Dao

A dao is a single edged Chinese sword that resembles something in between a cleaver. It typically has a wide, moderately curved blade, often meaning it is referred to as a broadsword. Due to the blade being curved it is only moderately effective in thrusting meaning its main purpose is for hacking and slashing. The earliest recorded use of the sword dates back to the Shang dynasty (1766 BC to 1122 BC) and the sword even saw use by militia against Japanese invading armies in the second Sino-Japanese War.