Qing Dao Hand Forged and Folded  or Hand Forged High Carbon MonoSteel (Folded to 6000 layers with Differential Tempering) Stylized Brass Fittings with Rosewood Scabbard and Wrapped Handle Straight from the forge Professional artisans make all swords by hand. Traditionally forged and folded steel. The folded steel, 1050 and T10 are the main materials. Our folded sword blades are folded to 6000 layers. Forging is a most important process. Along with the quality of the steel, the forging process determines the quality and function of the blade. The steel is heated in a charcoal fire before forging, then it is hammer folded together again and again with a power hammer. The blade is shaped by the smith, with a hand held hammer. The blade then receives heat treatment and differential tempering in the oven. The duration of the fire is very important, so experienced craftsmen operate this process. Many Chinese swords look alike in style. Yet, it is the production methods and skill of the craftsmen that make the real difference. DO NOT confuse production quality mono steel swords with high quality forged and folded steel. You will most likely find swords from other companies the same price as ours. Read the descriptions carefully. If the price is the same as ours, you are most likely getting a mono steel sword, not quality forged folded sword blades. If you want a high carbon mono steel sword, just ask. Many companies cut corners on their mono steel swords. They do not give you the same fittings, scabbard, balance, fit and finish, attention in forging, heat-treating and tempering as with their higher priced swords. Our mono steel swords have the same attention to production and quality as our folded steel swords. All fittings are quality solid brass. You can expect to pay 50%-100% more for swords of this quality at other stores. You are encouraged to window shop those other stores. Then come back to us and save hundreds of dollars. Qing Dao Specifications Overall Length Blade Length Hilt Length Blade width at guard Blade thickness at guard Guard thickness Sword weight Point of balance HRC40 Spine HRC58 Edge and Tip 36.5 inch  29.75 inch 6.75 inch 1.35 inch  .25 inch  .25 inch  890 gram  7.3 inch 93 cm 75.5 cm 17.5 cm 34 mm 6.25 mm 6.25 mm 18.5 cm   A local Martial Arts instructor dropped in for a visit and handled one of these. He said, "I would expect to pay $1000-$2000 for a sword like this." He put the dao through its movements. Then said, "Its balance and follow through movement are perfect." He went on to discuss how the blade, even though properly lively, had the feeling of wanting to stick to his hand during movements. This signifies a skilled swordsmith who can correctly place a sword's moment. Toward the end of our visit, he asked if the school could make these swords available to the students. Customer Review I got the sword today and it is a beaut! It is roughly the same blade design as the MRL and Cold Steel swords I have. The main differences are the assembly is much inproved and the blade is livelier. Not sure what was done differently but the blade you sent me is superior to the other sabers I own. The fittings are well done and I was a little surprised to see ray or sharkskin on the handle! I assumed what I was seeing in the pics was a whitewood handle under the wrap. It was a very pleasant surprise. Thank you very much for allowing me to buy this sword from you. It is an impressive piece and I am very satisfied.  -- VM High quality, functional, “Real” swords at realistic prices.  Yes, quality cost, but it shouldn’t cost 3% of the U.S. Median income. Why should a quality Chinese sword cost 10 times the yearly pay of the worker who made it?  Do you really want to wait one to three years? East Wind is here to take the fantasy out of sword ownership. We want you to have a quality, functional, real sword today.     Forged and Hammer Welded Folded Steel SALE PRICE $599    MSR $650 (Differential Tempering)   High Carbon Mono Steel SALE PRICE $349    MSR $399 (Differential Tempering) All swords are forged to order. This means your sword is forged just for you! Due to the great success of our forge, orders are taking on average 60 days for delivery.  Special orders welcome. Ask about our special pricing for Martial Arts Schools! Martial Arts Schools, special order your own sword design.  Etch your schools name, logo or slogan on the blade. Retailers welcome Email us with any questions you may have. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase these swords. These swords are very sharp! Use and handle swords responsibly. You assume responsibility for your own safety and that of the people and animals around you.  You are responsible for complying with your own local, state, and national laws.