Louie Mills - Yasutomo (康友) - Forging a Tanto, 2013 (overview)

**This is the overview version, serious students of the forge can watch the rhythms and patterns of the full process here: http://youtu.be/eSfurMT0TY0
(section links below)

One of the best-kept secrets in North American bladesmithing and the closest thing we have to a living (inter)national treasure, Louie Mills began creating traditional Japanese swords in the early 1980's.

Working with top Japanese swordsmiths to refine his techniques, he became known for the finest traditional Japanese swords made in North America. The 2013 forging project was a major milestone as it was the first after Louie's recovery from a heart attack three years earlier. Filmed by Tony Mann.

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oroshigane - 0:33 (making steel from pure iron and charcoal)
tanren - 1:24 (folding and welding the steel)
sunobe - 4:56 (blade pre-form)
hizukuri - 6:47 (hammer shaping)
ara-shiage - 9:15 (rough shaping with files)
tsuchioki - 10:04 (applying the clay)
yaki-ire - 10:21 (hardening)
finished blade - 12:14 (after inspection polish)
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"My interest in Japanese swords began around 1974. Enjoying working with steel, but unable to afford to become a collector, I decided to learn how to make them myself. I started by taking basic blacksmithing craft courses, followed by self-instruction through reading, pictures, and trial and error (mostly error). In 1980, I met the Yoshihara brothers at the ABANA conference which, subsequently, enabled me to work with them on three occasions (workshops and public demonstrations), where I learned the basics of traditional Japanese bladesmithing." (from togiarts.com)

Louie was featured in an episode of Steel: The Works on The History Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3UILh0Nk4A

And his steel making process on Don Fogg's website:
http://web.archive.org/web/20110918010558/http://www.dfoggknives.com/Making%20Steel.htm

...more information about Louie and remaining available works can be found at http://togiarts.com

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Thanks to Tony for inviting me to be part of this project, and to Louie for allowing us to publish the footage and for being one of the pioneers of traditional Japanese swordsmithing in North America. Louie will be missed but his contribution to the bladesmithing world continues...ありがとう、康友 〜さん！