Originating in the Spring and Autumn Period and rising to fame in the Tang and Song Dynasties, the Longquan Sword boasts a heritage spanning over 2,600 years, solidifying its reputation as "The Finest Sword Under Heaven." Forged by the hand of the legendary sword-making ancestor Ou Yezi, it was born from the exquisite land of Qinxi Mountain in Longquan, Zhejiang. Crafted from fine iron extracted from the mountains and quenched with the pure spring water from the streams, it has been refined into innumerable legendary blades. In 2006, the Forging Art of Longquan Swords was officially inscribed on the first list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, evolving into a cultural symbol deeply engraved with Oriental craftsmanship and the spirit of chivalry.
To craft a worthy Longquan Sword, more than 90 intricate ancient procedures are required from material selection to finalization. Each step 凝聚 the craftsman's dedication and unwavering commitment, allowing no room for negligence. In material selection, the ancient maxim of "Three catties of crude iron for half a catty of steel" is followed. High-quality carbon steel or pattern steel is carefully 甄选 to eliminate impurities and distill the essence, laying a robust foundation for the blade. During the folding and forging stage, the steel is heated to a bright red hue at 1,000 degrees Celsius, then repeatedly hammered and folded hundreds of times. With uniform force and rhythmic precision, this process not only removes internal impurities but also transforms the blade into a layered natural texture. Unique patterns such as water-flow patterns, flame patterns, and pine-needle patterns interweave beautifully, each groove serving as an inimitable mark of masterful craftsmanship.