Nakhon Phanom:Blacksmiths from Ban Na Thon have showcased their traditional ironworking skills at the Nakhon Phanom Loy Krathong festival, drawing attention with their variety of knives. These artisans displayed machetes, kitchen knives, and knives with auspicious wooden handles at their stall, located at the illuminated boat pavilion on the Mekong River in That Phanom district. Their craftsmanship, which blends traditional techniques with modern needs, attracted significant interest from both Thai and international tourists.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Awut Saenset, a blacksmith from Ban Na Thon, has been selling community-made knives at the event since October 10th. He noted the positive response from tourists, who appreciated both the high quality and local craftsmanship of the products. The knives are crafted using various steels, such as spring steel and S50C grade steel, and some incorporate laser cutting technology to enhance product variety while retaining the unique characteristics of local artistry.
The knives are priced affordably, with small machetes starting at 450 baht and knives with beautifully patterned wooden handles ranging from 900 baht to several thousand baht. The blacksmiths also offer services for repairing old knives and creating custom designs.
Mr. Awut emphasized that participating in the festival has been beneficial, bringing continuous customer interest and boosting income. The event also serves as an educational platform for visitors to learn about the craftsmanship of Ban Na Thon blacksmiths.
The blacksmiths' participation in the festival highlights how local wisdom can add value through product design and marketing. By leveraging major tourist festivals, the artisans create economic opportunities and distribute income within their community. Additionally, the Ban Na Thon blacksmith group accepts online orders, enabling customers from other provinces to purchase their products year-round.