Swordsmith
とうかじ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional craftsman who produces and repairs metal swords such as Japanese swords consistently from forging to finishing.
Description
Swordsmiths forge tamahagane, the raw material for swords, by fire forging, form the hamon, and then apply quenching and polishing to produce and repair Japanese swords. Utilizing metal processing techniques passed down for hundreds of years, they create strong and beautiful blades by repeatedly managing strict temperatures and hammering. The work requires high concentration and physical strength. While sometimes divided among other craftsmen such as polishers, the swordsmith themselves often handle the entire main process.
Future Outlook
While there is a serious shortage of successors, it is attracting attention due to traditional craft promotion measures and increasing demand from overseas.
Personality Traits
Has curiosity or inquisitiveness / Has patience / High concentration
Work Style
Exhibition participation / Made-to-order production / Self-employment / Workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice swordsmith → Full-fledged swordsmith → Master → Workshop owner → Traditional craftsman
Required Skills
Basic metallurgy knowledge / Forging skills / Polishing and finishing skills / Quenching and tempering skills
Recommended Skills
Blueprint creation / Engraving skills / Historical knowledge of traditional crafts / Metal analysis
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because minute temperature differences and hammering directly affect the results. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continually learn long years of experience and the skills of predecessors. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because long hours of forging work require high physical strength. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because intuition and experience are valued more than precise calculations. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Mainly individual work, with limited collaboration in teams. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional craftsman
Aliases
- Japanese sword smith
- Swordsmith
Related Jobs
- Blade craftsman
- Engraving artist
- Forging technician