Any feedback on the giant Kumar Kardas?

M

mcatalfano

Joined
Dec 22, 2013
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45
I know these things are regarded as toothpicks around here, but they would represent the largest blade in many other lineups. Considered, the Becker BK 9 Combat Bowie has a 9 inch blade!

Just wondering, what has been the experience so far? They look beautiful - I might have grabbed one ahead of my WWII! I love the size, and the handle looks really ergonomic. How wide is the blade? Where is the balance point? Is it built for hard use? Could it process wood?
 
The larger KK are just an upscaled version of a knife that HI has offered for years and years:) I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be up to most tasks. I don't have one, but I actually have dabbled with the idea of seeing if they would be able to drop the grip a bit more like a sabre, add a steel guard, and turn it into a stout fighter. I don't have the skill to photoshop something like that, but those 14" KK would be a good candidate for that.
 
The one I picked up recently is awesome. I'll have to wait until I get home later to get into measurements. I haven't used it much, but I don't think there is enough mass in the blade to be a good chopper, and the edge geometry might be a bit too fine for that anyways. I think it would do just fine with batoning and smaller work. It is more of a slicer, though. I think you're right that it's around the same size as a BK-9, but the feel in hand is completely different. The grip is really ergonomic and comfortable, but the lack of a guard would make me think twice before stabbing anything. It is built solid like my other khuks, the tang goes all the way through the handle and is peened. I wouldn't hesitate to use this one hard.

The sheath on mine is excellent, thick leather and some of the best work I've seen from the sarkis.
 
Admittedly, I haven't done my due diligence on this topic-but I'm wondering how I would go about acquiring one of the giant Karda's. It's not available on the HI site, unless I'm doing something worng? Thanks for reading!
Ryan
 
Auntie posted a few in the deals of the day a couple weeks ago. They aren't a normal catalog item.

Here's a photo of mine:

IMG_1521.jpg
 
regular kardas are still massive , lets not forget , in comparison to most knives, these were just a really cool super sized version, I bought mine many moons ago and find it very appealing for kitchening
 
I suppose they are all special orders at this point? I really want one and I'm not all that interested in waiting to win a DOTD!
 
She might still have one, doesn't hurt to ask. You also might just want to go with the normal size model, it is only 3-4" shorter overall and it's cheaper.
 
yeah I was speaking for the regular size, its very high quality even if its a bit shorter, its how you use the knife ! :D
 
Steely_Gunz said:
The larger KK are just an upscaled version of a knife that HI has offered for years and years:) I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be up to most tasks. I don't have one, but I actually have dabbled with the idea of seeing if they would be able to drop the grip a bit more like a sabre, add a steel guard, and turn it into a stout fighter. I don't have the skill to photoshop something like that, but those 14" KK would be a good candidate for that.
Click to expand...

I have a 15.5" 20oz KK made by Sher that has a 9.5" blade, brass guard, and a beautifully done horn handle. The spine has a shallow, graceful curve that continues through the handle to the pommel, which is chainpuri-style (bell-shaped, small keeper, no butt plate). It's as comfortable in the hand as any knife I've ever held.

I'll try to post some pictures of it tonight or tomorrow.

-- Dave
 
davidf99 said:
I have a 15.5" 20oz KK made by Sher that has a 9.5" blade, brass guard, and a beautifully done horn handle. The spine has a shallow, graceful curve that continues through the handle to the pommel, which is chainpuri-style (bell-shaped, small keeper, no butt plate). It's as comfortable in the hand as any knife I've ever held.

I'll try to post some pictures of it tonight or tomorrow.

-- Dave
Click to expand...

Dave, this sounds amazing! Would love to see it.
 
I took a few more photos of the Vim KK.

kk1_zps3e8ae854.jpg~original

kk2_zpsb9246fc2.jpg~original

Measurements


kk3_zps35a7fa2f.jpg~original

Balance Point


kk4_zps444a9bc5.jpg~original

With ESEE Junglas


kk5_zps00675c81.jpg~original

Bonus all-Vim lineup including a 16.5" WWII like mcatalfano's. Or was yours an 18"?
 
davidf99 said:
I have a 15.5" 20oz KK made by Sher that has a 9.5" blade, brass guard, and a beautifully done horn handle. The spine has a shallow, graceful curve that continues through the handle to the pommel, which is chainpuri-style (bell-shaped, small keeper, no butt plate). It's as comfortable in the hand as any knife I've ever held.

I'll try to post some pictures of it tonight or tomorrow.

-- Dave
Click to expand...

Here are the pics. The "beads of sweat" on the blade are mineral oil.










 
That's breathtaking isn't it. Go pet Poppie and get your hand off the handle so I can see it would ya.

That's really nice!
 
Bawanna said:
That's breathtaking isn't it. Go pet Poppie and get your hand off the handle so I can see it would ya.

That's really nice!
Click to expand...

Poppy is asleep on my bed, it's only 08:30 and she needs her beauty sleep.

handle: the thin oval guard is stiffer than i'd expect from brass - might be bronze:
bowie005_DCE.jpg


overall: bigger photo:
P4120017_DCE.jpg


one of my most favourite knives.
 
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Thats one gorgeous blade there kronck! Ive never even heard of such a thing? Love seeing these beauties pop out of the woodwork on occasion! Was the checkering done after the fact or in Nepal? Thats very nice work!
 
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