Here's How Rampuri Knife, A Bollywood Favourite With 125 Years Of Tradition, Is Made

The Rampuri knife, renowned for its distinct craftsmanship, often makes its way into popular culture and conversations. This iconic blade, synonymous with the city of Rampur, boasts a rich tradition spanning 125 years. The Rampuri knife has long been a hallmark of local artisans, standing out even in the age of automatic rifles and modern weaponry. What sets it apart is its traditional production process.

Each knife is meticulously handcrafted without the aid of machines, from cutting the iron to honing the blade’s edge. This manual technique ensures that each knife is unique and of the highest quality. Let’s delve into the intricate process behind the creation of the Rampuri knife, exploring the skills and artistry involved in its preparation.

Rampur is renowned for producing a variety of knives, each featuring unique designs and handles. Among these are knives crafted from different materials, including those with brass butts, intricately carved steel blades, iron blades, and even fish-themed designs. The region offers a diverse selection of handles, reflecting the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Rampur’s knife-making heritage.

Mohammad Yamin Ansari, a knife maker from Rampur, explained that the Rampuri knife is a complex assembly composed of multiple parts. The production process involves crafting the handle, waist, blade, as well as incorporating components such as a spring, bolt, and lock. These elements work together to ensure the knife’s durability even under strenuous use. A notable feature of the Rampuri knife is its folding mechanism, which adds to its appeal. The knife opens with a distinctive ‘chat-chat‘ sound when pulled.

The handle of the Rampuri knife features a distinctive fish emblem. Despite its button-operated opening and closing mechanism, the knife does not utilise a spring. This unique craftsmanship is exclusive to Rampur, with no equivalent found elsewhere in the world. The Rampuri knife is legally standardised at a full length of 10 inches, consisting of a 5-inch blade and a 5-inch handle.

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