Our Heritage
National Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Duty of the Sword — Preserving a Millennium of Steel Culture
Longquan swords date back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods — a tradition of more than 2,600 years. According to the Yue Jue Shu, the legendary swordsmith Ou Yezi mined refined iron, diverted the mountain stream, and forged three renowned swords: Longyuan, Tai'e, and Gongbu.
Longquan was originally called Longyuan. Because the place became renowned for its swords, and because the character "Yuan" became taboo during the Tang Dynasty, the name was changed to Longquan. From then on, Longquan became synonymous with fine swords — renowned throughout the world.
The Origin
Where the Mountain Stream Forged a Legend
The Longquan County Gazetteer of the Southern Song records that Jianchi Lake — the "Sword Pool" — was traditionally believed to be the place where Ou Yezi forged his swords, including the one named Longyuan.
The Longquan region holds what swordsmiths call nature's gifts: iron-rich ore, polishing stones, and rosewood for scabbards — with mountain spring water ideal for quenching. It is these local materials, unchanged for centuries, that give Longquan blades their character.
Four Hallmarks
What Makes a Longquan Blade
For centuries, Longquan swords have been judged by four qualities passed down through generations of masters.
坚韧锋利
Resilient & Sharp
A blade that holds a keen edge yet resists shattering — the balance of hardness and toughness.
寒光逼人
Cold Light
A mirror-bright finish polished on local stone, producing the signature cold gleam.
刚柔并济
Firm Yet Yielding
Pattern-welded construction gives the spine flexibility while the edge stays hard.
纹饰精致
Refined Ornament
Fittings of brass, white copper, and precious wood — engraved with mythic motifs.
The Craft
Five Stages of the Forge
From raw ore to finished blade, a Longquan sword passes through five core stages — each demanding years of a master's hand. Our collectibles carry this tradition in pattern steel, folded and welded in the heritage method.
01
Forging
(捶打)
02
Shaping
(刨锉)
03
Polishing
(磨光)
04
Mounting
(镶嵌)
05
Quenching
(淬火)
Our pieces use pattern steel (folded/welded construction) and, in premium editions, Damascus-pattern steel — the same principle of layering that gives each blade its unique grain. No two are alike.
"We partner directly with Longquan's heritage ateliers and artisans. We are curators, not factory owners — which lets us hand-select the finest pieces and bring a 2,600-year tradition to your desk."
— The MythArc Collectibles Team
MythArc products are decorative display collectibles for collection and appreciation only; they are unsharpened and not functional weapons.