Wrought iron pattern steel knife-intangible cultural heritage

Wrought iron pattern steel knife-intangible cultural heritage

Wrought iron steel knife is a traditional manual forging tool. It is characterized by exquisite patterns on the blade, such as feathers, waves and clouds. These patterns are made by stacking, folding and forging steel with different carbon contents, which not only enhances the hardness and toughness of the knife, but also gives it a unique aesthetic feeling. The wrought iron pattern steel knife is called forged Damascus knife by westerners because of its similar manufacturing process and appearance to Damascus knife in the Middle East.

The origin of wrought iron pattern steel knives can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty, when Mongols conquered the Central Plains and introduced Damascus knife technology to China from the Middle East. In the Yuan Dynasty, Baoding was an important military place, and many blacksmiths made weapons for the Yuan Army. Some blacksmiths learned how to make Damascus knives, and combined with the traditional forging technology in China, they created wrought-iron patterned steel knives. This kind of cutter is not only sharp and durable, but also full of artistic charm, which is deeply loved by the Yuan army and the people.

In the Ming Dynasty, the production technology of Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knife was further developed and passed down. Qi Jiguang, a famous martial artist and strategist in Ming Dynasty, once worked in Baoding and praised Baoding's wrought iron pattern steel knives. He wrote in Wu Bei Zhi: "A craftsman in Baoding takes the sword first." He also used Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives as military standard weapons and spread them all over the country. By the end of the Ming Dynasty, Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives had also become a collection and gift of literati, reflecting their taste and temperament.

During the Qing Dynasty, the production technology of Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knife was severely hit and declined day by day. The Qing government implemented a strict policy of "prohibiting private possession of weapons", which made many Baoding blacksmiths lose their livelihood and skills. At the same time, with the invasion of western industrial civilization, mechanized steel products gradually replaced hand-forged weapons and tools, and Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives also lost market and demand. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives were almost extinct.

In modern times, with people's attention and protection of traditional culture and handicrafts, Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knife has regained its vitality and vitality. Some people with lofty ideals began to collect and study the history and skills of Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives, trying to restore and inherit this intangible cultural heritage. One of the most representative is Mr. Zhang Yong, the founder and chief craftsman of Baoding Craftsman Workshop. He inherited the family's knife-making skills from childhood and focused on making wrought iron patterned steel knives. He not only mastered the traditional folding forging process, but also constantly innovated and improved, and introduced a variety of original patterned steel knives such as feather pattern, wave pattern and moire pattern, which were deeply loved and praised by knife friends at home and abroad. He also actively participated in the declaration of Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knives, and was recognized as a non-genetic inheritor in April 2023.

Mr. Zhang Yong expressed the hope that through his own efforts, more people will know and love Baoding Iron Flower Steel Knife, so that this traditional skill can be passed down and contribute to the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

Baoding wrought iron pattern steel knife is a unique handicraft, which contains the wisdom and spirit of the Chinese nation and has witnessed the history and culture of the Chinese nation. It's a treasure knife, a city under the blade.