Not that there was much competition. The more I think about it, the more I wonder why. The most obvious reason likely being weight. It's going to be a bruiser. Ever since I saw the similiar (possibly the exact same)one posted on an earlier DOTD, I really fell in love with the profile. It has a relatively short, but nicely curved handle paired with a long downward sweeping blade. It seemed so familiar, but other than the fact it REALLY looked like a ringed version of the old military M-43s i've seen photos of, I couldn't put my finger on it. After Karda mentioned the Bhojpure and Berkely posted the photos I realized that was it! This is a Bhojpure, albeit with a chiruwa handle. Plain and simple chiruwa Bhojpure with HI's bullet proof construction. If you went hidden tang and put a 5/16 " blade thickness, it would be the spittin' image of a very authentic and historical khukuri. This also made me realize the M-43was obviously based on the Bhojpure design. So I picked up what appears to be an HI first, as far as this noobie can tell, heavy duty historical/military hybrid B-43! And I got it for $90
. Other similiar sized khuks go for more than that. Plus, this model didn't light the DOTD thread on fire, so it might not be made again. Or, there could be twenty more setting in Reno
. Never the less, I'm stoked about this khuk. It has incredible features. If they went hidden tang and knocked ten ounces off the weight, I bet Auntie could sell a truck load.
As I was reviewing SpiralTwista's historical military khuk update in the Cantina library, I discovered something else. JayGoliath's "Malla", which reminded me of the very cool Yeti Hunter, Is the spittin' image of the 1944 and 1945 era khuks which followed the M-43 design. No bolster and all! I believe Shaila has some experience he brought in. He knows the khuks, maybe just didn't know the name, since neither of the recent "Malla" khuks are a true Malla, again , as best as this total noob can tell.
The bottom line is that instead of being strange, doesn't fit here nor there khuks, these are really tried and true models possibly done by HI for the first time! I would suggest a smaller Cho, thinning out the blade some, and marketing them under the true identity. Whether Auntie will do this or not, I can't say. I can say I have my one and only, that i've seen, B-43, or more authentic looking ringed M-43
. I might be afraid to swing it too fast, since it looks as if that tip could come around and stick in your back, but it's one heck of a heavy duty khuk! I can't wait to actually feel it. I think Shaila is on to something, and I feel if the market is receptive, we could see some pretty cool stuff come from this Kami. I'm stoked
!
Take care and God bless.
