Wing Chun Butterfly Swords (Wing Chun Butterfly Knives, Bart Jarm Do, Bot Jaam Dao, Eight-Slash Swords, 8-Cut Swords)

Bart Cham Dao, also called the “Eight” Slash Butterfly Swords, is a weapons form in the Wing Chun tradition. It's also known by variations like Batt Jam Dao and Baat Cham Dao.

These knives aren't just confined to Wing Chun; they're also present in styles like Hung Kuen, Choy Li Fut, and White Crane. Nevertheless, each system has its unique forms and ways of employing them. Originally rooted in Buddhist principles, these weapons, known as Butterfly knives, feature a distinctive design with a single edge sharpened solely on the front third of the blade.

The weapon's design, such as the quillon shape, blade profile, and length, varies across martial arts styles, lineages, and individuals. For instance, some lineages flip the swords between forward and reverse grips, requiring a suitable quillon shape. Others employ trapping techniques, necessitating longer quillons positioned closer to the spine. Some prefer a hybrid quillon design for versatility.

Historically, butterfly swords had narrow blades for stabbing, like the "Red Boat" knives used by Wing Chun revolutionaries. However, modern practitioners often favor wider blades for chopping and slashing, attributed to the monks' intention to maim rather than kill. These swords typically feature a quarter-circle tip for chopping/slashing or a shallower curve for versatility.

Since I began practicing with a crude wooden pair I crafted from leftover wood, I thought it would be great to offer people the option to simply print a desired pair of butterfly swords to experience their true dimensions.

If you're looking to add weight and train with impact rather than just practicing in the air, consider investing in a real pair of knives. "Everything Wing Chun" can offer further guidance to help you choose the right product for your needs.

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