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Master Japanese Swordsmith Taro Asano returns to Dragonfly Forge for classes Summer 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Master Japanese Swordsmith Taro Asano will return to Dragonfly Forge again this summer for another series of exclusive classes!

The class lineup and schedule are as follows

Jul 30, 2026- Jul 31, 2026 – Introduction to Japanese “Samurai” Knife-Making Workshop

This workshop is designed for beginners and experienced craftspeople alike. Each student will create two unique knives forged from high-quality Japanese carbon steel

Aug 1, 2026 – Traditional Japanese Forging Immersion: A Seminar with Master Taro Asano

Experience the essence of Japanese swordsmithing in this one-day seminar with Master Taro Asano, as he shares his deep knowledge and passion for the ancient art.

Aug 3, 2026- Aug 9, 2026 – Advanced Traditional Japanese Swordsmithing with Master Taro Asano

A rare opportunity to work with authentic Japanese tamahagane, the “jewel-edge steel,” to create a traditional Japanese short sword under the guidance of a master Japanese swordsmith.

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Exclusive Japanese Swordsmithing Experiences with Master Taro Asano at Dragonfly Forge

Dragonfly Forge is thrilled to present a unique series of classes taught by licensed Japanese master swordsmith, Taro Asano. A highly respected artisan with close to three decades of experience, Master Asano embodies the spirit of traditional Japanese bladesmithing.

His journey began at the age of 13, culminating in a demanding six-year apprenticeship in Seki City, the heart of Japanese bladecraft. Under the direct tutelage of the 25th generation of the Fujiwara Kanefusa family, he learned the intricate techniques and philosophies that define authentic Japanese swordsmithing.

In 2004, he founded Asano Kajiya, later relocating to his hometown in Gifu Prefecture. Master Asano is renowned for his ability to craft both exquisite traditional swords and functional, everyday blades, seamlessly blending historical artistry with contemporary needs. He is also a passionate educator, actively sharing his expertise through lectures and workshops globally.

These exceptional workshops will be held at our school, Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo, Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School, located amidst the breathtaking scenery of the southern Oregon coast, in August 2025. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to learn from a master craftsman dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Japanese swordsmithing.

Introduction to Japanese “Samurai” Knife-Making Workshop – 2 days – August 7-8, 2025

Traditional Japanese Forging Immersion: A Seminar with Master Taro Asano – August 9, 2025

Advanced Traditional Japanese Swordsmithing with Master Taro Asano – August 11-17, 2025

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Dragonfly Forge: A New Chapter

We’re still here, and forging ahead! There is much to share with you! Dragonfly Forge has been evolving and our commitment to craftsmanship remains strong.

Master swordsmith Michael Bell of Dragonfly Forge, is transitioning to retirement from active teaching and sword production. After a long and distinguished career dedicated to the art of sword-making, he will focus on completing longstanding projects and exploring other creative endeavors. Though his presence in the smithy is less frequent, his profound legacy and the knowledge he has shared will continue to inspire.

As for Gabriel, he has been focused on Dragonfly Forge’s Portland-area knife and tool sharpening services and enhancing his bladesmithing skills. For over a decade, he’s provided professional mobile solar-powered sharpening to residents, restaurants and businesses. Find him seasonally at the Hollywood and the Woodstock farmers markets.

Thank you for all your inquiries  and messages. We are currently not accepting new orders or commissions for blades or restorations as we complete our backlog and explore new creative directions. To be notified of available pieces, please subscribe to our newsletter.

But BIG news about swordsmithing classes! 

Although we are not currently offering the usual lineup of classes, we’re excited to share that we will be hosting a very special series of hands-on Japanese swordsmithing experiences this summer! Subscribe to our school newsletter to be notified once registration opens.

We look forward to sharing more with you.

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2022 Swordsmithing Classes Scheduled

After two year of disrupted class schedules due to the global pandemic, we are happy to announce that the Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School will once again be scheduling forging classes for 2022.  

For now, we have planned three sessions of our most popular class, the Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course for 2022. Depending on the amount of interest, we remain open to scheduling a few more classes later in the year (August-September).  

We also have rescheduled a session of our Oroshigane (Steel-making) Seminar and an Intermediate Forging Course, but these classes are already full with students whose class was canceled in 2020.

The upcoming class schedule is as follows:  

March 19-20, 2022 – Oroshigane (Steel-making) Seminar

March 21-25, 2022 – Intermediate Tanto Forging Course

May 23-27, 2022 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

June 20-24, 2022 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

July 18-22, 2022 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course  

If you would like to attend a different class than we are currently offering, please let us know so we can consider adding it to the schedule.

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2020 Class Schedule


March 2020
Monday March 23 – Friday, March 27 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

April 2020
Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1 – Kajioshi-Habaki Combo-Course

May 2020
Monday, May 25 – Friday, May 29 – Koshirae/Shirasaya Course

June 2020
Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

July 2020
Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19 – Oroshigane (Steel-making) Seminar

Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24 – Intermediate Japanese Sword Forging Course

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Michael and Gabriel Bell appearance on Science Channel’s Built By Hand

Michael and Gabriel Bell, instructors of Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School and father-son swordsmiths were featured a while back on the Science Channel’s TV show “Built by Hand”. The same documentary series earlier aired in the UK and elsewhere under the name “History in the Making”.

Each episode features the re-creation of three items: a tool, a weapon, a machine or an item of historical importance by expert craftsmen. It is a fascinating glimpse into historical crafts and the dedicated people continuing them in the modern world. We are proud to be featured alongside expert craftsmen of so many diverse backgrounds.

Viewers in the USA can watch our episode of Built by Hand, Episode 4: Secrets of the Samurai Sword, online at the Science Channel website.

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Gabriel and Michael Bell appear on History in the Making

Dragonfly Forge is excited to announce our recent appearance on the documentary series History in the Making, which recently aired in the United Kingdom on the Quest TV Channel. We are proud to be featured alongside expert craftsmen of so many diverse backgrounds.

Each episode features the recreation of three items: a tool, a weapon, a machine or an item of historical importance by expert craftsmen. It is a fascinating glimpse into historical crafts and the dedicated people continuing them in the modern world.

Viewers in the UK can watch our episode of History in the Making, Episode 4: Katana, Daguerreotype, Electric Guitar, on the Quest TV Channel website. It may also be airing in other parts of Europe, but we are unaware as to the specifics. Hopefully, the series will also air in North America in the near future.

In the meantime, one can watch the show’s trailer on the website of the content creator, Crook Horse Productions. If you watch closely enough, you can spot our sword!

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2019 Dragonfly Mountain Japanese Sword Forging School Class Schedule

2019

March 2019
Monday March 25 – Friday, March 29 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

April 2019
Monday, April 1 – Friday, April 5 – Forging the Working Knife

May 2019
Monday, May 20 – Sunday, May 26 – Advanced Katana Forging Course

June 2019
Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21 – Forging the Working Knife

July 2019
Monday, July 1 – Friday, July 5 – Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course

August 2019
Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9 – Kajioshi/Habaki Combo-Course – CANCELED

Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16 – Koshirae/Shirasaya (Scabbard & Handle) Course

September 2019
Monday, September 23rd – Friday, September 27th – Forging the Working Knife