There are two types of broadswords, the European broadsword and the Chinese Dao, which is commonly translated as a broadsword as well. However the two are very different. The European broadsword had a blunt edge and a sharp tip. The blades usually have a diamond cross-section, and are very heavy. They are usually used against armored knights, first by using the dull edge to knock your opponent out, then using the weight of the sword and the sharp tip to pierce straight through the armour. The Dao, on the other hand, is a light cutting weapon. It has a very thin, swept-back blade, with a swept-in handle. It is normally used with one hand, and sometimes two were wielded at once, to sacrifice balance for offensive potential. There is normally either a large ring or bits of colored cloth attached to the bottom of the hilt.
