The knife, as one of the oldest tools of mankind, has continued from the Stone Age to the present day and has witnessed the development of human civilization. In ancient China, the word "treasure sword" was often associated with "sharpening iron like clay", as if those legendary weapons could easily cut through metal. However, with the advancement of technology, modern knives seem to have lost this magical ability. Does this mean that our ancestors mastered some kind of lost craft? Or is there another hidden meaning in the ancients' mouth of "sharpening iron like clay"? Why is it that today, with the development of technology, we can't make knives as sharp as the legend? Let's uncover the mysteries of ancient swords and explore the mysteries within. In this process, we may be able to re-understand the wisdom of the ancients, and also have a deeper understanding of modern tool technology. So, what exactly is causing this seemingly paradoxical phenomenon?
1. The legend and reality of the ancient sword
In the long river of Chinese civilization, the legend of the treasure knife is like a starlight, shining for thousands of years. Divine weapons in literary works are often endowed with extraordinary power, making them the best partners for heroes and heroes. The Qingyu sword in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is said to be extremely sharp and can easily cut through the enemy's armor; The snowflake iron knife in "Water Margin" is known as sharpening iron like mud and refining it into steel. These descriptions have inspired the imagination of future generations and cast a veil of mystery over ancient swords.
However, when we step out of the palace of literature and into the corridor of history, we will find that although the famous swords in reality are not as miraculous as the legends, they also have an amazing degree of sharpness. The "Tai'a" and "Longquan" double swords in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period are famous in history for their excellent quality. It is recorded in the "Warring States Policy": "Long Yuan and Tai'a are all cut off by land, horses and cattle, water hits the birds and geese, and the enemy is killed." Although this description is exaggerated, it also reflects the extraordinaryness of these two swords.
The Han Dynasty's "ring head knife" is another noteworthy example. In the Han-Hungarian War, the ring-headed knives equipped by the Han army showed obvious advantages. This kind of knife has a sharp edge on one side and a thick back, which can not only cut effectively, but also not easily break. In comparison, the straight knives used by the Huns paled in comparison. This advantage does not come from the magical sharpness, but from more advanced smelting techniques and ingenious design.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed to us the true face of ancient treasure knives. In 1965, in a Western Han tomb in Jiangling County, Hubei Province, archaeologists unearthed the world-famous "Yue Wang Goujian Sword". The bronze sword was still sharp when it was unearthed, and it could even easily cut through hair. After scientific analysis, the researchers found that the sword uses advanced alloy technology, and the sword body has also undergone a special anti-rust treatment. These discoveries confirm the remarkable achievements of the ancients in metallurgical technology, and also provide us with a new perspective on the treasure knife that "sharpens iron like clay".
It is worth noting that the ancient phrase "sharpening iron like clay" is not literal. At the time, the term "iron" often referred to iron armor rather than hard steel weapons. In order to ensure flexibility, the thickness of ancient armor was usually only about 2 mm. A sharp sword is indeed capable of cutting through such armor with ease, but that doesn't mean it can cut through other metal weapons like tofu.
Another lesser-known example is the Mo knife from the Tang Dynasty. The Book of the New Tang Dynasty mentions many times that the Mo knife can "shatter people and horses", and this description is reminiscent of an invincible divine weapon. But in fact, the power of the Mo knife mainly comes from its weight and length. The Mo knife of the Tang Dynasty usually weighed 15 catties (about 20 catties now), and the length could reach about two meters. It is true that this giant weapon can cause massive damage in the hands of a well-trained soldier, but its power comes more from kinetic energy than from mere sharpness.
To sum up, there is a certain gap between the legend of the ancient sword and the reality. The exaggerated descriptions in literature are certainly desirable, but historical records and archaeological discoveries show us a more realistic picture of the ancient metallurgical world. The ancients did master the art of knife making, but these skills were not mysterious, but were based on the advanced metallurgical knowledge and practical experience of the time. Understanding these helps us to look at the legend of ancient swords with a more rational and scientific attitude, and at the same time, we can better understand the wisdom and creativity of ancient craftsmen.
2. The true meaning of "sharpening iron like clay".
The idiom "sharpening iron like clay" appears frequently in ancient Chinese texts and is often used to describe the sharpness of swords and swords. However, to truly understand the meaning of this statement, we need to delve into the ancient concept of "iron", as well as the level of metallurgical technology at that time.
In ancient times, the concept of "iron" was significantly different from modern times. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, iron began to appear in large numbers, but "iron" at that time mainly referred to pig iron or wrought iron, rather than steel in the modern sense. Pig iron has a high carbon content, high hardness but strong brittleness, and is not suitable for making weapons; Wrought iron, on the other hand, has a low carbon content, has good toughness but is softer, and is not an ideal weapon material. As a result, "iron" artifacts of the time were often more susceptible to cutting or damage than bronze objects.
Take the famous sword "Ganjiang" in the Spring and Autumn Period as an example. Legend has it that the sword can easily cut through iron, but that doesn't mean it can cut through modern steel like tofu. In fact, the Ganjiang sword was probably a bronze sword, and its advantage was that the smelting technology at that time made it achieve a good balance between hardness and toughness, and it did have a clear advantage over the iron tools commonly used at that time.
The level of development of metallurgical technology directly affected the performance of ancient weapons. During the Han Dynasty, the advent of the 100-steel technology led to a significant improvement in the quality of swords. This technique continuously removes impurities and improves the purity and uniformity of the steel by repeatedly forging and folding it. Swords made in this way were indeed able to easily cut through the iron armor of the time, which may be one of the origins of the saying "iron is like clay".
However, we should also note that in ancient times, in order to ensure the flexibility of the wearer, the thickness of the armor was usually only about 2-3 mm. In contrast, modern steel is much thicker and harder than ancient armor. As a result, even the sharpest swords of antiquity are difficult to cut through modern steel as easily as they can cut tofu.
Comparative advantage is also an important factor in the comparison of weapons. The Mo knife of the Tang Dynasty is a good example. The Mo knife is known for its huge size and weight, and it is mentioned many times in the New Tang Dynasty Book that it can "break people and horses apart". But this power does not come from the sharpness of the blade, but from its tremendous kinetic energy. A large knife weighing 15 catties (about 20 catties now) can cause great lethality even if the blade is not particularly sharp.
Another interesting example is the "soft-winged knife" of the Song Dynasty. The blade of this knife is extremely thin and flexible, and it is said that it can easily penetrate the armor of enemies. But in reality, the advantage of this design is the ability to bend when hitting a target, bypassing the protection of the armor, rather than cutting the armor directly. Again, this suggests that "sharpening iron like clay" may be more of a figurative expression than a literal description.
It is worth noting that the ancient saying "sharpening iron like clay" may also contain some exaggeration. In war, morale is often one of the key factors that determine victory or defeat. Therefore, describing your own weapons as divine will not only boost morale, but also deter the enemy. This kind of psychological tactic was not uncommon in ancient warfare.
In addition, the ancient practice of "sharpening iron like clay" may also have originated from some special display techniques. For example, some martial artists who are proficient in swordsmanship may use special "soft iron" when performing, which appears to be hard but can be easily cut. This kind of performance may make a lasting impression on the audience, which in turn will give rise to various legends about the power of the sword.
In general, the saying "sharpening iron like clay" reflects the pursuit and imagination of the ancients for high-quality weapons, and also reflects the progress of ancient metallurgical technology. However, we should not understand it as a description in the literal sense, but rather in a specific historical context. Ancient "iron" is fundamentally different from modern steel, and the weapon-making technology of that time, although advanced, also had its limitations. Understanding these will help us to more accurately understand the true appearance of ancient swords, as well as the wisdom and innovation of the ancients in weapon manufacturing.
3. Exploration of ancient knife-making technology
The ancient craft of knife making is a complex technique that combines science, art and experience. Traditional forging techniques are at the heart of the process, and ancient craftsmen repeatedly forged and folded steel to continuously remove impurities and improve the purity and uniformity of the steel. This process, known as "Bailian", occupies an important place in the history of ancient Chinese metallurgy.
Taking the famous sword "Mo Ye" of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period as an example, it is said that its forging process was extremely complicated. Craftsmen first smelt selected iron ore into pig iron, and then repeatedly forge it to remove impurities to form wrought iron with high purity. Wrought iron is then mixed with a small amount of carbon powder, repeatedly forged and folded at high temperatures, so that the carbon elements are evenly distributed in the iron, and finally a uniform texture of steel is formed. This process, which can take months, reflects the ancient people's quest for the quality of weapons.
The mystery of alloy proportioning is another key factor. Although the ancient craftsmen did not understand the theory of modern metallurgy, they accumulated a wealth of experience through long-term practice. They found that adding the right amount of other metal elements could significantly improve the properties of the steel. For example, in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, famous craftsmen added a small amount of copper to the sword, which not only increased the hardness of the sword, but also enhanced its resistance to rust.
The use of heat treatment is the most subtle part of ancient knife making technology. By controlling the rate and temperature of heating and cooling, craftsmen can adjust the internal structure of the steel, thus changing its hardness and toughness. A typical example is the "quenching" technique. After the blade is heated to a high temperature, the blade is quickly immersed in cold water, making the blade extremely hard and sharp. This is followed by "tempering", in which the knife is heated again to a lower temperature and then cooled slowly, which reduces the brittleness caused by quenching and makes the tool both hard and tough.
This technique reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Ou Yezi, a famous craftsman in the Tang Dynasty, created the process of "nine quenching and one hundred refining", which is said to be able to make the sword "sharp can break hair, and the edge can break iron". While this statement may be an exaggeration, it reflects the high level of knife-making technology at the time.
The inheritance of the experience of ancient craftsmen is the key to the continuation and development of the knife-making process. These skills are often passed down from generation to generation through the generations through the dictation of master and apprentice. Take the famous Longquan sword of the Song Dynasty as an example, its production process is regarded as a family secret, and it is difficult for outsiders to get a glimpse of its full picture. Longquan Sword is famous for its unique "plum blossom pattern", which is not only beautiful, but also enhances the strength of the sword body. It is rumored that only local craftsmen in Longquan have mastered this special forging technique.
It is worth noting that mystical alchemy also had an impact on metallurgical technology. Although the main purpose of Taoist alchemy is the pursuit of immortality, the techniques involved in it, such as high-temperature smelting and material change, have many similarities with metallurgy. For example, the Song Dynasty's famous "100 steelmaking" technique may have been inspired by alchemy. The alchemists pursued the idea of "refining the form with fire and refining the gods with medicine", and the swordsmiths applied this concept to the repeated forging of steel.
In addition, the ancient knife-making process is also closely related to the culture and beliefs of the time. For example, in the process of forging swords, craftsmen often perform sacrificial rituals to pray to the gods to bless the formation of the sword embryo. In some places, there is even a legend of "sacrificing the sword by man", and although this statement lacks historical basis, it reflects people's mystified imagination of the sword-making process.
The development of ancient knife-making techniques was also closely related to warfare. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the demand for high-quality weapons promoted the rapid development of metallurgical technology. By the Han Dynasty, the government had set up special iron-smelting agencies, such as the "Metallurgical Bureau" under the "Jiangzuo Shaofu", which was responsible for supervising and managing the manufacture of weapons. This institutionalized management further promotes the standardization and improvement of knife-making technology.
However, the ancient craft of knife making also had its limitations. Due to the lack of modern scientific guidance, many process steps are carried out empirically, and it is difficult to ensure that each tool is in the best condition. At the same time, the handmade method also limited the production and could not meet large-scale military needs. These factors go some way to explaining why modern industrially produced knives surpass ancient knives in some respects.
Nevertheless, the wisdom and innovative spirit contained in the ancient knife-making process are still worth learning and learning from. Those skills that have been passed down for thousands of years are not only the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancients, but also provide a valuable reference for modern knife manufacturing. With the development of modern technology, some ancient knife-making skills are being rediscovered and applied, injecting new vitality into traditional crafts.
Fourth, the famous legend of the treasure knife in history
There are many legends about the treasure sword in Chinese history, which not only reflect the worship of weapons by the ancients, but also reflect the social and cultural background of a particular era. One of the most well-known is the legend of the commander Mo Xie.
Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn Period, the King of Chu ordered the famous craftsman Ou Yezi to cast a sword. Ou Yezi tried for three months, but was never successful. His wife, Mo Ye, sensed her husband's troubles and inquired about the cause. Ou Yezi explained that the fine iron is ready, and the fire is sufficient, but the human spirit is lacking. When Mo Xie heard this, he resolutely decided to die with his sword. She cut off her long hair, cut her nails, and threw herself into the furnace. She then led the group into the furnace. In the end, Ou Yezi successfully forged a pair of swords, named Gan Jiang and Mo Xie respectively.
Although the legend is mythical, it reflects the mystical understanding of smelting technology by the ancients. At the time, it was believed that a high-quality weapon required not only exquisite skill, but also the blessing of some mysterious power. The extreme act of "human martyrdom" reflects the persistent pursuit of ideal weapons by the ancients, and also hints at the scarcity and importance of smelting technology at that time.
Another widely circulated legend of the sword is about the "Longquan Sword". Legend has it that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the descendants of famous craftsmen came to Longquan County, Zhejiang, and set up a sword-casting workshop here. One day, Gan Xing was fetching water by the stream to prepare for quenching, when he suddenly saw a dragon poking its head out of the water. Gan Xing was startled and hurriedly stabbed the dragon with his freshly forged sword. The dragon's mouth foamed at the mouth, stained the sword, and instantly turned into a strange pattern. Since then, Longquan Sword has been famous all over the world for its unique "plum blossom pattern".
Although this legend is full of imagination, it reflects the unique forging process of the Longquan sword. In fact, the "plum blossom pattern" of the Longquan sword is formed by a special quenching technique that makes the sword body both hard and tough. The legendary "ambergris" may be a visual representation of this virtuosity.
The "Tai'a Sword" of the Song Dynasty also has an interesting legend. According to the record of "Taiping Guangji", after Zhao Kuangyin, Taizu of the Song Dynasty, ascended the throne, he dreamed that an old man gave him a sword, which he called "Tai'a". After waking up, Zhao Kuangyin ordered people to search all over the palace, and sure enough, he found the sword in an abandoned Buddhist hall. This sword is said to be able to "kill people thousands of miles away" and became a treasure of the Song Dynasty.
Although this legend has a strong mythological overtone, it reflects the important position of the sword in ancient political life. As a symbol of imperial power, the sword was often endowed with magical powers. The exaggerated description of "killing people thousands of miles away" may be a metaphor for the pervasiveness of the monarch's power.
The Tang Dynasty's "Heavenly Sword" also has a legendary story. According to legend, this sword is the sword of Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, which is extremely sharp and can split mountains and stones. Once, Li Shimin and his ministers were enjoying the flowers in the imperial garden when they suddenly saw a bee flying in. Li Shimin pulled out the Heavenly Sword and waved it casually, and the bee was split in two. Everyone was amazed and praised the sharpness of the Heavenly Sword.
Although this story may be exaggerated, it reflects the high level of metallurgical technology of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty was the heyday of ancient Chinese metallurgical technology, and all kinds of famous swords emerged one after another. The legend of "Heavenly Sword" may be a visual expression of the highest level of smelting technology at that time.
The "fish intestine sword" of the Ming Dynasty also has an interesting legend. The sword is said to be extremely sharp, but small enough to hide in the belly of a fish, hence the name. Legend has it that once at a banquet, a general demonstrated the power of the Fish Intestine Sword, and with a wave of his hand, he actually split a leaf falling in the air in half. The story, while perhaps exaggerated, reflects the ancients' quest for small, delicate and powerful weapons.
Although these sword legends are mythical, they are not imaginary. Behind each legend, there is a social and cultural message about a specific historical period. For example, the story of the cadre Mo Xie reflects the urgent need for high-quality weapons during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period; The legend of the Longquan Sword reflects the exquisite smelting technology of the Song Dynasty; The legend of the Tai'a Sword reflects the symbolism of the sword in ancient political life.
These legends not only enrich China's cultural traditions, but also provide us with a unique perspective on how to understand ancient societies. They show the imagination of the ancients about the ideal weapon, reflect the technological level of different eras, and also reflect the important position of weapons in ancient society. Although many of the details in these legends may not be in line with historical facts, the cultural connotations and social values they reflect are real historical reflections.
5. The role of the sword in historical events
As an important weapon and symbol of power in ancient times, the sword played a key role in many historical events. They are not only a powerful weapon for determining the outcome of a war, but also an important tool for influencing the political landscape. By exploring the role of the sword in historical events, we can gain a deeper understanding of the workings and power structures of ancient societies.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, the fish intestine sword in the incident of "Specializing in Assassinating the Prince" is a typical example. According to the Historical Records, in order to avenge his father's death, King Lu of Wu sent assassins to assassinate his uncle Wang Gong. Zhuan Zhu hid a sharp short sword in the belly of the fish, and while the king was feasting, he suddenly drew his sword and assassinated him. The reason why this sword was successfully brought into the palace was precisely because it was small and delicate and easy to hide. This incident not only changed the political landscape of the state of Wu, but also demonstrated the important role of the sword in the political assassination.
The "Sword Casting Pool" incident in the Han Dynasty showed the symbolic significance of the sword in the political struggle. After Liu Bang, the ancestor of the Han Dynasty, unified the world, in order to consolidate his rule, he ordered the princes of the world to throw their swords into the sword-casting pool in the south of Chang'an City. This move not only weakened the military power of the princes materially, but also spiritually asserted the absolute control of the central government over the localities. The sword became a symbol of power in this incident, and its attribution was directly related to the stability of the political landscape.
In the "White Rainbow Through the Sun" incident during the Three Kingdoms period, the treasure knife once again became the focus of political wrestling. According to the "Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms", when Cao Cao led his army to conquer Zhang Xiu, he suddenly saw a white rainbow running through the sun, and his sword was inexplicably broken. The military advisor Xun Yu explained that this was a bad omen and suggested that the troops be withdrawn. However, Cao Cao did not think so, insisted on attacking, and returned defeated. In this story, the anomaly of the sword is seen as a manifestation of providence, reflecting the tendency of people at the time to deify the sword, as well as the special position of the sword in military decision-making.
In the "Anshi Rebellion" of the Tang Dynasty, Baodao once again became a witness to history. According to legend, Tang Xuanzong Li Longji has a treasure knife named "Tai'a", which is the treasure of the town. During the An Lushan rebellion, Li Longji fled west in a hurry and was forced to execute his beloved concubine Yang Guifei in Maweipo. It is said that it was this Tai'a sword that was used in the execution. Although this story may have an element of artistic processing, it vividly illustrates the symbolism of the sword at a major historical turning point. Tai'a Jian has been reduced from the treasure of the town to an execution tool, just like the portrayal of the Tang Dynasty from prosperity to decline.
In the Song Dynasty's "Lanyuan Alliance", the treasure knife influenced the course of history in another way. When Song Zhenzong signed a peace treaty with the Khitan, he gave his sword to the Khitan envoy to show his sincerity. This sword is not only a symbol of peace, but also a manifestation of the national strength of the Song Dynasty. By gifting the sword, Song Zhenzong showed his demeanor as a great power while showing weakness, and finally reached a peace treaty favorable to the Song Dynasty.
In the "Battle of Jingyan" in the Ming Dynasty, the treasure knife once again became a symbol of power change. After Zhu Di launched a mutiny to seize the throne, he took away the heirloom jade seal and ancestral sword of his uncle Zhu Yunwen, in order to declare the legitimacy of his succession to the throne. The sword here is not only a physical object, but also a symbol of imperial power. By controlling these symbols, Zhu Di consolidated his dominance.
During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, in the process of "pacifying the rebellion of the three feudatories", the treasure knife once again played an important role. When Emperor Kangxi personally led the army to conquer Wu Sangui, he wore the legendary "Tai'a Sword". This sword is not only a sharp weapon in actual combat, but also an important tool to motivate the morale of the military. By displaying this sword, which symbolized imperial power, Kangxi effectively boosted the morale of the army and finally won the war.
In these historical events, the role of the sword goes far beyond the scope of a mere weapon. They are a symbol of power, a bargaining chip in political games, a reference for military decision-making, and a carrier of cultural inheritance. From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Qing Dynasty, Baodao has witnessed the ups and downs of Chinese history and participated in shaping many important historical moments.
The role of the sword in these historical events reflects the complex perception of force and power in ancient societies. On the one hand, as a weapon, the sword directly affects the outcome of the war; On the other hand, as a symbol of power, it has a profound impact on the changes in the political landscape. Whether as a physical object or as a symbol, the sword has left a deep imprint on the long river of Chinese history.