In the peaceful early spring of Da Sy Blacksmith Village, located in Ha Dong District, Hanoi, the air is filled with the rhythmic sound of hammer striking metal. The red glow of forges provides warmth against the chill, as artisans work with precision and skill that has been passed down through generations.

Simon Vandromme, a French tourist, was one of the several foreign visitors to the village’s craftsmanship. Eager to learn, he joined a knife-making workshop, donning protective gloves. With focused concentration, he carefully removed a heated blade from the oven and placed it under the power hammer. "This is my first time visiting a metalsmith village abroad. I can feel the passion of Da Sy’s artisans - their precision and skill in every blow make this place truly special," he shared, clearly impressed by the expertise surrounding him.

Simon personally experiences each step of the knife-forging process at Da Sy Blacksmith Village. Photo: Hoang Huy, Khanh Van/The Hanoi Times

As a professional horseshoe smith in France with 10 years of experience, Simon was keen to explore Vietnam’s metalsmithing techniques. He participated in key steps like pressing, heating, and bending the metal, bringing each creation to life. "The mix of fire, metal, and movement in this space sparked my creativity and made this an unforgettable experience," he said.

Explore the art of blacksmithing in Da Sy

Da Sy Metalsmith Village, famous for its traditional handmade knives and scissors, is located in Kien Hung Ward, Ha Dong District, just over 10 km from downtown Hanoi. Known as the "Top Knife and Scissors Village of Thang Long," it is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or bus.

With a history spanning over 500 years, the village retains its traditional charm. Ancient temples dedicated to its metalsmith ancestors still stand today and serve as venues for traditional festivals. Along the roads leading into the village, blacksmith workshops line both sides, the rhythmic hammering filling the air and attracting the curiosity of passersby. A quick glance inside reveals the incredible scene of skilled craftsmen forging sharp blades from lifeless iron bars.

Le Ngoc Lam, owner of Le Lam Metalsmith Workshop, comes from five generations of craftsmen. He recalled the challenges that led some families to abandon the trade. After years in the construction industry, he chose to return to his roots. "Metalsmithing is not just a means of livelihood; it is an art and a cultural heritage that we want to preserve and develop. I hope that future generations will understand and be proud of this tradition."

To adapt to modern demands, Da Sy’s metalsmiths have embraced modern machinery that allows for greater efficiency, more diverse product designs, and improved quality while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. According to Lam, this innovation has been key to preserving the craft while improving livelihoods and  increasing income.

He also sees tourism as a new opportunity for the village. "We want to do more than just preserve our craft, to share it with visitors so they can understand the process of creating these unique handmade products. During festivals and holidays, we welcome a large number of international tourists who are always excited to pick up a hammer and take part in the forging process," Lam said.

Blacksmith Lam enthusiastically guides visitors through each step of the knife forging process.

In the heart of Hanoi, Da Sy is not only a place where high-quality forged products are made - it is also an ideal destination for cultural immersion. By blending tradition with modernity, the village is emerging as a model for community-based tourism, where visitors can experience, learn, and appreciate the essence of blacksmith.

Promoting a timeless craft

With its long history, Da Sy blacksmithis more than just a trade - it is important part to the village's cultural identity. Despite the challenges of time, the passion and innovation of its artisans have kept the craft alive, transforming Da Sy into a unique experiential destination for both domestic and international tourists. Traditional  craft villages like Da Sy play an essential role in connecting international visitors to Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

"Exploring traditional craft villages is very important to me. They represent the deep cultural values of Hanoi, and I wanted my family to experience them. Da Sy helped us understand the true beauty of Vietnamese blacksmith," said Maud, Simon's sister and a student at Hanoi Architectural University.

Lam hopes that through these immersive experiences, visitors will develop a love for Da Sy's craft and help promote the metalsmith tradition and put Da Sy on Hanoi's tourism map.

Through the workshop, Simon and his family gain a deeper insight into the art of blacksmithing and the rich traditional culture of Vietnam.

The dedication of artisans like Lam allows visitors to purchase unique souvenirs and learn valuable lessons in traditional craftsmanship. Under Lam's careful guidance, Simon forged his own sharp knife, experiencing firsthand the intricate blacksmith techniques of Vietnam. After two hours of hard work, his eyes lit up with joy and pride as he admired his creation, a rare and fulfilling experience.

This unique trip to Da Sy gave Simon a deeper appreciation for the craft and a chance to connect with the local culture, making his visit truly unforgettable.