Cutting edge art

Hidden off the beaten track there is a little bit of Japan in the coastal hills of Oregon. Coquille is home to the Dragonfly Forge, traditional Japanese Katana works and dojo.

The owner, Michael Bell is both artist and magician, for he takes the basest of metals, recycled logging cable and with sweat and hammer, heat and inspiration creates the intricately folded Japanese weapon of the Samurai.

The katana is a type of single-edged sword, not necessarily of Japanese manufacturer. The katana is a blade, curved, slender and single-edged with a circular or square guard and a long grip to allow the use of two hands. It was used by the samurai in feudal Japan and is legendary for its cutting ability.

The secret to the katana is in the making, hard high-carbon steel is folded around low-carbon steel allowing the metal smith to take advantage of the characteristics of both varieties. The process usually uses sixteen or fewer folds, but can use as many as the smith feels necessary. The finished blade has both a fine edge capable of slicing through amour like butter and still meeting an enemy’s sword with the strength of an iron bar.

The graceful curve of the katana comes during the quenching process, the sudden cooling in water or oil which gives the blade its fine edge. The smith uses his own special slurry which allows some of the blade to be protected from the effects of the heat while allowing complete heating of the uncovered part.

One mistake in this process and the blade shatters and the sword is lost. It takes both a fine understanding of the smithing process and a little bit of alchemy to get all of the elements to align, but when it does, the result is both deadly and fine art.

The dragonfly is revered by both Native American and Japanese cultures; it symbolizes strength and courage, swiftness and purity, small wonder that the master sword maker has chosen it as the symbol of his brand of art.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy a rare and unique art form, but call ahead and ask politely, remember it is never wise to offend a samurai.

Dragonfly Forge
88321 North Bank Ln.
Coquille, OR 97423

(541) 396-3605