I Spent 12 Hours With a Japanese Blacksmith

[@TokyoLens]

Would you go out to Kochi to try this? Leave it down below!! This was a spectacular time on one of my favorite islands of Japan! Have you been out to Kochi before? Any amazing spots to recommend? Share em!!

[@memeranglaut]

Kochi is definitely in my bucket list. I want to check out the shikoku island. Btw what kind of knife is it?

[@cabecamole]

During my Roadtrip Summer 2019 i drove along the Niyodo River from Kochi City, Omogo River and Kuma River to Matsuyama. It was one of the Remakable drives of the entire Roadtrip.

[@KatherineDon]

Yes! I’ve been looking for a knife forging experience that we could do! Definitely adding this to the list. Would be great to do a farm stay and metal working on Shikoku!

[@purplealpaca1016]

Thank you for doing this video!! As a blacksmith it's always heartwarming to see and hear other smiths at work and seeing there work areas!! When the world opens up again it would be great to take a class with him.

[@Bean86]

If I remember later next year I would very much enjoy to visit him and do a course. Thanks for the great content.

[@pattycakeslappers5973]

What a lovely man, you could tell he was incredibly excited to share his Passion!

[@TokyoLens]

It was truly enthralling I’m hoping to go back sometime for sure~

[@elizabethlestrad5282]

In an age where most of this stuff is now done en masse by machines in a factory, its great to see that such craftsmen still exist.

[@TokyoLens]

@@REVY01 description box 😉

[@elflass5544]

Love these mini documentary style videos. I also realize how much i get lost in watching someone who really knows their craft doing what they do best. Like yesterday I was watching Aaron Franklin, master bbq guy from Texas, trim a raw brisket. What does bbq and knife making have in common? Maybe not much except both of these guys know exactly what they're doing and it's really instructive and peaceful to watch. Hope you enjoyed this learning experience!

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha this one was so captivating that I ended up stripping all the music from the midsection because I just personally enjoyed the sounds of the workshop so much~ Pulls me right in!

[@elflass5544]

@@TokyoLens good choice because I think those metal sounds really make the atmosphere of the video. Nicely done, as usual ~

[@dvbsan]

Netflix documentary-level in the first 60 seconds. Well done, Norm.

[@TokyoLens]

Oh wow~ thanks so much eh!! 😊 All too kind as always~

[@wombat1238marsupial]

What amazes me is the quality of the workmanship, a sort of spirituality in the process. This quality of craftmanship needs to be preserved. This reminded me of the desk you had made, two great pieces from two master craftsmen😊😊

[@Harpocrat]

That craftsman is a good teacher - it was interesting hearing him explain what he was doing and why. I really enjoy these mini-documentaries 😊 Did you get a knife out of it, Norm?!

[@sweetarchangel6748]

It never ceases to amaze me how much work goes into making something like that. Imagine how much longer it would take if it was a katana. The real question is though, how many masters are left, and how many have apprentices. It would be a real shame if this traditional skill was lost. Another wonderful video with gorgeous imagery of the area 💜

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much!! Definitely want to go back and make a bigger blade and ask more questions!!

[@ronsmith1364]

Japanese Style Originator from 2008 has dozens of ancient specialists 70s-80s just finishing or still working every day & most of them seem to work alone. So many talents creating wonderful foods or items & no one can make a living at anymore & its just fading away makes one want to scream..

[@ronsmith1364]

@@TokyoLens Thanks for sharing. Some of the programs show people who spend all their live perfecting polishing techniques to properly care for a blade & that's all they do.

[@chrislessard975]

What an incredible experience. I am jealous.

[@FrameofTravel]

I recently fell into the Knife/sword making hole of youtube and this was the perfect compliment to my bingefest. The process is always fascinating and thanks so much for staying on point with the process. A lot of work goes into just a knife and it shows. Awesome vid mate!

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers eh~ The day flew by in an absolute flash I actually have over 2 hours of footage that this was cut from and I loved every second of editing lol

[@memeranglaut]

Japanese bladesmithing is always a pleasure to watch.

[@lvrdlpz]

I love Japanese bladesmiths! I love their craft. It's so thoughtful, and careful, even when using modern tools, they're trying to make the best they can.

[@Ragnarok043]

this guy is a true master, it amazes me that he's able to gauge the temper of the steel so effortlessly without any fancy equipment.

[@alvin10388]

It's nice you keep speaking japanese that's authentic.

[@nicklasrapp2267]

I love seeing people make ordinary objects with so much care and skill. Makes one really appreciate crafting.

[@Huzzy123]

The sounds from the workshop were so intriguing!

[@TokyoLens]

I enjoyed it too~

[@dattmay]

There was such a rhythm to his work, it was so nice to listen to. You could also tell he was just so passionate and excited to share this craft with you

[@JudyGold0]

O Norm, I'm so jealous of your life sometimes, this is great! :D I would absolutely go and visit Kochi to learn how to make a knife, and anything else this metal master would like to teach me. This is old school, no better way to learn and understand this craft. Yeh, I would stay longer than a couple of days.. :)

[@TokyoLens]

Definitely the kind of area that screams for exploration as well!!

[@Sassenhaim]

His experience and craftsmanship shows from the knife he let's you make. A kiridashi is a beautiful introduction to real Japanese knife making and knife making in a whole. Domo arrigato 🙏🏻

[@4ksandknives]

Jeez this is on the level of Japanology Peter Barakan. There's such good information in this.

[@chrissieclips3209]

How wonderful to take such care to craft what is essentially an everyday object. It becomes a small work of art at that point. Opening your packages will never be the same again!

[@patrycjawrobel5444]

It must be so much fun to do your own knife! I love the fact that in Japan craftsman work is still cherished and they are really proud of it. While in other parts of world it slowly disappears.

[@TokyoLens]

Was an amazing time!!

[@iljaj7922]

Excellent stuff

[@Jindujun]

This man is so passionate about his craft, it's really exciting just watching him do his thing.

[@xanderman55]

I love how you can learn things from your videos! Most make videos of pretty places with drone shots which is fine but that can get old quick. Please continue to sprinkle these types of videos in on your channel.

[@topikdg]

the best explaination about quenching and tempered so far..love this

[@eric1800es]

Not surprising you enjoyed that. There’s a musical quality to it. And the visual skills to determine temperature as well. Well suited your skill sets.

[@DannyPoolMusicandMetalworks]

I really enjoyed watching this. I’m always watching Japanese youtubers or western youtubers who live in Japan, and I also do blacksmithing myself, so this was really great to see!

[@Psychphuq]

Nice to watch & learn... I had Deja vu watching this... 🤔 Realised that Sharla did a video making a blade in Oct '18...

[@Cliccer6]

Its always a great honor to see artistry honed to such a degree. More so, being able to work with a master of such!

[@BKMHang10]

Every time you go out to Shikoku it's an eye-opener, from the scenery (which would be worthy of a video all to itself), to the experiences, and of course the people (the blacksmith and others like Yohei). Looking forward to you shining the light on more corners of Japan that don't get as much notoriety.

[@ashleyX7]

This very ASMR-like. Very cool video as usual Norm!

[@knightclan4]

Brilliant

[@andgainingspeed]

This is the kind of video that makes the channel. Thanks for your hard work through this difficult year. 👍

[@dholzric1]

Just went there in July with my Daughter and had a great time. I would highly recommend it. BTW, his english is good and he has a assistant from Canada who is also a great knifesmith.

[@AmandadeOliveira]

I can totally imagine Jun there super happy he'll have a new knife to sharpen.😹😹

[@TokyoLens]

lol gotta take him next time~

[@Stormcrow89]

I Ike the I was just repeating the word “wow!” through this video. Such a beautiful insight on this craft.

[@sarahramos2919]

So interesting! Such talent! Snowed in, so I’m enjoying another binge run of videos. Thank you!

[@joshuamstark]

This was absolutely mesmerizing norm! Love watching a master at his craft!

[@chili5369]

Absolutely beautiful, as a Bladesmith it gives me comfort to see a old and traditional way the greatest Bladesmiths in the world preform what I love and to see I do some of the same ways they do them I a great feeling. Thank you for that video.

[@gianpaologliori3604]

I love the quiet modesty of these Japanese craftsmen. They always seem to be very articulate but unpretentious.

[@jasonvarga9166]

WOW, Beautiful knife to memorialize a beautiful experience. I would love to visit him and do that. Thank you for another fun video.

[@myucelll]

FINALLY!! I've been waiting for this kind of video since the master craftsman video! thank you so much for this video, Norm!! it really cheered me up in my hardest times.

[@TokyoLens]

And so much more to come~ Thanks eh!!

[@Astran0th]

That's such a cool forge! A few years ago I tried smithing stuff with a friend who bought a small field forge, but our stuff certainly didn't turn out as well as those knifes! :D There's just something great about seeing those japanese craftsmen, how passionate they are with their work - and you can notice that passion on the final product as well.

[@fitzgerald1337x]

Always enjoy your unique Japanese content. It keeps alive my desire to live in Tokyo someday!

[@bradtuttle2674]

Very interesting and what an awesome souvenir! You did a pretty good job helping out there too.

[@AmandadeOliveira]

It feels like you two will end up making mochi. Hahahha

[@TokyoLens]

Felt like it!!

[@KnickKnackPatty]

I had this same thought when they were trading off on hammering the blade. Glad someone else commented :)

[@1Raphael]

⛩ thank you for sharing really awesome. I love your videos..

[@colleenm9188]

Yes, such an interesting docu-video on a wonderful craftsman tucked away in Shikoku. Thanks so much for this. You're getting to have some wonderful experiences. I would love to try what you did, but I'm not very coordinated, so living vicariously through your experience is enough for now!

[@TokyoLens]

Hahaha I’m confident you could still pull it off!!

[@drricky]

Norm, this is amazing. I’d love to go try this out. Probably one of the best videos you’ve done.

[@RobbC.]

Fantastic to see these old traditions maintained. It's a shame he doesn't have his own student to take things on after he goes, but at least his workshops will inspire others to keep the craft alive. Great video Norm, love it. Thanks.

[@KellieLStimson]

I’ve always dreamed of a ‘craft’ tour of Japan and I’d love to include visiting a bladesmith. Pottery, papermaking, sashiko/boro etc etc. Learning new vocabulary along the way related to these things would be a real bonus. Lucky you!

[@XerosXIII]

every sentence, action, even double checking the steps are ooze with sharp precision and passion thank you for another inspiring video!!

[@prissimink3643]

Ohayo Norm, This is the second video of the game and I just want to say that I love the japanese approach to how they handle their materials and how they aim to perfect their craft while keeping an open mind to new techniques to further develop their skills and craft. I would love to see if I could even for a day just go to a japanese workshop and maybe learn under them. Maybe if I get the chance to go abroad in japan I might try the worst ramen shop.

[@paulnav]

That was beautiful....and mesmerizing in a certain sense.

[@amycole3403]

Saw your comment about leaving music out in parts and just enjoying the ambient sounds of the workshop - great call! Reminded me of my favourite part in our museum here, in the ironworks shop in Old Town they had those same sounds playing and you couldn't quite see around the corner of the little shop, you could just imagine they were in there working away. Was always so magical to me as a kid. Also, being around that level of heat always makes me crazy-nervous, so kudos to you! 🌸 (Edited to add that it was really wonderful to watch his excitement in sharing his craft with you)

[@fnorazril]

Ok, this might have jumped to my all time favorite video. Purely just because I'm an avid amateur blacksmith and seeing how other people practice their craft is fascinating. This was a true treat to watch and experience. I love how the knife turned out, simple and elegant. Something to be said about something simple being masterfully turned out. I would most certainly go and share this experience. Would absolutely love it.

[@Pew7070]

Interesting! I have known him for a few years and even almost visited his shop in 2019. How small the world is... A small detail: interrupted quenching is an art! And he is a master at it.

[@MageThief]

Yes, more Norm mini documentaries, sort of :) Always impress me how dedicated and particular the Japanese craftsmen are.

[@melaniejaneprocter5529]

Wow that was amazing, I did a bit of metal work in college and enjoyed it so much I made a plant hanging hook. 😀😍💙👍👍👍👍👍👋👋👋👋

[@DanielVivarelli]

You’re notching up some nice pieces from some great craftsmen Norm. So cool.

[@KennyYokoyama]

Whooo notification squad! The skill and artistry that goes into making a knife is incredible!!

[@TokyoLens]

I knew it was going to be cool going into it ... still blew my mind

[@christianity7748]

I Really like watching this video. Especially watching How they make Incredible knives, It's Like watching how to make you're own favorite heroes weapon.

[@sasuke1243]

素晴らしい！！！This is so cool! I'm really into blacksmithing, so this is freakign awesome. I love that you got to make a knife, and it wasn't just watching a master.

[@Jiskle]

I did a blacksmithing course in the UK, we didn't make a knife but a couple of other items such as a hanging rail for flower baskets. It was hard work so can appreciate all the time that goes in to this.

[@triforcerf321]

he's sooo underrated

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@noeinroad7294]

Really enjoy these videos. I think in a world of automation, we take for granted the skill required to make a thing of both function and beauty.

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Great video, when I was in Sakai city I met and bought a knife from Mr. Fujii, I also bought a couple of Yu Kurosaki knives. I love Japanese knives. keep up the videos. thx from Hawaii.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelcherry8952]

Wow! So cool! You always manage to surprise me with the wide variety of your video topics. Beautifully shot and edited, as usual. I always enjoy watching a craftsman who knows what he's doing. This was very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@yaminogame7805]

There’s something almost relaxing about watching his process and hitting the knife.

[@briannabergman8381]

Wow! It's incredible how much work and effort goes into making knives. Makes you take a step back and appreciate your tools and the effort others went through to make them😊

[@PedroGomes-mt3iz]

Amazing video, Norm! The craftsman was a pleasure to listen to and watch his craft in action!

[@soulreaver1983]

This episode was really amazing! Thank you for uploading it!☺

[@tkcaapi2876]

Beautiful video mate. its so satisfying watching metal squish slowly as you hammer it😁🤓👍

[@whushaw]

Wow, what amazing footage and a lovely experience!

[@Alkusanat]

How did I miss this video when it came out? I love this craftsmanship videos! Loved the one about your Shamisen, the one about your desk an this one. I really hope to see more later on! Great video as always!

[@lightsfury_nord]

Love watching skilled craftsmen do their thing !

[@megamcee]

Beautiful video. Reminded me of your table video. Love these.

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers eh~ 😊

[@DDB168]

Yes I would definitely try this. Looks great.

[@TheBassUp]

Discovered your channel recently! Love your work. It's very insightful and fun to watch. Keep up the great work! :)

[@DanOnTheGo1]

Another really cool video Norm. Thanks so much 😊

[@eugeneh.7205]

That looks so incredibly satisfying~~!! Will definitely love to try it~!! And you said that he speaks good english, even better for those of us who know just enough Japanese to buy yourself some food XD New skill for Norms' resume~~ "Bladesmith" ^^ Again as we know, job incredibly well done~!! Thanks so much Norm~!! More please~~!! We are getting closer to being able to visit...so close I could almost smell the fresh Japan air~!!

[@RustyRoj]

I love the rhythm of hitting the metal. There’s something in my drummers heart that comes alive at that sound. Another great doco Norm.

[@CarCrashf1]

What a legend - huge respect to the master. That was an awesome video. Would love to see the master make a katana and then test it out (on watermelons and bamboo, of course).

[@grahamy3400]

Lovely video. I have made two Japanese style knives at the Tharwa Valley Forge in Australia.

[@barrybondz9650]

Once again Norm blesses us with a video during the holidays. Looking forward to more content bro !!!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much eh~

[@astroboy3507]

Yes he seem to be a really nice guy!! Good stuff Norm!!👍 let's hope we have a better new year man! 2021🎍🎊🎉

[@coldspacemusic]

Really cool video! I love when you do these interviews/workshops with locals. Really interesting to passionate people do what they love.

[@mooze9625]

Can't believe how well produced these videos are, good stuff!

[@michaelabillings9034]

Really cool to learn about blacksmiths and the whole process

[@zan5000zr]

Amazing video! I'm so jealous of you, I have always dreamed of trying blacksmith /Sword smithing in Japan. It's a really interesting and intriguing thing to watch these old craftsmen master doing their work. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@BonsaiBear27]

Omg I'm not the first one here........😱 🙄 Great little video, so nice of the bladesmith to allow you to participate in making a knife.

[@TokyoLens]

Amazing guy!

[@taylorexplores]

I've been watching a lot of your videos lately, great as always! I enjoy seeing unique experiences like this.

[@TokyoLens]

Appreciate that Thank you so much!

[@Gantorin]

Very cool! Would love to try that in real life, and I've always wanted to do glass blowing.

[@fern8580]

📌Long live Japan and long live your patience in following and doing the process for us! How we would have liked to have had such a benevolent teacher!📌4 steps a) forging/shaping b) grinding/sharpening c)heat traitment,heat coll, temper d) blade polishing

[@ShiningWhiteShadow]

Thank you for this interesting video! Keep on with these exquisite videos!

[@helloharem2775]

amazing video Norm! I love these mini doc videos you make. Looking forward to many more in the future!

[@kantabelekarma7859]

Very relaxing video to watch in my break during studying!

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@TOKYOSMITH]

Very nice documentary! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

[@kungfool69]

wow that was fascinating!! Great video, Norm!

[@Heatcliffsama]

I love this! I could spend hours watching this ^^ I love watching videos of things being made (as well as making things myself). And Japanese crafters are exceptionally dedicated to their craft. Love it (as usual ;))

[@AJapaneseDream]

I've always wanted to do this. Thank you for showing me its possible and with such a nice guy. I'll definitely have to make my way out there in the near future.