How many khukris can a top khukri maker make in a month?

golok

golok

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Oct 20, 2000
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Since we have been hearing so much about those top khukri makers, I am curious as to the number of khukris that could be made in a month.

Say, for example, a maker like Durba. How many can he forge in 30 days? Does he have an output quota to fulfil?

We don't often hear that so-and-so producing a number of khukris. I am sure these good khukri makers take their time.

It would be nice to know that a certain blade takes an X number of hours or days.

Just one of those things that cross my mind now and then.
 
Golok:

Man, that can open up a whole can of worms:) My own impression is that these guys are motivated by the higher income available at BirGhorka, and regulated by tradition and their own pride and concern for quality - They would like to turn out as many as possible, but slowly enough to maintain their own reputation as master kamis.

My Dad was a master machinest - Tool & Die Maker, Pattern Maker, Mold Maker. He ran the mechanical R&D shop at one place, and when financial problems closed that unit, they gave him a slot on a production line (no pay cut). Within a week, he was so disgusted with what he called "scut work", that he quit. He got a very similar job to the R&D shop, and moved to Colorado, and retired there. He has always been my "benchmark" in judging people who make a living with their skills, and the good ones usually produce "more and better" when left to their own judgement as to how their skills match up to the work load. "Behind" means speed up, but don't get sloppy. "Quota" means you don't know what the hell you're talking about", and will produce an immediate balk in a master metalworker. My bet is that Dad would walk through BirGhorka and comment something like "Humph - Pretty nice shop - good bunch of guys". That, from him, is like getting a 4.0 on an advanced physics exam. ;)
 
It is a tough question because there are so many variables. Are we talking 38 inch Janawar Katnes or 12 inch Sirupatis? Does the kami have an apprentice -- or 4 apprentices? Is electricity rationed? Is there a good supply of steel, horn, wood, charcoal? Any holidays, religious festivals, etc.?
 
Interesting question. How about we say an 18th century model, (my Favorite :D) and maybe a BAS for comparison. Say that steel, horn, electricity aren't a problem, no festivals, and no apprentices. I don't really know how many apprentices are normal, though.
 
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