FOLDING Tamahagane(Japanese SWORD STEEL) - Sword of Transformation Episode: 3 ~DISCIPLINE OF STEEL~

Here, you will see the creation of 3 Tamahagane tools (Tekkou-bou), which are necessary for making the sword blade itself.
Because Tamahagane steel is so pure, this essential tool used during the making of the blade needs to also be made from folded Tamahagane.
Welcome to the third episode of “Sword of Transformation', a new series chronicling the unpredictable and dramatic creation of a traditional Japanese sword from the very beginning, to the anticipated delivery. Bringing you along as a witness, of whatever unforeseeable incidents the long, and difficult process may reveal.
Thank you very much for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to my channel if you would like to see more content like this.
Aficionado notes:
[4]: *Jigane - a word used to describe the steel of a blade when assessing it after completion. After polishing, the ‘Jigane’ is revealed. It shows the quality of the steel and its forging.
[5]: *Washi - Japanese paper used to cover the Tamahagane steel in order to prevent Doro-Mizu (see below) from entering the gaps between the pieces of steel.
[6]: *Doro-Mizu - a clay slurry used to cover the Tamahagane as a protective measure against oxidization.
Please check out my links below ↓
Official site: yashayukawa.com
Official Instagram: / swordsmith_yasha_yukawa
Knife Shop Instagram: / swordsmith_yasha_knife...

[@girlsenglishtalk2757]

Thanks! すごくいいビデオ！　ありがとうございます。I can't wait to see next video!

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for your valuable support! 励みになります！

[@joshschneider9766]

This is the most detailed explanation of taking freshly smelted and spongy blister steel fresh from the hearth and turning it knto a homogenous billet. Many many similar moves to traditional methods from elsewhere, as iron doesn't change its behavior based on geography but this is uniquely Japans way. And ive always been curious as to the details. They never really go in depth on this part in the katana documentaries. Arigato gyosaimas Master Yukawa San.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind feed back!

[@richardwilloubly8285]

I watch many sword smiths to better myself in the way of steel. But when the working of the steel and the forage becomes a dance that is the sign of a true master. You Sir are a true master. I just hope my pitiful attempts will one day come up to your standards

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! And good luck in your striving! I think the joy in striving is what makes a true master.

[@joshschneider9766]

It's funny you should say so. We often call glassblowing a choreographed team dance as well.

[@joshschneider9766]

​@@YashaYukawaI admire the attitude Sir. It took me eight weeks of a few hours a day just to make a simple bubble of glass. Now I can make just about anything you can draw years later. The journey has been incredibly special for me. I hope you both have had and continue to have a happy time.

[@YashaYukawa]

@@joshschneider9766 Thank you! I can imagine the time it takes to master glassblowing. It is such a beautiful craft, and very interesting material. Thank you for sharing, and wish you a happy time as well.

[@mattl3729]

Oh and I appreciate your AficioNerdo facts- they're great. In virtually every other Japanese swordmith video I've ever seen, there is little explanation of the process, so one is left to try and figure it out. I also love to know the actual terminology- most of the time we only get a few here and there. The Tekko-bu are a perfect example- no one has ever explained them; I knew that since the sword core and blade steel billets are welded to them, and thus a small part of them becomes part of the sword, the ends of them must also be the same steels, but this isn't ever mentioned or shown directly. It makes me excited to see what other nuances you will show us that aren't normally demonstrated.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for the feedback! I'll try to keep up with the AficioNerdo notes. I might have an examination in the end 🤣

[@mattl3729]

@@YashaYukawa I will study hard 😉

[@anncannon1797]

I was surprised by the amount of coal used in the heating process. First heating 22 scoops if correct? The second 13 total of 35 scoops . I love the glow of the steel. This art form is so very special and important! I have viewed so many and will continue to. Blessed in fire is the weapon's steel💥🔥⚒️⚔️💪😁👍

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes, I'm also surprised, every time😱 I have no idea how many scoops, I've never counted, just keep on scooping... In totaI I think I used around 130-150kg of charcoal in this particular video.

[@raymondbenadictine]

I have never watched your videos before but I was immediately struck by your careful, measured way of explaining. It is clear that English is not your first language but your care and consideration when choosing words clearly reflects your mastery of your craft. Thank you for sharing.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your kind comment. Yes, I have to measure my words so my insufficient language doesn't create to much confusion...

[@zaflowgalactic]

Haha thank you for the awesome content! I like how you say "stick around to find out!" at the end, I subscribed! :)

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you! (So, it was working😊)

[@tefalGoron]

Truly appreciate your content and details in making a katana from scratch with no shortcuts! I look forward to your video please share your journey.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment.

[@zenpro8164]

your craftsmanship is extraordinary, thank you for sharing

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for saying that!

[@georgedimops2727]

By far, the best detailed sword making videos I have seen. So in depth Yasha. Looking forward to more videos of custom orders. Thank you for sharing.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your kind comment. More videos are on the way.

[@georgedimops2727]

@@YashaYukawa any time! I need one of your master pieces!

[@b2bogster]

Wonderful process. Thank you for sharing this craft.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your comment.

[@dd.9283]

Just came across your channel...thank you for filming this...as someone who is visiting Japan soon for the first time its an honor to watch you work...love the skill and masterery that goes into traditional sword making.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your comment, and hope you have a great trip.

[@decab8292]

May I say as an English man how important that the skill and tradition of Japan's Sword forging is carried on by future generations. I do hope these skills continue. Thank you.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for saying that! I really hope so as well.

[@Hughsllc]

I appreciate so much that the tradition of writing notes on equipment transcends borders and cultures 😊 well done 👏

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes, notes must be available immediately when needed! 😄

[@riazpatel5296]

Once again, your willingness to share your knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the dedication in producing these videos so that others may learn about aspects that are usually not explained, at least not explained with such attention to neuance that is ultimately lost when expressed in English.

[@YashaYukawa]

Your feedback is much appreciated, thank you! Hopefully appreciation for the Japanese sword will be raised through some awareness of the processes involved...

[@sean...]

I must thank you for taking the time to create your channel, I am enjoying every thing you have offered the community, I find your dedication to your craft inspiring and it is helping me tune into and find my own artistic path. I am filled with motivation after watching. Gratitude Yasha.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your valuable feedback! It surely motivates me to create more content as well. Thank you!

[@8Majlo]

Mr. Yasha San thank you from the bottom of my heart. Japanese swords and everything regarding making of this incredible art items are kind of fascination of mine. I am the keeper of two papered koto swords in my possesion and they bring me immense peace and joy when i look at them. To have a oportunity to see this process in such detail and well made content is a privilage sir, thank you. I will be folowing your work from across the globe with great appreciation. You seem such a interesting and dedicated person, wish you many years of happy work and keeping this magical and spiritual craft alive in these age of mediocricy and entropy. May we all learn and be inspired by people like you. Best regards sir

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I am glad you found the channel.

[@joshschneider9766]

Just as a point of reference and help, San and mister are the same words just different languages ;)

[@joshschneider9766]

Not trying to be snippy and apologize if I am rude for saying so I just like to share knowledge

[@pedroisaac2850]

It’s inspiring to watch a true master at work creating masterful art. Thank you for the most detailed and well explained demonstrations on the internet. I’ve been smithing knives and swords for 6 years. One day I hope to be near to your skills. Thank you

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for your heartwarming words!

[@jesseayers7933]

I am in awe of your talent and skills for working the Tamahagane steel . A true master .

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for saying so!

[@qaidikramuddin]

Thank you very much. This is the most detailed video. What I also like is that the sword-smith is also the KZbinr, very unique. I never knew that the tool also needed to be tamahagane; it makes sense, I don't know why I never thought of that. Thank you very much and may you have great success and a very long life and continue doing this work and sharing it with us. 頑張って。ありがとうございました。

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much for your wonderful blessings!

[@qaidikramuddin]

You are most welcome. I can’t wait for the sixth episode and more.

[@takuan650]

Fascinating craft. The amount of 'research' and time to develop such amazing results is mind boggling (more than a 1000 years ago).

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes, isn't it. And hopefully it will survive for a little longer.

[@sauceman-dv3lf]

I have a feeling that if anyone can make a lerfect sword it will be you Yasha, incredibly high quality.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much, but perfection is such an elusive goal I'll never reach. Striving towards it is perhaps enough.

[@ICTPerformance268]

🇦🇬 New subscriber. Enjoyed all of your videos from the beginning. Looking forward to seeing more. ありがとうございました。 🙇🏾‍♂️

[@YashaYukawa]

I'm glad you enjoyed them, and thank you for subscribing.More is on the way.

[@blipzero]

thank you for all your hard work and showing us all you mastery at your craft please make more ? i wish to learn more please ?

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for kind comment. More videos are coming soon.

[@JermoyDegraw]

Absolutely beautiful! I can tell that the knowledge and skill that you have is enough to fill 1000 books...thank you for sharing a small portion with the world. I look forward to seeing more!

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you very much for kind comment! I don't know about 1000 books, but hopefully a bunch of KZbin videos at least😅

[@PBJason]

You was going wild with that power hammer. The cameraman though he was done for hahaha! Great videos can't wait for the next one 👌

[@Happy_Porg]

As a martial artist I never had a sword that fit my exact proportions… I have a kamakura tachi in my collection that’s very close to perfect but still not 100% comfortable. Id be honored to get one made by you but the time is not right… I will probably commission one in the future tho. Great to see the art kept alive by smiths like you. Beautiful craftsmanship ❤

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind comment! I do believe it's of great value to have a sword custom made for you. Wishing you all the best for your training.

[@sysop007]

Fascinating. I can never get tired of seeing this process. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@lorcanabbot4614]

The amount of theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in that craftsmanship is incredible. Thank you very much for sharing a bit of both with the viewers !

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your comment and appreciation!

[@amberdavidhams6356]

Beautiful work my friend. I’ll be enjoying the full process. Hopefully all goes perfect. Amazing work so far and great work ethic. You will be blessed with an amazing piece of nihonto.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you very much for your kind input!

[@hecope]

Thank you Yasha for sharing the process. It’s immensely impressive. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@YashaYukawa]

Peter, Thank you! So good to hear from you here!

[@bigc7t]

Great stuff brother, you are a true master, it was a pleasure to watch. Thank you so much for the video, i appreciate it.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much, your kind words are appreciated.

[@blackice2110]

thank you for doing this and making me to enjoy from your video, soon or later I will order guyto from you and that will be biggest day of my life.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying it. That sounds great!

[@mattl3729]

I just discovered your channel Mr. Yukawa and I'm so pleased that you had the desire to document your creation of this sword. It's fascinating to watch you work. I have made a number of European swords myself over the years- although I am still very much an amateur- and actually learned the basics of shaping by watching videos of various Japanese swordsmiths. The making of a Nihonto is a most beautiful process and is always a pleasure to watch. Am I correct that the video is sped up a little from time to time? If so, may I respectfully suggest that it may be nicer to leave everything at actaul speed- I found the changes back and forth a little disconcerting. I, for one, don't mind at all watching something that may seem a little slow- I'm just lost in the process and love to see all the nuances.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for your comment! The speed of the video is totally natural.The only part I altered the speed, is at one point when shoveling charcoal. Apart from that, it's all my normal working speed. "strike while the iron is hot" in this case it means forge welding hot. During this process there is only a very short time frame when the steel can be worked on, so high speed is essential. The nuances must be caught in a glance, and decisions immediate. Forging speed must be adapted to the temperature of the steel, and this case it's close to white hot. Of course some long, slow parts in the process is edited out, otherwise it would be a three days long video. One day I might release a long un-edited video if there is enough interest.

[@mattl3729]

@@YashaYukawa Oh wow, you move more quickly than anyone I've seen yet- that's really interesting. I love seeing how other smiths work because we're all different. Indeed I think I see why you must work that way- I've only ever forge-welded small pieces of steel like cutting edges, so have plenty of time, but when working with larger pieces, which are made up of so many layers already, there is a much greater risk of incomplete welds and delaminations if you don't work quickly. I will doubtless watch all of your videos multiple times to try to catch as much as I can- and now that I know it's all actual speed (shovelling charcoal understandably sped up), I will have to watch even more closely ;) Thank you again. And since no one has ever, as far as I know, published a long-form video of a Japanese smith making a sword, I'm sure it will be of great interest and a valuable historical document. I would watch every second.

[@YashaYukawa]

@@mattl3729 Off work I'm a fairly slow person, so my master was always pushing my speed up. Sure when forgewelding a piece you must give it some time. This folding process goes on forever though so, a major concern is not to lose carbon as well as temperature. I might set up a camera in the forge and have a live session 😊Thank you your feedback!

[@mikaelbauer3818]

Thank you, enjoying this.

[@YashaYukawa]

I'm glad you do, thank you!

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

4:10 Insert train whistle here. It sounds like a steam locomotive.

[@YashaYukawa]

That's true. I'm feeding the steam locomotive.

[@NickBaradda]

How do you keep your left arm and shoulder healthy, considering the work operating the bellows?

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes, it does take a lot of maintenance of the body to keep in shape...

[@stevenedmund5680]

Very cool that you are sharing the process .... I polish nihonto myself

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you, good to see a craftsman here.

[@agonekarakdrak6902]

A pleasure to watch (and learn). Greetings

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you, and greetings back to you.

[@MASI_forging]

Bravo as usual 👍👍

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you!

[@ch5164]

初めまして ガルム刀chのガルムと申します。 夜叉さんの作品を見てファンになりました。 いつかは夜叉さんに依頼したいです^ ^

[@YashaYukawa]

ありがとうございます！励みになります。

[@vipertwenty249]

At 6.52 - I noticed the charcoal is very clean, lacking dust. Must be very high quality charcoal. Here in Britain, the best charcoal for forging I've yet found is made from Sweet Chestnut. We know this was favoured in medieval times. I'd love to know what this charcoal you are using is made from.

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes, the quality of this red pine charcoal is amazing. I made a video about it. You can check it out on my channelpage.

[@atom8248]

Jag uppskattar att restriktionerna på svärdsmederna i Japan ser till att ingen börjar massproducera och att det håller kvalitén hög. Men det känns som att japanarna gör ganska lite för att hålla kulturarvet vid liv. Borde inte till exempel lärlingar få bidrag? Även de som lyckas kan sällan leva på det.

[@YashaYukawa]

Du har alldeles rätt! Mycket görs snarare för att övertala aspiranter att ge upp, då det är för svårt att överleva. Jag upplever det snarare som att vissa myndigheter krånglar till det så, att bara de som verkligen brinner för detta hantverk orkar överleva. De har lyckats höja kvaliteten, men med risk för att det dör ut där uppe.

[@joshschneider9766]

May I ask about the brand and weight of your power hammer? Shes perfect for your shop.

[@YashaYukawa]

Sure, the maker is called Fukuda. And the weight of the hammer is 18kg. It's a little light, and "loose" compared to a spring-hammer, but I've adapted to it by compensating with lots of speed.

[@MurderBong]

SO MANY I HAVE WATCHED PEOPLE DO THINGS, BECAUSE THAT IS ‘WHAT ONE DOES’. SURE, THEY MAKE NICE KNIVES AND SWORDS. BUT YOU, DONT JUST MOVE THE BELLOWS WITH YOUR ARM, YOU DO IT WITH YOU. ALL OF YOU. EVERY MOVEMENTS IS A FULL BODY DANCE, USING YOUR ENTIRE BODY. FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR APPRENTICE HAMMERS WITH HIS ARM. CLEARLY. HE MAY LEARN TO USE HIS LEGS TO STAND UP WHEN LIFTING UP RATHER THAN TO ABSORB THE WEIGHT. ONE DAY, HE MAY LEARN WHAT YOU DO, AND USE A CIRCULAR MOTION. NOT UP AND DOWN, OR THE BELLOWS, IN AND OUT, BUT UP DOWN LEFT AND RIGHT, IN AND OUT. IN A CIRCLE. HOWEVER, A SPHERE FROM A DISTANCE OR ON A SCREEN LOOKS LIKE A CIRCLE. I DO SEE, YOU ARE WORKING AS A COMPLETE SHPERE. EVERY ACTION FEEDING OFF OF THE PREVIOUS, WHILE FEEDING INTO THE NEXT.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you so much! Great Observation!

[@nofunclub]

Subbed

[@RovingPunster]

Each heat takes a full hour ? Wow.

[@YashaYukawa]

One fold takes roughly a full hour, a bit more.

[@RovingPunster]

@@YashaYukawa It's humbling to realize just how much time and effort (plus skill and artistry) goes into creating, and polishing, a traditional Japanese sword. Ive dabbled in lots of diverse hobbies over the years. Unfortunately for me, spinal & joint issues, and multiple corrective surgeries, have take away many of those hobbies, and precluded many others I would have enjoyed exploring if I were still able. Of relevance here, one of the former was Iaiado, and one of the latter was blacksmithing ... I know just enough of both to feel humbled, and inspired, seeing and holding genuine examples. If I may, I have a question. One thing ive often wondered about with japanese traditional swordsmithing is the choice of fuels: hardwood charcoal. Aside from tradition, and local geology, is there a reason behind the exclusive uee of charcoal, instead of alternate fuels (ex: metallurgical coke, anthracite coal, and ive even seen a smith who uses dried feed corn), some of them cheaper, hotter burning, and longer lasting ? Thanks, and best wishes.

[@JustATakit]

I have a question for you, what did you do about the delamination's you had in the steel? From what was in the video I saw 1 for sure and 2 additional that were possible. Also are you relying more on the heat to bond the folds together more so than the hammer? I only ask because out of my own ignorance of never working with this type of material.

[@YashaYukawa]

Sharp eyes! At this stage (foundation forge-folding) the steel is still relatively raw, so minor delaminations will be bonded in the next final forge-folding process. It will bonded by the hammer under correct temperature.

[@badboy4183]

Like 👍

[@jeanladoire4141]

Hello sir, i've always had a question about side blast forges : where do you put your steel in the fire for welding? Of course the spot in front of the tuyère will be saturated with oxygen, and will burn up your steel, but it's also the hottest part. So do you still put your steel in that spot and rely on the flux to protect from oxygen, or do you place your steel further away, like on the right side, below, or perhaps above the hot spot? Thanks for your answer!

[@YashaYukawa]

Personally I place the steel in the middle, slightly above the tuyere. Some place in right in front. No flux, but the clay slurry and ashes protects it.

[@jeanladoire4141]

@@YashaYukawa wow okay, that's pretty astonishing. That would follow what i've read in a cutlery book from 1771, they didn't seem bothered about the oxygen (they didn't know about it anyways). So then perhaps it's not so much of a problem because you would be using very tiny pieces of charcoal, to make a every carbon saturated environment. If you didn't use clay to protect the steel, wouldn't the side facing the tuyère become dirty with scale, and start to make sparks very quickly at a white heat? Sorry i'm asking a lot of questions, and i've heared that some japanese masters are very secret about their techniques, but i'm a young bladesmith who's trying to re-discover the past (mainly European techniques, but European techniques from the 1600s and 1700s were oddly similar to current traditional japanese techniques)

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes the charcoal fire is ideal as its alkaline. But of coarse timing is important. You will immediately ruin the steel if you feed it to forcefully with oxygen, and when reaching temperature are to slow or careless. I'm always spinning the steel so the side facing the tuyere is alternating. Good luck in your re-discovery!@@jeanladoire4141

[@jeanladoire4141]

@@YashaYukawa thank you for your advice, i hope to honor the ancient craftsmen one day 🙏

[@stevenrowlandson9650]

Will there be more videos?

[@YashaYukawa]

Yes there are already more videos. Please check out my channel.

[@steveo286skj]

Just my observation. it looks like somebody that would be left-handed would be good at that. Idk 🤷‍♂️

[@dicksargent3582]

What type of clay is in the doro -mitzu ?

[@YashaYukawa]

I’m using several different kinds of clay. There are plans to make a video with information about it. If there are interest.

[@dicksargent3582]

@@YashaYukawa I'd be very interested! Thank you

[@croccofanto]

I'm not saying you are, but you have a very swedish sounding accent : p

[@YashaYukawa]

I'd say my tongue is Swedish. At least half😊

[@mathiasz.8169]

Want to start blacksmithing. Where do I find a really good genno for blacksmithing, japanese style? Thanks.

[@YashaYukawa]

Sorry, you're asking the wrong person. Japanese swordsmiths must make their own tools, so I can only think of one answer "make one"

[@mathiasz.8169]

@@YashaYukawa Might me a nice episode "How to forge a Japanese Genno for Blacksmithing", imo. Not an order, just a suggestion. Contrary to Gennos used for woodworking there is not a whole lot of information out there on blacksmithing gennos from japan. I will certainly try to make one, when I am up to the task. I do have the beginners mind but I am lacking experience and guidance. Kind regards, maze.

[@YashaYukawa]

Thank you for the suggestion. If I need a new one (I might soon) I'll record it. Good luck on your blacksmithing journey!

[@mathiasz.8169]

that would be great! thanks. kind regards, M. @@YashaYukawa

[@Man_Cave]

I always wished that I had 30K I could throw away to own a properly made Katana.

[@YashaYukawa]

That's not throwing away, it's investing! 😁

[@Man_Cave]

Good point. In my situation it would be like throwing away because I have so many more pressing needs that must come first.@@YashaYukawa

[@derrickthames7484]

Not to much safety epujpment

[@wangalex2681]

You need relax in forging。

[@YashaYukawa]

Don`t worry, mind is relaxed while body is working hard. 😅

[@RomekRolnik]

Haha 3 hits and back to fire 😂

[@HAVOK510]

That moaning at 8:52 is a bit distracting sorry lol

[@YashaYukawa]

Sorry if it was distracting. I wouldn't complain to somebody brave enough to help me film my work at close range, getting hit by liquid steel and hot slag. I'm sure most of us make some kind of involuntary noise when in pain...