The origins of forging
It is said that over 6,000 years ago, mankind's first metalworking method was "forging."
It seems that forging techniques were introduced to Japan during the Yayoi period, around the time that iron was brought over from the continent. This makes sense, as it coincides with the time when agriculture became more prevalent.
Japanese forging techniques evolved based on sword-making techniques. Japanese swords are said to be the strongest swords in the world.
In particular, Japanese swords made with advanced techniques at the end of the Heian period are said to be world-class forged products. Modern swordsmithing techniques date back to the Edo period, and the methods used in the Heian period are not clearly known.
In forging, metal is hammered and pressured (tempered) to compress the bubbles and gas (pores) inside, finen the crystals, and align the crystals to create the desired shape.
In addition, by heating, components with a low boiling point evaporate and the purity increases. This is why the metal is repeatedly heated and hammered until it melts. By repeating this process many times, the metal becomes stronger.
The process of making a Japanese sword involves a process called "folding forging," in which the sword is repeatedly heated, stretched, and folded to create a structure of over 30,000 layers, giving the sword its hardness and toughness.
The wood grain-like pattern (grain surface) that comes to mind when thinking of the blade of a Japanese sword is also the result of a layered structure formed by folding and forging that appears on the surface.
The wavy edge that I casually draw when drawing illustrations of knives and the like comes from forging metal.
"Forging" is an impressive step in the production of Japanese swords, but the commonly used expression "attaching aizu" is said to have originated from the act of an apprentice hammering in time with the swordsmith's hammer strikes.
"Strike while the iron is hot" is also a proverb that originated from forging.
Forging is a deep subject!
Forging techniques are not only used for swords, but for a variety of other things as well.
During the Meiji period, it influenced the development of automobiles, and in modern times it is used in airplanes, robots, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and even decorative items.
Even when compared to rings of the same weight made by other manufacturing methods, rings made by forging have a different appearance and strength. Also, I think that the forged feel gives off a sense of strength and deep gentleness.
Forging is the best way to create rings that will be worn for a long time. That is why KARAFURU's basic wedding ring, TOU, is made by hand using the forging method.
The designer talked about the forged ring "TOU" on Instagram , so please take a look.
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KARAFURU Daikanyama
03-6452-5427
info@karafuru.jp
1F, 2-20-14 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
OPEN: 12:00-19:00 / CLOSE: Mon. & Tue.
Right outside the north exit of Daikanyama Station/ 7 minutes walk from Ebisu Station
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(As of May 16, 2020)
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