I would like to compile a new Kami Key

Warty JMO but I don't think many folks are keen to compile a list of the new kamis' marks as we've had a spate in the last couple years of new kamis coming and going like BirGorka's shop had a revolving door. It's a good idea, but we need some stability.
 
so no one wants to know who made theirs yet everyone keeps asking that question?
there may be a revolving door there but all the same, if folks would simply note when they buy it on the DOTD who made it....

anyway I sorta figured that when it seems to drop off the page and no one stickies the thread.
even the mods don't seem to care much.

If they did that AND snapped a picture of the mark, it would be a great help for the future folks.

If this turns out to be the case, then I won't even try. The current one isn't much help for the new guys.
I guess I will gauge interest and take it from there.

The thread is there and if no one helps, then screw it. It is a lot easier for me to not do it than to do it for sure. :)

back on topic please!
 
warty said:
so no one wants to know who made theirs yet everyone keeps asking that question?
there may be a revolving door there but all the same, if folks would simply note when they buy it on the DOTD who made it....

anyway I sorta figured that when it seems to drop off the page and no one stickies the thread.
even the mods don't seem to care much.

If they did that AND snapped a picture of the mark, it would be a great help for the future folks.

If this turns out to be the case, then I won't even try. The current one isn't much help for the new guys.
I guess I will gauge interest and take it from there.

The thread is there and if no one helps, then screw it. It is a lot easier for me to not do it than to do it for sure. :)

back on topic please!
Click to expand...

Patience, Rome was not built in a day.

Its not that the mods don't care. But in case you hadn't noticed, we don't sticky threads here. When the project comes to fruition, it will be added to the library. Until then it is up to the OP to keep track of it or ask a mod to help find it.

Please do not let your angry posting spill itself into other threads. i moved these here to keep the other thread on topic. In fact, i would prefer it if you would refrain from posting your angry posts at all. It is not conducive to this forum or for getting any help for your project.
 
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Constructive question.
What is the best way to take a picture of or reference a Kami mark? Plain photo, bright crayon in the groves then picture, rubbing of the mark on paper or free hand drawing?
 
The best way is as they are shown here. A straight on photo using the cameras macro setting, so that you can get a clear close shot. No flash. It is usually preferred to use afternoon daylight for shooting or as close as you can approximate using artificail light.

If you don't have a camera i suppose a rubbing of the mark with paper and pencil might work. Mostly we would try to identify by using the kami symbol itself. In some cases we must also identify by using the devangari initials of the kami that are placed above that symbol.
 
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Karda, the main reason that I ask is that most of these photos are of "polished" blades. I think there might be some "issues" with ones that have the forge scale left on or that have been forced patina-ed like JParanee with cold bluing or myself with vinegar or ferric chloride. I think enhancing the mark with a crayon might be beneficial so I may do it that way in a day or so and post it to see what anybody thinks.
 
If the mark of the kami who made the blade is located near the bolster, what is the kami mark near the spine? I have an ASTK marked Murali near the bolster, but marked Sher near the spine.
 
moogoogaidan said:
If the mark of the kami who made the blade is located near the bolster, what is the kami mark near the spine? I have an ASTK marked Murali near the bolster, but marked Sher near the spine.
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Gonna need a picture to sort this one out. There should not be two kami marks.
 
Murali's Mark from my 7/1/2010 12" CAK
and a good look at an etched blade
 

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I could've made that out without the crayon in there, but it looks like crayon does work, As long as ya use the right color. :p:D
 
Karda, I've had better luck in the past the etched blade just smeared the crayon. I should have cleaned the blade up better before the pic. The biggest problem I see with the crayon is that it might bring out what might otherwise just be stray marks. That and it gives Steely and excuse to get his little girl some crayons:D
 
I don't see two Kami marks on this one, where do you see them? Do you mean the stylized Sun? That is the HI/BirGorka mark and is not a Kami mark at all, I do suggest you go through the old keys and threads as they stand now to get the basics on the markings as these have not changed, Otherwise, the Murali "Heart" leaf mark will be added to the rest of them. Thank you for posting it. As for the crayon, it didn't hurt the picture on this one but it was pretty clear it would have been easy to make out without it. As long as it isn't over done I see no reason why it can't be done that way. :)

Thanks!
 
I'd love to contribute, but my pieces consist of stuff by an unmarked kami, Sher (T), Sher (Y), and Murali - all of which have all been previously covered... I should however, be receiving a replacement m-43 in the next couple of days by Santosh and will post that up so we can see if the distinguishing dash between Santosh and Sher (T) holds true. I'll also be getting a Farm knife eventually, and I'm not entirely sure who that will be by.
 
Thanks but I think Santosh is adding the hash mark now for sure. My Trisul is almost for sure his work since it is brand new and is marks exactly like his uncle's work. It would have been nice had he kept doing it in a bit of an original way but I think he has changed things for whatever reason now.
 
Karda said:
This is what she told me when i asked this morning: The up side down mark is Murali Kami mark. This is a leaf call Pan ko Pat I do not know what we call in English.
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In English it's called a Paan leaf:

Paan_leaf.jpg


In South Asia (and elsewhere), people take a paan leaf and fill it with supari (Betel nut) and limestone paste (sometimes adding other things, like coconut, cloves, cardamom, tobacco, sweet paste made from sugar and rosewater etc.):

paan.gif


And then fold it up:

paan.jpg


And chew it. And spit (a red-coloured liquid).


It's tasty, but not very good for teeth/gums in the long term. There is some sort of chemical reaction between the leaf, the betelnut and the limestone paste which not only turns red, but also produces a particular sensation in the chewer (maybe like smoking a cigarette or drinking a very strong cup of coffee).


Anyway....paan ko pata is also what Nepalis call the Spade (not the digging instrument, but the suit in a deck of cards).
 
Thank You for the clarification, Beoram!
Very informative and concise, as usual.....and much appreciated!
 
Well, a little late but here is the first take on the Kami Key redux.
Those pictures taken from other sites were used by permission.
Those taken of of threads here were assumed to be free for the taking.

Kami Key v1.0 1.5M download
 
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