Introduction

Weapons come in all odd shapes and sizes in the cinematic arsenal. The blunt weapon steel rulers (also known as the sai) in Heroes of the East (1978) and the Meridian (Deer Horn) Twin Katars in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) are actual weapons that do exist in the real world. Their unique appearances, coupled with intricate wielding routines, make them impossible to defend against. Yet the Spinning Sabre in The Magic Blade (1976), the flame shape decree blade in Holy Flame of the Martial World (1983) and most notably, the legendary flying guillotine, are the pure stuff of cinematic wonder.