Knife

Vulcan (Tong Khai) at the Forge

Recycled Lawnmower Blade, Wood

​In Southeast Asia Hmong blacksmith shops were traditionally lined up in a row within a village. The singing of hammer against steel erupted from these shops every day. These shops produced tools essential for village life, such as gardening equipment and knives for cooking. In La Crosse this practice continues at the Hmoob Community and Cultural Agency where this knife was made by Tong Khai Vang, a master of this art.

James North is a third-year student undertaking a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies (History) from the University of Kent, Canterbury (UK). James specialises in the history of American warfare and he intends to spend the remainder of his career as an officer in HM Armed Forces.

Woodcut, Hand-Applied Colour

This woodcut illustrates Tong Khai Vang creating the Hmong knife in the blacksmith area of the Hmoob Community and Cultural Agency, surrounded by the tools of his craft. The image includes an element of whimsy along with the chaotic feel of a working studio with tools and equipment everywhere.

Preston Lawing teaches at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. His work explores the history of place in the urban landscape and artists’ studios.

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Virtual Interactive: "How to Make a Hmong Knife" 

The blacksmiths at the La Crosse Area Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency, Inc. demonstrate how to make a knife using traditional Hmong methods. This video is a step-by-step process of this procedure. Produced by the UW-La Crosse Information Technology Services for the [art]ifact exhibit in 2016.