Last month, we were thrilled to have four alumni of Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo return to the school to attend our August 7-9, 2009 Oroshigane Seminar.
Unscheduled August 2009 Bonji and Kajioshi Courses
Three alumni joined us two days earlier for special unscheduled two-day classes in bonji and kajioshi.
Students Jeff and Allen carved bonji in blades they [...]
An article regarding apprenticeships has been posted at our website, www.dragonflyforge.com.
“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 making koshirae. Usually each aspect of [...]
Michael Bell was recently interviewed by the online magazine Pieces, which seeks to explore the various materials that we use so often in everyday life and their multi-faceted functions.
The current issue focuses on steel, it’s many applications in modern life, and features an interview with Michael. The interview can be read here.
From The World Newspaper, Coos Bay, Oregon
By Jo Rafferty
Michael Bell started up the electric motor on a gigantic press he uses to shape the blades of Japanese swords.
“Bam! Bam!” The dies clanked together on the approximately 3-foot-long flat piece of steel, turned red from the heat of the forge fire.
“It’s 1,500 degrees, but it will [...]