Ang Khola origins/genealogy?

[storyville]

Just received my *first* khukuri this weekend, 15" AK, and have been toying around w/it in the garage. Posted some of my initial impressions on another thread in the Gen Discussion forum, but suffice to say here that it's VERY impressive.

After reading the "Hanuman Khukuri" thread, I was wondering: what is the original use/purpose of the AK? The BAS and the WWII are implied in their names, and various "specials" have been posted w/a little of their history. But I haven't seen anything about the AK, even though it's the most popular model. Is it a ubiquitous farming tool in Nepal, heavy-duty toothpick, etc, what?

Just curious --

Glen

 

[Bill Martino]

I can't be sure but I think the AK is a takeoff on the Hanuman style blade. I think it hit the scene perhaps 100 years ago and obviously made to be a hatchet-ax substitute.
As Jim March succinctly put it, "a pry bar that cuts." And I think this is one of the reasons it is so popular. It outchops about anything and you can't break it.



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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
http://members.aol.com/himimp/index.html