The traditional So-Hizukuri technique: carrying on the spirit of Japan’s swordsmiths
So-Hizukuri is a traditional method used to build Japanese swords where heated steel is hammered into shape without using a mold. Repeatedly forging the formless steel lets artisans create a strong sword in the shape they envision.
The technique of So-Hizukuri used at Shojiro Hasami Hamono Kougei Co., Ltd. traces its history back to the late Mr. Chotaro Ishizuka who apprenticed under Mr. Yajuro Yoshida, the originator of woolen cloth cutting shears in Japan. For about 30 years, Shojiro, the sixth-generation proprietor, has carried on the So-Hizukuri tradition passed down through the generations. With such blades designated as a traditional craft of Chiba Prefecture, the workshop produces an array of kitchen knives, putty knives, and scissors.
Steel heated to approx. 900-degrees Celsius (1,652-degree Fahrenheit) is repeatedly hammered into a blade
The activity we offer starts with you deciding what you would like the blade of your letter opener to look like. While you can rely on the samples to choose a blade, since So-Hizukuri allows for blade-making from scratch, you don't have to strictly follow them and can create any shape you wish.
Once you've decided with an artisan which type of blade you would like to make, you start hammering the steel straight away. When the steel is heated to a red-hot 900-degrees Celsius (1,652-degree Fahrenheit), you hammer it according to the artisan's instructions. At this point, the key to a clean shape is to strike the steel parallel to the iron without using your wrist. When striking correctly, the sound of the hammer hitting sounds better, too, they say.
Once the blade has begun to take form, wet the hammer with water and start hitting again. You will then see the coating on the hot metal come off and a shine appear.
You can shape the steel in various ways to create your one-of-a-kind letter opener
Sometimes you bend the steel gently, sometimes you pound away. At the start the steel is in the shape of a rod, but you’ll be amazed how quickly it takes on the shape of the blade you had imagined.
Once you've cut off the part you're going to use as a letter opener, you let the heat slowly and naturally dissipate. It's important that it doesn't cool too quickly or it may break.
The process of sanding the blade to a finish may even cause sparks to fly. This is when you need to sharpen well if you would like a letter opener with a sharp cutting edge. At this stage, all that's left to do is wrap some rattan strings around the handle. Then your one and only piece will be complete.
Such a precious experience where you create something you enjoy using for years
Your experience at Shojiro Hasami Hamono Kougei Co., Ltd. won’t be over when your piece is finished. With care and affection you’ll be able to use your letter opener at home for 20 or 30 years as the experience continues.
In this modern age of abundance and disposability, your experience with Shojiro Hasami Hamono Kougei Co., Ltd. will let you create something that you rediscover the value of using an item for many years. It also let you find out the culture of craftsmanship in Japan.
Founded in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture in 1967. Utilizing the same techniques used for crafting woolen cloth cutting shears, the workshop continues to forge blades using the So-Hizukuri technique of hammer-shaping heated steel. With sharp blades created with techniques and methods that have their origins in traditional Japanese sword making, they received high praise in Japan and abroad. Our products have been officially designated one of the traditional crafts by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
