Mitmor Knife

Mitmor (Thai: มีดหมอ; pronounced meed mor) — also spelled Meed Mor, Metmor, or Mid Mor — refers to a sacred ritual knife used in Thai folk magic traditions. Crafted from materials such as metal, bone, or wood and inscribed with potent Pali or Khmer khatha (เขต, mantras), Mitmor knives are regarded as powerful instruments for protection, exorcism, and spiritual empowerment.^[1]

Mitmor knives are commonly fashioned from sacred substances such as ivory tusks, temple metals, or rare ritual woods. Handles may feature carvings of the hermit sage Lersi (ฤาษี), embedded takrut (ตะกรุด, amuletic scrolls), sacred hairs, or powders hidden beneath bindings.^[2][3]

In practice, the Mitmor serves as both a ritual wand and a directional tool, used to expel malevolent spirits, nullify curses, and sanctify holy water. It plays an important role in blessings connected with Kong Grapan Chadtri (protection), Maha Lap (wealth), and Metta Maha Niyom (charm and affection). Practitioners often chant incantations (kata) while swirling the blade in water or tracing symbolic shapes over a person or object.^[1]

One notable form is the Mitmor Dtri Paetch, named after Hanuman’s mythic trident and crafted by Luang Phu Panya in 2012. This version is carved with intricate Khmer Agkhara spells and blessed with Buddhist tri-gem symbolism, making it highly valued for its reputation in granting invincibility and repelling harmful entities.^[4]

Among the most famous Mitmor makers was Luang Phor Doem (หลวงพ่อเดิม) of Wat Nong Pho, who forged blades from melted coffin nails. These pieces, sometimes called “Conquering Knives” (ขุนศึกรัต), were feared for their reputed power to break magical protections, detect poison, heal illness, and drive away evil.^[5]

His disciple, Luang Phor Kant of Wat Kao Kaew, continued this lineage, creating knives that were considered nearly as potent as those of his teacher.^[6]

A widely used chant in Mitmor rituals is the Kata Ārātanā Mitmor, a protective formula drawn from ancient sorcery scriptures (ตําราไสยเวท). The chant is intended to invoke the Triple Gem, call upon cosmic guardians, and subdue malevolent spirits.

A common form begins with:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa (×3)

Iti Piti Iti Piti Iti Piti Phutthang Phaet Thammang Phaet Sangkhang Phaet

This is typically recited while tracing a protective circle in the air or stirring water with the Mitmor, after which the water is sprinkled on the intended subject or place.^[7]

• Tai folk religion
• Thai black magic practices
• Takrut
• Amulets in Thailand
• Southern Esoteric Buddhism