The program is from Taiwan and is in in fact in Mandarin.The shopkeeper tells the host that the first khuk that he picks up is for sacrificing (beheading) water buffalo in certain festivals. When he buys the smaller khuk he comments that it is very cheap -- about the cost of a meal -- but the price isn't trivial to a person in Nepal.
The kami (82 years old) he goes to see later tells him the khuk he purchased earlier is no good and that he can make him one for half the price. The two sons take him to get materials including an automotive spring leaf, water buffalo bone for a handle, and some wood, also for handles. At the market where they bought some water buffalo bone, the host asked if they couldn't also use "cow bone" and was reminded that cows are sacred and that only water buffalo could be used(about 12:00). When they told him they were going to buy spring leaves (13:00), the interpreter told him they were going to use "taxi springs". I was thinking "wow, hi kamis like to use mercedes springs and these guys like taxi springs." But they finally chose their springs from a junk dealer. I think this was a problem with interpretation more than the kamis' choice for what brand of springs they would use. They ended up buying one leaf which the kamis told him was enough for the seven khuks that he had ordeed.
At some points, the host is a bit childish, but overall is very respectful both of the Ghurkas and their history, and of the kamis who make the khuks for him.
One highlight for the host (and for me, I must admit) is the soldering or brasing (I never quite figured out which) of the tip for the scabbard (or was it the bolster) (25:35). The torch is breath powered and very slick. I just wonder what oil they were burning in the torch. I wouldn't mind getting one of those myself.
I also particularly liked the carving of the handles (36:45 and 38:18).
Toward the end (about 40:00) the host askes how they could tell that the khuk he had bought was no good and the kamis scrape the edge of the knives with their fingernails and listen to the sound. The host mistakenly assumes that the difference is because one knife is sharp and the other isn't. I think it has more to do with the temper. Correct me if I am wrong. At this point the host apologizes for always interrupting and asks the kamis to continue. They tell him that they are tired and will continue the next day. They tell him they want to be at their best when making the knives so that they will be well made. They tell him to come back in seven days since he ordered seven khuks.
All in all a very nice documentary. I recommend everyone watch it.
