Luang Phor Pian, disciple of Luang Phor Parn, has created and blessed a number of Mitmor, but this particular example is by far his most elaborate and spectacular, what’s more the blade itself has been forged from sacred Namphi and the hilt fashioned from antler. Total length is 12 inches. Mitmor is known as 1st generation and was blessed for a total of three months. Made in very limited numbers, less than 300.
Many legends and have evolved around this marvellous metal, the rare underground treasure found under the peaceful village of Namphi, Uttaradit province, famous for Lek Namphi or the Namphi steel of Thailand.
This unique steel has been recognized since the rule of the Ayuddahyan dynasties (1350-1767 AD). Found only in the Namphi village and nowhere else, it was secreted and protected as a high quality steel only to be used for royalty. The weapons of kings were made from this steel.
Only until recently has His Majesty the King (Rama IX) permitted the use of Namphi steel for commoners.
Today, serious collectors and those who believe in the powers of the Namphi steel treat it with the respect as they would any religious object.
The Namphi steel has a beauty like no other. The elegant silvery-blue metal is both tough and hard. These qualities can be shown in a Namphi sword striking a typical steel sword cutting the sword without leaving a scratch on the blade. Sword makers today usually test the sword's quality by cutting iron nails.
The Namphi steel can be found in two distint varieties which locals call the 'male metal' and the 'female metal', this mitmor being the male version. Exposing the metal to heat, sword makers achieve what they call the male metal that possesses a dark blue colour. This is the typical finishing especially when making swords, a process that reveals a distinguishing characteristic like no other. Without the final heating process, the female metal retains its white silvery, natural color of steel, having the same qualities of the male metal.
References: http://members.tripod.com/lek_namphi/