Tactical Dadao (Big sword) for when a combat knife just won't do

[Ajaxpaul]

So which is more potent for close combat

A short samurai sword or a Dadao ?

 

[Obambam]

They are recon troops. The large knife is good for clearing vegetation and can be used as a survival tool. It can replace lots of other equipments.
It's better to overdo than be inadequate.

They already have this. I don't see the need to add more survival tools

 

[no_name]

So which is more potent for close combat

A short samurai sword or a Dadao ?

If you're talking about WWII the main opponent of the dadao was the bayonet as samurai swords were mainly ceremonial and equiped to officers. (they were still actual usable weapons, but bayonet has advantage over samurai swords anyway)

Rifle with bayonets attached tends to have length advantages, are more nimble and are also easier to train and handle.

A person using the dadao typically would approach the enemy with the dadao held with both hand and on the lower right side of the body, with the sword edge facing towards oneself. When the enemy make his thrust with the rifle a block is made by swinging the sword towards the top left side of the body.(this requires good timing) This move is designed to deflect the rifle through the dao's weight with the back edge. The sword can then be brought down to cleave the enemy while his rifle is outside of blocking use.

This method was deemed easiest for group training of large number of soldiers.