A naga dao has a and thick single-edged blade that pitches forward towards the point, the edge being concave near the hilt, but convex near the point. This shape distributes the weight in such a way that the weapon is capable of delivering a blow using the blade extension of a sword together with the momentum of an axe. It means that naga daos are used in powerful swings, with the added weight on the curved end being intended for devastating blows and decapitations. Some models of this weapon has hand guards both above and below the grip.