Wow, thanks for the information Josh, I didn't know that! The difference between civilian and military paired swords as evidenced by the guards is a very good observation...
Perhaps those specially skilled double-saber troops of the Ming era were hired mercenaries? Or perhaps specially trained troops? I was always under the impression that double blades were more of a skill that civilian martial artists occasionally were taught and trained and that the government's military generally did not have that as part of their training.
I wonder, when did double blades begin getting longer - and why? Shorter blades are easier to draw and better in tighter spaces. Was there a change in metallurgy, military "fashion"/preferences, or contemporary fighting???
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