Goedkoop, James

Journal of Asian Martial Arts
Volume 12, Issue 2, pp. 40-47 (2003)

Not Recommended

“1,000 Sword Making Cuts” is essentially the author’s written account of his own journey towards a purist approach to woodworking. The fact that the objects he produces are traditional hand-held weapons, brief references to the history of Japanese sword making, and a tenuous comparison to “the Japanese sword related martial arts,” are all that relate the article to the subject of the martial arts. A weighted perspective would allow more figural connections to be made, but responsibility for building said connections lies exclusively with the reader. The author’s rank of 1st Dan in Aikido appears to have no bearing on the purpose of his article.

For those unfamiliar with the fine points of wood working, specifically finished surfaces, the article provides some interesting background. The author’s theme seems to be a justification for employing arcane techniques in an effort to produce products of the highest quality, at the cost, he readily admits, of time and money, which none but the most highly trained connoisseurs would appreciate.

The author’s inspiration to write the article appears to be the fortuitous timing of his rediscovery of the purist approach. He discusses the traditional dating of Japanese swords as being produced in the months of February and August, then connects himself to this tradition by explaining how it was during August 2000 that he made the leap to the techniques he discusses, without, of course, being consciously aware of the timing.

The discussion of the historical significance of the two months, August and February, is unsatisfying. He mentions the “purposefully obscured” predication for using two very different months of the year, but fails to offer a reason of his own. The water temperature is the key to the enigma, the water being used to soak a finished blade after the final forge. Surely the water temperature is different in the two months, so why would either one be appropriate, the author asks. Perhaps the temperature was irrelevant in comparison to the state of mind of the craftsman and the extremes of August and February produced an appropriate state of mind. Perhaps not, but the author never offers his own opinion so the reader is left to his or her own conclusion. And, if he did not solve the enigma, how was he so comfortable connecting in with his own discovery. If you, gentle reader, wish to waste some conjecture on this or have an interest in the sand paper vs. blade debate, read Mr. Goedkoop’s story. Otherwise, skip it.

Arthur Burgee writes:

Highly Recommended I found this to be a truly unusual perspective of craft techniques in the making of Japanese style wooden swords. It is a very readable article, mainly focused on broad issues of process and methodology rather than relating a typical “how to” description of technical guidance. While the author avoids discussion of any martial techniques (or for that matter, much concrete information on actually making a wooden sword), it nonetheless explores a unique side of the arcane world of traditional finishing. The article suggests that each individual must follow his own serious drive for quality, whether at work or in the dojo rather than the dictates of popular culture and easy shortcuts. The story of the wooden sword maker's experiences never devolves into a predictable conclusion. What is so interesting about this is that the author, James Goedkoop and Kingfisher Woodworks, who used to be known for a fanatical dedication to making highly polished wooden swords, all of a sudden took an about face and reverted to primitive techniques. The article shows two particularly excellent photos including a finished sword in profile and a close up of a sword point which is spectacularly accurate but clearly shows the marks of all of the hand work. I highly recommend this article to anyone who has an interest in any traditional Japanese craft, Japanese swords, and to those who use wooden swords in their practice.

Annotated by: Edwin Harvey (August 2003)

Martial Arts: Aikido | Iaido |

Topics: history | philosophy | weapons |