Just recieved my first khukri today. A bilton from HI (I think). For starters, I would be impressed with this knife if it were twice the price. I will be purchasing a full size khukri very shortly. I am very satisfied with the bilton. The fit and finish is excellent. Also, like any newbie to any subject, I have a few questions. I have been reading that the HI biltons are partial tang. Can anyone shed some light on exactly how partial it is? Also, I cant find details on what steel most of these are made out of, but according to what I've read on the website, I assume 1050-1090? And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume the traditional use of a khukri is not unlike a machete, thus come with the shame sharpened but not razor-like edge of a machete. Is this just the way most khukris are designed, or is just to save time? Anyways, I was getting a little bored with my knife collecting. I think I've just found something to liven it up for a while.
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A khukri/HI fan is born
- Thread starter kaosu04
- Start date
Welcome Kaosu !
Well I thought I started small (15 incher). Heard of a few that started with a 12 incher. You are the only one that I know who started with a 9 inch Biltong !!
Not laughing at you. Some of the most respected forumites here started with little Khuks 1st (being knife collectors inintially I'd guess)
As for the tang question for the biltong, somebody can asnwer that for you, I do not own one........yet
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The steel that HI uses to forge their knifes is 5160 as I recall. Truck's leaf springs.
Well khuks are made for heavy work like chopping hard woods and stuffs. So having a 'chopping sharp' edge can make the khuks stand up to much abuse (hello Dave R ...
) without dents and chips or nothing thats not easily maintained in the field.
And the convex grind.......
More experienced forumites can explain the above in more detailed and educated manner than I can.
I must get myself a Biltong too.
Well I thought I started small (15 incher). Heard of a few that started with a 12 incher. You are the only one that I know who started with a 9 inch Biltong !!
Not laughing at you. Some of the most respected forumites here started with little Khuks 1st (being knife collectors inintially I'd guess)As for the tang question for the biltong, somebody can asnwer that for you, I do not own one........yet
.The steel that HI uses to forge their knifes is 5160 as I recall. Truck's leaf springs.
Well khuks are made for heavy work like chopping hard woods and stuffs. So having a 'chopping sharp' edge can make the khuks stand up to much abuse (hello Dave R ...
) without dents and chips or nothing thats not easily maintained in the field.And the convex grind.......
More experienced forumites can explain the above in more detailed and educated manner than I can.
I must get myself a Biltong too.
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,930
Welcome to the Cantina Kaosu, got a brother out in Tuscon that works as a hoof trimmer and horse trainer. Gotta get out that way to visit one of these days.
Partial tangs aren't a problem on the little Biltons, I've used 'em a bunch and found them to be tough, capable little khuks. Obviously, their intended use is cutting, not chopping or prying, so don't hesitate to hone it up good and sharp, and use it to cut everything from cardboard boxes to carrots for a pot of stew. Got to warn you though, once you get your hands on a "regular sized" khukuri, which I'm sure you will, that Bilton is going to feel a bit like a toy.
Sarge
Partial tangs aren't a problem on the little Biltons, I've used 'em a bunch and found them to be tough, capable little khuks. Obviously, their intended use is cutting, not chopping or prying, so don't hesitate to hone it up good and sharp, and use it to cut everything from cardboard boxes to carrots for a pot of stew. Got to warn you though, once you get your hands on a "regular sized" khukuri, which I'm sure you will, that Bilton is going to feel a bit like a toy.
Sarge
- Joined
- May 18, 1999
- Messages
- 15,395
Welcome to the Cantina Kaosu. As Sarge has said the partial tangs aren't a problem on the Biltons, I'd guess they go over half way up anyway or maybe even more like the larger partial tangs such as the Bura Dui Chiarra.
On the larger partial tangs it's a good idea to put a pin in the handle through the tang if the khukuri is going to see really hard use.
One of the guys used an older model Hanuman for years though without pinning the handle and it served him well, no doubt still would have if it hadn't of been stolen during a burglary.
On the larger partial tangs it's a good idea to put a pin in the handle through the tang if the khukuri is going to see really hard use.
One of the guys used an older model Hanuman for years though without pinning the handle and it served him well, no doubt still would have if it hadn't of been stolen during a burglary.
kaosu.......
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371315
I think you might be interested in these.........I think the 15" AK with carved handle and the 12" AK for $50 are not claimed yet.
I have a 15 incher and one 12" AK coming......so I just let these pass.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371315
I think you might be interested in these.........I think the 15" AK with carved handle and the 12" AK for $50 are not claimed yet.
I have a 15 incher and one 12" AK coming......so I just let these pass.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 3,178
Welcome, Kaosu.
I'm told that the steel normally used for full sized khukuris is 5160. (Or as I like to think of it, 5160-ish, because we're never quite sure.) I'm convinced that other steels are sometimes used for smaller or different pieces, for a variety of reasons that aren't within the scope of this thread.
One of my display pieces recently made the transition to a "user" and despite the partial tang, there have been no problems. The tangs seem to be burned in and have a very tight fit. Couple that with the laha used to secure them and it's no wonder that I haven't had any problems. Unpinned partial tang khukuris were the norm in Nepal for a long time. I can see why.
In a smaller piece, I wouldn't worry about a partial tang at all. In a larger piece...well, it doesn't seem to be an issue here yet, but give me some more time with it. If it ever comes loose I'll pin it, I suppose.
I'm told that the steel normally used for full sized khukuris is 5160. (Or as I like to think of it, 5160-ish, because we're never quite sure.) I'm convinced that other steels are sometimes used for smaller or different pieces, for a variety of reasons that aren't within the scope of this thread.
One of my display pieces recently made the transition to a "user" and despite the partial tang, there have been no problems. The tangs seem to be burned in and have a very tight fit. Couple that with the laha used to secure them and it's no wonder that I haven't had any problems. Unpinned partial tang khukuris were the norm in Nepal for a long time. I can see why.
In a smaller piece, I wouldn't worry about a partial tang at all. In a larger piece...well, it doesn't seem to be an issue here yet, but give me some more time with it. If it ever comes loose I'll pin it, I suppose.