Career path: Toun Socheat, a journey as a blacksmith of ancient Khmer weapons

When Toun Socheat was 10, he began to take an interest in the ‘sastravuth’ or metal weapons that he contemplated in his grandfather's martial arts books. They fired his imagination and his attention was riveted by the photos of them on the pages.

A shelf full of creations at Hanuman Weapons and Khmer Amulets. Photo Hean Rangsey

Years later, when Socheat was studying at university, he learnt about the history and traditions of these ancient weapons and made his ancestors' legacy of eight generations his own. Crazy as it may seem in the 21st century, he decided to pursue a career as a blacksmith of ancient Khmer weapons.

One of Socheat's many customers is Hun Manith, one of Prime Minister Hun Sen's sons. Manith serves in the Royal Army as a four-star general and deputy chief of military intelligence. He has purchased several types of swords from Socheat, including the most elaborate ‘royal’ swords.

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