Hello Karda,
Thanks for the response. How long does it take to train a kami?
For a Master Kami it can take 40 years. Kami's generally start learning the trade from their fathers at a young age.
It is all explained here:
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/kami.html
The Master Kami:
The master kami was born a kami in both caste and work. For as long as anybody can remember his forefathers were kamis. At perhaps age 5 or 6 he begins helping his father and grandfather in the arun. He learns to pull the chain on the bellows. He gathers charcoal. He brings water for the quenching pitcher. He learns the names of tools and procedures.
At around 12 years of age he is using the hammer and does much of the pounding of steel that goes on in the shop. He can make a few simple farm implements by himself. Sometimes his effort produces a quality tool, sometimes not.
By the time he is 20 he can fire up the shop by himself and can produce many items. He can make a decent khukuri by himself but it sometimes will not be perfect.
At 30 we can call him an intermediate.
At around 40, depending on the person, he is just about ready for master kami status. The grandfather has left his body and his father is too old to do much work so it is on his shoulders to take over the operation of the arun. At this stage he has made every farm tool that can be made. He can make a perfect khukuri 99% of the time. He understands steel and knows how to work it. He has made hinges for gates and cabinets. He has made prybars and wedges. He has made sickles, sythes, axes, rakes and hatchets. He can make rings, bracelets, ear rings, pliers, tongs, awls, nails, needles, metal baskets, and rivets. If you show him a sketch of something you want made and give him a few verbal instructions he can produce what you want.
He talks with you as he works and often chuckles and sometimes swears. He may pause to take a sip of rahksi and will offer you a drink. You are amazed at how easily, quickly and skilfully he performs his work. It is a pleasure to watch him and you realize that his is a true artform. He will tell you about things his grandfather made -- perhaps a lock for a door with a handmade key for entry. And, he will tell you he is probably the best kami in Nepal or at least the best in his district. Then you know that here is a true master kami.
--BILL MARTINO, 24-July-1999
