another test from another computer whiz

[JDP]

 

[etp777]

Some big bellies on some of those.

Any info on what they each are, besides the nice pic?

 

[ddean]

Originally posted by etp777
Some big bellies on some of those.

Those are the pregnant khuks from JP's
secret khukuri breeding farm at Birgorkha.
His so-called collection is actually breeding stock
that he pairs and ships off to Nepal as needed.

The secret had to slip out sooner or later.

All those pictures of the kamis is just a front.
They aren't really forging those khuks,
they're cleaning off the newborn blades
so they can be sent over to the sarki to
have their pajamas fitted.

 

[etp777]

Well then where do the rest of us get breeding stock? I know I could save a lot of money if I could raise my own.

 

[Roger Smith]

What about the Duck's cave-o-wonders?
Is it involved too?

 

[ddean]

Originally posted by Roger Smith
What about the Duck's cave-o-wonders?
Is it involved too?

Well.........

All I can say is it's a little like comparing
Dr Dolittle with Dr Frankenstein

 

[donutsrule]

Fat and pointy all at once.

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

Bet ya a beer not a one of 'em has a spine thicker than 3/8". Bet ya another beer they handle like a dream.

I'm going to have to take a hard look at the Foxjaw fighter, 14" Bura New Model, or a Dui Chirra (Berk Special?). There's something about the shape of them blades that's talking to me.

Sarge

 

[JDP]

And I promised Bill we'd keep the North American breeding program a secret. DD, your Inspector Clouseau abilities have uncovered an ancient Nepalese secret.

This particular group of pregnant kukris are all 'budhumes' which means "big belly" and are from western Nepal. The kukri on the right is a monster at 22" and 2lbs 2oz. Sharp as a razor. The piece with the highly enraved ivory grip has the most amazing "pools and eyes" watered blade and is the oldest with a guess of mid 1700. The piece on the far right is a military marked knife with a date of either 1768 or 1787. The sanskrit on the blade is of an ancient form and various interpretations think it refers to the "Purano Gorakh" battalion. This is still conjecture. All these pieces have their original scabbards and some had the old style karda with a grip made of "barking deer" antler.

 

[JDP]

Falcon,
You're right. Even the 'monster' has a blade thickness of 3/8th at the ricasso.

Here is a picture of the type of karda from some of the earliest kukris. They are rare themselves and sometimes mistakenly sold as a small "Asian utility knife". I have seen some that had a small scabbard made at a later date. These can get pretty large so it would be an easy assumption.

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

John, do the barking deer antler handles have a particular socio-religious/folk superstition connotation? I know Yemeni men want the handles on their Jambiyas to be made from rhinoceros horn, something to do with virility.

I've got a friend that can hook me up with some small spike buck (whitetail) headmounts. Might be interesting to try my hand at replicating one of these kardas.

Sarge

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

While I'm asking questions John, the ferrules at the blade handle joint on these appear to be a simple steel band, as opposed to a more elaborate "bolster". Is that right? (not only am I curious, I'm a stickler for detail when trying to reproduce a historical piece).
Thanks.

Sarge

 

[etp777]

A very different look on those pieces(both the khukuris and the kardas). Thanks for sharing the history lesson Mr. Powell.

 

[JDP]

Sargeant Falcon,
I have not found any evidence that this little deer's antlers meant anything more than a good and interesting grip. It makes me think the Newars had a hand in these since they truly are the artists of Nepal. Again a guess. The actual genus of this animal is extinct, but a very close relative of this animal was found in Vietnam about 20 yrs ago. The big difference is that the pedicle isn't as long as found on these early examples. That is what made that deer so unique according to my zoology/anthropology sources.

I think it would be great to rebuild some kardas used with a great copy of the early kukris. Don't forget a metal bolster. Let us know how you do. You craftsmen are a source of wonder to me as I am limited to restoration only.

All early bolster are of steel, silver or gold, They are much plainer and usually not as wide as ones made today. A steel bolster is usually a good sign of authenticity of an old kukri as is the lack of a chape on the scabbard.

Thanks ETP, if I can answer a question about our beloved kukris I will try.