Traditional Keris Maker in Bagan Serai, Perak
Mohamad Zin, originally from Batu 1 Changkat Lobak, Bagan Serai, is a traditional maker of machetes, swords, keris, and knives. With over 25 years of experience, what makes Mohamad Zin special is that he still maintains traditional methods in crafting these tools.
Not many people possess the same skills as Mohamad Zin, as most of the younger generation today are no longer interested in making machetes, swords, keris, and knives as a career. This may be because they do not see the available opportunities or are unwilling to perform heavy labor. He uses his skills as his source of income. For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, please note that he is also assisted by his wife, Milah Hassan. This couple runs their machete-making business in a workshop built next to their rented house.
Mohamad Zin stated that his passion and experience were the main factors that drove him to open a workshop to craft these tools.
Mohamad Zin's skill in crafting weapons was actually inherited from his family, and he is determined to pass this skill on to his future heirs.
The main material for making machetes, knives, and keris—iron—is collected from various sources, such as discarded oil palm mill blades and spring steel sold in shops around Bagan Serai, Perak.
To make the machete handles, Mohamad Zin uses wood from sapodilla (ciku), halban, or acacia trees, which are easily found around Beriah and its surroundings. Believe it or not, Mohamad Zin relies solely on his own skills and strength to craft these machetes without much help from machines or modern equipment. By using traditional manufacturing and old-school methods, the resulting products are of higher quality and more artistic. Every process from the beginning of production to the final touch requires precision to ensure the quality of every machete or knife produced.
For those interested in placing an order for Mohamad Zin's handcrafted work, you can contact him at 017 772 1335 or reach out to
Noorelyana Nooizin
on the social media platform Facebook. Hopefully, many more will have the interest to preserve our Malay heritage.
