Anyone Want to Talk Traditional Fixed Blades?

I have a bunch of new/modern fixed blades from ESEE, Cold Steel, Becker, ML Knives, Buck, LT Wright, etc BUT I like the oldies the best. Here are 6 of my favorites.

From the top: OLCUT Union Cutlery, Homemade, Marbles Ideal (about 1922)


From the top: CASE Bradford PA (1930's), Western Boulder, CO, Remington RH33
 
Cory Hess said:
Can somebody please explain the khukuri to me? From what I understand, the angle in the blade is to increase leverage for chopping. Is this correct? I also understand that they are used for everything, including chopping, skinning, carving, etc. Are there different parts of the blade sharpened at different angles to handle these tasks? Do you chop with the end of the blade or with the curved part? Do the notches in the blade have a function or are khukuri users just really big Wu-Tang fans? What makes them better than say a parang?

I'm interested in eventually adding a chopper to my collection, but don't understand the benefits and drawbacks of the various styles. The khukuri is the best looking to my eye, but from what I've been able to make out of what I've read at the HI forums you need to know what you're doing to wield one effectively.
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Cory, I have only been studying them for a week. The guys in the HI subforum are of the same cut as those here on the porch. They would certainly be the ones to ask.

I have been studying this thread, a lot.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...me-to-Read-the-Himalayan-Imports-Link-Library

The notches, or cho, I believe were made to keep blood from dripping down to the handle. As for the blade, I believe it is mostly technique and positioning. The edge is uniform I believe. There is an interesting thread in the HI subforum of a gentleman making a bow with a Khukuri. I do know the sweetspot is just as the belly curves and not the center of the belly.

Sorry I am not more helpful.

EDIT:

Here is one I have on the way.

From my understanding, and I could be wrong, but "ghopte" or "gopte," is a khukuri with a severly deep curve. I am not sure if "ghopte" and "gopte" mean the same thing. It was a blemish sale within the HI subforum and a deal as the wood only has a slight crack that has been epoxied.

15.5 inch 23 ounce Gopte Khukuri by Dhan. Asare wood handle. 5160 steel.



This is the first one I purchased from Himalayan Import, but not my last.
 
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philllll said:
Thanks Brett, the top one is called a bonecutter and the bottom one is a KLVUK. Both are "villager finish" with the black forge scale left on the blades.
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Thanks Phil, appreciate the info. Two great workers from what little I have read.
 
Cory Hess said:
Can somebody please explain the khukuri to me? From what I understand, the angle in the blade is to increase leverage for chopping. Is this correct? I also understand that they are used for everything, including chopping, skinning, carving, etc. Are there different parts of the blade sharpened at different angles to handle these tasks? Do you chop with the end of the blade or with the curved part? Do the notches in the blade have a function or are khukuri users just really big Wu-Tang fans? What makes them better than say a parang?

I'm interested in eventually adding a chopper to my collection, but don't understand the benefits and drawbacks of the various styles. The khukuri is the best looking to my eye, but from what I've been able to make out of what I've read at the HI forums you need to know what you're doing to wield one effectively.
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Cory,

Hold a hammer in the normal hammer grip, with your hand shaped to make a fist. The handle sticks up at about 20° from a right angle to your forearm. Have somebody push on the hammer, trying to force the head towards your shoulder.

Now hold the hammer so the handle is in line with your forearm. Have somebody push the hammer backwards, in the same direction.

Which grip is stronger? Odds are it’s the first grip. That’s the advantage of the kukri. You deliver a chop while your grip is at its strongest.

The hatchet does the same thing. So does a parang, though not as efficiently.

I’ve gone with a small task knife, and a 10” trail knife, since I was a teenager. I think they have the greatest overall versatility.

OTOH, I’ve never seriously worked with a parang or a kukri. So what do I know?

Spend some time at the HI forum, with the guy who actually use kukris. There's a lot to learn.
 
My Golok (Condor)

Go%20Go%20Golok_zpsccqnd8du.jpg


Used it a little, handles nice, cuts limbs well.
 
KBA said:
Beautiful blade OH!



Thanks Mark. Show them off when you get done buddy. :D



Thank you sir. I was hoping they were 52100. I'll have to watch the video when the girls take a nap.

Cory - That is a really cool idea that Sonny posted! Thank you for sharing that. I may have to try it on a few. :thumbup:

Buzz - Love the Marbles! That is certainly a brand I want to research.


Here are couple that are new to me. I don't have the time to do a write up but thought I would post a few pics. There is probably a thread or two on them anyways.

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I had no idea this style was still being produced, this thread is dangerous for my wallet!
 
Utah_fish - I went to bed thinking of those six knives last night. I had to have spent 30 minutes looking at them before so. Each one just has a ton of character to it. Great group of six you have there. :thumbup:

I kept thinking about the history of each of them and wondering who carrid them. The oldies certainly make you think.
 
Raymond1000 said:
Cory,

Hold a hammer in the normal hammer grip, with your hand shaped to make a fist. The handle sticks up at about 20° from a right angle to your forearm. Have somebody push on the hammer, trying to force the head towards your shoulder.

Now hold the hammer so the handle is in line with your forearm. Have somebody push the hammer backwards, in the same direction.

Which grip is stronger? Odds are it’s the first grip. That’s the advantage of the kukri. You deliver a chop while your grip is at its strongest.

The hatchet does the same thing. So does a parang, though not as efficiently.

I’ve gone with a small task knife, and a 10” trail knife, since I was a teenager. I think they have the greatest overall versatility.

OTOH, I’ve never seriously worked with a parang or a kukri. So what do I know?

Spend some time at the HI forum, with the guy who actually use kukris. There's a lot to learn.
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Cory,

Ray it on the head with this. It's all about the wrist angle.

I'll also add that khukuris are generally differentially hardened. The belly of the blade will be the hardest portion, good for heavy chopping, while the recurve will be somewhat softer for easier sharpening and can be used as a draw knife. The tip is also slightly softer so it won't shatter if you inadvertently slip and hit something too hard.
 
philllll said:
Cory,

Ray it on the head with this. It's all about the wrist angle.

I'll also add that khukuris are generally differentially hardened. The belly of the blade will be the hardest portion, good for heavy chopping, while the recurve will be somewhat softer for easier sharpening and can be used as a draw knife. The tip is also slightly softer so it won't shatter if you inadvertently slip and hit something too hard.
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Draw knife just sold me Phil! Could you please shoot me a PM on where to purchase a good kukuris? Thank you.
 
While we we're talking fixed blades I want to ask a favor. If anyone has a 316-5 Case hunting knife I'm wanting to the width of the blade. I picked up an older Case hunting knife without a sheath and I'm hoping the one for the 316-5 will fit.

 
KBA said:
Utah_fish - I went to bed thinking of those six knives last night. I had to have spent 30 minutes looking at them before so. Each one just has a ton of character to it. Great group of six you have there. :thumbup:

I kept thinking about the history of each of them and wondering who carrid them. The oldies certainly make you think.
Click to expand...

Thanks KBA and I agree with all your points. If these knives could talk!!! That homemade one is really awesome, kind of a soft Nessmuk. The blade spine is 3/16".
 
Wow, gone for a few days and I miss all this! Kurki (kurkis? Kurkies? Kurkeese?) are interesting to me. I took a trip to Nepal when I was a bit younger and found that there and Kurki of every size for sale. Some 15 inches some 2 inches in the blade. Now that I think of it, I don't think I saw a blade of any other shape at all. I did pick up a few but can't find them anymore after a bunch of moves. I'll need to dig through the storage boxes now.

This thread has sparked some digging for a great new fixed blade. I ended up putting an order in for an LT Wright Rogue River a few days back. Even though I had decided my next two purchases would be a Hess and a LT MUK.

I'll post pics when it arrives!

Justin
 
Thank you guys for the information on the khukuris. I had tried getting through that thread in the HI forums before, but that is a whole lot of information. I'm guessing that it's one of those things that I'll understand better when I have one in my hand. I really like the way that they look. I'm thinking that I should give one a try. Even if I don't learn how to use it properly, it's a cool knife to have in the collection. :thumbup:
 
Just got a LT Wright with belt and the KNF pocket sheath question are really stiff and snugg what's best suggestion to break in and loosen up the leather ?
 
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