giantcypress:

Speaking of swords, here’s a marvelous film on Korehira Watanabe, one of the last swordsmiths in Japan. And this thought from him should resonate with anyone interested in trying to figure out woodworking techniques that have been obscured by time:

Many traditional craftsmen respond to modern times when handing down his craft. But the essence of the tradition suffers in doing so. I think it is meaningless to carry on tradition that way.

(Thanks to my beautiful wife for the link.)