These Salyans mean more than meets the eye, I know from experience. I have Yvsa's old one. If I'm not mistaken Roger has Rusty's old one, and together those two khuks hold up North America, as I'm sure you are all aware. It's heavy too.
When I returned from Texas and OKlahoma there was a package waiting for me. Every night Carter slept next to it. (Sometimes when Baby Brother carries on too loud Carter is allowed a small mattress next to my bed so he can rest in quiet. Normally, whatever is used for home protection is right there next to him; my prized Cherokee Rose and the Colt Delta Elite 10 mm. I trust my son. He has been taught; but in my absence from the home we'd put all the weapons into a Safe, as guests and young kids were in the house. From phone on San Pedro Island I'd told Carter to put the package where the Delta used to sit.) Anyway, together we peeled the tape and packing material away. I saw the bone handles on the small tools but didn't guess the main blade was finished the same. It sure was.
I'll get my pictures together some day, in the meantime, please, please forgive me when I say this blade is absolutely stunning. The khuk is a remembrance of Uncle Bill and the days gone by, the days to come also. It weighs a shade less than 14 oz and is a shade more than 12" long. It has the form of a AK but without fullers, and looks very much like the logo blade you see on the HI webpage. The metal to bone fit and finish is superb. The traditional bolster neat and well defined. Bura made it. It has the UB of our departed friend, Bill, and on the blade with brass fill are written some beautiful script. I think Yvsa may have told you all what it means, but if not I'll look it up somewhere and get back to you. The butt cap is extraordinary. It is not like the old ones or the new ones, but better. The actual difference is that there is a brass strip below the cap proper, and it is inlaid with a beautiful design. The sheath tip is also brass and has a wonderful pattern on it. The rig is complete and tidy. It is elegant without being gaudy. It is handsome without being Rock Hudson and afraid to scratch.
Though I will not use it, (out of respect for the brilliant form of the bone handle) it could easily be one knife for a one knife man. When I see it, I remember the kindness and generiosity of Yangdu. I reflect that Bill would have approved of this Salyan finally done right. Since taking the helm after Bill's departure, Yangdu has shown generosity and above the call adherence to the HI tradition. She has gone out of her way to assure owners of HI blades the quality will continue. (and perhaps elevate still further) When the slender Foxy Follys arrived, she was quick to provide satisfaction for any who worried about those blades. And to me personally, and I know many of you here too, among them moderators and helpers and forumites, she has been gracious and giving.
So I guess this blade is just a big fat YES to all we agree upon. That truth is the only currency, the Khukuri the best all around blade, our forum a place of joy, pain, peace and prosperity, and that HI Company brings the finest khukuris. Of course Bill would be proud. And he is not surprised when I whisper; 'now, if only it came in an 18" length...."
Thank you, Yangdu.
munk
When I returned from Texas and OKlahoma there was a package waiting for me. Every night Carter slept next to it. (Sometimes when Baby Brother carries on too loud Carter is allowed a small mattress next to my bed so he can rest in quiet. Normally, whatever is used for home protection is right there next to him; my prized Cherokee Rose and the Colt Delta Elite 10 mm. I trust my son. He has been taught; but in my absence from the home we'd put all the weapons into a Safe, as guests and young kids were in the house. From phone on San Pedro Island I'd told Carter to put the package where the Delta used to sit.) Anyway, together we peeled the tape and packing material away. I saw the bone handles on the small tools but didn't guess the main blade was finished the same. It sure was.
I'll get my pictures together some day, in the meantime, please, please forgive me when I say this blade is absolutely stunning. The khuk is a remembrance of Uncle Bill and the days gone by, the days to come also. It weighs a shade less than 14 oz and is a shade more than 12" long. It has the form of a AK but without fullers, and looks very much like the logo blade you see on the HI webpage. The metal to bone fit and finish is superb. The traditional bolster neat and well defined. Bura made it. It has the UB of our departed friend, Bill, and on the blade with brass fill are written some beautiful script. I think Yvsa may have told you all what it means, but if not I'll look it up somewhere and get back to you. The butt cap is extraordinary. It is not like the old ones or the new ones, but better. The actual difference is that there is a brass strip below the cap proper, and it is inlaid with a beautiful design. The sheath tip is also brass and has a wonderful pattern on it. The rig is complete and tidy. It is elegant without being gaudy. It is handsome without being Rock Hudson and afraid to scratch.
Though I will not use it, (out of respect for the brilliant form of the bone handle) it could easily be one knife for a one knife man. When I see it, I remember the kindness and generiosity of Yangdu. I reflect that Bill would have approved of this Salyan finally done right. Since taking the helm after Bill's departure, Yangdu has shown generosity and above the call adherence to the HI tradition. She has gone out of her way to assure owners of HI blades the quality will continue. (and perhaps elevate still further) When the slender Foxy Follys arrived, she was quick to provide satisfaction for any who worried about those blades. And to me personally, and I know many of you here too, among them moderators and helpers and forumites, she has been gracious and giving.
So I guess this blade is just a big fat YES to all we agree upon. That truth is the only currency, the Khukuri the best all around blade, our forum a place of joy, pain, peace and prosperity, and that HI Company brings the finest khukuris. Of course Bill would be proud. And he is not surprised when I whisper; 'now, if only it came in an 18" length...."
Thank you, Yangdu.
munk
YMMV.
:footinmou