and in trun, EVEREST KATANA#3 First impression

R

RayC

Joined
Mar 21, 2000
Messages
274
Well the handle feels like a flashlight and though it works well with the heavy blade,it makes a clanging sound if you tap the side of it(the handle)or tap the side of the blade.The handle doesn't sit on the tang straight so the blade doesn't come out of the handle in the center,instead it is off set to the right(seen when held with the spine facing you).I think the blade is vibrating against the guard,there is a space there.
The blade is something else though.The Kami have a good template here.It has a nice even curve,with the bevels on each side darn even too.Looking at the blade from the back or spine you can see a good ridge;1.5"back from a very needle point is a false edge like,narrowing of the spine(it looks like the spine has been pinched in,even on both sides)giving the point an elongated diamond shape.THIS IS A VERY SHARP POINT.The edge out of the box is uneven;tip to 11" sharp,then a dull space,then sharp 8",then dull space,then sharp to the guard.
BUT!It trimmed hedges,bushes(went into the ground here)and 1" to 2" tree branches.I stabed into a pressure treated 2x6 several times,then twisted the blade right,left and around,till I drilled a hole all the way through it.NO,roll,nick or bend from EDGE or POINT.
I know,Iknow,the Katana was made to be a flesh cutter not a tree trimmer but this blade is khukuri tough.
Iam going to polish/sharpen this to a full razor edge and start some more testing.Now I'm having fun.
See ya later.


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Ray
 
Using the old Uncle Bill rating system I judged this katana to be about 90% and I think I am close. Broken Arrow received what I felt was the better of the two. He tests for sword publications so I figured (and wisely, I hope) that I'd better send him the best of the two.

Ray, many thanks for doing the testing exactly as I knew you would. The bottom line is when you finish a test we know whether the knife (or sword!) is going to hold up or fail. Looks like this one is going to make the grade even with the poor handle fit. Maybe this is a candidate for rehandling in traditional manner.

What has given me great hope with these tests is the hardening of the blades -- the kamis, Kumar and Bura, got it right and I'm betting the put two fans into a single forge for full length heating. If they can get that blade red for the length they want they know how to pour the water to get the pine they want and will use several pines to get where they want to be. Handles, tsubas, buttcaps, all that other stuff can be changed at will but if the blade is not hardened properly nothing can be changed to help the sword. I think we have a go from what I've read and will very soon be placing orders for the first run.

So, gentlemen, send your handle designs and comments for HI Katatas, first run.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 05-16-2000).]
 
Did the katana vibrate much when you used it on the limbs?

My neighbors are well adapted to watching me trim hedges with a 20" Sirupati, I wonder what they would think if I used a katana.

Will
 
Will
It is minimal and can be fixed.The katana is a real joy to trim up that hedge it felt more like I was sweeping it away.The hedge would just fall as I swept the blade along it,nice and easy.I can't wait till I sharpen it fully.

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Ray
 
RayC, your reports really makes me drool overflood into the Pacific Ocean... I'd like to handle one someday if chances allows.

Will, I can imagine your neighbors will not notice any change of your blades. If they are keen enough, they will find you are wielding SIRUPATI in reverse way and wonder if your sirupati is double edged.



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Did you enjoy today?
\(^o^)/ Mizutani Satoshi \(^o^)/
 
If only John Belushi hadn't died so young ... live from New York, it's SAMURAI GARDENER!

If your neighbors ask any questions gibber some vaguely Japanese-sounding gibberish at them and grimace a lot and wave your sword around. Just watch out nobody is standing too close behind you like Buck Henry did once....
biggrin.gif


-Cougar :{)


[This message has been edited by Cougar Allen (edited 05-18-2000).]
 
Ray, I guess the tests you conducted must have turned out favorably since you bought the knife. What did you end up doing to this blade? BA chopped thru a cow spine with his which to me seemed to be the most demanding part of the test. As you can see from the pix the sword held up fine and is on its way to Harry in Canada.

Can you update us? Did you do the acid etch?

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

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
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