http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=919&NewsID=553081&CategoryID=13641&on=0

I was at that '93 workshop, still have the knife I made there. It was so long ago that I don't rember the names of all that were there, if you were there I was the chubby faced 14 yearold . I am very glad to see that Yataiki is still teaching. If any one else has been to one of his workshops I would love to hear about it.


Jens

Jens, what a special event! I am certainly no master smith but I would relish the opportunity to share what I know with a young person. Alas, my son has no interest in blacksmithing and there are no other people in my area who have the interest, either. I am glad I have this wonderful site to post my thoughts. :D

Quench,

I'm not young, and I don't live in your area, but if I ever get out there to visit, you can teach me anything you want about blacksmithing!!!

Pam

http://www.misugidesigns.com/yataiki1.html Three Big $$$ knives By Yataiki
http://www.misugidesigns.com/yataiki2.html A Pic of Yataiki scraping a hand made saw to thickness with a draw knife like tool called a Sen , also a neat pic of a reed and mud forge with a foot operated box bellows
http://www.misugidesigns.com/yataiki3.html Neat info about Japanese
"Blister" Steel and the grading process also some interestring info about the raw materials required to make "Blue Steel" or "White Steel"


I must say those few weeks spent with Yataiki were amazing, he didn't just trickle a little information to you he drenched you in it , and the stuck you at the forge , speaking encouragments and correcting you at every movement. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was. 8)

Sounds like he may be retiring soon. Would be a good time to schedule a trip over there. Possibly catch a last few glimpses and gain a bit different perspective.
Just a thought

If you go to www.thak.ca and look at the course schedule you will find a week long course in Japanese swordmaking sometime during the summer in south western Ontario. Expensive. I will need a lottery win to attend.

Brian

I attended that Iowa workshop in '93 for six days which was all I had time for. Three fellow smiths were with me. I made a saw tensioning hammer under Yataiki's direction. I took lots of notes and made sketches of tools, etc. The workshop was set up primarily for woodworkers, so I don't think too many ironworkers found out about it.