KUALA KANGSAR: Abdul Mazin Abdul Jamil has been making keris for more than 60 years.
Fondly known as Pak Mazin, the 76-year-old is a fourth-generation master craftsman.
Abdul Mazin said he became interested in the craft through his family lineage and exposure to the craft from a young age.
“I come from a long line of royal blacksmiths.
“I watched my grandfather work with hot metal to create the keris, which left a deep impression on me when I was younger,” he said when met at his workshop in Kampung Padang Changkat here.
Abdul Mazin said his family has made keris for the country’s royal families, including the Sultan of Perak and the King, as well as dignitaries from the palace and members of the public.
He said the keris is no longer a weapon but an accessory to be worn with the baju Melayu.
“Traditional Malay attire consists of the tengkolok (headgear), the baju Melayu and sampin.
“The keris completes the look,” he said, adding that there have also been buyers from other countries.
“Nowadays, it is worn during weddings or royal functions at the palace,” he said.
“Others buy it as a keepsake to preserve our heritage.”
He said there are three different types of keris: Keris Hukum, Keris Alang and Keris Lok.
The Keris Hukum, he said, was used by Sultans in the past for executions.
“The Keris Alang serves as a status symbol for noble folk.
“The Keris Lok is distinctive because of its wavy blade.
“It is designed to have an odd number of curves, which can be three, five, seven or nine.”
Abdul Mazin said it would take about three weeks to complete a keris.
“Everything is mostly done by hand, and I only use machines to smoothen the metal and give it a finer finish,” he added.
“A good keris has good balance and can stand on the tip of the blade.”
Abdul Mazin said he would continue making the keris for as long as he can.
“I do fear that this craft would disappear one day if no one continues the tradition.”
He said his son Shaiful Hazrin, 38, now helps him at the workshop.
