18" AK just arrived...Question?

L

leviathan2006

Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Messages
7
Just got my 18" AK by Bura; it's beautiful. Have a WWII by him as well. I'm fairly new to HI, and kukris in general, and have a question. How do the tangs secure into the handles? The method used for full tang models with pins is obvious, but the ones that have wood or horn handles where the tangs can't be seen are the types to which I'm referring. Do any one you have a picture, sketch or web address that will clearly show how HI attachments to handle and end cap are done? I'm insatiably curious about everything and this one is a puzzle to me. Thanks in advance. BTW, I've been impressed with the helpful people and all the info I've seen posted here...seems to be a good group.
 
I don't have any pics, but I know others have posted some up somewhere. The tang of your AK is a stick tang style. Unlike most rat tail tangs that are spot welded and weak. The khuk tang is forged from the same piece of steel as the blade. It tapers down like a kangaroo tail and out the buttplate of of the handle. The remaining material is then secured with the keeper (small piece of brass over the larger piece) and is then peened over. This in conjunction with the laha (natural epoxy) that basically glues the handle material to the tang itself results in a handle that is pretty much bombproof and forever stuck....well there are a few tricks to getting one off, but the handle shouldn't come loose or fail with use alone;)

Jake
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top