Ancient Tradition of Making Knives Still Survives

July,27 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

In a county, a few skilled men are trying to keep the craft alive. Palden Nyima and Phuntsog Tashi report in Tibet Autonomous Region.

In the quiet Lhaze county at the Tibet autonomous region, the sound of constant hammering draws the attention of passers-by to a house, where a man is busy making knives.

Budawa, 57, the house's owner, has been involved with the business since the past 45 years, and is today considered among the few remaining makers of the Tibetan knife.

The county has produced generations of such men, making it a specialty of the region, but the tradition is somewhat fading.

Budawa, who goes by the lone name, learned to make knives from his uncle Dorje Gyalpo, a fifth generation inheritor of the skill, at the age of 13.

"My uncle was the knife maker for the 10th Panchan Lama in Tashilhunpo Monastery in the 1980s, and I was with him at the time," said Budawa.

Local residents point out that their knife-making history also finds mention in Tibetan school textbooks.

"The 10th Panchan Lama came to my home and reminded me not to lose this ancient tradition, and his words have become a driving force for me," added Budawa.

Budawa is making a sheath at his workshop. He was accredited as the "representative inheritor" of Lhaze Tibetan knife making by an intangible cultural heritage project in the Tibet autonomous region in 2008. Palden Nyima

Tibetan knives made by Budawa in 2011. These knives go through some 12 stages of production before they are ready to be sold.
Tibetan knives made by Budawa in 2011. These knives go through some 12 stages of production before they are ready to be sold.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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