Are The Kamis Able To Carve The Sword Of Shiva Instead Of Forging It?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
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It's so striking that it could be made even more so if a hammer and small chisels were used. It would probably take the craftsman several days to do it, but the results would be spectacular. Has anyone ever had a Napalese kami perform a super high quality "horimono"? Is it technically possible? Inquiring minds want to know... :)
 
The sword of shiva is indeed done with hammer and chisel. Fascinating to watch, actually.

Pat
 
I was wondering if it was done while the blade was hot, or at room temperature. In any event, I feel like I could watch the entire process of making a khukuri from start to finsih, and not get bored in the very least. It sure does look dramatic on the Chitlangi, which is my personal favorite at this moment in time. I'd love to ask Pala if he would permit a local video store to enter BurGhorka and shoot a 3 hour film of the most interesting parts of the long workday, and make the film available to HIKV patients like myself. :D
 
There is a video called Gurkha Steel done by a now defunct company. It is quite professional and full of great information. If you could find one it would have to be transferred for a compatible European format.

I think it was my friend Pala who called this groove or flat design the Sword of Shiva, but it is a name no other Nepali I have spoken to recognizes. They refer to it as either "aunlo" (finger) or "pwankh" (feather).
 
Thanks, John. My televisions and VHS's are in PAL, which most of Europe uses. If anyone has it in the "European" system, I will gladly purchase it. If anyone can "translate the video" into a form my T.V./player likes, I would likewise be more than happy to pay for your efforts... I'm still curious how the brass is set into the channels of the engraving. Not wanting to open another thread right now, the question is however, lurking... :D

The Sword of Shiva, Uncle Bill, is a wonderful term for that really racy design. It makes the Chitlangi look like it's moving when it's standing still. The pommel's cross hatching, and the delicate matching pattern on the handle make it even more appealing. If that buttcap could be 2-3 mm thick, and given a full engraving which compliments the other carving art, it would be as close to perfect as you're going to get, IMHO. At that point though, you'd have to contend with the mere weight of a quarter, which Rusty intimates can make huge differences in 'aliveness in the hand', and foward weight distribution. I'd bet that the kamis can automatically compensate what might be an ounce or an ounce and a half difference in the configuaation... :)
 
To heck with PAL format...I'd love to get a copy in plain old 'merican!

When the company went defunct, did the copyright go with it? Would it be legal (heck, would it be ethical) for a standup Cantina member to burn a copy for me?

:confused: ;)
 
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