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 making 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 week or two at the most, 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 art 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 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 greatly recommend attending one of our Basic Forging Courses. 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, but I cannot confirm that this is true.
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.
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.
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 no paying full-time job, a last 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
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 Tanrn 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.