Shield

Original: Gan (干)

The shield is a defensive screen. In the regions east of the Hangu Pass a strategic gateway between the ancient Wei River valley and the North China Plain, it is called either a gan or a shun. In the regions west of the Pass, it is primarily called a shun.

Dagger-axe

Original: Ge (戈)

The dagger-axe is two inches wide. The tang nei is four inches long, the neck hu is six inches, the blade yuan is eight inches, and the shaft bi is six feet and six inches long. The "tang" refers to the part behind the neck that connects into the shaft. The "neck" refers to the part that extends out and downward from the side; its curve is like the dewlap the fold of skin hanging from the neck of a cow. The "blade" refers to the straight, pointed cutting edge. The "shaft" refers to the handle.

The utility of the dagger-axe relies primarily on the neck. If the blade is too straight, the weapon becomes sluggish and can only be used for thrusting. However, if the neck is too curved, it becomes a mere hook and can only be used to snag people. Only when the design strikes a perfect balance is the weapon truly effective in every movement, meeting with no disadvantage.