Mitmor Knife


Mitmor — also spelled Meed Mor, Metmor, or Mid Mor — is a sacred ritual knife used in Thai folk magic and Buddhist esoteric traditions.
Typically crafted from metals, bone, or special woods and inscribed with powerful Pali or Khmer gatha, the Mitmor is regarded as a potent tool for protection, exorcism, and spiritual empowerment.

Materials and design

Mitmor knives are often made from consecrated substances such as temple metals, ivory tusks, or rare ritual woods.
Handles may feature carvings of the hermit sage Lersi, embedded takrut, sacred hairs, or hidden powders wrapped beneath bindings, all believed to enhance the Mitmor’s protective force.

Ritual use and powers

In ritual practice, the Mitmor functions as both a ceremonial wand and a directional instrument.
It is used to expel harmful spirits, break curses, sanctify holy water, and confer blessings associated with Kong Grapan Chadtri, Maha Lap, and Metta Maha Niyom.
Practitioners typically recite incantations while tracing symbolic patterns over a person or object or while swirling the blade in water.
One celebrated variant is the Mitmor Dtri Paetch, created by Luang Phu Panya in 2012 and inspired by the mythic trident of Hanuman. This version features intricate Khmer Agkhara inscriptions and Buddhist tri-gem symbolism, and is prized for its reputed power to repel harm and grant invincibility.

Historical masters and lineages

Among the most famous Mitmor makers was Luang Phor Derm of Wat Nong Pho, who forged blades from melted coffin nails.
His knives—sometimes called “Conquering Knives” —were feared and revered for their reputed ability to pierce magical protections, detect poison, heal illness, and drive away evil.
Luang Phor Derm’s disciple, Luang Phor Kant of Wat Kao Kaew, continued the Mitmor lineage, producing knives considered nearly as powerful as those of his teacher.

Ritual gatha (Kata chant)

A widely used chant in Mitmor ceremonies is the Kata Ārātanā Mitmor, a protective formula drawn from ancient Thai sorcery texts.
The chant invokes the Triple Gem, calls upon cosmic guardians, and subdues malevolent spirits.
A common recitation begins with:
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa
Iti Piti Iti Piti Iti Piti
Buddham Phaet
Dhammam Phaet
Sangham Phaet
The practitioner chants these verses while tracing a protective circle in the air or stirring consecrated water with the Mitmor, after which the water is sprinkled for blessing or protection.