While the flying guillotine is the stuff of myth, many oddly-shaped, fantastical-looking weapons do exist in reality. Twin hook swords, for one, make frequent appearances in live martial arts performances — even taking centre stage on the big screen, most notably in the memorable scene in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) where Michelle Yeoh takes on Zhang Ziyi with the hooks among a dazzling parade of weaponry.

The hooks can be wielded in numerous, ever-changing ways. Equally effective in launching an attack and immobilising an opponent’s weapon, the crescent hand guards are instrumental in both defence and assault while the sharp spikes can double as daggers. This weapon is the perfect embodiment of offensive and defensive versatility.

The construction of these hooks is unique. The hook resembles a dagger-axe, the hand guard that of a halberd and the end a dagger.