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Summary of Question:	Solving The Itchy Kara Problem
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 2/11/2003 4:30 PM MST

Sat sri Akaal!!!

I am among several who have posted about getting a nasty rash from wearing the kara, and among the frustrated for not finding an acceptible alternative. After first calling several local art studios (who wanted to charge me up to 600 US dollars for a simple stainless steel bangle) I called the art/design department of my local university. With the help of the department head, I found a student willing to make me my kara for a small fee, plus a letter of recommendation and personal references for future employment. I had to provide the steel myself; for this, I went to a place which supplies metal for industry and had them make a half-inch wide chunk of stainless steel pipe. The student will then grind down the sharp edges and make a smaller diameter, and it will count toward her grade at the end of the semester. So I also got to help someone along who is learning a trade, and the fee ultimately supports my local community. And while it is a touch more expensive than the type of kara which is usually available, I know that stainless won't cause a rash; and I can wear it with clear conscience, knowing I'm doing right by Guruji. For anyone who has had skin problems from their karas, I hope this will help!

Blessed Be,

Elizabeth

<<<< REPLY >>>>

Sat Nam! I did exactly as you did, Elizabeth. I took a piece of Aircraft grade 304 stainless steel (chrome molybdenum alloy) and machined three beautiful karas from it - polishing them to a high lustre on a polishing wheel. My wife and I have worn them for over 30 years with no problems at all. It is the impurities in the iron which causes problems. For those who cannot get sarb loh (pure iron) this is a wonderful solution.

.....G