond-shaped cross-sections, while others featured differential sharpening along the blade.

In the realm of martial arts, the Jian has remained a symbol of high physical expression, and various forms and schools of swordsmanship have preserved its techniques. Today, Tai Chi and Wushu practitioners often use flexible Jian swords for ceremonial and performance purposes, though these swords differ significantly from historical battlefield-quality Jian.

This elegant and versatile weapon has left a lasting legacy in Chinese culture, mythology, and martial arts, making it a fascinating and revered artifact for both enthusiasts and collectors.

Where are the Best Places to Find a Jian Sword for Sale?

HanBon Forge

Founded in 2007, HanBon Forge is a leading provider of meticulously handcrafted swords and martial arts equipment. With over a decade of experience and a commitment to top-tier craftsmanship and customer service, this China-based company offers an impressive range of products, including Japanese Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Tachi, Ninjato, Movie Replica swords, and various martial arts training equipment and accessories. 

They also provide custom sword services, allowing customers to design unique, one-of-a-kind weapons. HanBon Forge serves professional martial artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, delivering exceptional quality and personalized service.

Some of the Most Beautiful Jian Swords I’ve Ever Seen

Folded Steel Han Jian Sword

Features:

• Folded Steel Blade: The Chinese Han Jian sword features a hand-forged blade made of folded steel, with an impressive 8192 layers created through 13 foldings, and it is clay tempered with water quenching, resulting in a beautiful grain pattern (HADA) and a genuine hamon on the double edge.
• Hualee Wood Scabbard: The sword comes with a scabbard made of high-quality Hualee wood, adorned with detailed, cast brass ornamentation. The scabbard is wrapped with brown cord, adding to its elegance.
• Handcrafted Excellence: This sword is fully hand forged, hand polished, and hand sharpened, with a hard wood core handle wrapped in brown cord and high-quality brass fittings. Its meticulous craftsmanship enhances its collection value and makes it suitable for home decor, Chinese Kung Fu practice, and gifting.

Shi Huang Jian Sword

Features:

• Damascus Folded Steel Blade: The Shi Huang Jian Chinese Sword features a blade constructed from differentially hardened forge folded 1060 carbon steel, comprising 8,192 layers, showcasing an authentic folded pattern (hada) with hand polishing.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: This Jian sword is meticulously crafted with pure brass fittings adorned with Qin dynasty patterns and a black ebony wood scabbard and handle, highlighting its attention to detail and historical aesthetics.
• Versatile Design: The sword is designed for both functionality and aesthetics, as it can be fully disassembled and assembled, and it comes with a free sword bag and certificate of authenticity.

Chinese God Dragon Jian Sword

Features:

• Blade Material: Folded 14 times using clay tempered pattern steel for increased flexibility and 8192 layers, with a genuine Hamon and beautiful Hada pattern.
• Exquisite Design: Features brass fittings, a real rayskin-wrapped scabbard, and a handle inlaid with real jade decoration.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for collection, home furnishings, Chinese Kung Fu practice, and makes a great gift, accompanied by a free sword bag.

Longwang Jian Sword

Features:

• Hand-Forged Excellence: The Longwang Jian Sword is crafted using traditional Chinese methods, with a folded pattern steel blade that undergoes clay tempering, resulting in a genuine hamon and beautiful Hada (folded pattern) on the blade.
• Exquisite Dragon Design: The sword features intricate dragon designs on both the scabbard and handle, symbolizing power, status, and good luck in ancient Chinese culture.
• High-Quality Materials: It is constructed with top-quality ebony for the scabbard and handle, complemented by exquisite brass fittings, making it a visually stunning and durable piece.

Damascus Han Jian Sword

Features:

• Damascus Folded Carbon Steel Blade: Crafted from folded carbon steel and clay tempered, this Han Jian sword features a beautiful grain pattern (HADA) and genuine hamon, ensuring both strength and durability.
• Traditional Design: The sword showcases a straight, double-edged blade with a hardwood handle wrapped in black and red silk cord in the traditional “X” pattern, along with high-quality brass tsuba (guard) and mountings.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an overall length of 108 cm, a nagasa length of 76 cm, and a blade width of approximately 3.6 cm, this Han Jian sword is a meticulously crafted piece suitable for collection, home furnishings, Chinese Kung Fu practice, and gifting to friends.

Dragon Jian Sword

Features:

• Eight-Sided Damascus Blade: The Dragon Jian Sword boasts an eight-sided blade crafted from Damascus folded steel, meticulously folded 13 times to create an intricate 8192-layer grain pattern (HADA).
• Exquisite Rosewood Design: The sword features a top-quality rosewood scabbard and handle, complemented by brass mountings adorned with an ancient three-color dragon design, combining aesthetics with functionality.
• Impressive Dimensions: With an overall length of 120 cm, a razor-sharp 82 cm blade, and a weight of 2.23 kg (without scabbard), it is a formidable weapon suitable for advanced Tai Chi and Kung Fu practitioners, as well as those eager to test its cutting capabilities.

Conclusion

In the quest for the perfect Jian sword, we’ve embarked on a journey through the annals of history, unearthing the elegance, precision, and exquisite craftsmanship that define these remarkable weapons. 

The allure of ancient weaponry has forever ignited the imaginations of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, and the Jian sword, with its rich heritage, stands as an emblem of this enduring fascination.