Ancient tradition of making knives still survives(2)

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

Additionally, Budawa has been teaching knife-making techniques to other younger people. Three of his seven trainees have already taken up the job independently. Local authorities support the indigenous industry but demand has outstripped supply.

"Most of the buyers of my knives are Tibetan people from the region. But there are many outsiders and tourists who buy them as well," he said.

The knife he produces is enriched with some Tibetan traditional designs. The sheath, for instance, is decorated with engravings of the dragon, phoenix, Qomolangma (Mount Everest), and hand carved words like "Tibet" and "Lhaze Tibetan Knife".

The reason behind the exclusive Tibetan designs is fueled by his worry that the designs may be lost.

"The history of Tibetan knife making has lasted for six generations. During the Gyangze's anti-British war in 1904, the knives produced in Lhaze were used as best weapons," he said.

The Tibetan knife goes through some 12 stages of production, including making the sheath, welding, forging the blade, sharpening, engraving designs and polishing, before it is ready to be sold.

Making a few 60-cm-long small-sized knives could take up to two weeks.

It takes at least four years of learning to master the skill.

He made about 120,000 yuan ($19.452) from his trade last year, and his average annual income is around 80,000 yuan.

Tibetan knives are mainly used for household purposes, self-protection and as a decoration on traditional Tibetan clothing, local residents said.

In 2008, Budawa was accredited as the "representative inheritor" of Lhaze Tibetan knife making by a regional level intangible cultural heritage project.

"I am pleased that the government stresses on my work, and I believe Lhaze Tibetan knife craft will continue to shine," he said.