About the Course
This is a a two-day event demonstrating the processes used to create sword quality steel, also known as oroshigane. Using charcoal we will carburize electrolytic sponge iron (denkaitetsu) packed into a graphite crucible.
The result will then be prepared and sorted by carbon content.
Finally, we will build a billet ready to forge into a sword blade by forging and welding the raw pieces together.
All tools, fuel, and material included.
Price
The price of the course is $275 and is limited to 6 students per session. A deposit of $75 is required for reservations.
I am very interested in attending this course. Is there a proposed date for your next one?
Hello Mr. Chiara,
You would be welcome in the Intermediate Forging Course. I covers most of the techniques and technology used in the traditional Japanese forge.
We’re not offering the oroshigane class this year as we have already a plentiful supply for our own uses and that of our students. We may offer it again sometime in the future.
I purchased the iron I use more than 30 years ago from SCM Metals. The minimum amount I could buy was 500 lbs. I’m not sure if they are still in business. Since then one of my students has bought some, both from US suppliers and from Japan. I don’t have his sources handy but I can find out. He may also be willing to sell you some of his. I believe his minimum order was 500 and 700 lbs respectively, so he has enough.
I’ll see what I can find out. Good luck,