Abdul Rahim Continues Family Tradition Of Knife, Machete-making

CHUKAI, May 11 (Bernama) -- A traditional Malay knife and machete maker is proud to continue the family legacy in producing handcrafted weapons that possess high aesthetic value and fine craftsmanship, admired by weapon enthusiasts.

Abdul Rahim Abd Razak, 48, from Kampung Jabur Kubur here, said that he inherited the art of making traditional knives and machetes from both his late grandfather, Salleh Mohd, and father, Abd Razak, who were once well-known for their expertise in producing these weapons in the Kemaman district.

"This craftsmanship for such weapons flows in my blood… I started taking an interest in it since my teenage years, which in turn has driven me to continue the family tradition until today," he said when met by Bernama today.

Abdul Rahim said that since he was 15 years old, he often helped his father in the workshop, including cutting metal.

He said that a few years later, his father began teaching him the techniques of making knives and machetes, including the processes of forging iron, hammering blades, grinding, and sharpening to produce high-quality products.

Abdul Rahim said he started pursuing the craft full-time at the age of 20 and built his current workshop then.

He said his brothers, Abdul Halim, 50, and Abdul Aziz, 46, also inherited the same talent from their father and grandfather.

He said both of them also have their own workshops in the same village as an effort to preserve the family heritage.

"We three siblings often exchange opinions and share things on how to improve the quality of our work so that customer satisfaction is always maintained," he said.

Regarding the celebration of Hari Raya Aidiladha this year, he said he also received orders for more than 200 knives and machetes for the tasks of slaughtering animals, skinning meat and cutting of bones from sacrificial animals.

He said that among the types of knives most ordered by customers are dauh buluh, kakap, jakar, sembong, sepat, siakap, comel, bokok, lurus, aldin and bullnose.

"In a day, I can complete two knives, while a machete takes a day, depending on the size, design, and level of difficulty in its making," he said.

Abdul Rahim said he sells knives measuring 12.7 centimetres (cm) to 30.48 cm without handles and sheaths at prices ranging from RM100 to RM400 each, while the price of machetes measuring 30.48 cm to 35.56 cm go for RM700 to RM900 each.

At the same time, he said he also charges for sharpening customers' knives and machetes.

"Leading up to this sacrificial season, I also received around 300 dull, bent, and damaged knives and machetes to be repaired and sharpened," he also said.

He added that the production of his handmade knives and machetes is increasingly thriving as he receives orders from all over the country and even from customers in Thailand and Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA