Tibetan knives/swords

[Emanuel]

Hello folks,

I just got back from a quick trip to Goa, and to my surprise found a lot of Tibetan people settled there. At a few booth during the Saturday night market, I met Tibetans selling various Tibetan crafts, including the small utility knives we've discussed on this forum before. Some looked old, perhaps early 20th century, others new, made with aluminium fittings. The gentleman selling these said they were called "tri" or "tree". This prompted a google search, which revealed that these knives, and swords as well, are still produced. In some cases it looks like the same old production methods are used and the blades are forged with hairpin (or rainbow) pattern:

http://www.tourdechina.cn/Blog/Tibet...-of-Tibet.html

I don't recall seeing this link before on the forum, but my apologies if this is old news.

FWIW, the sellers at the market were asking for 1,800 INR (~40USD) for the nicer knives. I think I could have haggled down to $20-$30 had I been interested in buying.

Regards,
Emanuel