she mao 蛇矛
Picture of Zhangfei
http://www.ctwenhua.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?bo...&ID=1630&page=1
Pic of Zhangfei's brother GuanyuClick to view attachment
Full Version: General Zhang Fei and his weapon
Anyway, I decide to register an account at CTwenhua for your devotions. 
Thanks.
Thanks.
"She Mao 蛇矛" is literally translated as "snake-spear". The reason why 'snake' was used is because the weapon has many curls that are shaped like a snake.
However, I don't much details about its history, can someone please elaborate or do some research?
However, I don't much details about its history, can someone please elaborate or do some research?
QUOTE(General_Zhaoyun @ Oct 27 2005, 11:13 AM) [snapback]4767695[/snapback]
"She Mao 蛇矛" is literally translated as "snake-spear". The reason why 'snake' was used is because the weapon has many curls that are shaped like a snake.
However, I don't much details about its history, can someone please elaborate or do some research?
However, I don't much details about its history, can someone please elaborate or do some research?
From what I've heard, the weapon didn't exist in the historic 3 Kingdoms time, and came into use probably around the Song or Ming.
I think the reason for the wavy pattern is that it easily lacerates flesh. A single slash from such a weapon would be like being cut with many blades, as the wavy edge moves up and down flesh.
That could also increase it's armor penetrating powers since when you swing a concentrated part of the edge would contact armor.
I am only guessing this from what I've heard about European flamberge swords though (those greatswords with a wavy pattern)
There are actually three primary reasons.
(1) The Mou isn't designed as a slashing weapon, but a trusting one. The squiggly design would increase damage when you slide it into flesh. It creates a larger wound relatively to the size(weight) of the weapon.
(2) It can act as a cradle to the enemy's weapon. This is accomplished by holding the enemy's weapon within one of the curves and guiding it sideways for your own advantage. I have to admit that this isn't a very effective mechanism compared to weapons that has hooks.
(3) The most important probably on a tactical level, it is designed so that when an opponent blocks you with their weapon, by applying pressure and pull quickly (retracting the weapon for the next attack), it will generate a short burst of vibration down the enemy's weapon. This will in turn shake up the weapon a little from the opponent' grip creating a window in time when they don't have full control over their weapon. This either slowly numbs the enemy's hands (just a little) and their movement becomes slower as the fight goes on, or they will start to have a kind of psychological pressure from blocking you.
(1) The Mou isn't designed as a slashing weapon, but a trusting one. The squiggly design would increase damage when you slide it into flesh. It creates a larger wound relatively to the size(weight) of the weapon.
(2) It can act as a cradle to the enemy's weapon. This is accomplished by holding the enemy's weapon within one of the curves and guiding it sideways for your own advantage. I have to admit that this isn't a very effective mechanism compared to weapons that has hooks.
(3) The most important probably on a tactical level, it is designed so that when an opponent blocks you with their weapon, by applying pressure and pull quickly (retracting the weapon for the next attack), it will generate a short burst of vibration down the enemy's weapon. This will in turn shake up the weapon a little from the opponent' grip creating a window in time when they don't have full control over their weapon. This either slowly numbs the enemy's hands (just a little) and their movement becomes slower as the fight goes on, or they will start to have a kind of psychological pressure from blocking you.
Actualy, whilst all the above reasons have some truth in them they aren't enough to make up for the significant structural weakness of such bades.
The only practical reason for using them is that they look cool
The only practical reason for using them is that they look cool
QUOTE(tadamson @ Oct 27 2005, 07:17 PM) [snapback]4767757[/snapback]
The only practical reason for using them is that they look cool
You obviously don't understand the Chinese when it comes to war.
QUOTE
From what I've heard, the weapon didn't exist in the historic 3 Kingdoms time, and came into use probably around the Song or Ming.
Nope, it already existed by Western Jin times, some 100 years after Zhang Fei's death. Read my article on Chen An in the Age of Fragmentation section.
QUOTE(Wujiang @ Oct 27 2005, 08:48 AM) [snapback]4767709[/snapback]
There are actually three primary reasons.
(1) The Mou isn't designed as a slashing weapon, but a trusting one. The squiggly design would increase damage when you slide it into flesh. It creates a larger wound relatively to the size(weight) of the weapon.
(2) It can act as a cradle to the enemy's weapon. This is accomplished by holding the enemy's weapon within one of the curves and guiding it sideways for your own advantage. I have to admit that this isn't a very effective mechanism compared to weapons that has hooks.
(3) The most important probably on a tactical level, it is designed so that when an opponent blocks you with their weapon, by applying pressure and pull quickly (retracting the weapon for the next attack), it will generate a short burst of vibration down the enemy's weapon. This will in turn shake up the weapon a little from the opponent' grip creating a window in time when they don't have full control over their weapon. This either slowly numbs the enemy's hands (just a little) and their movement becomes slower as the fight goes on, or they will start to have a kind of psychological pressure from blocking you.
(1) The Mou isn't designed as a slashing weapon, but a trusting one. The squiggly design would increase damage when you slide it into flesh. It creates a larger wound relatively to the size(weight) of the weapon.
(2) It can act as a cradle to the enemy's weapon. This is accomplished by holding the enemy's weapon within one of the curves and guiding it sideways for your own advantage. I have to admit that this isn't a very effective mechanism compared to weapons that has hooks.
(3) The most important probably on a tactical level, it is designed so that when an opponent blocks you with their weapon, by applying pressure and pull quickly (retracting the weapon for the next attack), it will generate a short burst of vibration down the enemy's weapon. This will in turn shake up the weapon a little from the opponent' grip creating a window in time when they don't have full control over their weapon. This either slowly numbs the enemy's hands (just a little) and their movement becomes slower as the fight goes on, or they will start to have a kind of psychological pressure from blocking you.
Use to have one.
Great training implement
The wavy design gives the blade a longer cutting edge, which is useful for slicing cuts (i.e pulling the blade along flesh)
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.