Todd and Neenee , you have a hidden gem in Hmong Village The Craftsmanship is stunning. I too would like to own a knife like that. Thank you again Todd for allowing us to to tag along. Send you lots of love from Richmond, va.🥰🥰 Richmond, Va.
YES! Love these off the grid videos! What a beautiful Hmong knives. Sad thing is…the art of crafting those masterpiece knives will disappear soon. The new generation will not want to do it.
Wow I can’t believe you both couple are going to Laos again awesome I was wonder when I’m going to watch your videos about life in Laos again. Congratulations to see you both wonderful couple. From California 👍
I visited Laos in 2016 and truly appreciate how blessed I am. Being born and raised in the states, it open my eyes and respect for those less fortunate. Thank you for sharing.
Todd, you, with your good heart are a good fit with the Lao people. I am 75, from North Carolina, and don't do social media, so I write to try and have my words reach you here. Your photo/video work is exquisite. And I really like your music. I am a knife man. Not a maker. Since I am a long time Zen minimalist I only have the knives that I use. The Nepalese kukri, the traditional knife of the Gurkha are made in similar primitive smithys as your Hmong. They, the Thai's making the Enep (leaf blade), and probably most of your Hmong make their knives out of old auto leaf springs. The spring steel is 1095 high carbon and is very strong. Generally the chosen steel for swords, machetes, knives and other 'impact' blades. It is the best high carbon steel. Takes a razor edge and is tough. Just need to give it the care of a non-stainless steel. You and Neenee are the only one of two vlogs that I follow. The other is Itchy Boots. Like Itchy Boots your video quality of visual and content is world class. And your understand the art of black & white stills. When I watch you it is like having friends in the room with me. Regards
@@NowinLao -Pleasure mate. Good to see what you and Neenee do for the villages and bring to light for Laos tourists. Just sorry the Kip is so low against the US $ right now buddy. Safe, prosperous, healthy New Year to you both.
I had a Lao Hmoob black smith make me a big butcher knife 20 years ago. Forged. Looks just like yours. Cost me 45 dollars US. Rose wood handle too. Have it with me in Thailand. Dispatched pigs easily
I remembered how my parents, uncles and aunties, and older brothers makes paper, making gun powder to shoot muzzleloader or gun powder rifles or making fabrics. Soon my people will not longer using hand made papers, gun powders, and fabric anymore. Good video and information to share to the world.
you are one busy couple touring and having the thrill of your life at the same time. thx for making these video to share for the world to see what's out there that we city people just don't see and the life of us city people don't live everyday.
Thank you for this awesome share! I have learned a lot from how the Hmong make general use items. I feel it is really cool how people learned to make products using the old way.
11:02, I’m almost certain my wife has a photo of that girl from 6 years ago. We were in the same village for sure. We compared the old pic to your video and the eyes look the same.
Very hard to find some nice crafts like that nowadays. Most is mass produced and the materials are less like the ones they use before and yes all knives made from springs will last longer and won't chip as easily.
Prettiest people ever. That girl at the store where you bought the pepsi could rival any actress or model for beauty. Very interesting video on how things are made. One of your best videos. Loved it.
The Hmong village certainly would rely on passing locals & tourists Amazing skills and basic equipment to create beautiful pieces 👌 As you say they need the support to survive - Thanks T 🍻🇦🇺👋👍👌🙏
Those are real real strong good heavy duty hmong knifes my friend. I love ❤️ watching all your videos. Great vlog 👍 I can't wait for your next vlog. Be safe, have fun, god bless you and your wife
Howdy Todd,,very excellent video,,top to bottom! The young man that demonstrated the yarn making and paper making was extremely interesting,,the paper process was completely amazing. Who would have ever thought that anyone anywhere in the world would still make paper,,even in a tourist spot. Very cool! The old man ,,what can ya say? Amazing old dude. Loved his anvil. Can a person buy an anvil in Vientiane? Some interesting and beautiful things the vendors were selling. I'm glad you told the fricken bum vloggers to stop just taking advantage for content,,and spend some money to help people out. Good on ya! Lol And last,,lol,, thanks for the nod about the leaf springs. The heating process is the key to knife make,,too low,,soft steel,,too high,,brittle. Gotta get the sweet spot ,,and you tell by the color the metal turns as you heat it. Most bladesmith have tempering ovens,,set it and forget it. So what these guys are doing,,is an art. I'd love to spend time with these guys,,just to learn a bit. This was a great video Todd,,top 10er! Thanks brother. Ttyl,,,Marlon
Those are for human consumption. The stone grinder is used to grind corn. They grind the corn, soak it and mix it with rice for the family to eat so they don't starve before the next harvest. The other one is used to split the husk from the rice. That is part of their daily chores and lifestyle.
As always a well said comment Todd (along with the little girl @12:48) ... omg... this village I recall being my 1st vid to watch!. man the village has changed.
Whow how interesting this is getting better every time love your vlogs and please keep going , love Thailand but will certainly spent some time again in Laos like we've done every time we are in Thailand for a few months, thanks again great stuff.
Thanks Todd very interesting and informative especially the man with all the information on paper making and hemp weaving and everything else. Great video.
Todd, nice to see you in Luang Prabang again. I missed that city. I only remember little bit of my childhood. My mom told me that our house was the blue door house with a dark, brownish metal ceiling that absolutely needs replacement on the four corner near Wat Visoun and movie theater that was closed long time ago. If you ever come to see that blue house please let me know. I am greatly appreciate it. See you this year.
Really enjoy your channel. I never thought about visiting Laos but after watching a lot of your shows...I really want to see this country. And...I was born in Long Tieng.
Congrats on finding a new knife. I know how you initially felt about taking the man's favorite knife, but when he explained that if you didn't buy it someone else would,... you had an obvious choice. Good find! 🙏 (edit) I wonder how hard it would be to get the old fella an *anvil.*
bloody hell its William Tell (you Todd) in the Hmong Village, that was really interesting , if there was only a few of you left alive on an Island you'd want that guy with you for all hos crafts
Todd if you plan on staying few more years in Laos. you must try to learn to speak lao,Hmong so u can understand and be able to speak with them .google translate is your best teacher to learn.
Very good video, sir! I would like to point out- The gentleman that was telling you about the paper, they were made for religious purposes, which he pointed out the altar inside the house on the wall. Sometimes they burn the papers as an offering to the spirits. You are a very good student- pretty soon, you will be an expert in Hmong culture. Do you use the Hmong knives for anything else other than collection? Just be careful with them; I lost a part of my pointing finger when I was a kid.
If someone could hook them up with internet mail orders. I'd love to buy one of those knives. I ordered one on a chinese site and when it came it was so small. About six inches. looks cool and is well built. The steel is kinda week but........Lol.
If you had him say his name in hmong, there are many in here including myself that would be able to help spell out his name for you. Could do that next time.
You're the best ambassador for westerners. Love how you communicate with the locals.
That's a pretty sweet knife. You said something very near and dear to my heart. Bring money and help. Beautiful!!
Todd and Neenee , you have a hidden gem in Hmong Village The Craftsmanship is stunning. I too would like to own a knife like that. Thank you again Todd for allowing us to to tag along. Send you lots of love from Richmond, va.🥰🥰 Richmond, Va.
Not sue if there’s any Hmong store in VA but if you are in MN, NC, CA, WI you can get a Hmong knife there.
YES! Love these off the grid videos! What a beautiful Hmong knives. Sad thing is…the art of crafting those masterpiece knives will disappear soon. The new generation will not want to do it.
The Hmong Arts and Crafting will go on and on forever Ok.
Wow how good was that there is nothing better than learning and watching some olden history
That knife is a fine display of Hmong craftsmanship! Thanks for sharing!
Wow I can’t believe you both couple are going to Laos again awesome I was wonder when I’m going to watch your videos about life in Laos again. Congratulations to see you both wonderful couple. From California 👍
Proper documentary there mate, fascinating insight into how they did things - inginuity is everything isnt it - great stuff.
I have been around Hmong families for years but never seen quite what you showed here . Thanks
So cute that little baby smiling at you adorable boy
You guys are great with the people amazing Todd and wife
I visited Laos in 2016 and truly appreciate how blessed I am. Being born and raised in the states, it open my eyes and respect for those less fortunate. Thank you for sharing.
Very good Videos super thank you sabaidee.
Top video and glad to see ol mate still making those knives. That is the one I am after.
Fantastic! I love the Black & White stills Todd...you've heard it before, but keep em coming. Cheers.
Love to see your contents growing. I remember just watching you vlog around Vientiane and villages. Keep it up buddy. Love my Hmong people.
Thank you 🙏
You do good job brother good luck
Good to see you guys traveling every where of Laos. There Many things Changed.
Todd, you, with your good heart are a good fit with the Lao people. I am 75, from North Carolina, and don't do social media, so I write to try and have my words reach you here. Your photo/video work is exquisite. And I really like your music. I am a knife man. Not a maker.
Since I am a long time Zen minimalist I only have the knives that I use. The Nepalese kukri, the traditional knife of the Gurkha are made in
similar primitive smithys as your Hmong. They, the Thai's making the Enep (leaf blade), and probably most of your Hmong make their knives out of old auto leaf springs. The spring steel is 1095 high carbon and is very strong. Generally the chosen steel for swords,
machetes, knives and other 'impact' blades. It is the best high carbon steel. Takes a razor edge and is tough. Just need to give it the
care of a non-stainless steel.
You and Neenee are the only one of two vlogs that I follow. The other is Itchy Boots.
Like Itchy Boots your video quality of visual and content is world class. And your understand the art of black & white stills.
When I watch you it is like having friends in the room with me.
Regards
Thanks!
Much appreciated Mike, thank you 🙏
@@NowinLao -Pleasure mate. Good to see what you and Neenee do for the villages and bring to light for Laos tourists. Just sorry the Kip is so low against the US $ right now buddy. Safe, prosperous, healthy New Year to you both.
I had a Lao Hmoob black smith make me a big butcher knife 20 years ago. Forged. Looks just like yours. Cost me 45 dollars US. Rose wood handle too. Have it with me in Thailand. Dispatched pigs easily
I remembered how my parents, uncles and aunties, and older brothers makes paper, making gun powder to shoot muzzleloader or gun powder rifles or making fabrics. Soon my people will not longer using hand made papers, gun powders, and fabric anymore. Good video and information to share to the world.
Wow great history lesson
Such an amazing people. So friendly and inviting. Thanks again Todd. Cheers mate!
you are one busy couple touring and having the thrill of your life at the same time. thx for making these video to share for the world to see what's out there that we city people just don't see and the life of us city people don't live everyday.
Another great video.
fantastic video as always Neene and you are great combination ...happy from WA
Fascinating how they make the paper. There must be a market for authentic paper like that.
Very nice video. I drove past that village in 2017. Now I wish I would have stopped!
Keep on keeping on!
One of your best mate 👍👍💖💖
Thanks Bill 😉
Thank you for this awesome share! I have learned a lot from how the Hmong make general use items. I feel it is really cool how people learned to make products using the old way.
11:02, I’m almost certain my wife has a photo of that girl from 6 years ago. We were in the same village for sure. We compared the old pic to your video and the eyes look the same.
The expression on your face tells a thousand stories. Brings me down to earth. Thanks for sharing
Love watching your videos :D
Very hard to find some nice crafts like that nowadays. Most is mass produced and the materials are less like the ones they use before and yes all knives made from springs will last longer and won't chip as easily.
Prettiest people ever. That girl at the store where you bought the pepsi could rival any actress or model for beauty. Very interesting video on how things are made. One of your best videos. Loved it.
Beautiful people, beautiful culture...thanks for sharing!
Metro man!!!!!! 👊👊👊hmong hmoob is4 life
The Hmong village certainly would rely on passing locals & tourists
Amazing skills and basic equipment to create beautiful pieces 👌
As you say they need the support to survive - Thanks T 🍻🇦🇺👋👍👌🙏
Great vedio sir happy new year .😁
Yep you got the one with "May Doo" that wood handle is very expensive!!!
Very inspiring for the children. Great self confidence builder.
Omg loved how the little came out of no we’re just to say hello was that his mum’s shop…?
Todd great vlog once again, you and Your wife are nailing it. Very respectful you are to those beautiful people.
If I ever get to Laos that village is on the top of my list. And multilingual shopkeepers!
Those are real real strong good heavy duty hmong knifes my friend. I love ❤️ watching all your videos. Great vlog 👍 I can't wait for your next vlog. Be safe, have fun, god bless you and your wife
Howdy Todd,,very excellent video,,top to bottom! The young man that demonstrated the yarn making and paper making was extremely interesting,,the paper process was completely amazing. Who would have ever thought that anyone anywhere in the world would still make paper,,even in a tourist spot. Very cool! The old man ,,what can ya say? Amazing old dude. Loved his anvil. Can a person buy an anvil in Vientiane? Some interesting and beautiful things the vendors were selling. I'm glad you told the fricken bum vloggers to stop just taking advantage for content,,and spend some money to help people out. Good on ya! Lol And last,,lol,, thanks for the nod about the leaf springs. The heating process is the key to knife make,,too low,,soft steel,,too high,,brittle. Gotta get the sweet spot ,,and you tell by the color the metal turns as you heat it. Most bladesmith have tempering ovens,,set it and forget it. So what these guys are doing,,is an art. I'd love to spend time with these guys,,just to learn a bit. This was a great video Todd,,top 10er! Thanks brother. Ttyl,,,Marlon
Those are for human consumption. The stone grinder is used to grind corn. They grind the corn, soak it and mix it with rice for the family to eat so they don't starve before the next harvest. The other one is used to split the husk from the rice. That is part of their daily chores and lifestyle.
Very cool Todd, thanks.
Leaving tomorrow for Lao. When will you guys be back in Vientiane ?
Great video Todd love it👍🙂
As always a well said comment Todd (along with the little girl @12:48) ... omg... this village I recall being my 1st vid to watch!. man the village has changed.
The knife...reminded me of crocodile dundee..,.older movie...great videos
Love this one, National Geographic style. You may get a call
Whow how interesting this is getting better every time love your vlogs and please keep going , love Thailand but will certainly spent some time again in Laos like we've done every time we are in Thailand for a few months, thanks again great stuff.
Great video watch all your videos I have to comment more often 👍🏽
Good onya, thank you! That would be great, cheers 😁👍
@@NowinLao I’m an Ironworker by trade and dabble with forging
where is this hmong village located at? would love to go see it
Thank you Todd and Nee Nee for doing what you do and reminding people to give back to the people.
Wonderful video
Thanks Todd very interesting and informative especially the man with all the information on paper making and hemp weaving and everything else. Great video.
Great video. Thanks
Todd, you should go on a traditional Hmong crossbow hunting for one of your vlogs! Hehe!!!
Another stunning video and content.
I can see it would be hard to walk passed all the kids.
Love your trips.
Another good video, thank you
The paper making was awesome, we make it the original way and no bleaches or pollutants :-)
Yes. Super interesting 👌
Todd and Neenee, i wish you two wonderful soul can win the lottery! You two are the angels of Laos!!!
Todd, nice to see you in Luang Prabang again. I missed that city. I only remember little bit of my childhood. My mom told me that our house was the blue door house with a dark, brownish metal ceiling that absolutely needs replacement on the four corner near Wat Visoun and movie theater that was closed long time ago. If you ever come to see that blue house please let me know. I am greatly appreciate it. See you this year.
Best knives in the world
Awesome Todd loving your videos... hopefully you get the chance to meet up with my uncle bounmee he also had a channel
Loved it!!!
Todd I guess you could bring more tourism to visit that place.
Great video as usual bro, watching from Jamaica west Indies !!
Really enjoy your channel. I never thought about visiting Laos but after watching a lot of your shows...I really want to see this country. And...I was born in Long Tieng.
You guys have such a kind heart. Taking and giving back! I will continue to support your channel.
Thank you 🙏
Super interesting video. Really like these types of videos. Wonder how much you paid for the knives and some of the things you bought.
Tow Lai mid ?
Great video guys, but how much was the knife Todd? Loving the black and white photos, cheers from Australia.
I have one Knives from the 60 when i came home
Hi from California Todd
Hello brother
Congrats on finding a new knife. I know how you initially felt about taking the man's favorite knife, but when he explained that if you didn't buy it someone else would,... you had an obvious choice. Good find! 🙏
(edit) I wonder how hard it would be to get the old fella an *anvil.*
That's a Hmong Gym. You can't fool me! 🤣
Hi Todd, I have followed you for years now but I haven't wrote anything to you yet. I just want to say 👋. I am Hmong Minnesota
bloody hell its William Tell (you Todd) in the Hmong Village, that was really interesting , if there was only a few of you left alive on an Island you'd want that guy with you for all hos crafts
Nice to hear you speaking white Hmoob
Hmong grinding stone is similar to what was used in Africa before diesel mills arrived after 1945.
You need to subtitles all the languages in the video i cant hear
Todd if you plan on staying few more years in Laos. you must try to learn to speak lao,Hmong so u can understand and be able to speak with them .google translate is your best teacher to learn.
I wish I can bring those knives to USA
Very good video, sir!
I would like to point out-
The gentleman that was telling you about the paper, they were made for religious purposes, which he pointed out the altar inside the house on the wall. Sometimes they burn the papers as an offering to the spirits.
You are a very good student- pretty soon, you will be an expert in Hmong culture.
Do you use the Hmong knives for anything else other than collection? Just be careful with them; I lost a part of my pointing finger when I was a kid.
👊
If someone could hook them up with internet mail orders. I'd love to buy one of those knives. I ordered one on a chinese site and when it came it was so small. About six inches. looks cool and is well built. The steel is kinda week but........Lol.
If you had him say his name in hmong, there are many in here including myself that would be able to help spell out his name for you. Could do that next time.
If the artist (master) does not know how to write, he will know symbols that can can represent him. Hmong are great designers of symbols.
Brother how much you paid Laos money for that beautiful knife? Our USA $?
helo you like like you ok 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Next time you visit the grandfather please get his number so people can order.
Come on mate..., make a childs day...
Multi purpose knife. Chop bones and can use in battle field. 😵😁