Hi khuknuts! 
A little while ago I acquired a "15 AK that's seen a lot of use. Of course I knew already when ordering it that I would want more khukuris
My thinking was to get a relatively light and portable "small" khukuri (the AK) and a somewhat larger one for heavier work/just to see how it feels. So here we go with another "look at my shiny new toy" post.
Now, the AK have proved itself extremely capable. It weighs in at 20oz, thus a light one, probably very comparable to the standard BAS. I decided on the WWII mainly because I wanted a larger/longer khukuri that was a good mix between the light and fast gelbus/chitlangs and the many heavy choppers. Seems more often than not that "18's are in the 30+ oz range. Weight reasons basically invalidated the M43, CAK and so forth. Thus, when ordering I asked for lightest "18 WWII in stock and got this one at 26,5oz. I might actually remove some material from the spine and bring it down an oz or two in weight. Still on the fence about that. Need to use it more first.
My WWII is made my Tirtha kami and came reasonably sharp with a very well-made/shaped blade. Almost impossible to discern the hammer marks. The handle is of nice wood (satisal?), but the finish wasn't that good and the edge of the pommel cap thingy was sharp. Karda/chakma seem to be hardened enough for practical use, but the karda came with a bent tip (curiously enough the same was the case with the AKs karda). Cleaned and sanded down all the handles (minor reshape on the karda just for the fun of it, do not really ad anything) and have been oiling them over the last few days with some Ikea wood oil that I use on furniture. It's very cheap, actually quite durable, thin, dries quickly and have no objectionable smell. I don't know what kind(s) of oil(s) that froms the basis for the Ikea oil. I doubt it is as good as tung oil or even boiled linseed oil though. Probably going to use some boiled linseed oil for the final layer(s). Considered going for really high-gloss "glass", but doubt I have the patience to build up all those layers and this thing is going to be used anyhow
I also removed the brass tip from the sheat, loosened the frog and pulled it so far up it could go while still holding onto the sheat. Finaly I braided a strap from some rope I had lying around (wish I had some rope with a less screaming color, but the strong color has some merrits in other situations - easy to spot). The idea is that the strap/shoulder holds the weight while the belt holds the sheat in place. The strap can be adjusted, but it's made to a close fit (to me) and to typically be worn under the outer layer of clothing. In a hypotetical survival situation it can easilly be disassembled and used for other purposes. Of course this strap thingy would have been even better with a carabiner or similar quick release, but it's fun to make something entirely out of rope too.
So, here's the customary shots from my kitchen table. Need to drag my arse into the photo studio with the khukuris soon and make some proper shots.
The whole setup.
Nice wood! I really like the feel of wood, particularly with some oil in it. Bone is perfectly ok too, but wood feels more alive.
Excellent size for my pansy computer geek hands. Three good grip positions, standard, dropping down to the pommel or choking up. Gives a lot of control and balance.
Fantastic blade. Yes it has been sharpened and thus partially scratched/sanded.
A typical, substantial HI spine, but actually slightly thinner than the "15 AK.
"15 AK compared to "18 WII. The eye (or rather camera lens) do not really quite show the difference. I'm probably going to play around with forced patina, with iron chloride as soon as I get my hands on it. Presently I take a little Autosol (metal polish/cleaner) and a cloth and quickly rub down the blades after a while of use. It gives scratched (i.e. sanded) metall that polished brushed stainless steel look and cleans out gunk. I have no problem with gray, spotty users though, I just like to fiddle
Mac
A little while ago I acquired a "15 AK that's seen a lot of use. Of course I knew already when ordering it that I would want more khukuris
My thinking was to get a relatively light and portable "small" khukuri (the AK) and a somewhat larger one for heavier work/just to see how it feels. So here we go with another "look at my shiny new toy" post. Now, the AK have proved itself extremely capable. It weighs in at 20oz, thus a light one, probably very comparable to the standard BAS. I decided on the WWII mainly because I wanted a larger/longer khukuri that was a good mix between the light and fast gelbus/chitlangs and the many heavy choppers. Seems more often than not that "18's are in the 30+ oz range. Weight reasons basically invalidated the M43, CAK and so forth. Thus, when ordering I asked for lightest "18 WWII in stock and got this one at 26,5oz. I might actually remove some material from the spine and bring it down an oz or two in weight. Still on the fence about that. Need to use it more first.
My WWII is made my Tirtha kami and came reasonably sharp with a very well-made/shaped blade. Almost impossible to discern the hammer marks. The handle is of nice wood (satisal?), but the finish wasn't that good and the edge of the pommel cap thingy was sharp. Karda/chakma seem to be hardened enough for practical use, but the karda came with a bent tip (curiously enough the same was the case with the AKs karda). Cleaned and sanded down all the handles (minor reshape on the karda just for the fun of it, do not really ad anything) and have been oiling them over the last few days with some Ikea wood oil that I use on furniture. It's very cheap, actually quite durable, thin, dries quickly and have no objectionable smell. I don't know what kind(s) of oil(s) that froms the basis for the Ikea oil. I doubt it is as good as tung oil or even boiled linseed oil though. Probably going to use some boiled linseed oil for the final layer(s). Considered going for really high-gloss "glass", but doubt I have the patience to build up all those layers and this thing is going to be used anyhow
I also removed the brass tip from the sheat, loosened the frog and pulled it so far up it could go while still holding onto the sheat. Finaly I braided a strap from some rope I had lying around (wish I had some rope with a less screaming color, but the strong color has some merrits in other situations - easy to spot). The idea is that the strap/shoulder holds the weight while the belt holds the sheat in place. The strap can be adjusted, but it's made to a close fit (to me) and to typically be worn under the outer layer of clothing. In a hypotetical survival situation it can easilly be disassembled and used for other purposes. Of course this strap thingy would have been even better with a carabiner or similar quick release, but it's fun to make something entirely out of rope too.
So, here's the customary shots from my kitchen table. Need to drag my arse into the photo studio with the khukuris soon and make some proper shots.
The whole setup.
Nice wood! I really like the feel of wood, particularly with some oil in it. Bone is perfectly ok too, but wood feels more alive.
Excellent size for my pansy computer geek hands. Three good grip positions, standard, dropping down to the pommel or choking up. Gives a lot of control and balance.
Fantastic blade. Yes it has been sharpened and thus partially scratched/sanded.
A typical, substantial HI spine, but actually slightly thinner than the "15 AK.
"15 AK compared to "18 WII. The eye (or rather camera lens) do not really quite show the difference. I'm probably going to play around with forced patina, with iron chloride as soon as I get my hands on it. Presently I take a little Autosol (metal polish/cleaner) and a cloth and quickly rub down the blades after a while of use. It gives scratched (i.e. sanded) metall that polished brushed stainless steel look and cleans out gunk. I have no problem with gray, spotty users though, I just like to fiddle
Mac
That handle looks comfy as all get out! the bell on the end angles down which is a little different then on mine, but looks better for certain grips. Thanks for sharing it with us. 
