It's not about 没有自家藏武器的传统, it is the Chinese want to 自家藏武器, but the authority do not allow them. During Ming/Qing, if you make weapons privately, your head is most likely sepated from your body. So, there have never been private weapon makers in China to my knowledge (maybe it's just me). But if you look back at Japan, the situation is totally different, sword making has a great tradition, it's not banned, but promoted like an art.