Language: Mandarin Chinese
Source: Classical literature

Description

Dāo rèn (刀刃) can mean both "saber edge" as well as "saber blade".

It usually becomes clear from the context which is which. For example, when the dāo rèn is described as having a certain length, the blade is meant.2

When speaking about the edge:

Dāo rèn bēng (刀刃崩) means: "Saber edge is collapsed". A nick in the edge.
Dāo rèn juǎn (刀刃卷) means: Saber edge is rolled up. The sharp edge was bent by impact.

 

Ming saber blade

A Ming dynasty saber blade.

Damage on saber edge

Some edge damage on a Chinese saber blade. The edge collapsed by impact with another weapon.

Also see

For a complete overview of saber terminology, see: A Chinese saber glossary.

References
1. Tongwen Guanghui Quanshu (同文廣彙全書) or "Enlarged and complete dictionary" of 1702. A Qing imperial dictionary in Chinese and Manchu, each entry double-checked and approved by the Kangxi emperor.
2. Gongbu Junqi Zeli (工部軍器則例) or "Regulations and precedents on military equipment for the Board of Works" of 1815. A Qing imperial text dealing with the details of arms manufacture.

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