Mr. Nakajima Muneyoshi, who planted a seed from which a tree has rooted. He is the true founder and inspiration for Dragonfly Forge, whose skill and love of the Japanese sword continues to inspire others.
Born in 1946, Michael Bell is a full-time swordsmith in the Japanese tradition.
Having been raised in California, Japan and Mexico, he began a five-year apprenticeship with Master Swordmaker Nakajima Muneyoshi in 1970.
Many years of handling and restoring fine swords led to the foundation of Dragonfly Forge in 1987, located on a hillside in the timber country of coastal Oregon. He now devotes himself to making fine swords, as well as teaching the art.
His blades have won numerous awards at major knife shows, as well as other honors.
Gabriel Bell is the son of Michael Bell. Gabriel grew up in his father’s shop, learning how to work with his hands and Japanese tools. As a kid, he forged knifes. Japanese swords soon followed. After high school in Coquille, Oregon, Gabriel attended college at Willamette University, working summer vacations with his father.
In the spring of 2006, Gabriel spent a semester abroad at Tokyo International University in Saitama, Japan.
Today, Gabriel works full-time for Dragonfly Forge as a swordsmith and is currently taking orders. A tanto by him recently won Best Art Knife of Show at the 2009 OKCA Knife Show. He also manages Dragonfly Forge’s website, www.dragonflyforge.com