Krabbi Krabong weapons

[Tee Sok]

There are two interesting Thai swords here:

3 new Thai Dha's (240kb on pics) - Sword Forum International

it's the first time I see leafblades in a Thai sword, they look like the Roman gladio.

[george stando]

Those swords are really, really nice! Wonder how much they cost because the one collector says that he is ordering one.

[Tee Sok]

From what I have read he ordered them two years ago from a blacksmith in the Chiang Mai area, I know there is a blacksmith in the north but not from that area. No mention of the price!

Here's a very interesting article on the steel used, Lek Namphi:

Many legends and rumors evolve around this marvellous metal, the rare underground treasure found under the peaceful village of Namphi, Uttaradit province. This is the famous Lek Namphi or the Namphi steel of Thailand.

This unique steel has been recognized since the rule of the Ayuddahyan dynasties (1350-1767 AD). Found only in the Namphi village and nowhere else, it was secreted and protected as a high quality steel only to be used for royalty. The weapons of kings were made from this steel.

Only until recently has His Majesty the King (Rama IX) permitted the use of Namphi steel for commoners. However there are still two mines with the best Namphi steel yet that forbids commoners from digging. Steel from the Phra Khan and Phra Saeng mines is used exclusively to make swords for monarchs to this day.

Though a lot of people may have heard of the Namphi steel, very little information can be found and mostly inaccurate. One can but wonder why this rare metal that has held such a respected place in the history and glory of a medieval Siamese empire has so little information about its true nature.

Today, serious collectors and those who believe in the powers of the Namphi steel treat it with the respect as they would any religious object.

And here's the source, lots of good info here:
Lek Namphi Swords

[george stando]

Wow, alot of info on there. I have to take a closer look and maybe go up there. Thanks again!