Mokuchi Studio Episode 17, Part 1: Pierre Nadeau
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Mar 25, 2026 
Pierre Nadeau, a French-Canadian bladesmith who apprenticed in Japan and runs Soulsmithing, shares his path into traditional Japanese swordmaking. He talks about starting and surviving a long apprenticeship, cultural immersion and learning Japanese, building a traditional smithy in Quebec, injuries and setbacks, and the friendships and collaborations that shaped his craft.
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How a Single Visit Sparked a Lifelong Craft
- Pierre discovered swordsmithing after visiting Kawashima-san and feeling immediately at home with the fire, tools, and pace of work.
- That first three-hour visit in Bizen-area shop sparked a deep love for transforming raw metal and led him to pursue apprenticeship in Japan.
Why Japanese Swords Celebrate The Material
- Swordmaking appealed because it reveals the metal's natural beauty rather than hiding it inside an object.
- Pierre compares appreciating hamon and steel texture to valuing real wood over plywood for its character and soul.
Get Referred Instead Of Cold Applying For Apprenticeship
- Build relationships and be referred when seeking apprenticeship in Japan; direct cold applications rarely work.
- Pierre gained acceptance because his visits and social connection (his future mother-in-law speaking up) led Kyoto-san to say yes.
