206BC - 220AD) Han Dynasty 2-handed steel double-edged swords (jian) in their scabbards, excavated and dated 2nd Century BC. At this time, during the 1st half of the Han Dynasty, steel swords were typically made from forged and folded steel (as per the steel swords of the Warring States Period). A new process of heat-treatment, the differential process, was also developed during this time. The technique of forge-welded/laminated construction was invented later, about 200 years after, by the 1st century AD. The development of these original 2-handed steel swords occurred during mid-to-late Warring States Period (350 - 300 BC), as mentioned earlier. They went on to become a favourite of civilians and members of the Imperial Court during the early part of the Han Dynasty.