19th Century Indian Khukuri - Survey Says?

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Craig Gottlieb

Joined
Mar 8, 1999
Messages
1,760
Saw this "19th century" Indian khukuri on Ebay. What do you all think about the blade shape - I like it (reminds me of Otto's contest winning design just a bit).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Nice, but a bit too rusty for my tastes.



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Harry

Toujours l'audacite!
 
Not a bad looking old khukuri, but that buttplate that sticks up and forward looks like it could dig a hunk out of your hand
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. Although old khuks that size usually do pretty well on eBay, considering the amount of rust and lack of scabbard & knives, I'll be interested to see if this one makes the seller's reserve, if it's much higher than the opening bid amount.
 
Yeah, I noted the high reserve price too. And as for my thoughts of seriously restoring it - no telling what the steel is like - could be an unhardened railroad khukuri. Any idea if it's genuine?

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
The rust could be cleaned with an old copper penny and Flitz, but would leave some severe pitting. I think, primarily based on the patination of the handle as seen in closeup (I can bury steel in my compost pile & get that much rust in a month
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, but ageing varnish is harder), that it's genuine in the sense that it's Nepalese and wasn't made in the last several decades, though I doubt it's 19th Century. If you stay away from the lion-head pommels with chrome-plated blades, you can find some decent old khuks on eBay. IMHO, this one doesn't appear to be a best buy, but someone else may find it irresistable.
 
Berk: Good advice. I think I'll pass and wait for a better example to come along.

BTW: I thought you'd jump on that deer handled mini - are you all khuk'd out?
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
I really, really like the shape of the blade, Craig. I think of this shape as being more traditional than most of those seen today. Any chance of you special ordering a couple of 18 inchers with this shape?
 
Actually, Otto's contest winner is sort of like this. Once I get Otto's prize in and forward it to him, I'll probably order a bunch of them. Will that do, Steven?

PS: Steven, there is a little something for you in this shipment (keeping my fingers crossed). Can you guess what it is?

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Craig, thanks for thinking of me, but now I'm going to be suffering from major anxiety while awaiting the "little something." I'm afraid to let myself think about what it might be.
 
Steven: Well, I'm sure you can figure it out if you stop and think (hint: what's missing that I sort of "owe" you). PS: When and if it comes, we can settle up on the other items too.
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I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one!

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
I think I have it figured out Craig. And you are indeed a gentleman and all around great guy.
 
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