12" AK Question

H

hollowdweller

Joined
Sep 22, 2003
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Seems like I have read a lot of people posting good things about the 12" AK's. I have an 18" AK, but it is probably my least favorite khukuri due to the steep edge. Even when sharp it is more like I am beating my way thru the wood than cutting it.

On the other hand some of my other ones with the sharper more drawn out edge cut circles around the AK.

I have the 12" Pen knife that I love. You can cut a little branch with it or chop with it pretty well.

So what is the edge like on the 12" AK? Is it more of a mini chopper like an AK or does it have a little bit finer edge to it? Could you cut little limbs with it or would it bounce off like my big AK?
 
A certain DUCK would say, "a 12" K ain't no K!" :D

I don't have one either so I can't comment.
 
It does an admirable job for its size but when you compare it to the bigger brothers it does seem a bit puny.

It usually weighs in at about 13 or 14 ounces which is nearly a pound of knife.
 
The 12" AK's make great camp knives. Good for light chopping and other camp related use. I think it would out chop most any knife of the same size.

Here are some pics of my 12" AK:

ak_02.jpg


ak_03.jpg


15" AK and 12" AK:

aks_01.jpg


aks_02.jpg
 
Here are a few more comparision pics. My SRKW Camp Tramp and 12" AK

ak-ct_01.jpg


ak-ct_02.jpg


Edited to add ---

I need to learn to hold my camera still and get some better lighting.:o:o But, I think you get the general idea. :)
 
Hollowdweller?

I'd check on your edge on the 18 in AK.

I've got a 15 AK by Bura and a 12 AK by Shanker. I just took them out and they have much the same cutting edge. The 15 has a more blunted point, but that's because some numb-nut dropped it on concrete (mea culpa). The flat spot in the edge is from a repair after I tried to chop through a deer foreleg...just 'cuz it seemed like a good idea at the time (mea culpa).

They have sliced meat equally well, and aside from the vast difference in weight and length, cut almost the same...given the capabilities of each blade's dimensions.

I could not tell you a convex edge from a reticulated python, but apparently I sharpen these blades the same way.

Don't know if these shots can give you any idea, but here's the only pictures I have...back from when I refurbished that BAS.

I'd think the 18 AK should give you a better performance sense.

good luck.:)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=262482
 
Originally posted by hollowdweller
WM,

thanks for the pix. Edge appears to be good from the pix.
Click to expand...

No Problem. :) glad I could help. The edge is really good on this one. It is convex at the tip and belly then goes to flat ground (almost recurve) between the recurve and cho. The AK is just the way I'd want it if I had custom ordered it.:) Oh yeah, and it's really sharp too.:eek: :D

edited to add: Not sure if you can tell from the pics, but mine has a second fuller between the edge and the main fuller. So does the 15" AK. Pretty cool looking in person.:cool:
 
Those pictures give me an idea; How about a family portrait? The Khuks from HI lounging around the living room, watching TV, one in the big chair reading, several by the diningroom with a tasty snack...perhaps "and here's a shot of my Khuk with me in Ensenada, having a cool one." I'd like to see them wearing hats.




munk
 
Recently received a 12" AK Villager by Sher and am very happy with it. It is definitely a pocket-chopper and very sharp. The Pen-Knife is straighter and better for some applications as it can be used to perform a stab, or to dig, but my Sher-AK is sharper than the Bura-Pen knife I gave to a friend for christmas - maybe it is due to the convex edge. Did you kepp karda and chakma? I do not think they are of use because they are so tiny if they come with khuks under 15". So I removed the loops and the wooden triangle stabilizing the back, adjusted the frog (cut away the old holes, made new ones and used paracord to tie it around the now flat scabbard. Now it is a versatile, light and scary sharp (the first one I got to shave...) camp and rucksack-tour-knife.
Ordered another Pen-knife for me nevertheless :rolleyes:

Andreas
 
Thanks you all ~

From the general comments I cans see maybe I need to try another AK. Sounds like the edge on mine is not representative of the AK's in general.

My Pen knife was pretty dull too when I got it. But the actual shape of the edge was such that now that I sharpened it it has a fantastic edge from tip to cho, and stays that way. I've worked on the AK for twice as long and still it doesn't bite into the wood. Maybe if I had power equiptment. I'll keep workin' on it though;)
 
Originally posted by hollowdweller
Thanks you all ~

From the general comments I cans see maybe I need to try another AK. Sounds like the edge on mine is not representative of the AK's in general.
Click to expand...

Hollowdweller if you will send me your AK with return postage I will put a convex edge on it that you can shave the hair off a gnat's ass with it if'en ya wanna.:D
No charge.:)
 
Hollowdweller if you will send me your AK with return postage I will put a convex edge on it that you can shave the hair off a gnat's ass with it
Click to expand...

Yvsa, you talkie bout usin' what I think your gonna use? ;)
-WarrenR
 
Originally posted by WarrenR
Yvsa, you talkie bout usin' what I think your gonna use? ;)
-WarrenR
Click to expand...

Don't know Warren.
Simply put it on my Grizz and convex the edge after tapeing the blade. Take it down to 280 grit and then to the buffer. Might even try to align the hard felt wheel up, but I have other tricks.:D

Might take me a few days as I never know from one day or week to the next what my body is gonna do, but it will be done asap.:)
 
None of us liked hearing an 18" khuk was bouncing off wood and a 15" was outcutting it.






munk
 
HD,
If the offer from Yvsa doesn't do anything for you, please email me with an asking price. I would definately be interested. I hate to think of that poor khuk sitting around unused.:)
 
Yvsa,

If you are serious I would be eternally grateful. I have worked on it with the strop and sandpaper but it seems to me at least I can't get enough off to get it right.

If you still have my e mail addy send your add and I'll send the khuk and postage and all. I'd love to get it to where I could actually use it well. :D :D
 
Looks like someone needs to clean up his apartment. :D ;)

Which is the one that took the chunk out of your arm?
 
I have never had a 18" AK but I haven't found the need for one. The 15" and 2 12" AK's. The villager by Kumar is just a bit heavier than the Bura regular model. If you are just getting one of the 12" models done fear. They will hold their own for most camp duties. I like the both of my 12" AK's very much. Not likely to let go of mine till I croak. :)
 
Originally posted by Pappy
I have never had a 18" AK but I haven't found the need for one. The 15" and 2 12" AK's. The villager by Kumar is just a bit heavier than the Bura regular model. If you are just getting one of the 12" models done fear. They will hold their own for most camp duties. I like the both of my 12" AK's very much. Not likely to let go of mine till I croak. :)
Click to expand...

I'll have to jump on one next time.:D
 
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