Being referred to as Pandai Besi in ancient times was a mark of recognition of his expertise. The fact that Pandai Besi had lived since the times of the Malay underscrored the significance of the art of self-defence in tradisional Malay culture. The  monarchy then, who was engaged in frequent warfare, served as a catalyst in elevating the revered skills of the Pandai besi. Since then, Pandai besi have become a unique breed of craftmen in Malay society.

Pandai Besi, through their poineering spirit and inventiveness, have contributed invaluably to the preservation of tradisional Malay arts and crafts. The making process has been maintained as it was a hundred years ago. The apparatus used for the forging process, together with the highly skilled craftsmenship, lends, credence to the indepth expertise of the craftman. This can be seen by their creations with iron blades.

In this modern era, however, the Pandai Besi has not diminished as weaponry is still very much part and parcel of the art of self-defence.

The curves created on the blades of weapons are an artform in themselves, capuring the rich imagination of the Malays. The art of pamur (damascene of a keris) carving further enhances the unique skills and the high level of creativity involve in the making of weapons.

Hence the Pandai Besi must be highly sensitive towards the interplay of shapes when making a weapon, as the value of the weapon is determined by both its extrinsic and intrinsic expressions.

Sumber : Broshur Kraftangan Malaysia, 1995 ISBN 983-9196-20-0