Scrollwork FAQ

Joined
Jun 3, 1999
Messages
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Pakcik Bill.
  1. At what stage the scrollwork done by Kamis - is it when the blade is still red hot?
  2. How the Kamis do that scrollwork?[/list=a]Forumites.
    Any Qs about scrollwork?
 
Good questions, Mohd.

I would like to add the following questions:

What does the sword of Shiva represent and are there many different styles of representing this?

Besides decoration, what other significance does the scrollwork have? I believe there is religious significance, but would like more knowledgeable forumites to explain.

Harry
 
Years ago the scrollwork was etched in by the kamis before the blade was hardened. Later some smart kami made a die so he could punch in the scrollwork and that's how it is done today. It is usually done after the blade is hardened. The brass inlay would not hold up to the heat.

I'll try to get a picture of the process when I'm at BirGorkha.

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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 
Pakcik Bill, Forumites.

This scrollwork sometimes is not that clear on certain blade which I guess happend due to over grinding that blade.

Is it possible for us to redo that scrollwork?

Is there any tool such as a die available at hardware store - any specific brand?
 
You are right, Mohd. Scrollwork varies from blade to blade, kami to kami.

I think you could get a die made of whatever design you might like. And, you could redo the scrollwork if you want.

Harry, I think but am not certain that the lines on the back of the blade once were meant as a representation of the Sword of Shiva. However, that gave way to a more decorative design. A lot of old khukuris have hand done scrollwork, not the die punched variety. If you take a look at that old kothimoda of my pal's you'll see what I am talking about.

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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 
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