In the Amdo area, pasturing is the major means of livelihood. Here, herdsmen use knives to kill livestock for meat.

Their knives come in two distinct forms: for men and women. The knives for men are over 30 centimeters long and the latter are about half the size, with the bottom of the scabbard and end of the handle flaring out slightly, like the bow of a boat.

Amdo people like jewels and headdresses, and breast and waist decorations, which are very dazzling. Similar decorations are also used on their knives. The scabbards and handles are covered in gold and silver and are beautifully inlaid with coral and turquoise.

In the Kham area, people cherish their knives more than their herds. A good knife costs a  fortune in Kham. The scabbards are usually made of brass, cupro-nickel or pure silver and are inlaid with precious stones, with dragons and phoenixes engraved on the front face and grass stems on the back.

True Tibetan fanciers always search for ancient knives.

On the current market, an ancient knife 30 centimeters long without decorations may cost from 600 to 1,000 yuan (US$72-120). With fine traditional engravings, an ancient knife can easily set you back several thousand yuan.