It was an interview.
Yesterday morning, we had a journalist come in for an interview. They were determined to meet the legendary master blacksmith, Doi Keijirou! So, we headed over to Doi-san’s workshop.
Though he’s already retired, he kindly came to the factory just for the interview. I listened in for a bit, and at one point, Keijirou-san said, ‘If I can still lift a hammer, I’d love to keep making knives!’
Even now, after putting down his tools, it seems he still thinks about how he could improve his craft. He even joked, ‘Since I stopped working, my hands have gotten all clean!’
So, we snapped a picture of his hands.
When he was in active duty, the wrinkles on his hands were covered in soot and turned black.
He said, ‘I’m free these days, so feel free to call me anytime!’ It got me thinking that I should probably bring a video camera and do a proper interview with him.
By the way, Keijirou-san always wore his work clothes in the factory, but when he came to our company to deliver the finished knives, he’d dress up in a jacket, like in the picture. He never wore a tie, but I could sense his respect and formality. It was as if he were sending off his knives like daughters heading off to their new homes.
As for the actual production process, it was demonstrated by the current master, Itsuo-san. The speed and power behind his work really showed the energy of a craftsman who will carry the future of Doi’s knives!
The factory interview wrapped up after hearing Keijirou-san’s thoughts about his son, Itsuo-san. It’s always fascinating to listen to the stories of craftsmen.
- 2013-05-29
