Jin Jing, a 30-year-old artisan, is a rising star in the Longquan sword-making community, embarking on an extraordinary journey to transform this millennia-old classic into high-end, custom-made pieces for the global market.

Jin Jing shows the swords he crafted in Longquan, a county-level city of Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

His journey began on the second-hand platform Xianyu, where listing a sword he crafted brought his first order and connected him with blade enthusiasts worldwide.

This online success revealed new potential for the ancient craft, as Jin then apprenticed under Zhou Zhengwu, a master of Zhejiang arts and crafts, persevering through early challenges.

Support from overseas classmates helped secure his first international orders, making him realize the significant value of Longquan swords.

For Jin, global success hinges on extreme quality and precision. Each sword undergoes over 10 grinding stages.

He once recalled a sword from an American client over a barely visible half-millimeter deviation, bearing the substantial shipping cost to protect the reputation of both himself and Longquan. This commitment earned the client's long-term partnership.

While many swords are now ornate collectibles, Jin emphasizes their practical value. He regularly visits museums for inspiration, integrating historical aesthetics into contemporary designs.

Jin Jing works on a sword in Longquan, a county-level city of Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Jin's custom swords are now delivered to clients in over 10 countries. He acknowledges strong support from the masters and government initiatives, and now, as a recognized online artisan, he shares his journey to inspire youth.

His plans for the future include combining Longquan celadon with sword-making and exploring AI livestreaming. Jin said that overseas clients value practicality and heritage, while domestic youth appreciate craft aesthetics and cultural value.