The craftsman preserves the soul of the craft town in the heart of the capital

The craft street in the heart of the capital has only one worker

On the morning of August 12, we went to Lo Ren Street (Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi). In a shop of less than 10 square meters, Mr. Nguyen Phuong Hung (65 years old) - a blacksmith still in the village - pulls a bright red iron bar from the charcoal stove, while being meticulous with each hammer beat, mixed with the bustling sound of vehicles on the street.

Mr. Hung said: "The blacksmithing profession has been in my lifetime for 4 generations, from the old man, grandfather, to my father, and then to me. In the past, the whole street was on fire. Now it's just me. All the workers have given up, but I still burn iron forging every day.

According to Mr. Hung, previously the main products were knives, scissors... all of which were forged and sharpened by hand. "The machines are cheaper and faster, but not sharp and durable like hand-strung knives. regular customers still come to me, not because it is cheap, but because they believe in the skills they have accumulated for decades" - Mr. Hung shared.

Sitting near the fire, sweating all over his cheeks, Mr. Hung continued: "This job is hard, hot, dusty, noisy, but I did not quit because it is a family profession. This profession has supported the family and raised two children: one as a construction worker, the other as an accountant.

Maintain your profession with perseverance

Born into a blacksmithing family, Mr. Hung has been exposed and taught by his father since he was a child. After that, he continued to learn a trade in the factory, and in 2001 he returned to Lo Ren Street to work as a general craftsman until now.

Mr. Hung sighed: "In the past, people around here needed to buy iron things to go to Lo Ren street to order. Now, few people use iron things, but if they are broken, they buy them. Therefore, workers are gradually quitting their jobs. My son works in the construction industry, his salary is more stable, and the environment is less difficult. I understand it, this job is not easy to live in. But it's sad, because tomorrow, it will be difficult to find someone who will sit next to the coal stove all day like me."

Mr. Hung said that if the craftsman does not have a love for the job, it will be difficult for him to keep his job. "All the friends in Lo Ren street have left me, leaving only me. I hope to have support from the government and the community so that this profession can continue in the craft town, combined with experiential tourism. Coming here, visitors can not only buy products, but also see the craftsmen with their own eyes and try their hand at the craft. This creates more income for workers and helps young people understand and appreciate traditional crafts, said Mr. Hung.

Mr. Hung also suggested: "If the city has a policy to support, organize craft town events, promote products... then we can rest assured. If he were left alone like this, the craftsmen would gradually lose their job.

At almost noon, we left Lo Ren Street, but the sound of the hammer was still ringing in the same rhythm, mixed with the bustling sound of traffic. In a corner of the street, the old workers are still working hard on the side of the profession, like "guards" of the street memories. They are not only making products, but are also extending an invisible thread connecting the past with the present. In the heart of the modern capital, there is still the sound of hammering, fire and the burning smell of iron - the things that have made the soul of Hanoi.

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