The Heaven Sword and the Dragon Sabre: which weapon is more visually striking?

[Ken Cheng]

Although it's unlikely that Jin Yong described the Heaven Sword and the Dragon Sabre (e.g. the actual, physical weapons) in great detail, film and television adaptations-makers have had to visually interpret the appearance of the two weapons to make props for use in these adaptations. Based on all versions of HSDS (novel, film, TV series, games, comics), which of the two weapons has impressed you as more visually striking?

[Ian Liew]

As it is easier to take artistic liberties with a huge sabre rather than a slender sword (it cannot be those huge greatswords because it's used mainly by women in the story), the Dragon Sabre always looks awesome and intricate, while the Heaven Sword is usually just a nice, clean-looking sword. The only characteristic I recall is pertaining to the 70s Heaven Sword, which had a long gap along the centre of the blade face.

[Ken Cheng]

As it is easier to take artistic liberties with a huge sabre rather than a slender sword (it cannot be those huge greatswords because it's used mainly by women in the story), the Dragon Sabre always looks awesome and intricate, while the Heaven Sword is usually just a nice, clean-looking sword. The only characteristic I recall is pertaining to the 70s Heaven Sword, which had a long gap along the centre of the blade face.

I think the same (or at least a very similar-looking) prop was also used in the 1986 remake. TVB's prop makers got the idea that the mighty Heaven Sword should have a huge gap in the middle of it.

It becomes doubly untenable when you consider the idea that this blade supposedly held the complete text of the 9 Yum Jen Ging.

[Son of Light]

Why can't women use huge greatswords?