Military Dao, casted steel?

[Ian]

Roland and Timo:

Thank you both for this interesting discussion of Chinese metallurgy.

The Han techniques have persisted in southern China up to the present time. The Husa people who live in Yunnan and neighboring areas of Burma and Thailand are said to be descended from Ming soldiers who brought with them the premier sword making skills of that time. The Husa still make their swords and knives in the traditional manner and sell these widely in Burma, Thailand, and even as far away as Assam. Hardened edges are seen commonly on their swords and knives, and many of their blades are not obviously laminated. The techniques they use seem to be similar to what you are describing here.

The Husa continue to make edged weapons in the traditional way. We have discussed them here before and I think there are pictures posted of the sword making techniques they use currently. A search for Husa or Achang (the broader ethnic group to which they belong) on this site will provide additional information about them.

Ian