Art : Bladesmithing

The Hmong are knowledgeable and accomplished bladesmiths. Hmong knives are unique: very thick, and tapering to a sharp point. Different knives have different styles, depending on their intended use.

The Blowpipe.       A blowpipe is used to stoke embers into a fire suitable for forging: the metal is made malleable by the heat of the fire and is then struck to achieve the desired shape. The blowpipe itself is made from bamboo. A hole is made in the middle, and a cover constructed. Wire is tied with the cover and put in the bamboo. The wire is pushed and pulled to keep the air flowing and the temperature of the fire constant.

Before making a new knife, Hmong bladesmiths make a model of an old knife in order to maintain the style in the new one. For example, a thick knife is used for cutting hard wood, and a slim and small knife is used for cutting vegetables. The knife used for cutting meat has a special style: the end of the knife is sharp, and the body tapers off and is convenient for carrying.

The tapered knife or the grass-cutting knife.       This knife is long at around 30-45 centimeters. The end of the knife is bent from the body. The knife is used to cut grasses and trees. We can see that the body is very thick. The grass-cutting knife is an indispensable knife for the Hmong people because they use it extensively in farming.

The sickle.       The sickle is made from steel. The Hmong make it themselves, and use it during the harvest. The Hmong sickle is very bent and thick. It does not have saw teeth.

http://hmong.hilltribe.org