2500-year-old sword hasn't lost its edge

The bronze sword displayed in Gaochun Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, which has a history of 2,500 years and is still sharp. Photo: Modern Express

Four swords dating back to Spring and Autumn Period (770BC–476BC) are currently on exhibit that after 2,500 years can still cut through wood with ease.

"It's very sharp and can easily cut a piece of wood. It's so amazing, it's like it was just forged," said Wang Xilin, curator of the newly-opened Gaochun Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

The shortest one, with elegant carvings, was discovered by a farmer in 1979. The blade was unearthed without rust and a remarkably sharp edge.

"The sword can even sharpen a pencil. It was discovered in mud, which protected it from corrosion," said Puyang Kangjing, a local antiquities expert, who suggests the sword may have once belonged to a noble.

The new Gaochun Museum features a collection of daily artifacts from the ancient world known as the Xuecheng Relics, which date back 6,300 years.