Uncle Bill shows the kamis he can still pound hot steel. Pix.

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This photo was taken on the day of my "official" welcome by the kamis of BirGorkha -- thus the reason for the leis and large tika on my forehead.

I figured I'd get things started off on the right foot so I took to the forge and anvil right away. The kamis were shocked and amazed that I'd stoop so low as to do kami work. What I did started forming the bond I made with them -- making them my brothers. Caste, color, religion, nationality, fame, fortune mean nothing to Uncle Bill. It's what you've got inside that counts.

But, they thought I would never make a good kami, brother though I might be.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 

Dido Bill,

What were some of the individual reactions and were there any remarks that stood out?



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Harry

L'audace, toujours l'audace!!!
 
At first there were the wide eyes, shocked looks, and some whispering among the kamis. Then they started to giggle -- probably because I was so poor at the job.

One of them said, "What kind of man is this American Bena? He can speak Nepali, acts like a Nepali and is not afraid to pound steel!"

I got a huge kick out of it. They were surprised to say the least.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
Uncle,
Great shots! What type of anvil do the Kamis use? My picture resolution on my pc isn't that good. I noticed several large Khukuris behind you, what models are they? I'm guessing 25" Sirupatis.
 
Bill appears to be using a brick as an anvil?

Look how many of these recent pics feature bricks laying around, sometimes by the pile. The pic here of Bill pounding seems instructive: am I right in guessing that they use the bricks to channel heat and contain the forge-piles, as if to make "kilns" in whatever size and shape is needed for the amount of coals and project size?

That appears to be what's going on? I was wondering about all them bricks?

Jim
 
Maybe that's why they were laughing.
smile.gif
(Bricks don't make very good anvils ... try hitting one with a hammer sometime and you'll see why not....) Didn't I see a rail anvil in an old pic, a long time ago? Maybe my memory is playing tricks with me ... sections of old railroad track are commonly used for anvils in the US.

-Cougar :{)
 
The anvil is a chunk of about 6 by 6 steel. It's been pounded on so much the top is mushroomed over. This is a common type anvil in Nepal. I fear that bricks would not hold up well.

The knives against the wall are all Kumar's stuff -- long blades of some type. This is his forge and anvil I'm using.

Again, I did not do very well.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
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