I am Gavin Coleman, founder of Akitsu Forge. 

After 9 years as a professional knifemaker specialising in Defensive and Martial knives, I founded Akitsu Forge as a milestone marking my transition from knifemaker to blade smith. Throughout my knifemaking career I have always been drawn to the Japanese philosophy behind craft, attention to detail and balance, and later adopted the Dragonfly as my personal emblem. 

The Dragonfly as a symbol, has a deep philosophical and poetic meaning in Japanese culture. It represents persistence, forward movement, precision and dedication. In my work that translates into the mindset needed to create one of a kind Japanese style Swords. It has taken me several years to feel ready to undertake this journey. I also understand that I have still a lifetime of learning to do along the way. This is a craft I do not enter into without a deep sense of respect. 

As a westerner, I am not a traditional Japanese smith. I have never undergone formal apprenticeship and I am entirely self taught. Therefore I do not consider what I make to be true Nihonto, but instead my work should be considered faithful modern interpretations of the traditional Japanese Sword. I’ve always made it my aim to stick to traditional methods and techniques whenever possible, but I’ve done so through the lens of someone who is interpreting this for himself. I’ve spent years studying books and videos of master craftsmen, and have had the privilege of seeing some master works in museums. I consider these years of schooling and practice for what is to come.

My aim at Akitsu Forge is to produce one of a kind Japanese Swords that are faithful to tradition, while still conveying a style that is uniquely my own. I am not going to replicate historical pieces and imitate the past, but I want to produce a lineage that is coherent and relevant for the rest of my career. The swords I create will be distinctly Japanese in their style, actively engaging with the past, while incorporating modern themes and even materials into works that I hope will standout among the rest. While I’m yet to fully leave the world of Knifemaking behind me, Akitsu Forge is my public declaration that this is now the path I’m on, and everything else I do is simply done to support the new direction. 

Everything you see in my portfolio is produced by me, by my hands, at my studio in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. In the peaceful surroundings of a rural life, I’m able to draw inspiration from the seasons, nature and my spiritual faith as a Christian. The themes I work with are sometimes traditional, and sometimes my own depending on what is enchanting me at the time. As a solo maker, it is a massive undertaking to produce an entire Japanese Sword single handedly, including all Koshirae and polishing. While my goal is to become a Sole Authorship maker in time, I do enjoy collaborating with other blade smiths and artists who make Koshirae fittings, or incorporating antique fittings into my pieces. 

I still produce small batches of knives in the Working Collection, and very limited edition runs in my Signature Collection once or twice a year. Knives are my own designs from my career that are finished within specific artistic themes, using materials and colour palettes that convey an idea and meaning. These pieces are limited in their number and will never be repeated in the exact same configuration, making them ideal collector pieces.

I work from my studio and forge on my family homestead, Sōyoku-En, where my wife and I are raising our family. Visitation is strictly by appointment only.