18" AK / 18"UBE? opinions?

A

atc

Joined
Sep 19, 2000
Messages
98
I was planning on getting the AK but I got a deal on a UBE blem. so now I'm wondering...anybody have both? Strengths/weaknesses?
 
I do not have a UBE, but judging from past comments by folks who do own them, I feel certain that you can't go wrong with either. They're both top notch khuks capable of doing whatever is demanded of them so it just boils down to personal preference. The only reason I don't have a(n) UBE is because I prefer the more traditional khuk look.
 
If you're thinking about getting a new knife from Uncle Bill, that's what I'd do, cause the quality of the new stuff I've gotten is unbelievable.

I have an 18.5 inch U.B.E., and I'll try to tell you how much I like this knife. It has a wider neck and is more uniform in width along its length. It is beautifully fullered.

I haven't given the U.B.E. a beating, because I kinda favor it. Still, I've tested it some, and it's a great chopper, and not particular about its "sweet spot." The edge is hard almost from the chou to an inch from the tip. Being wider and hard in the neck, that area of the blade is bit more useful for chopping and slicing than the AK. With the wider neck, the handle is more oval and bigger than a comparable AK.

It's not just good for chopping, either. It'll slice, whittle, chop carrots. Probably a good weapon, too, but I'm no judge of that. Very versatile.

I don't know the particulars about how this design came about I understand that Sanu (a particular favorite of mine) took the lead in making a special blade for Uncle Bill's visit. I think he was influenced by the AK Bowie in terms of the point, and flatter belly. That is another great knife I'm lucky to have.

I suspect that Uncle Bill's visit was a profound event for the kamis, maybe especially Sanu. Uncle Bill credits the bonuses (he's probably right about that), but I think there is a marked difference in quality that can be dated from the time of his visit.

My U.B.E. is an unbelievable knife.

Sanu presents Uncle Bill with the Uncle Bill Especiale -- pix.

And here it is, the Uncle Bill Especiale --pix and specs.

Uncle Bill Especiale -- The unsung hero?
 
Well said all!!! The UBE is indeed an amazing blade. As I've posted in the past, this knife feels magic. Mine weighs in at just about 2.5 lbs, but feels lighter than some others I have that are less than 2 lbs. The balance on this knife is phenomenal! I agree with the above comments about the sweet-spot, there is none, it is all sweet-spot, from just above the cho, all the way to the tip. I've chopped seasoned oak with it, split kindling with it, cut watermelon with it, sliced tomatoes with it, cut back springy and woody brush, etc., etc., etc.. There is no other knife that I own, or have owned that is so versatile and feels so good. I have never, and I repeat NEVER, had bad feed-back from the blade. A sirupati for instance, will shock the daylights out of your hand if you don't hit it in its sweet spot. I have purposely tried to get a "bad chop" with the UBE to no avail. Also, to those who haven't bought one due to the non-standard looks, you don't know what you are missing. The pics of this one do not do it justice. The curves of this blade will intoxicate you! It feels very 'bad', and hisses like a snake. The fullers in the blade are deep and true, and the over-sized handle is great. If I had only one knife to keep, this is it. The only thing that it doesn't do really well so far is split really big (18+ in. diameter) wood. My big AK does a better job on that stuff...
So, I guess, that in a nutshell, you could say that I would definitely recommend a UBE to any and everyone out there
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Did I mention that I like this blade?


Regards,

Rob

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The only thing better than a sharp knife is... Lots of sharp knives! :)
 
Many thanks for report from the field, Rob. I have my own UBE here is the computer shack but I have yet to use it heavily. It has the engraved message on it which makes it one of my sentimental favorites and I hate to use it and get it nastied up. But it is here if I need it and I have complete faith in its ability.

Good looking rig. I like it!

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Archives (18,000+ posts)
 
:
Kurdy it's still coming up with 0 pix listed in all the topics.

Perhaps it's photo point?


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>>>>---¥vsa---->®

"There's no trick in being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you."

...............Will Rogers......

Khukuri FAQ
 
Thanks again to all for answering a newbie's question and setting my fears to rest. I'll be sure to post when my first khuk's arrive and let you all share the joy (and the HIKV)!


Brent (yeah there's two of us who're new)!
 
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