A knife from Ganga Ram

Howard Wallace

Howard Wallace

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At the khukuri convention I had a chance to pick up one of the khukuris that Ganga Ram made for HI. A customer had returned one of the several Ganga originally made, so Bill happened to have one in stock. There was also an interpretation of the style by Bura. Bill told me, with a twinkle in his eye, that Bura’s was the better knife.

When I handled them both I found they were very similar. Bura’s was indeed superior in fit and finish. Bura’s was also thicker, and had a more perfect forward curve. The weight distribution of the two knives was slightly different.

Ganga’s seemed to be alive in my hand. I bought Ganga’s.

GangaRamKhuk3.jpg


GangaRamKhuk4.jpg



Specs:

OAL - 21.5”
drop - 4”
weight - 2 lbs. 10oz
finish - fine scratches, not mirror
handle – rosewood? with simple checkering and rope carving on central ring.

I took this knife out to the backyard when I got home. The handle ergonomics are excellent. The checkering is placed in such a manner as to give excellent purchase while not abrading the parts of the hand in contact with the top of the handle. The carving on the central ring also helps to secure the grip.

GangaRamHandle2.jpg


The chakma has a rounded handle, while the karda has a straight one. They are matched yet unique. The chakma is shorter than the karda, as I think appropriate.

This knife strikes true to where thought directs it. It has considerable mass that makes splitting wood a dream. You contemplate the wood and select the proper point to strike. Then you send the knife on its way. The knife gently kisses the wood at the selected point, and the wood bursts apart in joy.

It is evident why the kamis selected one of this old master’s knives for their puja.


[This message has been edited by Howard Wallace (edited 08-29-2000).]
 
Beautiful pictures Howard. And a beautiful knife. And I especially loved the handle. The wood and carving goes together so well. It almost looks like leather. It looks like it would settle into your grip and that there just wouldn't be any good reason to let go.

I've seen the Bura version at Terry's house. I thought it was the nicest knife I picked up at his house. So, if this one is nicer, I have to say I'm jealous. Enjoy it.

Gregg
 

Howard,
That's just what I wanted!!! Thanks for getting it for me, just box it up and send it this way. HAHA!!
I love that handle. If you ever get tired of playing with it you know where to send it.
Terry
 
Hey Howard,
That Khukuri is a real beautiful blade. When I was looking at it, I almost bought it also. Handle very well for a large blade. It was nice to meet you and your family in person!
 
Hi All,
When we were looking at this knife and Bura's rendition there were quite a few differences, I thought. While Bura's had a better fit and finish (it's amazing the old fella can still see well enough to do this well...) by far, it was just plain "Clubby" by comparison. This is my opinion, others may differ on this point, no one is wrong, it's a very subjuctive thing. That GRS had some subtle design refinements that I haven't seen too often in anything but high-end customs.

I agree with Howard: Bura's had the technical edge and was a very, very good knife, but G's had that indefinable quality that made it a great knife inspite of the cosmetic flaws.
Dan
 
Here is something to consider. What if I had said that the Ganga rendition was made by one of our apprentices. Would Howard have bought it?

But a great and poetic review, Howard, with beautiful pix. Many thanks!
------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Archives (18,000+ posts)

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 08-30-2000).]
 
Bill,
I can't speak for Howard, but I would have if you had told me that one of the drunk Sarki apprentices had made it. Then I'd have said that the kid was reallllly in the wrong line of work!

In years gone by I've passes on knives made by "name" makers for the work of new comers; not because the knives cost less or I was banking on them for investment, but because I saw something in their work that I didn't see in the others. Some times the differences were subtle (like the GRS) and some times the differences were obvious.
Dan
 
"the wood bursts apart in joy."
I assume this is your joy, and not the wood's? The wood is probably quaking in fear at the very sight of that thing. Good thing trees don't have eyes.

I once read a story called "The Ballad of Halo Jones" by Alan Moore. It was a series of extraordinary adventures by a very ordinary woman. At one point, she works as a logger on this planet that is virtually covered with forest. The trees have adapted a defensive measure to reduce logging. The trees have evolved long, narrow, open-mouthed faces in their bark, along with resonating passages in the trunks. When you cut into them, air whistles through the trunks, causing the trees to "scream." No one worked there very long.

Tom
 
Please forgive me for the bandwidth, but that's one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost, so I hope others not aquainted with the full version may enjoy the following:

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"

Whose woods these are, I think I know.
His house is in the village, though.
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer,
to stop without a farmhouse near.
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake,
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely,
dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.


[This message has been edited by Snuffy (edited 08-30-2000).]
 
It is now official! Berkley is the official HI Research Librarian. He knows better where and how to find stuff than me, Rusty or anybody else for that matter.

Congratuations, Berk. I know this is a position you have been shooting for because of the high pay -- not to mention the glory!

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Archives (18,000+ posts)
 
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Self-portrait of Official HI ResLib.



[This message has been edited by Berkley (edited 08-31-2000).]
 
How does Bura and Ganga Ram's heat treat compare? Its amazing Ganga Ram can still get the heat treat coloring right at his age. Obviously no exposure to TV and computers (a good thing).

Will
 
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