Baka Gaijin Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Morning all, Spotted this on Yahoo Japan https://www.jauce.com/view2.php?seturl= ... d120804774 Cheers Malcolm Quote
estcrh Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Morning all, Spotted this on Yahoo Japan https://www.jauce.com/view2.php?seturl= ... d120804774 Cheers Malcolm Malcolm, nice find...thanks..I have saved pictures of it...that is a very interesting category to look for obscure items....here is a link to an interesting article about a modern Japanese sword smith which pictures and mentions just such a fuigo (bellows). Something I have never heard mentioned in relation to the construction of a Japanese sword is the use of a "flux" when welding the different types of steel into a blade. http://thecarpentryway.blogspot.com/200 ... ation.html Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 17, 2011 Author Report Posted September 17, 2011 Good evening Eric Thank you for the article, interesting point about only following one way. Regarding the "Flux" comment...I wonder if , as a Carpenter, he saw the process of applying clay prior to Yaki Ire and put two and two together to make three . Back to the Fuigo images, particularly interesting for me was the construction of the "Flap Valve controls"; just using pieces of random leather stitched to random pieces of timber, and also the tube constructed of a circled fold of metal. It's make do and mend simplicity reminded me of the utilitarian paper packing often found under Meijii export itomaki. Cheers Malcolm Quote
cabowen Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Smiths use flux to aid in the welding process. Traditionally they used rice straw, the modern smiths use borax.... I was told bear skin was used for the valves on traditional bellows... Quote
estcrh Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Smiths use flux to aid in the welding process. Traditionally they used rice straw, the modern smiths use borax....When soldering you use a flux to allow the lead to flow between the two pieces of copper being soldered, I have never read about a flux being used to help meld the layers of steel used in forging a Japanese sword, thanks for the info Chris. Quote
cabowen Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 thanks for the info Chris. You are welcome...It isn't something you will find in most books on Japanese swords.... Quote
bluboxer Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Hi, I think the majority of the traditional "flux" was a clay slurry with straw added on top. I am amazed they would stray away from the traditional method.Yoshindo Yoshihara uses the clay slurry/straw according to his book.Borax is some messy stuff to work with also. Quote
cabowen Posted September 17, 2011 Report Posted September 17, 2011 Borax is a powder they simply sprinkle a hand full on the hot billet, fold, and forge together. Considering all the ash, smoke, fillings, etc., in the forge, it isn't that messy.... Quote
estcrh Posted September 18, 2011 Report Posted September 18, 2011 Good evening Eric Thank you for the article, interesting point about only following one way. Malcolm Malcolm, I noted that reference about completely giving yourself to one purpose, something that is not commonly or easily done in our world, also the lack if interest by younger people in learning the old methods is troubling, the sword smith depending on a traditional charcoal maker who will not have a replacement is a sad example of the future of all traditional methods, I hope there is someone taking notes from the old masters. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.