The making of traditional handmade sword fittings

[Tony Mosen]

Hello all'

The aim of this thread is to follow the making of handmade open work Jian fittings from a traditional craftsman in China. There are not that many people around with this skill known in the west so I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in the whole process from start to finish for everyone to learn from and enjoy.

May i introduce Charles Wu to the community here. He is the craftsman who will be sharing his amazing skills on this thread. Please feel free to ask Charles questions and in order to keep the thread educational and within forum guidelines please do not discuss prices or the purchase of his services here, instead contact him privately if you wish.

Cheers'

[charles wu]

Dear All here,
I am real happy to be here, and thanks so much for Tony to start this thread here. Thanks Tony, he let me know the more friends here, and thanks Tony, I can know more and learn more from you, you are all experts in my eyes.

I hope to take this chance to show the Chinese ancient metalwork crafts to all of you here. If you have any questions, query please let me know.

(By the way, most of the writing here are under the help from Computer translations and also edit by my brothers sometimes. I know a little English.)

blueprintpic



material cutting



material cutting



material cutting



construct shaping



construct shaping



construct shaping



construct shaping



construct shaping



construct shaping



plain fitting.



plain fitting.

[Scott M. Rodell]

... If you have any questions, please let me know...

Where did you learn your craft? Are you self taught?

[lastgodslayer]

Hi all. First post here. I am a customer and confessed fan of Mr. Wu's work and I couldn't pass up the chance of enjoying some of his work. Hopefully his studio will have a website soon...

Mr. Mosen, I am sure you'll be very happy with your new sword, and I can't think of a better craftsman for this job. Please, keep us posted on the developments.

Best Regards,
Angelo

[charles wu]

... If you have any questions, please let me know...

Where did you learn your craft? Are you self taught?

Thanks Scott, and so sorry for the late replying.
No, not self taught.I learned it from my relative. even i just got a basic skill there, but that works, and help me a lot.
The master teaches the trade, but apprentice's skill is self-made.
Haha, we can lead a horse to water, but we can't make him drink. shifu is necessary. and practice is very important.

[charles wu]

Hi all. First post here. I am a customer and confessed fan of Mr. Wu's work and I couldn't pass up the chance of enjoying some of his work. Hopefully his studio will have a website soon...

Mr. Mosen, I am sure you'll be very happy with your new sword, and I can't think of a better craftsman for this job. Please, keep us posted on the developments.

Best Regards,
Angelo

Hey, Angelo, Nice have you here. and we will keep on going. and One thing is sure, we and i won't let you down.

[charles wu]

Dear All here,
Since the handmade work is too slow. So some one ask a interlude. Okay, please see below,

[charles wu]

Photos here, Shows without a question that a picture is worth a thousand words




































[/QUOTE]

[charles wu]

Ok, come to the topic - the making of the traditional handmade Chinese sword fittings

see the photos here please -- part one



























to be going on, welcome any input, questions, comments.....

[lastgodslayer]

Amazing work as always. Thank you for sharing your process. I never realized you needed so many different types of chisels and other tools. I keep getting amazed at the sharpness of the lines you carve!

[charles wu]

Amazing work as always. Thank you for sharing your process. I never realized you needed so many different types of chisels and other tools. I keep getting amazed at the sharpness of the lines you carve!

Haha, Angelo,the more you will know here. man.
Well, here are the more update photos.

[charles wu]

the chinese sword guard part

[lastgodslayer]

Wow... That dragon looks amazing!

[Tony Mosen]

Hello Angelo'

Thanks for your interest.

Yes i am very happy to see how the design is progressing also, the overall theme is obviously of the dragon with leafy background. There are many combinations for dragon themes that Charles can do, such as water background or clouds.

I favored the late Qing style as a snapshot for the plan and Charles incorperated all of my favorate features from a photo collection of antique examples together with his traditional openwork to end up with what we are seeing come to life here.

Here is a link to a beautiful set of Dao fittings Charles made for all the Dao fans out there..

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/sho ... d-Fittings

Cheers'

[charles wu]

okay, near to finish. see the photos of the gurad part