Anshun's "Three Blades"

Anshun's "Three Blades"

　　Features: The blades are well-aligned, sharp, and easy to use; the designs are elegant, with evenly inlaid steel and durable cutting edges

　　 Anshun’s “Three Blades” — kitchen knife, scissors, and leather knife

　　 Legend has it that during the Xianfeng era, there was a family surnamed Yu in Anshun. The three brothers made a living as blacksmiths in Anshun. The youngest of the three brothers was exceptionally intelligent and diligent. Not only was he skilled in ironwork, but he also studied hard. Many people traveled specifically to Anshun to have him forge famous swords.

　　 Later, the youngest brother prepared to take the imperial examination in the capital. Instead of taking his family’s travel funds, he set off with the knives and scissors he had forged himself. Along the way, living roughly and traveling light, he sold the knives to fund his journey. After the exams, he failed to pass due to his humble background. Disheartened, he resolved never to pursue an official career again and decided to “trade his blade for a pen,” aiming to become the “top scholar” of the ironworking trade.

　　After returning home, he posted a couplet on his door. The upper line read, “The iron-willed man grinds through iron chains,” the lower line, “The craftsman spares no effort in perfecting his art,” and the horizontal scroll read, “Refined through a hundred trials.” With strong determination and perseverance, the young man eventually founded his own school in the forging trade, earning a distinguished reputation, and the scissors, knives, and other tools he crafted became widely renowned.