Afghan Khukuri from Gurkha House?

My Afghan is beauteous maximus, and feels a little more end heavy due to the forward curve of the blade. The swing has a powerful glide to it. But it's one of four or so (I think) that's so good lookin' I haven't gotten around to using it, and the chores are covered by the others. So I can just say it is a gorgeous, graceful, powerful blade that cuts air very well. The cutting critique will hopefully be covered by somebody else.

Just because there are a few unused khukuris laying around doesn't make me a collector, does it?!
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Hi, Clay. It's good of you to post, because it's great fun to talk khukuris with forumites. I don't have an AK (except for a 25" Panawal 2-hander) because I prefer the workers to be rosewood. So I can't "A-B" them, but I checked out the vital stat's on the website. It's proportionally lighter than the AK's:

16" AK = 1# 9oz
18" AK = 2# 2oz
Afghan is 19" = 1# 10oz

The forward curving blade gives it a unique feel that I love, kinda like floating for a bigger blade. "Power glide" is the description I'm stuck on. It's a striking contrast next to my little 14" Balance, as they have similar blade angles.

Even tho' it's unused, it's really a neat item to have around. And gets almost as many comments as the Cheetlang. Holler if there's anything else I can tell you.

Glad to serve....Dan
 
Hi Dan! Thanks for the info. And if you ever want to try out an AK, just holler and I will send mine out to you so you can give it "the business" -- it is freshly sharpened and polished, so it's ready to do some cuttin'

I really like the asthetics of the Afghan. It is a really cool looking khuk.

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847
 
I have a couple of khukuris made in the late 19th/eary 20th Centuries, and the "Afghan" comes closer to them in shape than any of my "modern" khukuris. It is thicker and sturdier than the old ones I have. It is also very well crafted and polished.
I think anyone would be pleased to own one of these.

--Mike L.


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What goes around...comes around.
 
Clay, thanks for your kind offer to let me test drive your AK. Y'know, I'm almost afraid to try one for obvious reasons. The KPF (Khukuri Purchasing Fund, which doubles as the shootin' & varmint huntin' fund) ain't broke, but it's badly bent (like the old bluegrass song). The Afghan may not be the "if I could only have one" khukuri, but rates high on the "just a few" list. Guess it'll stop being just a few when the safe door won't close. How do you like your AK and what jobs does it seem to be good at?

Mike: The shape of the oldies you speak of is why I got the Afghan. It turned out to be a very good mix of the old an new, even tho' loosely modeled after the old one pictured in the GH Photos section. You mention the old forward curving styles having thinner blades. I didn't know that but it makes sense. Something that chubby and forward might be a beast to swing if a modern thickness. From pics I've seen, lots of old ones were more curved, but the modern angle may be a general design improvement. What do you think: vintage style of the times, availability of steel, or what?

Take care, neighbors....Dan



[This message has been edited by Lt. Dan (edited 04-27-2001).]
 
Dan, I don't have enough expertise in the matter to do anything other than speculate.
I can only report on what I have "in hand."
The thinner old khuks that I have feel more like weapons, and are probably capable of fearsome shearing cuts. I don't know, because I don't use them. These also have smaller handles, made for the native people of Nepal. Someday I will get a digital cam or a scanner and share the pics.
Mr. John Powell would probably have a better idea as to why the older ones tend to be a bit thinner than the current Nepalese production.
One thing I can do, if you want, is get out the dial micrometer and take some measurements vs the GH "Afghan." I don't have a scale suitable for weighing khuks, so I won't be able to supply any weight data.

--Mike L.



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What goes around...comes around.
 
Dan, my AK is the one I keep in the truck because I know I can use it to cut through a car if need be!
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I am joking, but only slightly. Very durable, but a little tiring to use due to the weight and not one I would want to taking backpacking (it would be ok for an overnight trip). The WWII's tend to be my favs. Got my eye on an Afghan now though.

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847
 
The Afghan is indeed similar to an old styled khukuri. It was modeled after a khukuri given to a friend of mine when he was in Afghanistan serving as a photographer (I think he was doing more than that, if you catch my meaning!).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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