An Unexpected Delight

[Sylvrfalcn]

Just picked up my little Balance khukuri blem from the post office and had me a bit of a surprise. The little booger (just a frog hair under 14") popped out of the wrapping paper handle first to reveal that Raju (Amtrak) had decided to do the handle in the style of a Chitlangi, and quite masterfully at that! No kidding guys, that handle is a wonder to behold, from the flaring "belled" pommel, to the detailed checkering on center ring and bolster, right down to the decoratively worked keeper plate that the tang is peened down onto. As exquisite as the handle is, it finds it's equal in the blade, which in itself is an incredible display of workmanship. Perfectly forged, and with an "Eye of the Dove" cho so precise it nearly looks to have been cut with a laser.

The so called "Amtrak" Kami's work has impressed me in the past, but this khuk has surely raised my admiration of the man. Combining the Chitlangi style handle with the wasp waisted Balance style blade was pure brilliance. This singular beauty is one of those khuks you just can't put down, truly a masterpiece.

I told myself I was buying this one as my own birthday gift, but now that it's in my hand there's no question that there's something uncanny about it. What spurred me to log into the forum on my home computer the morning of the 13th, even though it nearly made me late for duty? It's something I rarely do, yet that morning I felt strangely compelled to. Think what you want, I think some things happen because they're supposed to.

Sarge

p.s.: pics coming soon, 'til then imagination's a beeyatch ain't it

 

[Bill Martino]

The kamis of BirGorkha are no different than most of us -- they have good days and bad. On a good day every man is capable of producing work of unbelieveable quality. You may have just such an effort by Amtrak.

Thanks for report.

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

You said it Uncle, I don't know what had Raju so fired up the day he made this knife, but I'm sure grateful for it. I'm so tickled that I've decided to let go of one of my 12" AKs. It's a sweet little horn handled number made by Kumar, with one of the nicest "nearly convex" blades I've ever seen Kumar do. It's going to a Second Lieutenant my squadron's hosting while he's going through his pilot training. Fine young man, native Texan, head square on his shoulders and plenty gravel in his gut. When it comes his time to "roll in hot", this boy's going to do us proud.

Sarge