The Cultural Revolution was raging in mainland China, while martial law came under strict enforcement in Taiwan. Although it was not illegal to own swords, most people nevertheless felt it best to leave them well enough alone. From 1969 to 1977, no one other than elite government officials dared hire Chen to make or repair swords.
當時正值大陸進行文化大革命，台灣也施行戒嚴，對兵器的管制非常嚴格，雖然劍並未列入管制範圍，但一般人都認為戒嚴時期刀劍少碰為妙，因此，從一九六九至一九七七年，除官宦之家外，一般百姓根本不敢找他鑄劍、修劍。