16.5" WWII - First Impressions

dhuff

dhuff

Joined
Feb 19, 2002
Messages
129
Well, I hear it's the tradition around here that one posts a review of their first Khukuri, so here's mine.

Received a 16.5" WWII model by Bura on Monday and was quite impressed. I was primarily interested in this as an historical / military collectors item, as my Dad used to tell stories about meeting the Gorkhas over in N. Africa during WWII. In person, the blade seems massive (much thicker than I expected). I can't imagine what an 18" model, or one of the bigger AKs, must be like in comparion. I can see why the AKs are referred to as "choppers". The "magic stone" finish was nicer than I expected - quite mirror-like for something hand-forged. Nice edge on the main blade, which is perfectly straight and (of course) has that lovely, curved "khukuri shape".

The horn handle has a few grain lines, but nothing that raises any concern. They simply give the handle character and make it look like horn. Karda and chakma both nice, though the edge on the karda could use some sharpening. The sheath was in the "new leather" style, but also had some designs worked into it. Quite good looking and everything fits snug, but not too tight.

Overall, it has that aura of a beautiful handmade item from someone who really knew what they were doing, with a design that has evolved over hundreds of years to be a perfect blend of form & function that really feels "right" in your hand. The thing begs to be used, not just admired. I also got a kick out of owning something made by the Royal Kami, and that will become part of the story of this khukuri as I hand it down to my son.<br>
 
Congrats on the new Khukuri!:)

Make sure to read the FAQ section on care of horn handles--they're tough but need a little TLC--especially if your humidity levels change alot from season to season.
 
I recently got a WWII as well, with Kesar's mark. Looking it over, it really is apparent that his fine, handmade tool is the work of somebody who knows how blades are used. From the balance, the handle, and the very good edge, it just seems to say "I can handle anything".

The edge really is terrific, just short of razor sharpness with a "toothy" bite that catches and cuts in the same motion. Even with the weight, clearing light vegetation was a breeze. Chopping well-dried tropical wood (coconut and sapodilla) didn't faze it either. My compliments to Kesar, I have never owned a more trustworthy blade than this one.

Andrew Limsk
 
Noticed that the brass bolster on this is just a tad bit "wiggle-ly" (nothing major, doesn't seem in danger of coming loose). Any ideas for fixing this ? I read the Construction & Maint. FAQ and all I found was mention by Yvsa that he had ...used some super glue to repair a loose bolster a while back and mentioned that it melted the laha.



Note that this is not critical and certainly doesn't affect the usability of knife in any way.<br>
 
Try some squirting some epoxy into the voids in the bolster. Not that 5 minute stuff but the stuff that takes longer to set (the stronger stuff).
 
I notice that the brass of the bolster isn't "tight" against the sides of the blade, so I assume these are the voids mentioned ? Also, what would one use to squirt epoxy into such a small space ? Small, disposable syringe ? (perhaps with a large gauge needle on it ?)





Any specific tips for how to do this, or what tools might be used, would be greatly appreciated. And make sure to talk slow and use small words - I'm a Unix/networking/general computer geek, not a craftsman :D <br>
 
PJ - There are lots of threads on epoxies and super glues, but since I only do finishing and touch-up, I've stayed with the two varieties of Duro I found at the hardware store. Duro Quick Gel, No Run Super Glue is good for laying a bead around the edge of a buttcap, and generally stays where it touches. The Duro "Super Glue" standard stuff runs like water, and is good for filling small voids. I apply it, and poke it in with the tip of a needle. The applicator tip on the tube is thin enough to reach most spots I've done so far. There was a discussion about using a syringe, and only the slower drying, very thin epoxies were recommended. I believe Yvsa has used some of these, and warns that the Bondini he uses to mount handles generates heat, and some heavy fumes, so look it over closely before you decide.
 
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