help identifying an old khukuri

[eman13]

After some elbow grease, I got the khukuri fixed up and pretty, and used it for working at a rental property my family owns. It went through light foliage quite nicely, and a few dead branches as well. Thanks all who helped ID this thing, it by far has the coolest history of the knives in my collection (with the exception of my grandfathers Martindale Bolo)

[eman13]

For those that are curious, I have finished fixing up the blade and sheath for use. For the sheath I added a belt loop to the top of the sheath and sewed it on through the needle holes already in the leather. I then added a leg strap to keep it from flopping about while walking with it. The only thing I did to the blade was sharpen it, oil it, and wrap the handle with paracord. This was to protect the original handle and give me a larger, more comfortable grip. It is a fantastic blade and way too much fun to use.

[DJD]

A little camo paint would make it way kewl.

DD

[eman13]

A little camo paint would make it way kewl.

DD

paint..... where? I don't think this blade wants to be painted, but I do have camo paracord for the handle if I change my mind on the handle color! This sucker is too old to paint methinks.....

[eman13]

One more thing I have to ask before I'll let this thread die: I am really tempted to blue the blade to protect it from rust and aging, should I? It has become quite a nice bugger to use, and I can't decide if I want to blue the metal for its own protection. Thoughts?

[ron_m80]

I am really tempted to blue the blade to protect it from rust and aging, should I?

You have disregarded most of the advice given already, why would anything said matter now? It is yours to enjoy.

[HoosierQ]

Man I hate to tell you but the fellas are a funnin you now. You've tacticooled up what appears for all the world to be an antique Khukuri and are making mods to it. Every act you take from here on out detracts from the thing. Thus the comment about the camo paint which seemed to whoosh over your head.

Thoughts? You've solicited advice so here it is: Return the thing to as close to you found it, take off the paracord wrap for crying out loud and figure out a more dignified life for that thing. If you want a tacticool KLO (Khukuri Like Object) go to Zombie Tools or Cold Steel (or Busse for that matter) and knock yourself out. Leave this poor old Nepalese war horse to enjoy some time out to stud, in pasture.

[eman13]

Hoosier, your right. I have removed the stuff I added to it , and just gonna leave it like I found it (plus some oil). I get carried away from time to time, won't let it happen again.

[HoosierQ]

Wow. Well good for you man. That thing is really awesome. I can tell you really love it...and darn well you should. That is the kind of thing you want to be able to say "hey man, you wanna see this cool knife I got?" and get a lot of serious accolades for the good fortune of having it. You've done the right thing man. That thing is a real piece of history. If it could talk, I'd bet we'd all be amazed!

Wassail friend!

[eman13]

I really do care about this blade, and it has a story, but no mouth to speak it. I guess I get carried away because I try to give it the ability to tell me.

[Karda]

I really do care about this blade, and it has a story, but no mouth to speak it. I guess I get carried away because I try to give it the ability to tell me.

It is speaking to you, but you must listen.
To me it says:
"I've done my part and wish to rest
Let me inspire you, if you must use me, do so wisely."


Believe it or not, even your simple repairs with modern adhesive,the cleaning (except for active rust) and each time you use it negatively affects the piece itself and any value it has to a real collector of khukuri. You are holding a national treasure of Nepal in your hands and it should be finally given the respect it so richly deserves after it's many years of service.

I don't agree with the wholesaling of Nepals treasures.....
But to many they are rusted junk.
To me they are priceless, each and every one.

[eman13]

I don't agree with the wholesaling of Nepals treasures.....
But to many they are rusted junk.
To me they are priceless, each and every one.

That does bother me as well, because of that I will ensure at least one treasure is kept safe. I don't actively clean blades, but keep them maintained with non-petroleum based oil on the metal parts (once a month with a soft cloth), and careful to not get it on the wooden handle. The only use I would have for it is clearing brush once a year at a hunting camp that my family owns. I sharpen with a leather strop without compound, and no diamonds or stones. It takes a little longer, but nearly no metal is lost by doing so.

Are their similar models to this one made at HI?

[Karda]

That does bother me as well, because of that I will ensure at least one treasure is kept safe. I don't actively clean blades, but keep them maintained with non-petroleum based oil on the metal parts (once a month with a soft cloth), and careful to not get it on the wooden handle. The only use I would have for it is clearing brush once a year at a hunting camp that my family owns. I sharpen with a leather strop without compound, and no diamonds or stones. It takes a little longer, but nearly no metal is lost by doing so.

Are their similar models to this one made at HI?

You've got the right idea, the more you touch up the less you need to sharpen.
Pharmaceutical grade mineral oil is great for keeping rust off your blade.

Similar in blade shape, yes.
But H.I. makes larger handles to fit american hands better.
Something for every taste and every job on our forum.
As you hear on this forum " the right tool for the job", there are different khukuri specifically designed for different tasks.
There are heavy choppers, lighter models for brush clearing, lighter thinner styles for defense and many other types of knives/blade styles as H.I. doesnt just make khukuri only. Anyone with interest is welcome to look around and ask questions. It's a friendly bunch in there.