Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive are in regards to becoming an apprentice swordsmith. This article is meant to help answer many of the questions we are asked about apprenticeships.
Michael Bell undertook a traditional five year apprenticeship to Japanese master swordsmith Nakajima Muneyoshi. Michael ‘s teacher, Mr. Nakajima, was unique in that he learned all of the Japanese sword arts: swordsmithing, polishing, habaki-making, as well as the making of koshirae. Usually each aspect of Japanese sword-making is preformed by a specialist; a sword can pass through the hands of four or more artists before being fully completed. It was for this reason that he was brought to Oakland, California in 1963 by the Japanese Sword Society of the United States; Mr. Nakajima could perform all the different jobs necessary to restore old swords. In 1970 Michael Bell was introduced to Mr. Nakajima and shortly thereafter became his apprentice.
Today Michael Bell strives to pass on the knowledge taught to him by his teacher. Since the foundation of Dragonfly Forge in 1987 in Coquille, Oregon, Michael has taught many students in various aspects of the Japanese sword arts. Interest in such instruction was so great that in 2006 Michael began offering formal classes at Dragonfly Forge. Following two years of great responses from students, Dragonfly Forge founded Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo in 2008 with the construction of a new larger shop and smithy.
During the two decades after Michael began Dragonfly Forge, he has many students, but only a handful of apprentices. The distinction between students and apprentices is important. Students only spend a few days, a week or two, while an apprenticeship is a long term commitment spanning several years. Some past students of Michael have wrongly referred to themselves as apprentices, while only studying with him for a week. It is not that there are secrets to the arts that a kept from students of our classes and shared only with apprentices. But to begin to master the art requires grasping the subtleties that can only be learned through long hours of study and experience. To date, only one person has completed their apprenticeship to Michael and been granted a certificate of mastery, Ron Macy.
Given the number of inquiries we receive regarding apprenticeships outside of our formal scheduled classes, this article will hopefully be informative for those seeking more insight on the subject.
Apprenticeship requires a great commitment from both the apprentice and the teacher and it is critically important that both have personalities that are compatible, given that this is a relationship that will often last many years.
For whatever reason, swordsmithing, and Japanese swordsmithing in particular, is often perceived as a glamorous, easy-going career. And although there is nothing else in the world that we would rather do, swordsmithing is hard work. While its obvious that a forge fire is hot, some people fail to realize how hot it really is for the smith who must spend hours working next to it. Swordsmiths will get burned; that is just something that goes with the job. Forging and grinding causes blisters in unusual places, until calluses have time to form, and undoubtedly a swordsmith will be cut several times during his lifetime (although less often as each experience slowly teaches us). These are the dangers of the job, of which aspiring swordsmiths should be keenly aware.
More important than strength or toughness, an apprentice MUST have patience and dedication if they are to learn the art of swordsmithing. When Michael Bell first began his apprenticeship, in an attempt to emphasize the hard work and dedication one needs to learn, Mr. Nakajima warned, “Long hour, small pay.”
Years of teaching students here at Dragonfly Forge have reinforced our belief that an apprentice who has had no experience working with their hands has a much longer road to travel in order to master the sword arts.
Apprenticeships can vary greatly from sensei to sensei, but traditionally last a minimum of five years. In Japan, swordsmiths are greatly restricted by several laws. Under these laws, one can only become a swordsmith by serving a minimum five year apprenticeship to a licensed Japanese swordsmith, followed by a series of tests.
Because Nakajima-sensei never registered as a swordsmith following the war when the laws requiring swordsmiths to be licensed were passed, under Japanese law apprentices of Mr. Nakajima could never become officially recognized smiths in the Japanese tradition. Anyone seeking such apprenticeship must seek a licensed teacher in Japan.
Gabriel Bell became an apprentice in the perhaps the most traditional way, by being born the son of a professional swordsmith. For a large part of Japanese history, this was the way nearly every swordsmith began to study the art. The creation of swords, being advanced military technology, were closely guarded secrets. Because of that, this knowledge remained in the clan, and promising apprentice’s who had not been born into their teacher’s family often became adopted sons.
Thankfully today’s swordsmiths are generally very generous with their knowledge and experience, to the great benefit of the art as a whole, and one does not have to be born into a swordsmith’s family to learn the art.
Given modern life, the tradition of live-in apprentices has pretty much vanished, even in Japan. However, it is still essential that apprentices are able to spend the long hours with their teacher that the art requires. This poses another problem for potential apprentices as they must either find a teacher nearby, or relocate. Given that there are no more than a handful of swordsmiths working in the United States, relocation may be the only option.
Also it is important to be aware that apprenticeship has no salary whatsoever and a great deal of cost to both the apprentice and the teacher. After traveling expenses, apprentices must face the cost of long hours and much effort for knowledge that will only be profitable after many years, if ever. For the teacher, he faces the cost of time invested in instruction, as well as the cost of fuel burned and tool wear once the apprentice is ready begin learning firsthand. Generally this debt to one’s teacher is repaid by doing whatever chores the teacher requires or by other efforts. However, all too often apprentices lose sight of this debt and the giving becomes one-sided; such relationships are always destined for failure.
Apprentices of Michael Bell do face some challenges apprentices of other teachers do not. Because his teacher was unique in his knowledge and experience in all of the swords arts, Michael’s apprentices must learn to create a complete sword. It is not enough to only learn to forge and heat-treat a blade. Before a certificate of mastery can be awarded, the apprentice must also be able to make professional quality habaki and koshirae in the Nakajima tradition, learn the fundamentals of polishing, and grasp the aesthetic essentials. As mentioned earlier, only one man, Ron Macy, has fully completed such an apprenticeship. Outside the Bell family, he is the only person granted the privilege of using the character “tombo” in their signature.
For those who are interested in apprenticing as swordsmiths, we would greatly recommend first attending one of our Basic Forging Courses at our swordsmithing school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo (Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School). Taking such a course gives one the chance to experience swordsmithing firsthand, without the expenses and commitment of becoming an apprentice. One of Michael’s current apprentices, Adam Coleman, began swordsmithing at a forging course at Dragonfly Forge a few year ago. After taking the class and discussing apprenticeship with Michael, he moved to the southern Oregon coast to begin his apprenticeship.
For those interested in learning more about Japanese swords in general, we highly recommend the book The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo Yoshihara. Those interested in sword polishing should also read the book The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing by Setsuo Takaiwa, Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo Yoshihara.
I live in Indonesia. I met a man here, a javanese, an Indonesian which claim to be an apprentice of Nakajima such as Mr Bell. Do you know/can confirm there is an Indonesian ever apprenticing under Nakajima? his fake name is Eiji Katsumimaru. it is important because he opened a succesfull swordshop which i suspect sellling imported chinese katana but he insist on making them himself and he is a student of nakajima and hattori knife school.
Thanks
During my five year apprenticeship with Mr. Nakajima, I came to know much regarding his biography. After the war, he was unable to even return to Japan for several years, and once he returned little work was to be found in the sword arts. During his time in the United States, many people were students of Mr. Nakajima, but only myself and Francis Boyd undertook apprenticeships. Not once during my five years with him, did I hear of Mr. Nakajima having a Javanese apprentice anytime during his life. From your description, he seems to be a fake.
The quality of the swords this man is selling would be the best indicators of whether or not he has the lineage that he claims.
Mr. Bell,
Regarding the question about Eiji Katsumimaru, his website is http://www.eijiforge.com.
There are a lot of mismatch about his lineage/claim as far as I can find (student of Nakajima, etc).
If you can take a look and clarify if there is a bit of truth in this claim, it would be helpful. Thank you
Dear Mr. Long
Regarding your question concerning Eiji Katsumimaru, we have done what research is possible with the information given.
His biographical information was lifted in its entirety from the Nakajima Monogatari, written by Francis Boyd, as is the photo of Mr. Nakajima.
I am certain that Mr. Nakajima did not have an Indonesian apprentice before arriving in the U.S. and he died shortly after returning to Japan in 1977.
The swords pictured on the web-site appear to be Chinese production blades.
I hope the above will help clarify the situation.
hello, i am originally from Coos Bay, Oregon. Not to far from where Mr. Bell apparently has his studio. i had heard a couple years ago from a friend that there was such a man by that made swords. i used to partake in aikido and kenjitsu classes. i became very interested in japanese culture. i would greatly like to learn if he is accepting apprentiships i would like to know what i may do to become weapon and armor smith.
Hello. I am still in high school but would very much like to be an apperentice, not a two week student, after i graduate. What are your requirements for apprenticeship? any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
There are no specific requirements for apprenticeship. However, because it is critical that both master and apprentice have compatible personalities, both must become acquainted before apprenticeship can become an option. A potential master will certainly also wish to see examples of forged blades or other skilled craftsmanship. It is for both these reasons that we recommend those interested in apprenticeship attend one of our classes as first step, besides for those very interested in forging blades themselves our classes will more than pay for themselves in the long run.
If you have not already found this article by Pierre Nadeau online, I would suggest reading it as it gives some good insight on a traditional apprenticeship in Japan.
There are no specific requirements for apprenticeship. However, because it is critical that both master and apprentice have compatible personalities, both must become acquainted before apprenticeship can become an option. A potential master will certainly also wish to see examples of forged blades or other skilled craftsmanship. It is for both these reasons that we recommend those interested in apprenticeship attend one of our classes as first step, besides for those very interested in forging blades themselves our classes will more than pay for themselves in the long run.
If you have not already found this article by Pierre Nadeau online, I would suggest reading it as it gives some good insight on a traditional apprenticeship in Japan.
I respect the Japanese Arts greatly, but I was wondering if there is a European style sword smith of quality and repute on the West Coast,my kids live here so I would like to stay a day or two’s drive from them. I am willing to dedicate myself to this trade because it was for superior skill in the smithing of arms that my ancestor Alyn Vaughn knighted for in 1053-56? A.D. I have worked as a laborer, a hardscaper, and a framer to varied success, but I have always toyed with the idea. Now I am serious and am starting a formal inquiry into the matter. This is my first attempt at communication and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction, so I can get my feet on the Path. Thank you very much
James A. Vaughn
I would be very excited to attend and participate in all the courses that have been made available through the Sword smithing School but I am most certain that my goals would require a much more indepth education which I can only imagine would come from an Apprenticeship under a Master Sword Smith such as Mr. Bell. Specifically because I really want to be complete swordsmith, not just a blade forger. An apprenticeship under Mr. Bell would be ideal as I wish to learn every aspect of crafting a sword from making the steel to polishing the blade and finally assembling the entire sword.
I can’t wait to attend the Basic Forging class to finally get a feel for what this is like and continue my journey to becoming a Master swordsmith.
Mastersmith Bell,
I had spent 5 years apprenticing under someone who was a moderate blacksmith in ability but a cunning and skilled Fabricator, creating weapons and armor of all types and construction. I was elated to have had the experience but, dishearten that there was not any actual smithing in the creation processes.
I have a devout affection and dedication to the trade but I feel that I can not call my self an legitimate apprentice of a trade. I wish to learn the trade more than anything. I am currently enlisted in the US NAvy and I have aspirations to be stationed in Japan ( I believe it is Santobu, or Okinawa) could you possibly instruct me in a proper way to approach a Swordsmith as a prospective disciple? any information of wisdm you can part with I will be much appreciative of.
Thank you for your time, and consideration.
-Bo
Bo,
I can understand your desire to smith; we find ourselves at our happiest next to a hot forge fire.
Any experience one has working with their hands will be a great asset in swordsmithing.
Unfortunately it will be impossible to undertake an apprenticeship while enlisted in the Navy. A swordsmithing apprenticeship requires total dedication, and military life is not compatible with such of a commitment. For true swordsmiths, the learning process is lifelong, so do not feel the need to rush unduly.
If you have not read it already, I would highly suggest reading ‘To become an apprentice’, by Pierre Nadeau. He discusses approaching swordsmiths, and overall the article is very good and informative.
If you do become stationed in Japan, take it as opportunity to immerse yourself in as much Japanese culture as possible. Swords were not created in a vacuum. That is, swords were shaped by social, technological, religious conditions. My sensei Mr. Nakajima stressed that there were three things one needed to know outside the art to be a good smith: The use of the sword, the history of the sword, and Buddhism. One must pick up the book, before one can pick up the hammer, so to speak. Visit all the museums. Read everything you can regarding Japanese swordsmithing. Learn the Japanese language, if possible. Etc…
Lastly, I would highly suggest attending one of our Basic Forging Courses at our swordsmithing school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo. For those interested in pursuing swordsmithing lifelong, our forging classes offer a chance for hands-on learning, covering the entire process of forging a Japanese sword, through heat-treatment (yaki-ire) and shaping, for a relatively small commitment of time and money.
Mr. Michael Bell, I am interested in Swordsmithing, but unsure of commitments necessary. Would I be able to attend a college as well as take on an apprenticeship? Would I be able to take on a full time job as well as an apprenticeship? How much would an apprenticeship cost as far as money and time go?
Tim,
Apprenticeship requires total commitment. Bladesmith Don Fogg has good saying that applies perfectly: “Get obsessed, Stay obsessed”.
One should consider an apprenticeship is a non paying full-time job, that lasts a minimum of 5 years. Generally apprenticeships are paid for in skill and labor. Every apprentice is expected to begin contributing as soon as he formally begins, if not beforehand.
I am very interested in learning the art of the japanese sword. How would I initially find a master, under whom to learn? This article states, there are no, specific, qualifications, but should I be fluent in japanese, in order to be accepted by a master? Should I find a master to apprentice from, what expenses (other than the travel expenses) should I plan for? Thank you.
Dear William Redner,
If you are seriously seeking to undertake a traditional apprenticeship to a Japanese smith in Japan learning the Japanese language if not fluently, at least near-fluently is almost a must in order to communicate and function in day-to-day life, although I must admit I was nowhere near fluent during my apprenticeship to Mr. Nakajima and his English was limited. We managed just fine.
To complete the four year (generally five year) minimum to become a licensed smith in Japan you will certainly have to face the bureaucratic issue of a visa or other similar alien immigration documentation to remain in the country for more than 90 days. You may also need to account for living expenses, as the tradition of live-in apprenticeships is becoming more uncommon in Japan.
If you have not done so already, certainly read this excellent article by Pierre Nadeau specifically regarding apprenticeships in Japan.
For a chance to learn swordsmithing firsthand, I would highly suggest looking into one of my Basic Forging Courses at our swordsmithing school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo. Although a few other bladesmiths do offer forging classes, as far as we know, our swordsmithing school is the only one of its kind anywhere, offering a full curriculum in the Japanese sword. Without the cost or commitment of an apprenticeship (not to mention travel to Japan), our Basic Forging Course gives students a chance the learn firsthand with an experienced teacher. The knowledge learned during class should allow students to build their own inexpensive, yet efficient and effective propane forge fire, and to begin forging and learning on one’s own after the class.
Best wishes in your endeavor
Dear William Redner,
If you are seriously seeking to undertake a traditional apprenticeship to a Japanese smith in Japan learning the Japanese language if not fluently, at least near-fluently is almost a must in order to communicate and function in day-to-day life, although I must admit I was nowhere near fluent during my apprenticeship to Mr. Nakajima and his English was limited. We managed just fine.
To complete the four year (generally five year) minimum to become a licensed smith in Japan you will certainly have to face the bureaucratic issue of a visa or other similar alien immigration documentation to remain in the country for more than 90 days. You may also need to account for living expenses, as the tradition of live-in apprenticeships is becoming more uncommon in Japan.
If you have not done so already, certainly read this excellent article by Pierre Nadeau specifically regarding apprenticeships in Japan.
For a chance to learn swordsmithing firsthand, I would highly suggest looking into one of my Basic Forging Courses at our swordsmithing school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo. Although a few other bladesmiths do offer forging classes, as far as we know, our swordsmithing school is the only one of its kind anywhere, offering a full curriculum in the Japanese sword. Without the cost or commitment of an apprenticeship (not to mention travel to Japan), our Basic Forging Course gives students a chance the learn firsthand with an experienced teacher. The knowledge learned during class should allow students to build their own inexpensive, yet efficient and effective propane forge fire, and to begin forging and learning on one’s own after the class.
Best wishes in your endeavor
Hey, I live in the U.S. and I have been want to be a bladesmith for 2 years now. I wan to learn from the best and the best are not here for certain. I am willing To put in all that is required of me. I am 17 years old and young enough to learn anything yo have to offer me. But I need to find someone to teach me. The cost is irrelevant. I know I will work it out. This is what I want to do with my life, but I just need someone to teach me! I am as willing as it gets. Do you have any good Masters I can learn from? It would really help if I could prove all these people wrong whom think this is a waste of time.
Dear Colton A. Jones,
Although the art of the Japanese sword is certainly still firmly rooted in Japan, I would say that the Japanese sword arts have flourished here in the United States in the past decade or so, with a select few artists rivaling the quality of that in Japan.
I am not aware of any swordsmiths either here in the United States or in Japan who are actively seeking apprentices. While I am open to apprenticeships given the right circumstances, I already have several apprentices and a demanding workload.
Those seeking to become swordsmith must take a great deal of initiative and begin the lifelong journey that is the art of the Japanese sword themselves. Look for any opportunity for exposure to Japanese swords, bladesmiths in general, or anything you think may be of relevance. The master and apprentice relationship is by its nature a close one, and cannot be compared to being as simple as responding to a job ad. The opportunity of an apprenticeship may present itself if you are truly determined to seek the knowledge and experience.
When I first began my journey, I too was told by many many that it was stupid, crazy, couldn’t be done, on-and-on and etc. I must say that it motivated me and it was very satisfying proving them all wrong.
Best wishes in your endeavor,
It would be interesting to see inter-style exchanges between schools, but alas it seems that Europe’s sword-making skills have all but vanished although some people like ARMA are picking up the trade again.
Not wanting to be a swordsmith or even a forger, but I am interested in weapons history. Cool site and school!
Question: Are any swords at all made with modern methods able to stand up against the same stresses as the traditional blades? I’d be curious as to if someone actually spent the time and money to develop one.
Dear Joe,
Thank you for the compliments.
There are many good reasons the Japanese sword survived in more-or-less the same form for about 1,000 years. Fully traditional Japanese swords certainly were technical marvels during their time in history, and remain so to this day. The controlled heat-treatment process (known as yaki-ire in Japanese) produces a differentially-hardened blade with a hard cutting edge and ductile back to resist breaking (a technology which was never developed or used in the European swordsmithing traditions). Also, the purity of traditional Japanese swordsteel was, and still is exceptionally high, even by modern standards. However, today Japanese swords are not so much appreciated for their power as weapons, but for the artistic beauty of the sword: the sugata (the shape), jigane (the composition and quality of the swordsteel), and the hamon, (the hardening along the edge).
Although our emphasis always remains in producing a sword with proper sugata, jigane, and hamon, it has long been our belief that a sword should function first as sword. Over the years, my father, Michael Bell, has experimented with both traditional and modern steels and methods. With some extreme testing to support it, he began specializing in swords made of forge-welded cable (sometimes known as wire-rope), a material used for quite a while with American knifemakers. The cable steel allows us to produce a blade which, we strongly believe, will outperform all others made from traditional and other modern steels. These cable blades are still heat-treated using the traditional clay-resist method of yaki-ire, slightly adapted to our propane-fired forge.
Our cable blades owe their strength and cutting ability to a combination of the steel, a modern high-carbon alloy, and the natural spiraling structure of the cable wires. Often, our cable swords are sought by martial artists interested in practicing live cutting.
Some other American bladesmiths have been experimenting for sometime with some truly modern high alloy steels and modern heat-treatment techniques (stuff like quenching in molten salt baths), also with successful results.
We do indeed make a limited amount of blades from traditional steel, which we make ourselves, known as oroshigane, as the classic art aesthetic can only be achieved with such methods. However, due to the huge amount of labor required to make and refine traditional swordsteel such blades are several times more expensive than our swords forged from forge-welded cable steel. We are also in the process of experimenting with smelting our own fully traditional tamahagane smelted from iron sand, known as satetsu in Japanese.
I was wondering if there were anyone who were in oregon who might be able to teach me how to become a swordsmith. I have a huge fascination with it and was hoping that when I’m done with my current job that I could start learning so I can start making my own swords.
Dear Joshua,
You are in luck as our swordsmithing school, Tomboyama Nihontō Tanren Dōjō, Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School, is located on the southern Oregon coast near Coos Bay.
We offer a variety of classes for those interested in hands-on learning of all the Japanese sword arts. Our most popular class by far is our Basic Forging Course, a hands-on course designed to give the student a working familiarity with the tools and metals utilized in the forging of a Japanese sword blade.
We would love to have you attend our school and hope you can do so in the future.
Hello.
I am Casey Wicks, a student of the martial art of Sanjuriu. I have for as long as I can remember been fascinated with all aspects of Japanese art, tradition, and culture. Having studied karate for four years and the Japanese language for somewhere around a year I have found myself recently anticipating enough free time to dedicate myself to further learning. I am keenly interested in your form of traditional apprenticeship. Its focus on personal contact and dedication appeals to me in a way that college life does not. I would like to communicate further with you on this topic. Currently I work six days a week, but I check my email, and work will be over for me October 1st (I am a wildland firefighter). I have a small amount of experience sharpening and shaping steel tools and have fallen in love with the aesthetic and utility of the metal.
Hello, my name is Lucas. Until a couple days ago, I wasn’t even aware that swordsmith apprenticeship was possible. I have been an admirer of the sword ever since I could define “honor”. This is only one of the many reasons why I wish to seek apprenticeship. I am a prior service member of the US Army, and I believe that the values I have learned there will assist me during this course. Unfortunately, I have no prior experience in smithing, however, I believe that this may also be a good thing – that I am not influenced by another’s method.
I’ve been reading about how the master and apprentice should connect at a personal level before the master decides that s/he’ll accept the apprentice, which is why I would like to keep in contact via e-mail or instant messenger so that way no unnecessary trips have to be made. I really look forward to this.
Thank you.
I have had a long time dream of being a true blacksmith/weaponsmith. I think your school being the only one in the U.S.. Would teach me wonderful techniques. I only want to learn the arts of Japanese sword to better my self and fulfill my dreams. I hope I will attend soon. Thank you for being there for aspiring people like myself.
To those with a serious interest in becoming an apprentice, I hope to help.
First I should start by stating that meeting and subsequently learning from Sensei Bell has very literally changed my life. Obviously because of the study itself, as well as coming to both admire and love Sensei as a man. But it should be said that it literally changed my life, because I had to “literally” change my life. If you are in fact serious, you WILL have to move. Second, it is very demanding monetarily. Thankfully my wife was 100% behind my desire to learn, which was needed. I was only able to work maybe 2 or 3 days a week as the rest of the time was spent at the smithy. She was willing to cover the rest. Any time spent with Michael is great, but to truly understand what it is to be Toushou, you have to spend a LOT of time with Michael. There are lessons that only surface after a whole year. Then a whole new set of lessons that only come after the second. And so on. Also, you must feel a calling to the Japanese culture. You don’t have to be able to explain it, but it must be there. Next you must be willing to shut up, and give your self entirely to it. Any lesson, anytime.
Michael is a brilliant man, and his teaching reflects it. In parting, a brief story.
When I began learning from Sensei, I remember him one night telling me that I would learn to see with my hands. ” You’re eyes can be lied to ” he said. I assumed I knew what he was talking about, and likely said that I did. But now nearly six years after meeting him, and in the process of setting up my own smithy not more than half an hour from him, am I starting to truly understand what he meant.
Thank you Sensei. Your an honored man in my heart. And always will be. You’ve given me nearly everything I now consider sacred.どうもうありがとうおねがいします
Adam 山国
To Mr. Bell,
Hello, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind taking in an apprentice who is 14 years of age about to be 15. I want to start out early, so I could learn a bit more easily, and I’ve looked all over the place, but no one will teach me the art of making swords. Even though I live in Illinois, I wouldn’t mind moving to Oregon or where you are to learn. It has been my dream to learn. I know it’s going to be hard and with consequences, but I just want to learn and be able to make top quality swords..
Thank you for your answer when you reply!
-Sincerely,
Chelsea Garrett
チェルシーギャレット
Dear Chelsea,
Many thanks for your inquiry.
I have instructed several young people about your age in the art of swordsmithing and they do as well as older people. I applaud your desire to begin early. I would suggest that you take our forging course to gain some practical experience and to see if the art is suitable for you. This will of course require support and permission from your parents or guardians.
15 is a bit young to commit to an apprenticeship. I usually require that a student finish high school first.
However, you can get started now by taking one of our courses. You are certainly free to visit anytime.
Best regards,
Michael Bell
hello i have been interested in the art of sword crafting along with sword play for years, and i really want to start learning how to craft swords and i was wondering if you know where i can go to start learning. It would be magnificent if you know any one and can help me out? thank you
i am 15 soon to be sixteen and if you can help me out that would be great, or can i become your apprentice either way i just want to follow what i like to do best
oh and where would your sword smithing courses be held
Mr. Bell
I am in somewhat of a predicament. for the last six months i have been a student of a skilled swords smith. it has always been of obsession of mine and this man saw my passion and agreed to teach me. unfortunately he passed away two weeks ago. yesterday his son asked me to create a sword in memory of my mentor yet i do not know that i have the necessary skills to create such a piece. i feel that i have much more to learn before i could attempt such a task and was told that you were one of the most skilled teachers in the states. until the request was made of me i had thought to give up my dream entirely yet now i would do anything to continue my training so that i may honor my mentor. sir i am asking for guidance and an opportunity. i wish to honor my mentor by finishing my training and creating a master piece in his honor. as such i would like to submit my self as an apprentice to you. please contact me
sincerely,
michael a smiley
Dear Michael,
Rather than communicating via e-mail regarding forging a sword I would suggest you call me at (541) 396 3205.
I am considering selling basically everything i own (keeping only a handful of sentimental items) and moving to Coquille Oregon from south-east Texas specifically to study at Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo. This would be a huge undertaking for me and I was wondering if there was any chance i would be able to become an apprentice of Michael Bell. I understand that apprenticeship isn’t something that is easily obtained, but I am willing to do whatever i can to earn apprenticeship. I am 27 years old and figure i have a fair amount of years left in me, so if it takes me the next ten years to complete an apprenticeship i’m okay with that. say for example: for five years i could serve as a serf basically, doing whatever odd labor you need, even if it doesn’t relate to swordsmithing. during that time you would get to know me, and know if you even think i deserve to learn to make swords. After that time, should you think i’m deserving, take me as an apprentice for five years, bringing the time i’ve called you master to a total of ten years. Obviously I wouldn’t expect any pay during those ten years other then the knowledge you instill in me, so i’de have to have a side-job. Like I said, i’m willing to do whatever i can to learn the craft. I’de just like to know that if i drop everything to move to Oregon that there is at least a chance that i’de be able to become an apprentice someday. I love working with my hands, I make armor in a medieval re-enactment group that i’m part of, and also make chain-maille armor & jewelry in my spare time.
Dear Timothy,
I am in receipt of your letter regarding an apprenticeship at Tomboyama. I am sure you understand that such a relation is almost familial.
I suggest we get to know one another better by starting with a phone conversation. You can reach me at our business phone number 541 396 3605. Please call at your convenience.
where would your sword smithing courses be held?
Our swordsmithing classes are held at our school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo (Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School), which is located on the southern Oregon coast near the city of Coos Bay.
Mr. Bell I am very interested in Japanese culture, weapons, and martial arts, and though I would love to learn how forge Japanese swords I believe my true calling I guess you could say is more to a European style. Anyway I was wondering if you could suggest a swordsmith that primarily forges that sort of weapons, and possibly armor. I would be internally grateful and would do anything for the information, I even have a design for the first sword I wish to make. If you can or can’t help me out, thank you for you time anyway, and I appreciate it all the same.
Thank you again.
Dear Clayton,
Regarding your search for a swordsmith in the western traditions I suggest you look up Jim Hrisoulas. I know him from decades past. He is an experienced masterful smith.
His shop is called Salamander Armoury. He also has several books published regarding swordsmithing, which you may find informative.
Good luck in your endeavors.
Michael Bell:
thank you making this article, it has given me valuable insight on the art of forging swords. However, I was wondering if the same dedication is required for learning the techniques of other cultures (even though I am fairly certain it is), such as European and Arabian swordsmithing. Thank you for your time.
Dear Mr. Krug
You are correct, I believe, that European and other sword making disciplines required the same dedication and devotion as does the Japanese tradition.
It should be remembered that sword smithing is a profession, inasmuch as one’s life depended on the integrity of one’s blade. Also, the forging of a good sword is actually a very difficult proposition requiring much learning and practice.
In short, there is no shortcut to making a good sword.
I want to become a swordsmith but I can’t afford to pick up and leave with my family… Are there any swordsmiths in Alabama that you know of?
Dear Mike,
It is probably not necessary to find a swordsmith in order to learn the art. My teacher, Mr. Nakajima, had me making many tanto-length blades before I forged a long sword.
I suggest you contact the Alabama Forge Council to locate a smith in your area. Most of the smiths I met in Alabama are well-versed in forge-welding and heat-treating in the Japanese manner. You might also try Don Fogg, who is, I think in N. Carolina. He is a bottomless well of skill and information.
The main thing is GET STARTED!
My father and I have always had an interest in learning to swordsmith. Are there any course available that would create not only the blade but also the hilt,wrap, and scabbard to create a complete sword? What would the timeframe for a class like that be? We are looking for a future father/son trip into taking 2 weeks to learn and craft somewhere but I also am not sure what is feasible for a 2 week time frame.
Dear James,
Thank you for your interest in our swordsmithing school. We would love to have you and your father attend our swordsmithing school.
Although we do offer a full curriculum of classes on making all parts of the Japanese sword, it is not possible to make a complete sword and mounting in two weeks, or even in a month of classes, given the time-consuming and demanding nature of the Japanese sword arts.
One should be aware of that in Japan, generally each part of the sword is completed by a specialist artisan; a sword may pass through the hand of four or more craftsmen before completion. My father’s teacher, Mr. Nakajima, was unique in that he learned all of the aspects of making a complete sword. Undertaking each separate sword art is a challenging proposition in itself, becoming proficient in all of them is much more so.
In two weeks, it would be only possible take two 5-day courses: our Basic Forging Course, and our Kajioshi-Habaki Combo-Course. Although we don’t currently have any instance of these classes scheduled back-to-back for the 2012 school year, if you are interested in planning 2 weeks of classes we would be happy to accommodate you as best we can.
Please feel free to contact us by email or telephone if anything on our websites is unclear.
I would like to know if you have any schools close to Florida like around Miami Dade
Hi, I am very interested in the art of sword smithing. I was wondering what the finances would be like? What would a normal day consist of?
Dear Michal Bell,
I have always wanted to be a blacksmith since I was ten. I have started to make my own forge but I am not there yet. I have no formal training or training what so ever and I want to learn how to make blades, I would be ever so thankful if you gave me a rundown on where I could find sword smithing masters, the style i would like to make is that of western blades but the eastern blades are just as good. i have also heard that i must read several book if not more on this subject, please point them out if you could. i would love to become an apprentice I am fifteen at this time. I live in C.T please contact me at this address
pdp123@att.net
again i would be ever so grateful for you assistance in this matter and if you cannot assist me thank you for your time
My son is currently 15 years old. He has had an interest in swords and smithing since he was seven or eight.
We live in Houston, Texas and would like to know how to get him started.
His primary interest is in the European broad swords. But realizing that the Japanese forging processes were superior, it would be desirable to mix the Japanese metallurgy mixed with the broadsword designs.
Thank you in advance for any communication,
Mark
Dear Mr. McDonnell
Thanks for your inquiry regarding getting your son started in swords and smithing.
I usually recommend starting at the library or book store and getting a feeling for the process and materials used in the making of blades, including knives. There are some excellent books available, specifically “The Craft of the Japanese Sword” by Yoshindo Yoshihara, “The Complete Bladesmith” by Jim Hrousla, and anything by Wayne Goddard.
I also recommend taking some of the courses offered by The American Bladesmith Society [ABS] which has a school in Old Washington Ark. They have an excellent facility with top-notch instructors with an interesting and diverse curriculum. I have been a guest instructor there several times.
You can also take our Basic Forging Course. While we obviously teach the Japanese method, most of what is taught applies very well to western styles as well.
By the way, the Japanese style of forging is not necessarily superior to western methods. Many of the early broadswords were every bit as complex and sophisticated.