- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 4,794
Wanted to share some pics of the new BAS I was lucky enough to get the other day as an UBBB. This one is by Sgt. Karka and just has to be seen and held to be appreciated. No habaki bolster, silver metalwork, a nice polished cho not too creepy, a perfectly aligned and polished chiruwa handle, and no rough edges anywhere. I would say that 80% of all the khuks I get have a slight edge where the buttcap meets the handle material. On this khuk that edge has been polished down perfectly, and even if or when the horn shrinks there still should not be a sharp edge there.
I am also used to chiruwa handles being above the handle material, and many times not aligned with the blade itself. This one is perfectly in line, tapered backwards, and completely even and smooth with the handle. The edge is well sharpened which is a nice change. The scabbard is perfectly fitted and has a smooth frog as opposed to a laced one. The only criticism I can find on any of these Sgt. Karka knives is also present on this one: the karda and chakma handles are scratched by exposed nails inside the sheath holes for them. I'll have to cover them with some leather patches. This isn't a case of the covers falling off, the Karka knives just don't have them.
I have it shown here with two other BAS's for comparison. Sorry for the so-so quality of the pictures; I'm still learning. The new one is on the right in all pics. The first on the left is a user I have had for a year by the ! kami, which has proved to be a strong little chopper, but the horn handle was actually mounted a bit crooked in line with the blade and there is also a gap between the bolster and handle.
The second in the middle is a wood handled BAS by Kumar, which is well done but was pretty dull out of the box, and the 3rd is the Sgt. Karka BAS which is the first BAS I recall seeing with a chiruwa handle. The horn has a nice feathery look to it as well.
It's amazing how much difference a little attention to detail can make, and it's good to see a knife that has all the little bugs ironed out from the start.
It's always hard to tell from the pics on the UBBB and DOTD, but in my opinion the detail and fit of the knives overall from the Sgt. Karka shop is just a bit higher than some of BirGhorka's regular stuff _on average_. Obviously I think the regular HI stuff is great quality or I wouldn't buy it, but these extra touches do make a difference.
Regards,
Norm
P.S. Another nice touch? No initials or busy work on the blade.
I am also used to chiruwa handles being above the handle material, and many times not aligned with the blade itself. This one is perfectly in line, tapered backwards, and completely even and smooth with the handle. The edge is well sharpened which is a nice change. The scabbard is perfectly fitted and has a smooth frog as opposed to a laced one. The only criticism I can find on any of these Sgt. Karka knives is also present on this one: the karda and chakma handles are scratched by exposed nails inside the sheath holes for them. I'll have to cover them with some leather patches. This isn't a case of the covers falling off, the Karka knives just don't have them.
I have it shown here with two other BAS's for comparison. Sorry for the so-so quality of the pictures; I'm still learning. The new one is on the right in all pics. The first on the left is a user I have had for a year by the ! kami, which has proved to be a strong little chopper, but the horn handle was actually mounted a bit crooked in line with the blade and there is also a gap between the bolster and handle.
The second in the middle is a wood handled BAS by Kumar, which is well done but was pretty dull out of the box, and the 3rd is the Sgt. Karka BAS which is the first BAS I recall seeing with a chiruwa handle. The horn has a nice feathery look to it as well.
It's amazing how much difference a little attention to detail can make, and it's good to see a knife that has all the little bugs ironed out from the start.
It's always hard to tell from the pics on the UBBB and DOTD, but in my opinion the detail and fit of the knives overall from the Sgt. Karka shop is just a bit higher than some of BirGhorka's regular stuff _on average_. Obviously I think the regular HI stuff is great quality or I wouldn't buy it, but these extra touches do make a difference.
Regards,
Norm
P.S. Another nice touch? No initials or busy work on the blade.
. 
