Cheung Hin-chi - Traditional Blacksmith
One of Hong Kong’s last traditional blacksmiths, Cheung Hin-chi has been making old-fashioned wares—from pots and buckets to bus stop poles—for 60 years. He talks to June Ng about his life in the soon-to-be demolished Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate.
HK Magazine: How long have you been serving the Lower Ngau Tau Kok estate community?
Cheung Hin-chi: I’ve had this store for 40 years, and in that time the rent has gone from $80 to $2,000. I first became a blacksmith when I was 14. I was in school in Guangdong at the time, but I wasn’t a good student. I had so many brothers and sisters that I had to learn a craft in order to earn money and support my family.
HK: What kind of products do you make?
CH: I make all sorts of home appliances, from steel pots and dustpans to rice containers and mailboxes, and sometimes just plain old boxes for people to store their treasures or important documents in. I used to repair things too. In the 50s and 60s, Hongkongers were less wealthy than they are now, so when people’s pots broke, they’d bring them to me to fix. If there were a hole in the bottom, I’d cut a circle shape from a steel sheet and weld it over the hole. People don’t do that anymore because a new one pretty much costs the same as an old one, and many home appliances have been replaced by plastic products.
HK: Does your business have a peak season?
CH: Not really, but I made a lot of money during the time of water rationing in the 60s. Everyone was desperate for as many water containers as possible, so I earned a small fortune. You know those rectangular shaped cooking oil drums? I’d just cut them in half and sell them for money.
HK: What do you think of plastic products versus stainless steel?
CH: Of course, plastic is cheaper and more convenient—even I use a plastic dustpan at home. But for food storage, it’s always nicer to use stainless steel, as they don’t release toxic chemicals such as methanol. Even though this is a dying industry and no one wants to learn my craft, Chinese restaurants still like to use the scoopers I make, and some old ladies come from as far as Sha Tin to buy my goods.
HK: You recently taught a class at the visual art college at the Hong Kong Baptist University. Did you enjoy it?
CH: The class was started by a friend of mine. He asked me to come in and teach the students simple welding skills, such as how to make boxes from stainless steel sheets. It’s more for fun really. There are about 20 or so young people taking the class, so I find it quite enjoyable.
HK: When will Lower Ngau Tau Kok estate be demolished? Will you open up another store?
CH: The Housing Authority says the estate will be demolished in September, so I guess I’ll have to move out in August. I think I’ll take this opportunity to retire. My children are all grown up now, so I’ll just spend some time hanging out with my neighbors.