Ram Bahadur Bishwakarma

C

Craig Gottlieb

Joined
Mar 8, 1999
Messages
1,760
Found this picture on my hard drive:

sarki.jpg


You're looking at a 73 year old bishwakarma who has been making khukuris for about 60 years. You can't see it in the picture, but he lost an eye as a young man while tending his forge, when a hot piece of metal flew into his eye.

Now, he and his son sit side by side in TB's shop (the one attached to his home) making sheaths. The son makes the sheaths and he makes the brass fittings.

For those of you who want to know more, he's interviewed in our tape, and you can hear him recount some khukuri-making stories, including the story of how he lost his eye.

Just thought I'd put a face to some of the khukuris that you all own.



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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Craig, You've raised a question in my mind:

How apt are such injuries to happen now? It seems, when looking at the photos you've posted of the kamis, that some are wearing corrective lenses, but how many wear protective lenses? Is the safety gear we take for granted available to them? If not, would they use it if we sent some? I really hate to think that we could lose a craftsman, and a craftsman lose his livelihood, to a readily preventable accident.
frown.gif
Please let me know!

Thanks for posting the pic. There is an inherent dignity in knowing and loving one's craft. This gentleman expresses it well.


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Be Worthy
 
Video goes well - we have another session tonight. As for safety stuff: there is definitely no OSHA in Nepal, and few if any bishwakarmas use safety items. Frankly, I don't know if they WOULD use them if supplied with them, although I'll certainly ask Lalit.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
It should be noted that the sheath quality at TBs place is amazing, thanks in no small part to Ram Bahadur. When you see on the video how these things are made, you'll really be impressed.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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