Dragonfly Forge

04/15/2026

Yaki-ire, "entering the fire", is the name for the heat-treatment process of the Japanese Sword. It is the critical moment in its creation and can literally make or break the blade. The swordsmith must recognize the correct temperature and time to plunge the blade in water. With Master Taro Asano's guidance all six students successfully quenched their swords during last year's tamahagane swordsmithing class.

04/06/2026

The clay application before heat-treatment is important for the excellence of a Japanese sword both functionally and artistically.

Here, under the watchful eye and guidance of Master Taro Asano, students apply clay to their blades.

Next comes the most critical step in a sword's creation - the heat-treatment process!

04/03/2026

Check out this video from one of our students during last year’s Japanese “Samurai” Knife-Making Class here at Dragonfly Forge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7MtCJtbLyw

We are beyond honored to welcome back Master Japanese Swordsmith Taro Asano this summer for another series of truly exceptional classes.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/23/2026

We are excited to annouce the return of Master Taro Asano to Dragonfly Forge in Summer 2026 for another special series of classes. These are an exciting opportunity to learn hands-on from Japanese swordsmith, as well as use the famous tamahagane steel!
Space is limited. Reserve your space on our school’s website.

09/15/2025

It takes a lot to fuel a traditional Japanese forge fire, as well as the swordsmiths who swing the hammers and pump the bellows. We greatly appreciate for supplying their awesome charcoal to keep our fires going and bellys fed.

05/01/2025

Announcing 3 new blade-making classes at Dragonfly Forge.

We're doing something truly special this year. Join Master Taro Asano, one of Japan’s finest swordsmiths, who is offering an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient art of traditional Japanese bladecraft this August at Dragonfly Forge, nestled on the stunning southern Oregon coast.

With nearly 30 years of dedicated expertise - honed in the heart of Japanese sword making, Seki City - Master Asano will be traveling all the way to the United States to share his profound knowledge. He will be guiding a select group of passionate students in an intimate, hands-on setting, promising a truly unique and unforgettable learning experience. This isn’t just another workshop; it’s a deeply immersive journey into the authentic techniques and the philosophy that lies behind the creation of Japanese swords.

These highly anticipated classes are already generating excitement, and spaces are filling up quickly. To learn more about the classes and registration, visit our website; dragonflyforge.com

03/13/2025

We're still here, and forging ahead! There is much to share with you! Dragonfly Forge has been evolving and our commitment to craftsmanship remains strong.

Master swordsmith Michael Bell of Dragonfly Forge, is transitioning to retirement from active teaching and sword production. After a long and distinguished career dedicated to the art of sword-making, he will focus on completing longstanding projects and exploring other creative endeavors. Though his presence in the smithy is less frequent, his profound legacy and the knowledge he has shared will continue to inspire.

As for Gabriel, he has been focused on Dragonfly Forge's Portland-area knife and tool sharpening services and enhancing his bladesmithing skills. For over a decade, he's provided professional mobile solar-powered sharpening to residents, restaurants and businesses. Find him seasonally at the Hollywood and the Woodstock farmers markets.

Thank you for all your inquiries and messages. We are currently not accepting new orders or commissions for blades or restorations as we complete our backlog and explore new creative directions. To be notified of available pieces, please subscribe to our newsletter.
But BIG news about swordsmithing classes!

Although we are not currently offering the usual lineup of classes, we're excited to share that we will be hosting a very special series of hands-on Japanese swordsmithing experiences this summer! Subscribe to our school newsletter to be notified once registration opens.

We look forward to sharing more with you.

09/11/2022

We like sparks around here. 💥

08/14/2022

Tomatoes are in season! And we're admiring these from Empowered Flowers Farm at Woodstock Farmers Market PDX. Tomatoes are quite the sharpness test for knives. Nothing better than an easy, clean slice!

07/24/2022

Wrapped up another great Basic Japanese Sword Forging Course at the dojo last week!

To be notified when our Fall 2022 classes open up, sign up for our school newsletter here: https://tomboyama.org/dragonfly-mountain-swordsmithing-school-in-the-time-of-covid/