Macro Molecular Materials (M3) for Artisans and Industry
Macro Molecular Materials (M3) for Artisans and Industry

M3 Mokume is Not your Great Ancestors Mokume Gane

M3 Mokume is Not your Great Ancestors Mokume Gane

For centuries humans have been fascinated by the beauty and allure of wood grain patterns. In the 17th century the Japanese created wood grain patterns in metal by fusing gold, silver and other metals to make adornments for Samaria Swords. Adornments which served no other purpose than too add beauty and make the swords more desirable. They called this “Mokume Gane” which literally translates to “Wood Grain Metal”.

M3 Mokume is my 21st century interpretation of this ancient art. Instead of fusing and twisting hot metal, I use advanced composite technology developed in America’s finest colleges and universities, to create twisted layers of atomized metals (and other elements) which have been reconstructed using chemistry instead of heat.

The resulting new material has a unique macro molecular structure exhibiting characteristics that are the sum of its parts, both visible and structural. This material is called “Macro Molecular Material” or “M3” for short. “M3 Mokume” literally translates to Macro Molecular Material Wood Grain; which is exactly what it is.

I have taken the same advanced material technology that has revolutionized the aerospace, medical, marine and construction industries, and applied it to engineering beautiful materials that are easy to work yet will literally look great forever.

While large percentages of pure atomized metals (uniform microscopic particles) are incorporated in many M3 styles none would be considered solid metals after the M3 process. The metal is but one ingredient in a homogeneous matrix of elements designed to enhance the look and longevity of ordinary metals into something that is more pleasing to the human eye and will always be beautiful.

The common thread between M3 Mokume and those produced with solid metals is the stunning wood grain patterns and the fact that both materials have been engineered to be beautiful. Beyond that the many types of Mokume available today are completely different and each should be appreciated for what it is.