November 1999
Ernest and his wife Mary, recently returned from Japan where they were one of only two invited guests at the Seki-City Outdoor Knife Show. "The reception of our work in Japan was overwhelming. We were totally unprepared for the level of excitement and enthusiasm that Emerson Knives has made in Japan. To be so received in a country with such an edged weapons legacy, and in a city with over a 1000-year history of producing swords for the Samurai, was a high honor." Masumane, recognized as the greatest sword smith of all time, was from the Seki area.
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At
this point we were completely sold out of knives but there were
still plenty of photos to sign.
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| A Special Thanks To One Of Our Biggest Supporters In Japan Yoshi Yamashita |
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Minami-machi Himeji Hyogo Japan 670-0912 Phone 81-792-221109 Fax 81-792-224911 | www.yamashita.org | knife@yamashita.org | |
While
in Seki-City, Ernest was invited to attend and observe the skills of
swordsmithing, sword polishing and saya making (sheath making). As a
result, Ernest met Mr. Hiromune Takaba and was invited to return to
learn the art of Japanese swordsmithing. Takaba Hiromune is a nationally
registered swordsmith. His art has been passed to him in the traditional
manner, as it has been for many years, generating from father to son.
In the national sword making competition last year, one of his swords
was judged to be the best in Japan and is to be exhibited in the National
Museum in Tokyo.
"Upon meeting, Takaba and I developed a spontaneous friendship. I was floored when I received an invitation from him to come into his shop and actually participate in the building of Japanese swords. Being a lifelong student of the Japanese sword myself, this was something beyond my wildest dreams. I was told that sword smiths are largely a secret and reclusive group, and as a result, very few students are ever selected (this applies to native Japanese). To have this opportunity presented to a Gaijin (foreigner) is completely unheard of." The Japanese culture regards these craftsmen as living treasures and their heritage and art are zealously guarded.
During our first meeting, we produced a billet of Damascus steel using the traditional forge and hammer process. This steel has since become a hand forged Damascus commander that I will treasure forever.
On another
day, Takaba showed Ernest the traditional clay tempering process, allowing
him to learn and participate in the traditional tempering process. This
process is the produces the beautiful and mysterious hamon, the signature
and soul of the true Samurai sword.
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 Click Photo Above To Enlarge |
| This is the end product. The first and only Emerson Forged Damascus, produced by the traditional Japanese method. This chisel ground Commander is truly one of a kind. |