The Liuyedao (simplified Chinese: 柳叶刀; traditional Chinese: 柳葉刀; literally: "willow leaf saber"), is a type of dao that was commonly used as a military sidearm for both cavalry and infantry during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many schools of Chinese martial arts originally trained with this weapon.[1] This weapon features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This reduces thrusting ability (though it is still fairly effective at same) while increasing the power of cuts and slashes. It weighs from two to three pounds, and is 36 to 39 inches long.
Tom, Philip with Scott M. Rodell (February 2005). "An Introduction to Chinese Single-Edged Hilt Weapons (Dao) and Their Use in the Ming and Qing Dynasties". Kung Fu Tai Chi, pp. 76–85
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