Willow-leaf Sabre

The willow-leaf sabre (or a lancet) often accompanies Kwan Tak Hing and his nemesis Sek Kin in the 'Wong Fei Hung' film series directed by Wu Pang. Named for its resemblance to a willow leaf, the blade is long, with a slight curve that gently tapers to a point. It was the most popular close-quarters weapon for commoners in ancient times. The blade is usually wide, with a thick spine best suited for slashing. Sammo Hung in Odd Couple (1979) and Michelle Yeoh in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) bring the ferocity and grandeur of the sabre to the fore, corroborating the fact that agile movement is the key to wielding this weapon.

This sabre used by Kwan Tak Hing in the 'Wong Fei Hung' film series directed by Wu Pang.

The aggressive, fierce power of the Chinese sabre (or a single-edged sword) is rivalled only by the air of boldness and brashness exhibited by its bearer. Sek Kin, wielding the Dragon-slaying Sabre in Story of the Sword and the Sabre (Part 1) (1963), is an excellent example.