Evening all,
Newly HIKV-infected member here. Just thought I'd give a quick review of the source of this virus: a seemingly innocent "blemished" 12" Ang Khola I received yesterday. This one's my very first, and I really couldn't be happier to be sick.
Initially, I was going crazy during the waiting period, devouring khukuri reviews and general info from the archives in my spare time. I haven't devoted so much time to this amount of research for a knife I already bought in a long time (must be an early symptom). When I saw it in the mail yesterday morning, I was just about to burst. I eagerly opened the package, tore down the very generous amount of packed newspaper, and was... quite frankly underwhelmed. The finish of the knife just seemed lacking compared to the production and custom knives I was so used to. There were small marks on the horn handle, and the brass hardware jutted out a little in some places. The edge was passable. The karda and chakma were smaller than I expected, and seemed almost like toys. And then I held the khukuri. It has a real heft to it. I should have seen it coming, as it was made by Sher (the Tiger) Kami, who is apparently infamous for overbuilt khukuris, but the chunkiness was still very surprising.
In any case, I took it home after work, and started to sharpen it. It took a great edge fairly quickly; I was surprised by this, thinking that the thickness of the knife would clash with the obtaining of a sharp edge. And this is where the virus really set in. I began using the chakma, and was impressed with how useful it was in obtaining a good edge quickly. I had never steeled a blade until that moment. Moving on, I worked on the karda. Once this little blade got sharp, it transformed from a little toy to an excellent utility knife. I realise now how it so perfectly complements the khukuri.
I went out to test the knife, and the virus kicked in big-time. It was able to chop through treated 2x4s with ease. "Pocket battleship" could not be more apt a label. The heaviness of the blade really shines during use, and I, after reading the chopping technique threads, was able to see how the shearing effect of the khukuri shape worked through the wood. And it was a joy to use, an absolute joy. While chunky for it's size, having only 8 or so inches of blade meant that my arm didn't tire at all. The handle, though a little uncomfortable, wasn't bad, since my hands are fairly small. I, like so many of you, had watched Noss's destruction tests of a 12" AK, but I did not experience the slick handle problem he repeatedly complained about. But then again, I'm not chopping bricks with huge gloves on. I think it is not unreasonable to say that, in regular use, the handles should be mostly fine for the small-handed persons like myself.
But I wasn't satisfied, and decided to use it in the kitchen. Cutting a pomelo was easy enough; slicing celery was a breeze. Cutting tomatoes... not perfect, but then again, what did I really expect from such a thick blade? All in all, I love this knife. In retrospect, I admit that I've been spoiled by the machine-perfect finish of other knives I have, but it's funny how many of those knives do not bring a smile to my face like this AK does. I'm not afraid to beat down on this knife, and it's already got a number of sandpaper scratches and crushed garlic stains. Just adds more character, gives it a bit more personality. Oh look, it's on my belt right now.
Thank you Auntie Yangdu for the no-nonsense service, I guess you guys will be seeing a lot more of me around here.
More than happy to support the kamis for their excellent work. Now, what to get next?
Newly HIKV-infected member here. Just thought I'd give a quick review of the source of this virus: a seemingly innocent "blemished" 12" Ang Khola I received yesterday. This one's my very first, and I really couldn't be happier to be sick.
Initially, I was going crazy during the waiting period, devouring khukuri reviews and general info from the archives in my spare time. I haven't devoted so much time to this amount of research for a knife I already bought in a long time (must be an early symptom). When I saw it in the mail yesterday morning, I was just about to burst. I eagerly opened the package, tore down the very generous amount of packed newspaper, and was... quite frankly underwhelmed. The finish of the knife just seemed lacking compared to the production and custom knives I was so used to. There were small marks on the horn handle, and the brass hardware jutted out a little in some places. The edge was passable. The karda and chakma were smaller than I expected, and seemed almost like toys. And then I held the khukuri. It has a real heft to it. I should have seen it coming, as it was made by Sher (the Tiger) Kami, who is apparently infamous for overbuilt khukuris, but the chunkiness was still very surprising.
In any case, I took it home after work, and started to sharpen it. It took a great edge fairly quickly; I was surprised by this, thinking that the thickness of the knife would clash with the obtaining of a sharp edge. And this is where the virus really set in. I began using the chakma, and was impressed with how useful it was in obtaining a good edge quickly. I had never steeled a blade until that moment. Moving on, I worked on the karda. Once this little blade got sharp, it transformed from a little toy to an excellent utility knife. I realise now how it so perfectly complements the khukuri.
I went out to test the knife, and the virus kicked in big-time. It was able to chop through treated 2x4s with ease. "Pocket battleship" could not be more apt a label. The heaviness of the blade really shines during use, and I, after reading the chopping technique threads, was able to see how the shearing effect of the khukuri shape worked through the wood. And it was a joy to use, an absolute joy. While chunky for it's size, having only 8 or so inches of blade meant that my arm didn't tire at all. The handle, though a little uncomfortable, wasn't bad, since my hands are fairly small. I, like so many of you, had watched Noss's destruction tests of a 12" AK, but I did not experience the slick handle problem he repeatedly complained about. But then again, I'm not chopping bricks with huge gloves on. I think it is not unreasonable to say that, in regular use, the handles should be mostly fine for the small-handed persons like myself.
But I wasn't satisfied, and decided to use it in the kitchen. Cutting a pomelo was easy enough; slicing celery was a breeze. Cutting tomatoes... not perfect, but then again, what did I really expect from such a thick blade? All in all, I love this knife. In retrospect, I admit that I've been spoiled by the machine-perfect finish of other knives I have, but it's funny how many of those knives do not bring a smile to my face like this AK does. I'm not afraid to beat down on this knife, and it's already got a number of sandpaper scratches and crushed garlic stains. Just adds more character, gives it a bit more personality. Oh look, it's on my belt right now.
Thank you Auntie Yangdu for the no-nonsense service, I guess you guys will be seeing a lot more of me around here.
More than happy to support the kamis for their excellent work. Now, what to get next?
Oh well, I'll try to get some pics up when I've the time.
with fairly large hands, then try out one in the 18" OAL range. That is what the one in my photo spread is and it is perfect. At least it is perfect for me. 