Vietnamese Swords : Everything you need to know
Table of Content
Introduction of Vietnamese Swords
Since the 16th century, Vietnam has been an important trading center in Southeast Asia. Merchants from China, Japan, Siam, and Europe (mainly the Dutch, French, and British) frequently visited its ports, leading to a blend of cultural influences in its traditional weapons. In Vietnamese, the double-edged sword is called kiếm 劍, and the single-edged sword is called dao 刀—similar to the Chinese terms for swords (jian) and blades (dao).
Features of Vietnamese Swords
Vietnamese swords often combine elements from Chinese, Japanese, and European designs. After the 18th and 19th centuries, Vietnamese swords increasingly adopted European styles, creating a unique fusion that became their own unique characteristic. The metalwork on Vietnamese swords is highly refined, featuring intricate engravings and inlaid decorations.
We can see from the Gia Long Thai A Sword (嘉隆太阿剑), a symbol of imperial authority during the Nguyen Dynasty, adopts a European-style design while also incorporating many features reminiscent of the Chinese Jian.
Ancient Vietnamese Swords (e.g., Dong Son swords) were straight, double-edged, and wide-bladed, designed for both slashing and thrusting. Their shapes closely resemble bronze swords from China and Japan during the same period. The hilts and guards often showcase regional motifs, such as carvings of warriors, women, or animal symbols (roosters, elephants, etc.). Ceremonial swords sometimes even incorporated musical elements like bells, symbolizing the religious and aristocratic status of their owners.
By the 16th century, Vietnamese swords began incorporating European saber features (e.g., flared hilts, bronze-plated fittings) while retaining East Asian core designs. By the 19th century, swords transitioned from battlefield use to family heirlooms or ritual objects, such as those used in festivals at the Đền Đô Temple in Bac Ninh Province.
Types of Vietnamese Swords
Vietnam’s bladed weapons can be classified as 2 main types: Dao (刀) and Kiem/Guom (劍).
1. Dao / Dah (刀) – Single-Edged Blades
Similar to Chinese Dao and Japanese Katana, Dao is curved, single-edged weapons for slashing, here are some common types of Dao:
Ma Dao (马刀): Lightweight, single-handed cavalry saber, later adopted by infantry. Comparable to Chinese madao or European sabers.
Dao Truong/Dai Dao (长刀/大刀): Long, heavy blades for two-handed use, sometimes mounted on poles. Resembles Chinese Guan Dao or Japanese naginata.
Features: Wide blades with raised yelman (sharpened edge), round/oval guards (rarely Z-shaped), and simple iron construction.
2. Kiem/Guom (劍) – Swords
Kiem (劍): Straight, double-edged swords similar to Chinese jian, used in rituals or martial arts. Often highly decorated.
Guom: Foreign-inspired sabers, including Japanese katana (17th century), Thai-Burmese dha, and French colonial sabers. Features arrow blades, decorative or functional designs. Guom often refers to foreign sabers, while kiem denotes traditional double-edged swords.
Summary: Vietnamese swords blend Chinese foundations, Southeast Asian regional influences, and European colonial elements. While lacking a "pure" native style, this fusion of traditions became their signature identity.
