Description

A simple Chinese dāo. Its blade is nearly straight for most of its length, sweeping up at the tip. The steel shows an inserted high-carbon edge supported by iron or milder steel layers. Some edge damage from use.

The hilt features an iron guard with a separate rim and a wooden grip with iron pommel and ferrule.

The who appearance is tool-like, and it was probably made by a smith who was more used to making farming implements.

Such weapons were made throughout China and armed local martial artists, militiamen, and rebels. And indeed, sometimes the line between those two was vague, or the answer depended on who you'd ask.