Louie Mills - Yasutomo (康友) - Forging a Tanto, 2013 (full process)
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- Опубліковано 28 кві 2016
- **WARNING: This is the full version for study purposes, watch the shorter overview edit here: • Louie Mills - Yasutomo...
One of the best-kept secrets in North American bladesmithing and the closest thing we have to a living (inter)national treasure, Louie Mills began creating traditional Japanese swords in the early 1980's.
Working with top Japanese swordsmiths to refine his techniques, he became known for the finest traditional Japanese swords made in North America. The 2013 forging project was a major milestone as it was the first after Louie's recovery from a heart attack three years earlier. Filmed by Tony Mann.
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oroshigane - 0:33 (making steel from pure iron and charcoal)
tanren - 1:35 (folding and welding the steel)
sunobe - 16:37 (blade pre-form)
hizukuri - 23:35 (hammer shaping)
ara-shiage - 42:07 (rough shaping with files)
tsuchioki - 45:07 (applying the clay)
yaki-ire - 46:30 (hardening)
finished blade - 50:37 (after inspection polish)
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"My interest in Japanese swords began around 1974. Enjoying working with steel, but unable to afford to become a collector, I decided to learn how to make them myself. I started by taking basic blacksmithing craft courses, followed by self-instruction through reading, pictures, and trial and error (mostly error). In 1980, I met the Yoshihara brothers at the ABANA conference which, subsequently, enabled me to work with them on three occasions (workshops and public demonstrations), where I learned the basics of traditional Japanese bladesmithing." (from togiarts.com)
Louie was featured in an episode of Steel: The Works on The History Channel:
• History Channel Steel:...
And his steel making process on Don Fogg's website:
web.archive.org/web/2011091801...
...more information about Louie and remaining available works can be found at togiarts.com
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Thanks to Tony for inviting me to be part of this project, and to Louie for allowing us to publish the footage and for being one of the pioneers of traditional Japanese swordsmithing in North America. Louie will be missed but his contribution to the bladesmithing world continues...ありがとう、康友 さん！
Louie will be missed but his contribution to the bladesmithing world continues. islandblacksmith.ca/2018/07/passing-of-louie-mills-yasutomo-%e5%ba%b7%e5%8f%8b/
One of the best-kept secrets in North American bladesmithing and the closest thing we had to a living (inter)national treasure, Louie Mills began creating traditional Japanese swords in the early 1980's. Working with top Japanese swordsmiths to refine his techniques, he became known for the finest traditional Japanese swords made in North America.
ありがとう、康友 さん！
I have been watching smithing videos for the last 5 or more years on a constant basis, and have been doing Iaido for close to 7 years. I've made tiny forges in my back yard, terrorised my aunt and uncle with the amount of heat generated from them, constantly burning myself (once dropped a railroad spike at 1500°F on my leg for an example), and have failed all the time to actually make something every time, namely tanto to impress my sensei and some day give him one that I can be proud of. However; your videos, and other people like yourself have always kept me motivated in smithing, and people like Louie give me hope for my future with flame and iron. Thank you for your wonderful videos, and may his soul rest in peace.
the road toward excellence is long and difficult but worth traveling...careful observation and small steps, working to the best of your ability at any given time no matter how many times something must be repeated from the start...one day at a time, time is very short!
Rest In Peace Yasutomo!