Exporting handcrafted blades from Longquan, China — since 1988 sales@longquanforge.com WhatsApp
Heritage & Technique

The Art of Sword-Making

The Process

Six Stages, One Blade

Every Longquan sword passes through the hands of master smiths using techniques refined over 2,600 years — the craft is listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

01

Material Selection

High-carbon steel is selected and combined to balance hardness, toughness and edge retention.

02

Hand Forging

The billet is folded and welded repeatedly by hammer, creating the flowing water pattern unique to each blade.

03

Clay Tempering

Clay is applied along the spine before quenching, producing a hard edge and resilient body.

04

Twelve-Stage Polishing

From coarse stones to fine powder polish — up to three weeks of work for a mirror finish.

05

Fittings & Scabbard

Brass or bronze guards, rosewood or lacquered scabbards, silk wrapping — all fitted by hand.

06

Final Inspection

Each blade is checked for straightness, edge geometry, balance and finish before export packing.

Master craftsman hand-polishing a blade
The Makers

Masters Behind the Steel

Our workshop brings together over 30 smiths, polishers and fitters — several of them recognized inheritors of the Longquan sword-making tradition. Each master signs off only on blades that meet the standard he would accept for his own collection.

About Our Workshop

See the Quality Yourself

Order a sample blade or ask for a live video tour of the workshop before you commit to wholesale volume.

Book a Workshop Video Call