WILD LAOS - Hmong Blacksmith's Village & How the Hmong Live

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  • čas přidán 9. 01. 2023
  • I never realised there was such a thing as an automatic crossbow.. well, that's what the Hmong call it. In this video we get to fire Hmong crossbows and visit our old friend, the Hmong Blacksmith, who makes the best Hmong knives in Laos!
    WILD LAOS - Hmong Blacksmith's Village & How the Hmong Live
    We show you around a Hmong village, it's people and they have lived in the past..
    Everyday life in Laos, we live in Vientiane, Now in Lao with Lao wife, Neenee Lao life living in Laos capturing the Lao lifestyle, daily life in Lao, where to go in Laos, travel destinations, Laos tourism, customs, Lao development and how people live in Laos in their travel Laos videos and travel vlogs. Now to Lao, Vlogging Laos S.E.Asia !!
    Now in Lao travel vlog
    #Laos​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #NowinLao​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #LaosVlog
    Enjoy our videos and would like to help support the work we do?
    Patreon: / nowinlao
    PayPal me: paypal.me/NowinLao
    Mailing Address:
    Kongmany Mahavong / Todd Hales
    Ban Nongbouathong Neua
    Street No 10, Unit 45, Sikhottabong District
    Vientiane Capital Lao P.D.R.
    P.O.Box 3630
    Contact me on Facebook: / nowinlao
    Subscribe to Neenee's channel: / @neeneelaolife7131
    Our Restaurant on Facebook:
    / bansuan.r
    Directions to our Restaurant "BanSuan Restaurant" was (Buffet Laos Seafood)
    goo.gl/maps/vdw8pRDWfcuFHAyZ9
    Sabaidee and welcome to my channel....Now in Lao!!
    My name is Todd and i am an Australian currently living in Laos with my wife, Neenee.
    This is a channel primarily dedicated to Laos and the people who live here, our daily lives and our travels within this amazing country. Thank you for watching and if you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask, by either commenting or contacting me via Facebook.
    Now in Lao .... Vlogging Laos !!
    Music:

Komentáře • 117

  • @donaldthomas7753
    @donaldthomas7753 Před rokem +12

    That's a pretty sweet knife. You said something very near and dear to my heart. Bring money and help. Beautiful!!

  • @kaox44
    @kaox44 Před rokem +14

    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.

    • @billy4780
      @billy4780 Před rokem

      The Hmong Arts and Crafting will go on and on forever Ok.

  • @costasworldofmusicmemories5792

    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.

    • @Diamondbeach
      @Diamondbeach Před rokem

      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.

  • @tylee6626
    @tylee6626 Před rokem

    So cute that little baby smiling at you adorable boy

  • @mitnonnarath5745
    @mitnonnarath5745 Před rokem +1

    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 👍

  • @spirittaos
    @spirittaos Před rokem +17

    You're the best ambassador for westerners. Love how you communicate with the locals.

  • @mitchhumlao
    @mitchhumlao Před rokem +1

    I have been around Hmong families for years but never seen quite what you showed here . Thanks

  • @Jett.Jai1234
    @Jett.Jai1234 Před rokem +2

    Wow how good was that there is nothing better than learning and watching some olden history

  • @keosay6608
    @keosay6608 Před rokem

    You guys are great with the people amazing Todd and wife

  • @m4rvsill526
    @m4rvsill526 Před rokem +4

    That knife is a fine display of Hmong craftsmanship! Thanks for sharing!

  • @chanthaiphimmasane2585

    Very good Videos super thank you sabaidee.

  • @pookeyhutchison7838
    @pookeyhutchison7838 Před rokem

    Top video and glad to see ol mate still making those knives. That is the one I am after.

  • @Jordy120
    @Jordy120 Před rokem

    Fantastic! I love the Black & White stills Todd...you've heard it before, but keep em coming. Cheers.

  • @arronsong3913
    @arronsong3913 Před rokem

    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.

  • @tobyjugg6202
    @tobyjugg6202 Před rokem +2

    Proper documentary there mate, fascinating insight into how they did things - inginuity is everything isnt it - great stuff.

  • @lisaly8878
    @lisaly8878 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @frankcherry3810
    @frankcherry3810 Před rokem +3

    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

  • @arinjournal2197
    @arinjournal2197 Před rokem +1

    Love to see your contents growing. I remember just watching you vlog around Vientiane and villages. Keep it up buddy. Love my Hmong people.

  • @chongvang3171
    @chongvang3171 Před rokem

    Wow great history lesson

  • @timkiwi
    @timkiwi Před rokem

    Another great video.

  • @vengxiong1758
    @vengxiong1758 Před rokem

    You do good job brother good luck

  • @liquidmidnight1
    @liquidmidnight1 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @hermanvanzwam7009
    @hermanvanzwam7009 Před rokem

    fantastic video as always Neene and you are great combination ...happy from WA

  • @georgelee795
    @georgelee795 Před rokem

    Metro man!!!!!! 👊👊👊hmong hmoob is4 life

  • @lisaly8878
    @lisaly8878 Před rokem

    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.

  • @antruok4950
    @antruok4950 Před rokem +2

    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 🍻🇦🇺👋👍👌🙏

  • @billy4780
    @billy4780 Před rokem +1

    Good to see you guys traveling every where of Laos. There Many things Changed.

  • @beethao4145
    @beethao4145 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @mtnmandeluxe5429
    @mtnmandeluxe5429 Před rokem +3

    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

  • @ftkinsella
    @ftkinsella Před rokem +1

    Such an amazing people. So friendly and inviting. Thanks again Todd. Cheers mate!

  • @bboyshinny
    @bboyshinny Před rokem

    Love watching your videos :D

  • @mikegilyeat3213
    @mikegilyeat3213 Před rokem +1

    Very inspiring for the children. Great self confidence builder.

  • @riffraff8426
    @riffraff8426 Před rokem +1

    Todd great vlog once again, you and Your wife are nailing it. Very respectful you are to those beautiful people.

  • @dkvizion
    @dkvizion Před rokem +1

    Beautiful people, beautiful culture...thanks for sharing!

  • @hmgcrawler
    @hmgcrawler Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @richardjackson6922
    @richardjackson6922 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @billsimpson2392
    @billsimpson2392 Před rokem

    One of your best mate 👍👍💖💖

  • @presidentxijinpingspoxdoct9756

    Fascinating how they make the paper. There must be a market for authentic paper like that.

  • @brunowest5027
    @brunowest5027 Před rokem

    Yep you got the one with "May Doo" that wood handle is very expensive!!!

  • @AutumninAsia
    @AutumninAsia Před rokem +1

    Very nice video. I drove past that village in 2017. Now I wish I would have stopped!
    Keep on keeping on!

  • @primitivebulliestony9090

    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

  • @adriancoates3455
    @adriancoates3455 Před rokem

    The expression on your face tells a thousand stories. Brings me down to earth. Thanks for sharing

  • @reidadams4277
    @reidadams4277 Před rokem

    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.

  • @pakc6949
    @pakc6949 Před rokem

    Thank you Todd and Nee Nee for doing what you do and reminding people to give back to the people.

  • @spongesurf12
    @spongesurf12 Před rokem

    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.

  • @chrisconrod9560
    @chrisconrod9560 Před rokem

    If I ever get to Laos that village is on the top of my list. And multilingual shopkeepers!

  • @kickazz2730
    @kickazz2730 Před rokem

    Todd is a man on a mission. He's going places where a few has gone.

  • @leebruce2148
    @leebruce2148 Před rokem

    Great vedio sir happy new year .😁

  • @SkipRoche31
    @SkipRoche31 Před rokem

    Omg loved how the little came out of no we’re just to say hello was that his mum’s shop…?

  • @scottgordon1781
    @scottgordon1781 Před rokem

    The paper making was awesome, we make it the original way and no bleaches or pollutants :-)

    • @NowinLao
      @NowinLao  Před rokem

      Yes. Super interesting 👌

  • @yoojyim9560
    @yoojyim9560 Před rokem

    Loved it!!!

  • @Murph945
    @Murph945 Před rokem

    That's a Hmong Gym. You can't fool me! 🤣

  • @chrissonnenschein6634

    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.

  • @paulcalkin7960
    @paulcalkin7960 Před rokem

    Another good video, thank you

  • @rkmrbig
    @rkmrbig Před rokem

    Great video. Thanks

  • @thowe7988
    @thowe7988 Před rokem

    Wonderful video

  • @markforrester1888
    @markforrester1888 Před rokem

    Love your trips.

  • @maivlee82
    @maivlee82 Před rokem

    You guys have such a kind heart. Taking and giving back! I will continue to support your channel.

  • @scotbownes5627
    @scotbownes5627 Před rokem

    Great video Todd love it👍🙂

  • @jackkuppens8582
    @jackkuppens8582 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @BadMedizin
    @BadMedizin Před rokem

    Very cool Todd, thanks.

  • @frankcherry3810
    @frankcherry3810 Před rokem

    Nice to hear you speaking white Hmoob

  • @BobMelsimpleliving.
    @BobMelsimpleliving. Před rokem

    Thanks Todd very interesting and informative especially the man with all the information on paper making and hemp weaving and everything else. Great video.

  • @johnhummer2809
    @johnhummer2809 Před rokem

    The knife...reminded me of crocodile dundee..,.older movie...great videos

  • @sweetheavenearth8573
    @sweetheavenearth8573 Před rokem

    Todd and Neenee, i wish you two wonderful soul can win the lottery! You two are the angels of Laos!!!

  • @mitchhumlao
    @mitchhumlao Před rokem

    Leaving tomorrow for Lao. When will you guys be back in Vientiane ?

  • @tsabvdoproduction8648

    Hello brother

  • @gordon7260
    @gordon7260 Před rokem

    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

  • @jkyoung1109
    @jkyoung1109 Před rokem

    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.

  • @mikegilyeat3213
    @mikegilyeat3213 Před rokem +3

    Thanks!

    • @NowinLao
      @NowinLao  Před rokem

      Much appreciated Mike, thank you 🙏

    • @mikegilyeat3213
      @mikegilyeat3213 Před rokem

      @@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.

  • @dtrump4378
    @dtrump4378 Před rokem +1

    Best knives in the world

  • @spirittaos
    @spirittaos Před rokem

    Love this one, National Geographic style. You may get a call

  • @AlexV1014
    @AlexV1014 Před rokem

    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.

  • @midwestasian1624
    @midwestasian1624 Před rokem

    👊

  • @hadynjeffrey8210
    @hadynjeffrey8210 Před rokem

    Another stunning video and content.
    I can see it would be hard to walk passed all the kids.

  • @MichaelJonesC-4-7
    @MichaelJonesC-4-7 Před rokem +1

    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.*

  • @nyciron
    @nyciron Před rokem

    Great video watch all your videos I have to comment more often 👍🏽

    • @NowinLao
      @NowinLao  Před rokem

      Good onya, thank you! That would be great, cheers 😁👍

    • @nyciron
      @nyciron Před rokem

      @@NowinLao I’m an Ironworker by trade and dabble with forging

  • @ballistic350
    @ballistic350 Před rokem

    Awesome Todd loving your videos... hopefully you get the chance to meet up with my uncle bounmee he also had a channel

  • @paolohanh1740
    @paolohanh1740 Před rokem

    Todd I guess you could bring more tourism to visit that place.

  • @scottbaker9007
    @scottbaker9007 Před rokem

    Great video guys, but how much was the knife Todd? Loving the black and white photos, cheers from Australia.

  • @Mac-tz6ur
    @Mac-tz6ur Před rokem

    Thanks for another very informative video. What is the name and location of this village. Just to buy something of those kids and make them smile would make my day.

  • @candyman8055
    @candyman8055 Před rokem

    Super interesting video. Really like these types of videos. Wonder how much you paid for the knives and some of the things you bought.

  • @2024pajntoo
    @2024pajntoo Před rokem

    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.

  • @pvaj5406
    @pvaj5406 Před rokem

    Hi from California Todd

  • @sapawarrior9247
    @sapawarrior9247 Před rokem

    I have one Knives from the 60 when i came home

  • @geraldtabu7923
    @geraldtabu7923 Před rokem

    Hmong grinding stone is similar to what was used in Africa before diesel mills arrived after 1945.

  • @xengmoua2937
    @xengmoua2937 Před rokem

    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

  • @dancalhoun7011
    @dancalhoun7011 Před rokem

    Tow Lai mid ?

  • @djjaewon
    @djjaewon Před rokem

    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.

  • @nhemekeovorabouth3420

    I wish I can bring those knives to USA

  • @superyoohoo100
    @superyoohoo100 Před rokem

    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.

  • @reidadams4277
    @reidadams4277 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @rthao2091
    @rthao2091 Před rokem

    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.

  • @paolee883
    @paolee883 Před rokem

    Brother how much you paid Laos money for that beautiful knife? Our USA $?

  • @NguyenThiKimTai
    @NguyenThiKimTai Před rokem

    helo you like like you ok 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @sunsetusa343
    @sunsetusa343 Před rokem

    Todd, the life of the hill tribe villager like Hmong and other minority ethnic groups are hard. They just sell vegetables and their hand made crafts, day by day not enough to live

  • @hmgcrawler
    @hmgcrawler Před rokem

    Next time you visit the grandfather please get his number so people can order.

  • @mikegilyeat3213
    @mikegilyeat3213 Před rokem +1

    Come on mate..., make a childs day...

  • @peachtreee4649
    @peachtreee4649 Před rokem

    Multi purpose knife. Chop bones and can use in battle field. 😵😁

  • @williamrollins6403
    @williamrollins6403 Před rokem

    I absolutely love your channel but you have to acknowledge this little girl is wearing a shirt that says porn hub did you not see that did you not see that I mean that's absolutely horrible what is going on here where did she get that shirt and why is she wearing that is absolutely also I don't know if y'all caught that but it's real and it also says skull that is really bad please talk to that girl talk to that family and let them know that is wrong pornhub is a disgusting pornography site